Obedient Faith

Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed.  The purpose of this series is to examine the scriptures at hand comparing what is said and looking at the connections within.

Hebrews 11:1-2
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Faith is an action word! Faith is something that you believe will take place!  The result of this belief by faith produces a hope of what one desires and believes will take place.  Thus you place your trust into this hope that you desire to take place by your faith.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was revealed to all people and nations for the obedience of faith.

Romans 1:5-6
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Obedience requires actions on your part.  In order for you to be saved through faith you must put forth actions necessary to be obedient to the faith that was once delivered to you.

Romans 16:25-27
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Again, we see the Apostle Paul has told us that the gospel was made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.  So, what is the gospel that the Apostle Paul preached?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

So the gospel that the Apostle Paul preached was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Of which he tells us that we are saved by this gospel if we keep in memory what he preached to us.

Romans 3:19-25
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Remember the Apostle Paul said above that we are saved by the gospel, “if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.”  So you can believe the gospel in vain and be lost!

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Here the Apostle Paul is explaining to us the process of how we are justified freely by God’s grace.

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

It is important to recognize what the Apostle Paul is referring to in this explanation.  Here the Apostle Paul speaks of the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God.  So what does it mean to have faith in the blood of Jesus and how does this tie in with the remission of our sins?

We are speaking about being obedient to the faith that was made known to all nations.  We are speaking about the gospel of Jesus Christ that was revealed to us by the Prophets and the Apostles. This gospel being the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how we are to be obedient to this gospel that is able to save our souls if we keep in mind what was preached to us.

Remember we have learned that faith is an action word that one believes will take place producing a hope in the belief that one has, ultimately leading to the placing of your trust into what you have believed.  And we can believe in vain.  So how do we make sure we are obedient to the faith that was delivered to us and not be as one the believes in vain?

One must search the scriptures daily and see if what he hears is so by remembering that all scripture is inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

So what does it mean to have faith in the blood of Jesus and how does this tie in with the remission of our sins?

Hebrews 9:22
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Luke 22:19-20
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

The shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood is what allows us to have our sins remitted.

Hebrews 8:10-13
10 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 write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

So how do we have our sins remitted according to scripture?

Acts 2:38-39
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

This is how one partakes of the gospel of Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul preached about.

The Apostle Paul, Saul of Tarsus, testifying of his conversion before the jews.

Acts 22:12-16
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Immediately Ananias told the Apostle Paul to be baptized and wash away his sins calling on the name of the Lord.  This is because the blood of Jesus Christ is applied to your sins when you are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of your sins.

Remember we are speaking of being obedient to the faith that was once delivered to us.  The gospel of Jesus Christ of which was made know to all nations for the obedience of faith.

We have learned that this gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that the New Testament Covenant that was given to us by God required the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins.  Our faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ causes us to take actions of obedient faith in accordance to how we partake of the plan of salvation of which we believe by faith. This causes us to then apply what the Apostles and Prophets taught us to do to partake of this new testament covenant that the shed blood of Jesus Christ purchased for us.

We were told by God concerning the New Testament Covenant that he would be merciful to our unrighteousness, and our sins and iniquities would he remember no more.  So in order for us to receive the remission of our sins according to the scriptures we found that we must repent of our sins and be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins and that we would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  That this promise was to all that was afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

So what are you waiting for?  Let us be obedient to the faith that was once delivered to us.

John 14:15
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

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Are you being Taught the Truth?

Is your Church Teaching you the True Plan of Salvation?  What is your soul worth to you?  Are you a Truth Seeker?  Let us Journey together through the Word of God and make certain your calling and election is sure.

Let us begin with the root verse for exposing false doctrines.

2 Timothy 3:16
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Do you believe it today?  Do you believe that All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God?  Do you believe that all scripture is profitable for doctrinal teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness?

Let me explain to each of you today, that if you believe this verse of the Bible, then there should no longer be any divisions of Christianity.  Why?  Because to acknowledge that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness will only lead you to the one true path.

