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December
31, 2006
By The Sojourner
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0:19:46
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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December
24, 2006
By The Sojourner
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0:21:05
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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December
17, 2006
By The Sojourner
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0:17:38
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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December
10, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:23:54
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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December
3, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:23:05
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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November
26, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:29:46
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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November
19, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:21:27
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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November
12, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:18:55
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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November
5, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:26:21
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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October
29, 2006
By The Sojourner
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Mp3
0:33:27
Copyright © 2006 The Sojourner
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October
22, 2006
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Mp3
0:20:36
By The Sojourner |
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October
15, 2006
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Mp3
0:33:32
By The Sojourner |
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October
8, 2006
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Mp3
0:30:52
By The Sojourner |
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October
1, 2006
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Mp3
0:15:59
By The Sojourner |
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Note: The audio for this session
has a few poor areas but can still be understood.
We apologize
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September
24, 2006
Listen >>
Mp3
0:21:16
By The Sojourner |
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August 20, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 33 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 It is interesting to note
that God made something out of nothing when he created everything that has been created.
There is also the reference in the First Book of Moses, Genesis, that “the evening
and the morning
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By Christ's salvation
we were saved, healed and delivered! |
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Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
 They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know! 
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were the first
day.”[a] You see there is always nothing, darkness, and death before God
brings life and abundance. It is through Jesus the Christ
and only through Jesus the Christ that we are brought from death to life.
Dead in Our Missing the Mark
We once led lives of “missing the mark” by following
the ways of the world. We were under the dominion and domination of the kingdom of the air
and the prince and power of the air, Satan. We were under the control of a fallen angel[b]
and the angels that fell from heaven with him—1/3rd of the angels in
heaven!
It is these spirits that continue to oppress those who have not
come to know Christ. It is we who must, therefore, tell, demonstrate, and model the life
of a new person, creature, in Christ. We need to let them see the Kingdom of God and his
kingdom in which we are living in our lives. The contrast needs to be shown to be so great
that they will desire to partake of the blessings in the “Good News,” the
Gospel. |
Objects
0f Wrath
We all were a part of the kingdom of the air at one time.
We were to become objects of God’s wrath there until we accepted God’s drawing
of us to himself. It is then we became new creatures in God’s kingdom
But God’s Love for US
God’s love for us made it possible for us to pass from death
into life in a new kingdom, God’s Kingdom. You see God has such great love for
mankind that he made a way where there was no way for us to be recreated in his image, for
his glory, showing Satan just how truly powerless he is in the face of the King of kings
and Lord of lords.
Resurrected With Christ
We were made as alive with Christ as those who were brought out
of their graves with Jesus on that first Resurrection Day![c]
Raised & Seated
Not only have we, who are Christ’s, been raised up with him
but we were also seated with him in the heavenly realms to share in our
Heavenly Father’s grace. |
Grace
Saved
We could do nothing of our own effort to gain the grace offered
in order to earn this him in the heavenly realms to share in our Heavenly Father’s
grace.
Grace Saved
We could do nothing of our own effort to gain the grace offered
in order to earn this position… it was a gift.
God’s
Workmanship
We believers are then God’s workmanship and not our own.
That is why we must focus on him and allow God’s working in us to renew our minds in
the things of God. It is only in this manner that we are able to realize we were naturally
born in darkness but in Christ we have seen a great light. We began in darkness (evening)
and now are in the light of the morning in a new day.
This all has a purpose for us, that of doing good works. Works
which God has prepared for us to do already in advance!
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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Very little thought is needed to
think of numerous causes of fear and despair in today’s world. Unfortunately, even
ordinary things like boarding a plane or a bus are occasions for some to apprehend now.
Fear seems rampant in today’s world. Many people are diving headfirst onto the
“bus” of fear which takes people down the road of bondage and despair. Many look at those wallowing in blatant fear and say they are going
overboard, all the while, that speaker has been seduced by a more subtle fear that masks
itself with the terms: wise, responsible, prudent, or realistic.
Not everyone who uses |
...we must use godly
discernment to know....
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these terms is acting in fear—we
must use Godly discernment is to know which is fear-based and which is not. Daily studying
and meditating on God’s word and listening to the Holy Spirit helps us uncover masked
fear. If we find ourselves masked with subtle fear-based
thinking, let’s throw off the mask, resist all fear, and get off the bus! Jumping off
of fear’s bus to bondage and despair may seem like a reckless and fearsome concept,
but, of course, fear wants us to think that. Fear makes God’s way seem scary or
downright ridiculous. The jump off fear’s bus causes us not to become broken and
bloody from the impact, but causes us to land in |
love’s strong and peaceful arms.
The healing of the wounds we’ve received from fear begins immediately as the Holy Spirit applies the Oil of Joy to us and renews our strength.
Remember:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love
drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made
perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NIV
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August 13, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 32 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul expresses his thankfulness for the faith of the people of the
church at Ephesus. He even specifically mentions some of the reasons he is thankful for
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
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their faith such as;
faith in Christ and love for all believers (saints). Paul
lets them know he is backing them in prayer. The interceding for others is a part of the
fellowship of believers and demonstrates that that person is indeed a part of the Body of
Christ.
Asking the Father
Paul then lists specific prayers to our Heavenly Father on behalf
of the Ephesians. Beyond the giving of thanks for them he prays they will be given both
wisdom and revelation.
Wisdom & Revelation
These two gifts of God are required to grow in the knowledge of
God and the things of God in this life.
Without wisdom a person can be easily misled by any spirit
showing up to “guide” them. Much of the things of God can only be realized by
revelation since our five senses are limited in what they can perceive and recognize.
Enlightened Heart Eyes
It is wisdom and revelation which enables |
“the eyes of your heart to see.
These are the ones
who, the spirits which truly enlighten us regarding the things of
God. Wisdom and revelation also protect us as we accept their power to allow us to see
with supernatural ability into the spiritual and that which is eternal. Wisdom and
revelation say “light be" to the eyes of our heart! It is then, there is light
enough to perceive the issues of life with Godly wisdom. It is at this point when we can
more readily walk with the power of Holy Spirit working through us. Great Power for Us
We gain the power to believe from the spirits of Wisdom
and Revelation! Like the disciples who said, “Lord help our unbelief,” it is
these spirits which, if we will permit them, will permit “his incomparably great
power” to work God’s mighty strength in us to do his will
and give purpose and significance to our lives in His Kingdom! Yes! Verses 19-20 tell us
there is mighty power for us just “like the working of his mighty strength which he
exerted in Christ when he raised him from the |
dead and seated him at his right hand
in heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title
that can be given, not only in this present age but also in the one to come.” Now, that is a section of scripture which must be meditated upon in order
to allow wisdom and revelation to open the eyes of the heart to understanding the full
implications of this position we as believers hold in Christ!
Again, it is necessary to review the last verses in John 17 to
understand how these words from Paul affect us and our authority as believers. Verse 22
says, “head over EVERYTHING for the church.
Fullness of Him
We believers are then referred to in verse 23 as the fullness of
him, Christ, who fills EVERYTHING in every way! Meditate on that until the eyes of your
heart are opened! You are not a victim but a conqueror in Christ! Halleluiah!
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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Once The Sojourner and I went to a
local restaurant for dinner and I was surprised when the lady taking our order recognized
me. Unfortunately, I did not remember her, but she graciously told me the whole story. Four years ago (do you remember the face of someone you met one brief time
four years ago?!) this precious lady was a cashier at another local store. I went
through her line and noticed that she seemed sick, so I asked her
about it. She was SICK.
Four years later, she tells me that she remembered me and the
encounter because I actually sounded like I cared. |
...this precious lady was a
cashier at another local store.
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That night in the restaurant I was
astounded that she remembered me and the encounter so well. The episode has made me ponder
the fact that people really do remember us and what we do or do not say or do. Remember Paul and Silas:
25About midnight Paul and Silas were
praying and singing hymns to God, and the other
prisoners were listening to them. (emphasis added)Acts
19:25 NIV
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God has blessed us with so much—his
grace, his peace, his forgiveness. . . . Out of gratitude, we have the opportunity and
responsibility to share these blessings with others. This is not something to be afraid
about or intimidated by, but people are watching and listening, just like the prisoners
with Paul and Silas and the lady in the restaurant. These people remember if we are kind,
or not, or, if we hold our tempers in challenging situations, or not. God has given us the
grace to handle all situations we encounter, and he can use even minute things we say or
do to bless people. So, let us walk in God’s grace and peace, and keep in
mind—people do remember. |
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August 6, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 31 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul identifies himself to the Ephesians by telling them who he
is and by who’s authority he is writing to them as a sent one.[a]
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
He then imparts grace[b]
and peace[c] to the people in Ephesus as one speaking on behalf of God. Paul
was speaking on behalf of God because he was an ambassador sent to the people for the
perfecting or the fitting of the saints to the work of the gospel. Praise to the Father
Paul follows up his greeting to them with the first order of
ministry business, that of praise to God.
The praise was offered for the believers being blessed in the
heavenly areas of God’s all encompassing authority and presence. What were those
blessings for which Paul was praising? Which of the blessings were they? Paul lets them
know it was “ with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (v. 3)
Jesus, himself, spoke of these blessings in John 17. Paul
explains that believers were chosen from,
“before the creation of the world to
be holy and blameless” in God’s sight!
Chosen
Yes, mankind had sinned (missed the mark) but because of Christ
there |
is no condemnation waiting for us if
we are in Christ. All these blessings were conceived in love because of the believers
adoption into the family of God. This was both God’s will and pleasure because he
loved mankind so much he provides a savior which is Christ the Lord to take all of our
falling short of his standard upon himself, in the form of his only begotten son, to
fulfill the law and set believers free! We Have Redemption
It was and is through this love of Jesus the Christ going to the
cross shedding his sinless blood which brought to all who would accept him, into the
heavenly blessing in the heavenly realms. We were forgiven due to the overwhelming desire
and fullness of God’s unmerited favor… grace. He “lavished,” the
scripture says, both ALL wisdom and understanding.
The Secrets Made Known
This is how it is that we can understand the secrets of the
kingdom. These are the things that were foolishness to us prior to having Christ and his
Holy Spirit and still are foolishness to |
the unbeliever. These are the things,
wisdom and understanding, that will unite the temporal with the eternal as the Lord’s
coming grows nearer and nearer. Conformity With Purpose
Will is a strong thing and until Jesus Christ comes into our
lives with his Holy Spirit to renew our minds we are sinfully willful. We are full of the
wrong will. We are in fact our own gods with our own judgments as to what is correct or
incorrect.
We are included, just as the first believers were, when we heard
the word of truth and accepted it. We were marked with Christ’s mark and seal at that
time. The Holy Spirit being the guarantee of our inheritance. Christ comes.
You Are Included
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When you
heard and believed you were included. You were given a sealed guarantee and that being the
Holy Spirit. Walk in him and he in you!
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[a] apostle = sent one[b] Grace =
unmerited favor |
[c]Peace = nothing
missing nothing broken |
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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Reading something written by Kenneth
Copeland, I was struck by this line: “Your partnership with God in giving into the
uncompromised ministry of His Word and in living by that Word every moment of the day is
changing your world.” Pondering this sentence, I
excitedly remembered something The Sojourner has said many times, “You are not
victims anymore!”
Understanding that salvation is by grace alone and that the good
works we do after salvation are a thank offering to God for what he’s done for us,
let us bless God and people in all we say and do. If we find ourselves in a glorious state
of life, bless everyone with whom we come in |
Our every action and word
changes our lives and the lives around us.
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contact. If we find ourselves in a
sorry state of circumstances let us also bless everyone, despite circumstances. Remember
we serve a God who is love and:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always
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protects, always trusts, always hopes, always
perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor. 13:4-8a NIV
Our every action and word changes our lives and the lives around
us. This is true whether the words and actions are out of love or faith (living by the
Word), or out of fear or hate. Remember that we may not see the results of love
immediately, but it patiently perseveres, and the effects of love will show up in our
lives (and those around us) and change our world. That’s God’s delight and his
way! |
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July 30, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 30 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul points out to the Galatians that he is writing to them in
his own hand. Paul was not using a scribe [a] but is writing his own letter. He
may have been writing the letter himself in order that his readers would know it was
actually he who had written to them.