Since the Bible tells us that all scripture is inspired by God, there is never a time that you will use one passage of scriptures to reject another passage of scriptures.  There also will never be a time that you leave out or exclude scripture because you do not understand them.

This very thing however is what happens over and over throughout the many doctrines of Christianity.  Let me give you a couple of examples:

John 3:16 says,
16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Praise God for that!  And, this is true!  But, just because this is true, does that mean you exclude what other scriptures also tell us to do?  Like:

Mark 16:16 that reads,
16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

It was very clear that those that believed and are baptized would be saved.  Not just those who say I am sorry.  No where in scripture is it taught that all one has to do is say I am sorry and accept the Lord Jesus as Savior and they will be saved.

Instead scripture teaches us….

Matthew 7:21-23
21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Again Jesus was clear that it was those who do the will of God that will be able to enter into the Kingdom of God.  Let me give you one more example of only picking and choosing a scripture you want to apply.

Romans 10:9-10
9 {That} if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Amen!  This is true.  But again does this mean you no longer have to be baptized?  Of course not.

Acts 2:38-39 reads,
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

If we exclude scriptures are we being obedient to 2 Timothy 3:16 which told us, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness?

Of course we are not being obedient to this scripture if we are using one scripture to eliminate another.  But nevertheless it does not seem to stop most all of the Christian Denominations from doing it anyhow.

So I challenge you!!!! To follow this lesson and discover what the Bible does teach us to do, concerning the Plan of Salvation.  I then challenge you, to share this with the Pastor of your Church.  For through him, many lives are affected.  Let us bring Unity to as many Pastors as we can.

So how can you make sure that you are not one of the many people who are following after the Plan of Salvation incorrectly?

As with all are answers we will turn to the Bible for direction.

Acts 17:10-11
10  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

We to must be like those of Berea.  We too must search the scriptures and make sure what we are being taught is Biblical.

2 Timothy 2:15
15  Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Let us begin with the understanding of how the Word of God is set up.

Isaiah 28:9-12
9  Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12  To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

A precept is a general rule regulating behavior or thought.  For example when you apply a commandment of God in your life.  This commandment or precept is put in place for us to regulate our behavior and thought.

The prophet Isaiah has told us that we learn doctrine, “precept must be upon precept precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.  This means we learn from studying the Word of God, commandment upon commandment, reading line upon line, line upon line; gaining this doctrinal knowledge here a little, and there a little.  Here a little and there a little meaning, one book may have part of the answer, and another book another part of the answer, and in another book, yet more of the answer.

God purposed this for man so that we would study the scriptures.  God is looking for someone who truly loves Him and is seeking Him.  These type of people, will search the scriptures, pray about them, learn from their pastor, preachers, and teachers, and will always consider all possible meanings of the verse at hand, because they want to make certain, they are obeying the Gospel correctly.

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

How important is it for us to be obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

2Thessalonians 1:7-10
7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

So it is of the utmost importance that we be obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So how are we to be obedient to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  It is important at this time to recall 2 Timothy 3:16, which reads…..

2 Timothy 3:16
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Jesus gives us instructions in the gospels.

Luke 13:1-5
1  There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2  And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

According to Jesus we must repent or we will perish.

Mark 16:15-16
15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

We are told by Jesus here that we must believe and be baptized in order to be saved.

John 3:1-7
1  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4  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?
5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Here we find out by Jesus that we must be born again or we cannot see or enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 10:22
22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

And finally we learn that we must endure to the end to be saved.

So to sum up what we were told, Jesus tells us that we must believe, repent, be born again of water and of the Sprit, and finally we must endure to the end.

So to be obedient to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must believe, repent,  be born of water, be born of Spirit, and then endure to the end.

In Acts chapter 2 we learn….