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
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|
Yet another reason may have
been he wished to show the importance of the issues enumerated within this Galatians'
letter. Manipulation
Paul explains how there were those in their midst who want to
“make a good impression outwardly.” These people had, however, in their minds to
manipulate others for their on reason and that was to appear publicly not to be Christians
and thus “avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.”
Paul says those who are wanting to bring others into appearing to
be obeying the law are not obeying the law in other areas. This is selective godliness for
the purposes of appearing to be something one is not. This is hypocrisy!
Being a Christian is being what you are or being what you be! |
Boasting
in the Cross
Salvation being a free gift from God and none of our doings/works
is then something which cannot be boasted about by the possessor as to their own effort
but the believer must always focus on Christ and HIS WORK on the cross.
It is only through Christ that we are inhabited by
the Holy Spirit. It is this habitation of the Holy Spirit that permits us to do all things
through Christ who strengthens us.
The Law of Moses and the circumcision denoting the Israel of God
was fulfilled by Jesus Christ and grace with the “Law of Love” came with the
Holy Spirit denoting and confirming the Israel of God. (Not to be construed as replacement
theology).
Peace & Mercy
Paul in verse 16 of our follow this rule. These |
are not just words on Paul’s part but an actual
impartation of the spirits of peace (nothing missing-nothing broken) and mercy (compassion).
No Troubling of Me
Don’t beat your breasts for me or challenge me , Paul tells
them because he already bears the stigma or scars of battling for the Lord. Paul had not
fainted at the hardships he had endured. If someone were to attempt to trouble him further
he had already proven his resolve in life and ministry!
Grace of Jesus
Yet another blessing is pronounced upon the believing hearers of
this letter to the churches of Galatia by Paul as he closes out his thoughts to them. It
is, then, the spirit of grace offered by Jesus the Christ he pronounces on the brethren
there.
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[a] The scribes acted as secretaries or
secretaries of state, whose business it was to prepare and issue decrees in the name of
the |
king (2 Sam. 8:17; 20:25; 1 Chr. 18:16;
24:6; 1 Kings 4:3; 2 Kings 12:9-11; 18:18-37, etc.). |
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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Let us consider what kind of
“trees” are growing in our hearts. Trees in our hearts? Bear with me now, we are
talking about love and bitterness. Consider that both love
and bitterness are like seeds planted in the soil of our hearts. Seeds left in warm soil
and watered frequently will take root and grow. Life warms the soil, forgiveness waters
love, un-forgiveness waters bitterness.
Looking through the Bible I noticed that most of the references
to forgiveness were either God forgiving people, or people asking God for forgiveness. For |
... our big God has such
love for us...
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example:
I [God] will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will
forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. (Jeremiah
33:8 NIV)
Our big God has such grace and love for us that he
forgives our sins even though we do not deserve his forgiveness and can do nothing, on our
own, to earn it. On top of this, God himself was willing to sacrifice his own Son so we
could have that forgiveness— such love |
and grace! So what can we to do in
response? Love God back. How do we do that? After nurturing a relationship with our
Heavenly Father, we can start uprooting any trees of pain and bitterness in our hearts by
forgiving people who have harmed us. Ahhh, there’s were things can get complicated
for some. Understanding that some pain is very deep, let us remember that the same act
that waters love, kills bitterness. God made a way for the healing agent to remove the
harmful one. Just like seeds taking time to take root and grow, forgiveness is a process
and can take time, but that effort brings us closer to both man and God. |
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July 23, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 29 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul stresses in Chapter Six to the churches in Galatia another
central point to living the Christian life, that of not only living in continual contact
and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, but of fellowship of love and living a shared life!
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
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Caught in a Sin[a]
Paul clearly explains how to become
involved with a fellow believer who is “caught in sin” that is to say
“caught up in missing the mark.” Paul’s whole message, as is that of the
Gospel’s, is “restoration.!”
Restoration involves kindness, comfort, caring, and correction.
All the restorative effort must be done in such a way as to help the person with their
burden without becoming ensnared ones self.
Your Thinking
Notice, Paul tells them, in the very next
verse (v3), “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives
himself.”
Paul is ensuring that his readers will not be “puffed
up” in their view of themselves and their spirituality.
Test Yourself
Paul is clear that the comparing of one’s
self to others is of no value in life. We are, you see to “press on toward the
mark” we so easily can |
miss especially if we are already in pride due to feeling
superior to others, as well as feeling inferior to others. Life is based on
focusing on the MARK which is Jesus and the part of his body we are saved to be.
Share With
“Communicate” the King James
Version instructs for the NIV word “share” but the original meaning is in fact:
koino¯neo¯
koy-no-neh'-o (From: koino¯nos ; koy-no-nos'
)to share with others (objectively or
subjectively):— communicate, distribute, be partaker.
Sharing is a central part of any body including the “Body of
Believers.” Our Lord Jesus Christ has placed those among us who are to “instruct
us in the word,” it is these to whom we must share our resources that they may have
where-with-all to live and minister doing the part to which they have been called.
God Not Mocked
The doing of the |
sharingis so important that Paul
calls it mockery not to sow into the lives of those who are to instruct believers
in “The Way.” There are more than Pastor who fit into this category. There are
also Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, teachers, and others who tend to the work and the
body of believers. Don’t
Get Tired
Keeping in step with the Spirit of God continually may seem to
weary some, but we must not become weary, Paul warns. You see, our harvest is involved in
our not fainting along the way. It is consistent effort that yields a consistent harvest!
IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP!
Seize the Opportunity
Paul instructs us, “as we have opportunity, let us do good
to all people.” We must seize every opportunity to reach out to show the Holy Spirit
in each of us... especially to other believers. This proclaims in action, Christ is risen!