Acts 2:1-4
1  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

As we continue reading we find that there were Jews present out of every nation under heaven.  They questioned, what meaneth this?  Apostle Peter explains to all that are present this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.  That it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.
And then in……

Acts 2:36-41
36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

The people there believed that what the Apostle Peter spoke was the truth, and it pricked their hearts, and brought forth conviction, and they asked, Men and brethren, What shall we do????

38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Notice that the people believed, then the Apostle Peter tells them to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and then tells them that they will receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is the fulfillment of what Jesus instructed us to do in the gospels.

Notice verse 39 tells us that this promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  This lets us know without any doubt that this promise was to everyone throughout every generation that is to come.

So to partake of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, or to be born of water and of the Spirit, one must do what the Apostle Peter instructed us.  We must repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

To repent, one must acknowledge their sins, be sorrowful for them, and then tell the Lord, that I no longer want to walk after my own will, but after the will of God.  Showing by action the changing of one’s mind or direction.  This is the first part of how we partake of the death of Jesus Christ.  We die out to ourselves, and we now live unto the Lord.

Romans 6:3-7
3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7  For he that is dead is freed from sin.

This is the second part to how we partake of the Lord’s death, we must be buried with him in baptism.  A submersion into water that represents the burying of one’s body.

Galatians 3:26-27
26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:

Here we learn that to put on Christ, we must be baptized into Christ.  It is of the utmost importance that when you are baptized, that you are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, this is how we put on Christ, by taking His name.  This is when your sins are remitted.

Colossians 2:11-15
11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

It is in the baptism, that you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands.  It is in the baptism that your sins are cut away.

After you have partook of the death and burial of Jesus Christ, you are then promised the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  It is important to realize however, this is not an automatic process.  When your receive the free gift of the Holy Ghost, it will be evidenced by the speaking of another tongue as the Spirit gives the utterance.

Acts 8:12-17
12  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

We can see clearly here from verse 16 the Holy Ghost had fallen upon none them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:1-6
1  And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4  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.
5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Again, we can clearly see that the Holy Ghost was not automatic, and the baptism that one receives is important.  Apostle Paul re-baptized these disciples in the name of the Lord Jesus.  It was not until Apostle Paul laid his hands upon them, that the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with other tongues and prophesied.

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Come let us Grow Together: The Heart

Come let us Grow Together is a weekly series that deals with the many topical categories that exist within the Word of God.  The purpose of this series is to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in things pertaining to God.

Here lies a subject of great importance.  The heart.  Many people put their trust into their heart when it comes to making decisions in their life.  But what does the Bible teach us concerning the subject of the heart?

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Pro 4:23) For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Mt 12:34b-35) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mk 7:21-23)

So is it safe for someone to trust what their heart is telling them??  The answer is no.  Your trust should be in, what saith the Word of God?

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Pro 28:26) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
(Pro 14:12)

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer 17:7-10)

As you can see, the heart can not be trusted.  We must live our lives according to what the Word of God teaches us.  Serving the Lord is a heart condition.  Do you have an honest heart?  Do you have a good heart?  What do you allow your mind to ponder upon?  Do you gird up the loins of your mind when evil thoughts arise out of your heart?  Or do you allow yourself to think upon these things?

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. (1 Pet 1:13-14) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ!! (2 Cor 10:3-5)

It is crucial that you recognize that the thoughts you have come out of your heart.  You have a choice in you mind whether or not you allow these thoughts to play out or not.  You must bring into captivity every thought you have to the obedience of Christ.  Which means that you must learn to apply the Word of God in your life; which means you must study the Word of God, go to church, and hear the 5-fold ministry that God has given to us; so that you can resist the tricks of the enemy of our souls.

The parable of the sower given to us by Jesus Christ in Luke tells us, But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Lk 8:15)

Serving the Lord is a heart condition.  Let us follow after Christ with an honest and good heart; while keeping the Word of God.

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C&C: Serving the Lord is a Heart Condition

Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed.  The purpose of this series is to examine the scriptures at hand comparing what is said and looking at the connections within.