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| [a] prolambano¯
prol-am-ban'-o; to take in advance, that is, (literally) eat
before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise:—
come aforehand, overtake, take before. |
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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One of the pearls of wisdom in the
Proverbs recently caught my attention.
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields
of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
Prov. 23:10-11NIV
How is this supposed to encourage those of us who are not
stealing an orphan’s (or anyone’s) property? Understand, this scripture does not
say that the boundary stone |
... our Heavenly Father is
our defender and provider.
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cannot be moved, it just says
that it should not be moved, because the Lord will deal with whomever steals
property from the Lord’s children. God takes care of his own—including those who
are the lowest or the weakest. Let us be encouraged by this—our Heavenly Father
always has the last word on an issue. If there are parts
of our lives that just keep on having storms in them, and/or people keep moving ancient
boundary stones so that it looks like we are losing ground, we must remember that our
Heavenly Father is our Defender and Provider. He set up the boundary stones of what he has
given us long ago and he will restore whatever has been taken. We must |
pray for those who seem to be taking
what is ours, that they will come to repentance, and we must trust our Defender. Consider
Job’s words (he’s an expert on this subject):
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand
upon the earth Job 19:25NIV
Job was blessed with double what he lost. So, let us trust God to
restore/redeem what has been taken and we will find that the storms did not tear up our
harvest of blessing, but they provided the water that made our harvest more prosperous
then we ever dreamed. |
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July 16, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 28 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul stresses in his letter to the churches in Galatia a very central
point to living the Christian life, that of living in continual contact and fellowship
with the Holy Spirit!
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
When God created
everything he said, “light be” and there was light! Yes, we are accustomed to
hearing the quote, “Let there be light.” The words actually in the original
were, “Light be.” A human being is just that, a
being! A being is a living person that exists. Being is the essence of a person, it is
what a person “be.” The life a person chooses is a matter of “being”
what they say they are! All we do is in the “being.” Yes, it is in the do that
we be. The believer is then commanded, “Christian be” or “Believer
be.”
The Sinful Nature
Paul clearly wishes to be very plan spoken as he
addresses the issue of sin (missing the mark) and the nature of sin as it exists in the
flesh of mankind. The flesh holds onto the sinful nature, the predisposition to missing
the mark (sin). We learn in the study of physics that inertia is the tendency for
something to remain in the state of motion it is in, rather than change. This same
situation often exists in the spiritual as well. Both the mind and the body are accustomed
to “being a certain way,” but when Jesus Christ isaccepted as Lord and |
Savior the spirit of the person immediately responds by coming into “being a
new creature in Christ,” but the other two parts of our ‘being” may need a
little coaxing to change their inertia to the new “being.” Led by The Spirit
Believers, Paul tells them, must not be hampered and held
ensnared, by the old nature or way of “being.” Believers need to be first the
“be” if they are to enjoy life in the Spirit! You see believers are
“be-livers,” in other words, they must come to live what they “BE.”
Sinful Nature Obvious
The sinful nature has it’s “be” just as the new
regenerated nature has it’s “be.” Paul even lists the “fruit” of
the sinful nature (that of habitually missing the mark and not caring if the mark is
missed). Why are those things which are listed the fruit, because like a fruit tree a
being bears what it is or
(be).
Fruit of The Spirit
The fruit of the spirit is just as obvious as the fruit of the
sinful |
nature. Why? Fruit reveals what a being
“BE!” Paul lists these fruit also. The contrast is great in the two
“beings”. Belong
to Christ
It is the Holy Spirit who is our helper, by faith, to break the
inertia of the old life and live the new life as new creatures (beings) in Christ Jesus.
That is why the scriptures tell us that once a person is in Christ they are a new
creature, behold all things become new! Believers are new “beings!” That is why
there is new fruit.
Keep in Step
Keeping in step with the Spirit of God continually moves us from
the old nature to the new nature in mind and body as well as in our spirit. The scripture
calls it going from glory to glory.
Other Believers
We are not only individuals and remain so we are also a part of
on body of “BE-LIVERS” who make up Christ’s body and will on earth. We must
“BE” one in the Spirit, therefore!
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Share a teaching CD
with someone today! |
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How does a victorious Christian
handle tumultuous occurrences that cause those around them to fret and fear? Let us consider a phrase that is common in American Christian lingo:
“weathering the storm.” Jesus said:
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do
not let your hearts be troubled and
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Jesus left us his peace.
The winds of peace are blowing in the direction which God wants us to walk.
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do not be afraid.
John 14:26-27NIV
Usually the implication in “weathering the
storm” is that the Christian is walking against the winds of the world. Consider this
from a different angle. Jesus left us his peace. The winds of peace are blowing in the
direction which God wants us to walk. Many people fearfully fight against any winds,
worldly or peaceful, and end up in a twisted ball of fear and confusion.
Jesus is clear that the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us
of what Christ has said to us. Let us trust God, turn away from fear and confusion, and
walk |
with the winds of God’s peace
blowing at our backs. This peace will blow us in the direction God wants us to walk. We
will find that as we keep in the Word and walk according to it, we will see that the winds
of God’s peace and the scriptures ALWAYS point in the same direction. We will also
find that peace will blow certain things out of our hands, such as fear, worry, doubt,
unbelief etc. Let them go! So let us weather life’s
storms by walking with the winds of God’s peace and remember Jesus’ words:
. . . And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age. Mt. 28:20NIV
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July 9, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 27 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul over and over again emphasizes to the Galatians just what freedom
they now have provided to them through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Just think of it. The
King of kings and Lord of lords dying on a Roman cross[a] in his own capitol
city of this world. Yes! Jerusalem is God’s capitol. Rome
even had the Temple subservient to it, but one day Jesus would send both Paul and Peter to
Rome to conquer it.
Christ Made Us Free
Paul chides the Galatians for even considering going back under
the bondage of the Law of Moses! He lets them know that in this freedom they now have,
there is complete liberation for all believers—us!