Psalms 119:1-3
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

Pay special attention to what was just said.  Those that are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord, keeping His testimonies and seeking God with the whole heart do no iniquity: they walk in His ways!

On the other hand those that are defiled in the way, do not walk after the law of the Lord, do not keep His testimonies, and do not seek him with the whole heart.  These do iniquity: they walk not in His ways!

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Mark 12:29-30
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Those that keep the law of the Lord and those that keep His testimonies, walking after the statutes of the Lord, are those that love the Lord our God with all their heart, and with all their soul, and with all their mind, and with all their strength.  This and knowing that the Lord our God is one Lord is the keeping of the first commandment.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Jeremiah 29:12-13
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

It is when you call upon the Lord, seeking the Lord, praying to the Lord and searching for the Lord with all your heart that you will find the Lord and when He will hearken unto you.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Jeremiah 17:9-10
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

You can not put your trust and your faith in your heart, but your trust and your faith must be according to what saith the Word of God.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Hebrew 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Psalms 44:21
21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Psalms 90:8
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

There is no secret that the Lord does not know, for the Word of the Lord is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Proverbs 4:20-23
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Keep the ways of the law of the Lord!  Keep His testimonies and live!  Keep His righteous judgments and keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life!

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Proverbs 4:24-27
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 15:3-4
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Matthew 12:33-37
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  What is within the heart of man will surely come out! But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

Mark 7:18-23
18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Proverbs 28:26
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 14:11-12
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Let us who are of the day be not defiled in the way.  Let us who walk in the law of the Lord continue keeping His testimonies and His righteous judgments, seeking God with the whole heart.  For they that walk in His ways do no iniquity.

Serving the Lord is a heart condition!

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Are you a Berean at Heart

Acts 17:11
10  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

A.  Understanding How Faith and Grace Operate

James 2:18-26
18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

The word wrought means to be a fellow-worker, i.e. co-operate.

23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Galatians 5:4-6
4  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

John 14:15
15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 2:11-12
11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

To be saved by grace you have to apply what grace teaches you.  To be saved through faith you must apply how faith operates.

Grace teaches us:  denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Faith works by love and Faith without works is dead being alone.

Jesus said,

John 14:15
15  If ye love me, keep my commandments..

So to fulfill what the Apostle Paul spoke in:

Ephesians 2:8
8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

You must then apply the process of each into the verse.

Ephesians 2:8 Brackets inserted by me
8  For by grace [which teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world] are ye saved through faith; [which worketh by love.] and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

So if faith works by love, and Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments; then you are saved by grace through obedient faith which works by love, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of grace given by God.

1 John 5:3
3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

With this understanding of how grace works and how faith operates

You then remember that….

2 Timothy 3:16
16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Then we all follow after what Jesus tells us to do, which is….

Jesus told us we must repent.

Luke 13:3,5
3  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
5  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jesus told us we must believe and be baptized.

Mark 16:16
16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Matthew 28:19
19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Jesus told his disciples what to do and revealed the name to them.

Luke 24:47
47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

The disciples were obedient and fulfilled both Matthew 28:19 and Luke 24:47.

Acts 2:38-39
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Colossians 3:17
17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

This would include the baptism.

The foundation that the Gospel stands on….

Ephesians 2:20
20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Jesus was both an Apostle and Prophet.

Hebrews 3:1
1  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Deuteronomy 18:15-19
15  The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16  According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
17  And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18  I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

And the scriptures agree that we must be obedient to the faith.

Romans 1:5
5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Romans 16:25-26
25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And how do we partake of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  By being born again of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:1-7).  This is fulfilled by applying Acts 2:38 which reads, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

B.  Understanding the Difference between the Works of Faith and the Works of the Law

John 5:39
39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Romans 3:19-20
19  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:24-28
24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

But remember faith without works is dead being alone.  The works of faith is not the works of the Mosaic Law.  Faith is an action word that requires an action in accordance to what you believe.

James 2:21-23
21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Romans 3:31
31  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Matthew 5:17
17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Galatians 3:21-22
21  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

And if you believe, then we must be obedient to the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the keeping of God’s commandments in accordance to our faith that we believe that God raised up Jesus our Lord from the grave.

Remember that under the Old Testament Covenant there was no remission for sins and the penalty of death was not yet taken back by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hebrews 10:9
9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 2:14-16
14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Romans 4:1-3
1  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

This is important to understand.  Remember the Apostle James said, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works.”

The Apostle Paul and the Apostle James are talking of different works.  The Apostle Paul asked a question in verse 1 and answered it in verse 3.  The answer was by faith and the Apostle James gives us further explanation of the Apostle Paul’s words.

James 2:20-23
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

The topic is faith!!

21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul said above.  He asked the question in verse 1 and in verse 2 said, “if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God” This is because the topic from verse 1 is found in the prior verses which is speaking of the Mosaic Law versus faith.

Even though the Mosaic Law had not yet come during Abraham’s lifetime, the Apostle Paul is speaking to people who understand the Mosaic Law and is telling them that Abraham was not justified by works of the flesh, but was justified by the works of faith.

Romans 4:4-5
4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

But this does not make void the works that accompany faith.  The works that accompany faith are not the works of the flesh nor of the Mosaic Law.

James 2:20-23
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Galatians 3:16-18
16  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Romans 4:13-14
13  For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Romans 4:4-5
4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Galatians 3:12
12  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Romans 4:16
16  Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Galatians 3:23-24
23  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:12
12  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

C.  The True Tabernacle in the Heavens

Hebrews 6:13-20
13  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17  Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 8:1-2
1  Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Hebrews 9:8-12
8  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 8:3-4
3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

D.  The Earthly Tabernacle Served as an Example and Shadow of Heavenly Things

Hebrews 8:5-7
5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.
6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Romans 3:19-20
19  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Galatians 3:21-22
21  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Again, this being because remission of sins had not yet come and the penalty of death was still upon mankind.

Hebrews 8:8-13
8  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9  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; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10  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 write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11  And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13  In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 9:1-9
1  Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2  For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3  And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4  Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5  And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6  Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7  But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Mark 15:37-38
37  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
38  And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Upon the death of Jesus Christ, the way into the Holiest of all was now going to be by the blood of the Lamb, which was shed for the remission of sins.

The services as pertaining to the worldly sanctuary….

Hebrews 9:10-11
10  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Hebrews 8:2
2  A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Hebrews 9:12
12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 4:14-16
14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 9:24
24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 9:13-15
13  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Dead works referring to the works of the Mosaic Law.

15  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Galatians 3:21-22
21  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Hebrews 9:16-22
16  For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17  For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18  Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19  For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20  Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
21  Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Likewise the New Testament!

Matthew 26:27-28
27  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9:23-28
23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25  Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Isaiah 50:6-9
6  I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
7  For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
8  He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
9  Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

Hebrews 10:1-23
10:1  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.

Why?  There was not yet remission of sins.

2  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11  And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13  From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15  Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21  And having an high priest over the house of God;
22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

E.  Justification unto Life Eternal

Hebrews 10:38-39
38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Romans 4:17-25
17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:
20  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 8:1-4
1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 3:21-28
21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 5:1-2
1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

F.  The Righteousness which is of Faith

Romans 9:30-33, 10:1-4
30  What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33  As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10:1  Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3  For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Galatians 3:12-14
12  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Romans 8:1-4
1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 10:5
5  For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Galatians 3:6-14
6  Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:16-18
16  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Romans 4:13-14
13  For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14  For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Galatians 3:25-27
25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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Come let us Grow Together: Hope in Christ

Come let us Grow Together is a weekly series that deals with the many topical categories that exist within the Word of God.  The purpose of this series is to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in things pertaining to God.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Mt 11:28-30)

The Lord stands with outstretched arms, calling unto man to come unto Him and you will find rest for your souls.  But in order for you to obtain this rest, you must apply what He spoke in the verses.  He said, to Learn of Me.  You must learn of Jesus Christ to find rest for your souls.  The Lord desires each one of you to break forth and come unto Him with a pure heart.  An honest heart ready to apply the words that He has spoken to us throughout the Word of God.