Hold Fast
Believers, he tells them, must not be hampered and held ensnared,
or submitted all over again to the yoke of slavery to a law they could never keep or hold
hope in for restoration to God. He wants them to understand that whom Jesus the Christ has
set free is free indeed! |
Don’t
Step Back
The Apostle Paul understood that following the law in one point
would cause them to come back under the whole Law of Moses. This is why the issue of
circumcision was so important. Circumcision was the sign you were under the old covenant.
If under one part then under all parts.
Trust Only in Christ
Paul, in verse 2, makes it clear if you do not trust in Christ
you can gain nothing from Christ!
Holy Spirit
It is the Holy Spirit who is our helper by faith to anticipate
and patiently wait for the blessing we receive by our being made righteous by Jesus
Christ. Believers are then totally acceptable to God because their missing the mark (sin)
is as if it had never happened! Believers have then been restored to the same condition
and relationship with God enjoyed by mankind in |
the Garden of Eden before missing the mark
(sin) entered into the equation. Only Faith
Paul explained to the Galatians only faith counts as it is
activated and energized working through love.
This then is the race of which Paul speaks that we are to run and
not faint. He warns that there are those who will interfere and hinder this race if
believers do not hold fast to the grace they have been so freely given. He even warns that
whoever attempts to have them return to the old covenant will encounter a penalty for such
teaching.
Called to Freedom
Believers are called to freedom to love and serve God and each
other!
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Recently one of my friends called to
clarify the date of a certain future event, so they could make sure not to double-book
that time period. Here we are in the middle of 2006. Let us
ponder our priorities. Scripture says:
Love the LORD your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deut. 6:5 NIV
Let us ponder not just our words, but also our
actions. Do our words and actions coincide, and do either or both |
We as Christians need to
clarify our priorities...
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line up with the Word of God thereby
showing our love for God? Now this is not an exercise to give us one more opportunity to
take the club of guilt and beat ourselves with it because of what we have not done, but an
opportunity to modify our courses, if necessary, to love God with all we are and do. Looking back at my friend and her calendar of events, had she not written
down her “priorities” for that day, she may have had a double-booked day which
would have caused confusion because she obviously could not be two places a once.
We, as Christians, need to clarify our priorities
and make sure we are not double-booked or double-minded. |
Scripture says:
"a double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
Ja. 1:8 KJV
So, let us look at where we are and where we need to be and
rejoice! Rejoice in how much we’ve accomplished through Christ’s grace. If we
find places where we are double-booked in our priorities, let us rejoice that God allowed
us to see and that he’s given us the opportunity and the tools necessary to correct
ourselves so we can both walk and speak in line with God’s Word, from this point on,
with the clear singular priority of loving God with all we are and do. |
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July 2, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 26 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul reminds the Galatians about their past when they did not
know God. We, like the Galatians, found then that life was a maze and our own
understanding could not gain the understanding and knowledge of God. Formerly, the things
of God seemed foolishness!
|
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Now that You Know
Paul chides the Galatians:
10You
are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11I fear for you, that
somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
The days of which Paul is speaking
are the ones observed by the Galatians before they met Christ. Why, because these were
practices which led to salvation by works. This continued behavior would be a self
placement (under pagan practices or) under the Law of Moses rather than under the
fulfilled law of grace!
Paul’s
Example
Paul then begins to open a subject
that would be definitely frowned upon to day by |
many. He talks of personal
concerns and feelings. Many would say he was “in the flesh.” Paul questions the
Galatians about perhaps having invested time and effort with them only to have them reject
his teaching and guidance to return to their previous life without the benefit of Jesus
Christ. Paul was, however, concerned for more than himself but he was not actually in
fear, as translated, but a better way to say it is alarmed for them that they just
hadn’t understood his message and teaching. Where is Your Joy?
The Apostle Paul understood that
following religion steals joy (“the joy of the Lord is our strength”). Religion
replaces joy with ritual and fear of not following ritual, religion, and tradition.
Religion brings guilt and hopelessness with no power to do anything but feel self
righteous (pride) but of no benefit to God, others, or one’s self! |
An Enemy
by Truth?
Paul, in verse 16 asks the
Galatians, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” There is
often in any group of believers the feeling whatever a member of the “Five Fold”
or other believers say to one another must be cheerful and upbeat to bring about warm
fuzzy feelings. This is not supported in scripture. Even Jesus made some very short,
terse, sharp remarks to his disciples. (“Get behind me Satan” /
“What’s it to you” for example).
Two Sides of Zeal
Zeal in itself is not good or bad it is the operation of it that
make zeal good or bad.
Paul Perplexed
Paul was perplexed by the changes in the Galatians but still
wanted to be with them so they could understand the tone of his voice and hear his love
and concern.
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Recently, we said good-bye to some
friends who are moving to another town. We will miss them, but we are excited for this new
stage in their lives and ministries. The scriptures tell us
that:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb. 13:8 NIV)
I have yet to find a scripture that tells me that
I will always have the same job description during my walk. On the contrary, scripture
mentions the stages of a Christian’s life:
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers . . .
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...our Christian walk
includes different stages and roles as we mature...
|
You need milk, not solid food! . . .But solid food
is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from
evil. (Hebrews 5:12, 14 NIV)
Now, I am not rebuking you as the writer is the
Hebrews, I’m just showing that our Christian walk includes different stages and roles
as we mature in our walk with Christ. Paul tells us:
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child,
I thought as a
|
child: but when I became a man, I put away childish
things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part;
but then shall I know even as also I am known. (I
Cor. 13:11-12 KJV)
Let us expectantly look forward to the changes and
new seasons through which God is taking us. Remember that when he asks us to do something
he also equips us to do that task, even if it may not seem so at first. Faith is the key
to moving from one stage or season to the next as we serve Christ. |
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June 25, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 25 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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The Apostle Paul reminds the Galatians about their past when they did not
know God. We, like the Galatians, found then that life was a maze and our own
understanding could not gain the understanding and knowledge of God. Formerly, the things
of God seemed foolishness! |
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Now that You Know
Paul chides the Galatians:
10You
are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11I fear for you, that
somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
The days of which Paul is speaking
are the ones observed by the Galatians before they met Christ. Why, because these were
practices which led to salvation by works. This continued behavior would be a self
placement (under pagan practices or) under the Law of Moses rather than under the
fulfilled law of grace!