But, with all this Hope in Christ, most of the people refuse to Learn of Him and refuse to follow after the Word of God.  They claim the name of Jesus.  They speak His name freely and give praise with their lips.  But, they refuse to be obedient unto the scriptures of Life.  Claiming that they are following the Lord, they refuse to follow in His footsteps.  They refuse to pick up their crosses and follow the Lord.

For in so doing, they must crucify their flesh.  In order for them to be set free, they must crucify their flesh and refuse to give into the lusts of the flesh.  But the only way for this to take place is to come unto the Lord and find the rest of the Lord.

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Heb 4:9-11) as the children of Israel did and so walked around in the wilderness for 40 years; and they walked until their carcases fell in the wilderness!! (Heb 3:17) For they considered themselves not worthy of the glory of the rest that lied ahead of them.  Even as today the people also refuse to enter into the rest of the Lord, for in order to obtain to the rest of the Lord, you must be obedient.

No man shall come into this door but He in whom the Lord has chosen.  For many shall stand knocking, but shall not enter in.  Behold, the Lord stands knocking at the door of your heart.  But where their lies hope, their also lies a choice.  To open the door of your heart and become obedient unto eternal life, or to go on following after your own footsteps unto your own demise.  For no man shall enter into the rest of the Lord but He in whom the Lord has chosen before the foundations of the world.

For the Lord has spoken, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Mt 7:21-23)

Yet you will say, I am following in obedience.  I am following the path of Life.  But yet what saith the scriptures?  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (Rm 10:16)

There is Hope in Christ, but you must act in obedience to the commandments of the Lord or you deceive your own selves. (1 Jn 2:4) (James 1:22)

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev 22:17)

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C&C: Death is Swallowed up in Victory

Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed.  The purpose of this series is to examine the scriptures at hand comparing what is said and looking at the connections within.

The subject of today’s lesson is about several passages of scriptures pertaining to the subject of death being swallowed up in victory.  A subject that is not regularly addressed.  What we are going to be taking a closer look at today is the possible timing of this futuristic event.

Isaiah 25:6-9
6 And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

This is an important clue for the possible timing of this event.  We are told that the Lord will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.  This means that when this event takes place that the vail and the face of the covering cast over all people will be removed from all nations.

8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.

Many clues are given here.  Death will be swallowed up in victory, the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall be taken away from off all the earth.  This being done with His victorious salvation!

9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Those of the nation of Israel will say this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.  So we see here that they are acknowledging the one who is coming in the name of the Lord and we know this will be Jesus Christ the Righteous.  They will announce that they will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

So for us to begin to establish a possible time line for death being swallowed up in victory, we need to look at the other clues given during this time period.  That being: 1) The vail and the face of the covering cast over all people will be removed from all nations. 2) The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces. 3) And the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth. 4) And for His victorious salvation when the children of Israel who have waited for him will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

So the questions to fulfill our time line that need to be addressed is when do these four other events take place?

1 Corinthians 15:23-26
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

So we learn here that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death!

1 Corinthians 15:51-55
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Here the Apostle Paul explicitly tells us that when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  He then follows up by asking death, where is your sting? And grave, where is your victory?

What the Apostle Paul has just revealed to us here is that when the catching away of the Saints takes place, what we term the rapture, that the saying that was written concerning death being swallowed up in victory will have taken place.  As we have already observed, this saying is written in the Prophet book of Isaiah who tells us that four other events will also take place at this time period.  One of which is, The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.