Paul’s
Example
Paul then begins to open a subject
that would be definitely frowned upon to day by |
many. He talks of personal
concerns and feelings. Many would say he was “in the flesh.” Paul questions the
Galatians about perhaps having invested time and effort with them only to have them reject
his teaching and guidance to return to their previous life without the benefit of Jesus
Christ. Paul was, however, concerned for more than himself but he was not actually in
fear, as translated, but a better way to say it is alarmed for them that they just
hadn’t understood his message and teaching. Where is Your Joy?
The Apostle Paul understood that
following religion steals joy (“the joy of the Lord is our strength”). Religion
replaces joy with ritual and fear of not following ritual, religion, and tradition.
Religion brings guilt and hopelessness with no power to do anything but feel self
righteous (pride) but of no benefit to God, others, or one’s self! |
An Enemy
by Truth?
Paul, in verse 16 asks the
Galatians, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” There is
often in any group of believers the feeling whatever a member of the “Five Fold”
or other believers say to one another must be cheerful and upbeat to bring about warm
fuzzy feelings. This is not supported in scripture. Even Jesus made some very short,
terse, sharp remarks to his disciples. (“Get behind me Satan” /
“What’s it to you” for example).
Two Sides of Zeal
Zeal in itself is not good or bad it is the operation of it that
make zeal good or bad.
Paul Perplexed
Paul was perplexed by the changes in the Galatians but still
wanted to be with them so they could understand the tone of his voice and hear his love
and concern.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
|
|
Recently, we said good-bye to some
friends who are moving to another town. We will miss them, but we are excited for this new
stage in their lives and ministries. The scriptures tell us
that:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb. 13:8 NIV)
I have yet to find a scripture that tells me that
I will always have the same job description during my walk. On the contrary, scripture
mentions the stages of a Christian’s life:
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers . . .
|
...our Christian walk
includes different stages and roles as we mature...
|
You need milk, not solid food! . . .But solid food
is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from
evil. (Hebrews 5:12, 14 NIV)
Now, I am not rebuking you as the writer is the
Hebrews, I’m just showing that our Christian walk includes different stages and roles
as we mature in our walk with Christ. Paul tells us:
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child,
I thought as a
|
child: but when I became a man, I put away childish
things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part;
but then shall I know even as also I am known. (I
Cor. 13:11-12 KJV)
Let us expectantly look forward to the changes and
new seasons through which God is taking us. Remember that when he asks us to do something
he also equips us to do that task, even if it may not seem so at first. Faith is the key
to moving from one stage or season to the next as we serve Christ. |
|
|
June 18, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 24 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul lets the Galatians know,
“What I am saying is.” Paul takes great effort to be certain the Galatians
understand exactly what he is trying so hard to tell them.
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Child like a Slave
Though the child owns it all a child is not able to have control
of what has been inherited. There is preparation throughout childhood for the ability and
responsibility of handling that which has been inherited.
Subject to
Guardians
A child, like a slave, is subject to guardians and trustees.
These are those who are entrusted with their being fitted to the inheritance. When the
time determined by the father arrives they will fit on that day with the wisdom, the
knowledge, the ability, the understanding, and the endurance to function as master of
their inheritance.
Trustees are within the body of believers this is the purpose of
the Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor, and the Teacher.
Slaves to the World
The Apostle Paul |
explains that they were slaves to the ways
of the world in verse 3 of our scripture. This slavery to the world is what is removed by
the work of Christ in each
believer by the “renewing of the mind.” This permits man to gain a view of
things from God’s perspective rather than man’s perspective. When Time is
Fulfilled
Paul, in verse 4 tells
the Galatians about time and the fullness of it. The importance of time and the passing of
time is a must for the believer to grasp!
God has ordained certain things to
“come to pass” in the “fullness of time.” We are even reminded of this
in the story of Jesus the Christ’s birth regarding when the days had been
accomplished Jesus was born.
Jesus Born Under the
Law
Jesus, himself, was even born
under the law in order that he could |
fulfill the law. It was in
this way mankind could be freed from the burden of sin (missing the mark). There would
have been no receiving of redemption and thus our being able to gain our inheritance if
Jesus had not done what he did in the time allotted for the doing of it. Timing is so very
important in the bringing about of our inheritance. Waiting for God’s time is a vital
part of service to God.The Christ Make Us Sons
It is because a believer is a son
of God that the Spirit in us causes us to call out to the Heavenly Father and yearn to
want greater and greater fellowship with the Father. It is this Spirit in the
believer’s heart that makes them call out with a great cry “Abba, Father.”
We are then not as slaves but heirs of all Jesus the Christ brings us to, sonship in
God’s kingdom!
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Our Heavenly Father, all throughout
scripture, shows us how important fathers are and what a good father is. Looking at the
lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we can see how much importance God puts on fathers. God used one man to start not one, but many nations. He even changed that
one man’s name to prepare him for this.
"Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant
with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your
name will be Abraham, for I have |
Our Heavenly Father ...
shows us how important fathers are and what a good father is.
|
made you a father of many nations." Gen. 17:3-5 NIVTo make sure that this seed of the one man’s family
germinated into the nations God destined them to be he spoke to the next generation of his
covenant with Abraham.
". . . because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees
and my laws." Gen. 26:5 NIV
" That night the
LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be
afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the |
number of your descendants for the sake of
my servant Abraham." Gen. 26:24 NIV Our Heavenly Father watched, watered and brought to fruition the
seeds of his love and Fatherhood in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (and beyond) and a great
nation came of their descendants. Again he showed us his fatherhood and love at Calvary as
he made the way to save us his children. The seeds of loving fatherhood are shown in the
story of Abraham. That fatherhood is still alive today through his Word and his Spirit.
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June 11, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 23 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 The Apostle Paul lets the Galatians know faith in Christ Jesus brings the
promise of the Spirit. Jesus did all he did for the lost and dying so they could
become believers and be blessed so that “the blessing given to Abraham might come to
the Gentiles.”