Revelation 21:1-5
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Another clue is given in this passage of scripture where we learn that a great voice out of heaven says,  Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Here we see another possible clue where we see God wiping away all tears from their eyes.  We also learn that there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.  For the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Ezekiel Prophesying of the nation of Israel says,

Ezekiel 37:22-23, 27
22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

This king over them being Jesus Christ.

23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Here we see another clue, God will save them out of all their dwellingplaces and says, so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.  This fulfilling another one of our four clues above, that His victorious salvation came to the children of Israel who have waited for him and will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Here we see the same wording as we saw above in Revelation where the Lord said,  Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  Where He followed it up with the next verse saying, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

What else do we know about the timing of this victorious salvation of the children of Israel by God?

Zechariah 12:7-10
7 The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
8 In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.
9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Zechariah 13:6
6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

So we learn from these passages of scripture that when this victorious salvation comes to the children of Israel, that the children of Israel will ask Jesus, What are these wounds in thine hands?  And Jesus will answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.  But this also appears to fulfill two of our four clues above where it was said,  The vail and the face of the covering cast over all people will be removed from all nations.  And the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth.

Zechariah 14:1-5
1 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

Here we get to see a glimpse of what will take place when the Lord defends Jerusalem and brings forth His victorious salvation to them.

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

What we learn from all of these passages of scriptures is that it appears that we can establish a time period for when death is swallowed up in victory by following the connections and comparisons within the verses that appear to reveal to us the timing of the other events that will be taking place when death is swallowed up in victory.

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Anybody Want to go to Heaven?

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

You Must be Obedient unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ or you will NOT go to Heaven!

1 Thessalonians 4:2-7
2  For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

You must be Obedient to the commandments which were given us by the Lord Jesus or you will NOT go to Heaven!

3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5  Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6  That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

We have been called unto holiness!  Every one of you should know how to possess your vessel in sanctification and honour!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:14-23
14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16  Rejoice evermore.
17  Pray without ceasing.
18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19  Quench not the Spirit.
20  Despise not prophesyings.
21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pay attention to the instructions that are given!  Be patient toward all men.  Follow that which is good unto all men.  Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks!  In everything give thanks!!  In everything give thanks!!! For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit.  Despise not prophesyings.  Hold fast that which is good!  Abstain from all appearance of evil!!!!   I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless!

Romans 6:16-17
16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

What form of doctrine that was delivered you?

Acts 2:36-39
36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

DOCTRINE is not a dirty word!!!!!  Without the doctrine of Jesus Christ, you will NOT go to Heaven!!!

After you have followed the instructions given to every person since the day that the Apostle Peter spoke the words above, which was to Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will then begin to live a life of separation, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

The word separation does not mean isolation.  You must be Obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or you will NOT go to Heaven!!!

2 Corinthians 7:1
1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

You must be Obedient to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as was spoken by the Apostle Peter above and cleanse yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit or you will NOT go to Heaven!!!

2 Peter 1:3-4
3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Hebrews 12:14
14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

You must be Obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or you will NOT go to Heaven!

1 Peter 1:13-16
13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: (HELLO????)
15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

You MUST separate yourself from the lusts that are in the world or you will NOT go to Heaven!

1 John 2:15-17
15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 5:3
3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

You must be Obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or you will NOT go to Heaven!!!

Hebrews 5:8-9
8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Do you Want to go to Heaven?  Then you must be Obedient to the Word of God!!!!

Romans 2:4-11
4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11  For there is no respect of persons with God.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
6  Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Matthew 7:24-27
24  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:
25  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The Choice is Yours!!!  Be Obedient unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Live or continue to follow after the world and DIE!!!!

Do you really want to go to Heaven?  Or do you really want to serve yourself?

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Come let us Grow Together: Sin

Come let us Grow Together is a weekly series that deals with the many topical categories that exist within the Word of God.  The purpose of this series is to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in things pertaining to God.

When we sin, we are breaking God’s commandments.  I would dare say all of us have heard how Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden and this caused all of mankind to be born in sin and shapen in iniquity.