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Promises to Abraham
The promises to Abraham were not given to Abraham alone, but to
his seed as well. Jesus Christ is the seed mentioned here. It is through this seed Jesus
the Christ that all who believe become heirs with Abraham to the promises of God to
Abraham!
Paul makes it clear that the law, which came into being 430 years
after the promises, did not do away with the promises. The promises to Abraham were a
covenant established by God. Because it is a covenant, it could not be done away with, but
had to be fulfilled (“God is not a man that he should lie’).
Inheritance not
dependent on Law
Remember God counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness! God,
therefore, gave him the promises based on Abraham’s faith! We are saved (i.e. saved,
healed, delivered) by |
the grace of God through the grace of God,
not through our works! If we were saved through our works it would require that we rely on
the law for salvation and the promises of God via the law, which no one could accomplish.
We would all perish in the law[b] and God is not willing that anyone should perish. God’s
desire and will is that all people have everlasting life with him! Purpose of the Law
The Apostle Paul addresses the purpose of the law in a straight
forward manner in Verse 19 in Galatians 3. He then makes it clear that the law was brought
into being due to the transgressions of mankind. This would allow mankind to know what God
wanted in mankind (Adam=man and woman). Paul says the law was an addition to the covenant
until “the Seed” (Jesus the Christ) would come and take away the sin of the
world. |
Law Not
Opposed to the Promise
Paul, in verse 21 of our text, then asks the question which would
have been swirling in the minds of his readers, 21a “Is the law, therefore, opposed
to the promises of God?” Paul answers this question quickly and decisively,
“Absolutely not.”
The law was made to lead us to Christ (v. 24) in order that we
could be saved by grace through faith.
All Sons of God
Paul makes it clear that those who believe in and on Jesus are,
“sons of God,” male or female!
If You Belong to
Christ
It is faith in Christ that brings the promises and the blessing
of the Spirit moving through the believer! Believers are sons of God!!!
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Many times in the Bible God tells us
to fear not. Just about every angel that appears in the scripture also says, “Fear
not,” or “Be not afraid.” This message must
be important to God if he gives it to us so often. Looking around today’s world at
all of the destruction that is done by people who are afraid, or to paralyze people by
making them afraid, one can see why God spends so much time encouraging us to fight
(resist) fear.
What you may wonder is the bedrock strength that
can give us the strength to resist fear? Let us consider these scriptures: |
God himself,...is the
bedrock of strength we can rely on....
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The LORD is with me; I will not be
afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in
triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:6-7 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because
of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave
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you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6 NIV
God himself, and his promise to be with us, is the
bedrock of strength we can rely on even if we experience or witness terrifying things.
The more we resist fear, the more we will find the strength,
courage, and direction we need to maneuver around or through fearsome circumstances. Not
only will we get through or around the fears this world is afraid of, we will also
receive, in the process, more testimonies to spread about our Heavenly Father and how he
delivers us. |
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June 4, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 22 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 Strong words from the Apostle Paul when he calls the Galatians foolish and
bewitched. Can you imagine this happening from a pulpit today in our “make me feel
good” culture that has even infiltrated the culture of believers? Can you hear how
many leaders would even say that what he said was not Christian!?
|
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
We will be having
individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in North and Central America in small
Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Paul asks, “Did you
receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard (the
Gospel)?” Beginning
with the Spirit
Paul is shocked to think that the Galatians, or anybody, would
want to return to their own “human effort.”
How foolish to have relied on the work of Christ on the cross and
his atoning blood and then to abandon the grace there provided. How could anyone return to
one’s own understanding and works to attain fellowship and salvation with the
Heavenly Father when that very thing is impossible.
Gifts in Grace
The gifts in which believers are able to operate are not due to
the Law, or gifts of the Law, but they are gifts of grace! The believer is the
“righteousness of God in Christ Jesus,” not |
in the law.The Spirit does not
move through the believer because they are “good” but because they have become
available by accepting the grace offered through Jesus Christ.
Consider Abraham
Father Abraham is an encouraging example of grace provided
through faith. The scripture tells us, “He believed and it was credited to him as
righteousness” [Gen 15:6].
Children of Abraham
Paul makes it clear that those who believe in and on Jesus Christ
are counted as children of Abraham. This means that believers have all the rights and
privileges of the one from which they have inherited their position. This is made possible
through faith and that faith in Jesus Christ alone making it possible for their being
grafted into |
the seed of Abraham! Under a Curse
Paul makes it clear in verse 10 by reminding
the Galatians that remaining under the Law
places one under the curse as is stated in Deuteronomy 27:26. (Note 4)
The Promise of the Spirit
Paul lets the Galatians know faith in Christ Jesus brings the
promise of the spirit. Jesus did all he did for the lost and dying so they could
become believers and be blessed so that “the blessing given to Abraham might come to
the Gentiles.”
It is faith then that brings the promise of the Spirit and the
blessing of the Spirit moving through the believer!
a
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Can you imagine the fear, emotion, and
strain the following woman was under?The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha,
"Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his
creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."
Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do
you have in your house?"
"Your servant has nothing there at all," she
said, "except a little oil." Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your
neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door
behind you and |
All she had was oil....
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Pour oil into all the jars, and as
each is filled, put it to one side." . . .When all the jars were full, she said to
her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar
left." Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and
told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your
sons can live on what is left." (2 Kings 4:1-4, 6-7 NIV)
Her children about to go into slavery to pay off the debt and the
prophet asks her what she has! If she had anything of value would she not have sold it
already to free her children!
All she had was oil—of what value is a little |
oil—these are the lives of her
precious babies—how could a little oil help? The
prophet told her what to do and she did and guess what?! Things were not as they seemed.
Mixing faith with obedience, that little bit of oil grew well beyond what it seemed. What
seemed like a condiment turned out to be the full provision.