Today however, we are living under a time of Grace given to us by God through Jesus Christ the Righteous.  I would again dare say that all of us have heard and read about what Jesus Christ did for mankind.  How that He was born of a virgin, that He was Emmanuel being interpreted as God with us, and lived a life free of sin so that you and I could find eternal life through Him.

The Lord Jesus came to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.  To take back this power of death that the devil had over man; the Lord Jesus lived a life free of sin and died on the cross as our substitute.  Though Jesus lived a life free of sin, He was tempted in all points just as we are today.  But Jesus did not give into sin, but rather Jesus Christ was obedient to the will of His Father.

Upon the death of Jesus Christ sin was condemned in the flesh.  But in order for us to become free from our sins, we must partake of the born again process that the Lord has provided for mankind.  A Spiritual Rebirth consisting of being born of water and of the Spirit.  This Spiritual Rebirth allows mankind to once again become the sons of God.

Once we have become born again, we are to live a life that is free from sin.  But God knowing that no man could be justified by works of the Mosaic Law made a way for us through His death, that once we have become born again, if we fall short and sin, we can come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Thus making God the justifier of many.  For it is not our works of righteousness that brings forth our salvation, but the gift of Grace that works through our obedient faith in the keeping of God’s commandments.  For if we love God we will keep His commandments.

The Lord brought to light a way for mankind to escape death by following after Him in obedience, while at the same time making a way for us when we do fall short to find grace and mercy in time of need so that we are no longer living a life under condemnation.  This born again process or Spiritual Rebirth allows us to become free of the Law of Sin and Death.  Which is the soul that sins shall surely die.

After we have partook of this Spiritual Rebirth we are to live a life walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh.  For if you live a life after the flesh you will surely die.  We as the children of God must instead purge ourselves from iniquity and follow after Christ.  For we are the temple of the Living God and if we defile the temple of the Living God, we shall surely be destroyed.

Therefore let us abstain from all appearance of evil and follow after that which is of the Spirit.  We must not give into our flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof, but we must instead pick up our cross and follow after Christ.  For the soul that sins shall surely die.  Therefore let us not live after the flesh but after the Spirit.

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C&C: The Seed that was to Come

Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed.  The purpose of this series is to examine the scriptures at hand comparing what is said and looking at the connections within.

Genesis 3:15
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

This is the first prophecy of the coming Messiah.  This enmity or hostility between the serpent’s seed (the children of disobedience) and the woman’s seed (The Virgin Mary) would be Jesus Christ, who was coming to restore that which was lost in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve, this being sonship.

We learn from this prophecy that the seed of the woman, this being Jesus Christ, would bruise the head of the serpent, this being the devil, and it would also bruise the heel of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

Isaiah 53:3-8
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Another prophecy of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, where we learn that he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities and with his stripes we are healed.  Healed from what?  The power the devil had over us, this being death.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor 5:21 KJV)

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

The prophesied seed to come that would place enmity or hostility between the serpent’s seed, (the children of disobedience) and the woman’s seed (The Virgin Mary).

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

It is the Spirit of God’s Son that dwells inside of the born again believer of God.  This being the Spirit of Christ or the Holy Ghost.

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The opportunity to once again become the sons of God through adoption by partaking of the born again process of God which involves being born of water and of the Spirit.  A spiritual rebirth that sets us free from the Law of Sin and Death.

Romans 8:1-4
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus because by one offering for sin, by the death of Jesus Christ, God has forever perfected the conscience of them that are sanctified because there is no more yearly sacrifice made for the remembrance of sin.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

The power which the devil had over mankind destroyed victoriously by Jesus Christ allowing a way for us to once again become the sons of God by adoption.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Galatians 3:13-16
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham, the Son of God.  The prophesied seed to come that brought forth the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-20
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Galatians 3:17-18
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Hebrews 2:14-16
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

The entire Word of God is about this seed that was to come and restore mankind back unto Himself.

Romans 8:2
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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