Many people today look around themselves and think they either do
not have enough provision and/or no one cares. Things are not always what they seem. Let
us keep walking in faith and obedience and keep our eyes open for the unusual ways our
Lord brings his glorious provision. Rejoice and watch his glory work! |
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May 28, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 21 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 Paul reminds the Galatians that he had not shied away from
controversy with Peter when he came to Antioch . Paul challenged Peter directly, as well
as not so privately, regarding his behavior and stance on circumcision.
|
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
Soon--within the next
couple of years--we will be having individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in
North and Central America in small Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
Peter Held Accountable
The Apostle Paul makes it clear, he held Peter accountable for
what he had gone along with regarding the shunning of the uncircumcised believers1.
Those who practiced of this heresy had come from the Apostle James in Jerusalem and had
influenced Peter. Paul, while in Antioch, however, only held the Apostle Peter
accountable. This did not make the others who practiced heresy any more acceptable in
their practice, but demonstrates that it is the members of the “Five-Fold” who
are accountable for what they teach the sheep and what they may tacitly permit.
In the Face of Grace
This return to Jewish practices clearly flew in the face of the
grace provided in Christ Jesus. The practice would have eventually done away with the
whole purpose of Christ’s coming. Jesus’ work on the cross was for all who would |
repent and accept him as Lord and Savior. Believers would
have been forced to first become Jews and then been made to once again rely on their own
righteousness rather than the righteousness acquired/imputed2 through
faith in Christ.
Led Astray
There had been a number of these Jewish believers led astray by
this false doctrine and the tacit approval by Peter had given this false teaching
credibility to the point that even another leader and close associate of Paul,
“Barnabas was led astray.”
Reliance on Self
Paul makes it clear that these Judaizers were engaging in
hypocrisy. One cannot be Christian and rely on one’s own righteousness. Salvation is
by grace alone! Reliance on self is to be one’s own lord and to reject the Lord Jesus
Christ as Lord. |
Gave Up Relying on Law
Paul makes it clear in verses 15 and 16 neither Jew nor Greek is
justified by the law but that faith and reliance on Jesus the Christ is the only way that
can or will accomplish righteousness!
Died to Law
through Law
Paul lets us know in no uncertain terms that we who accept Christ
benefit from our being crucified with Christ. Here I’ll let Paul speak for himself in
verse 21:
21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if
righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Notes:
1. Judaizers -The unacceptable behavior of some
Jewish believers (Judaizers) was the avoiding eating with the gentile believers because of
following Jewish rules and customs.
2. Imputed Righteousness means that upon
repentance and belief in Christ, individuals are declared righteous. This righteousness is
not the believer's own, rather it is Christ's own righteousness 'imputed' to the believer. |
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Recently some very disturbing things have
occurred in our world. Dwelling on many of these disasters can be all encompassing, which
is not good. So, what can we do? Fortunately Paul addresses this:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let
your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but
in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.
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...think on the true...
pure... lovely things....
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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into
practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians
4:4-9 NIV
Please understand me. I am not implying that we
should put our heads in the sand and ignore the terrible things that are occurring because |
the scripture also encourages us to
be aware of what is happening in our world. What I am addressing is where we have our
focus. Philippians tells us to “rejoice in the Lord
always” Let us keep our focus on the Lord and be grateful for all he has done.
Focusing on the true, noble, and right things keeps us from being paralyzed from fear,
dread, worry, and their horrid colleagues. Let us continually rejoice in the Lord, enjoy
his stabilizing and protective peace, and think on the true… pure... lovely things so
when dealing with terrible things, we can do so in a peaceful manner.
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May 21, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 20 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 Paul goes up to Jerusalem after fourteen years to follow through
on a revelation he has received. He takes with him two others
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By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
Soon--within the next
couple of years--we will be having individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in
North and Central America in small Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
with whom he has done
extensive ministry, Barnabas and Titus. What we see here, then, is three of our
Lord’s servants going to Jerusalem together to check out everyone's understanding of
the gospel preached by Paul. Notice, there are three (3) of
them and three (3) is the number of prefect witness. Paul has taken with him two (2)
others [two (2) is the number of adequate witness] who can testify that what he is saying
to the leaders in Jerusalem is true.
Response to Revelation
The Apostle Paul makes it clear, he is going to Jerusalem in
response to a revelation (veil drawn back). You see, there had been false brothers who had
joined in their company of believers to spy on them in order to discredit the message of
freedom and liberty in grace which Paul preached.
No Bondage
The false brothers were wanting to discredit Paul |
and bring believers back under the
bondage of the law of sin and death—under the law of Moses. Paul makes it known that they, the Galatians, have been made free by grace
and that a return to the bondage of the law was not necessary because Jesus the Christ had
freed them from the law of sin and death!
No Intimidation
Paul is clear, that he was not intimidated by those who would not
accept the New Covenant of grace in Christ Jesus!
Paul states in verse 5, “We did not give into them for a
moment, so that the truth of the gospel might
remain with you.” (NIV)
Those Who Seemed
Paul makes it clear that he did not talk to just anyone about
this matter but he talked with , “those who seemed to be important.” (v.6) He
makes this statement being careful to |
acknowledge that these men added nothing to
his message, but received it well. God Not Impressed with Positions
Paul makes it clear God is not impressed with positions held by
man (Deut 10:17).
God Also at Work
We learn in verses 7-10 the unity that appeared among the
Apostles regarding both the Jews and the Gentiles.
We can also see the law of Perfect Witness again appearing in
these verses as James, Peter, and John gave the “right hand of fellowship to Paul,
Barnabas, and Titus.
God was at work in all of them building The Kingdom and none of
them were building their own Kingdom.
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
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Have you ever noticed that many of
the stories in the Bible show how people go through a process of achieving the goal that
God has set before them? One example that shows this is the story of Jacob. Jacob had numerous chapters or steps to his journey. Growing up in his
father’s home, taking the Blessing and then running from Esau, working for one wife,
then the other wife, escaping his father-in-law, becoming Israel . . . and this is just
the first part of his journey.
We can see that Jacob does things that both honor and
dishonor God |
Gradual, diligent, and
methodical steps are quite acceptable.
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at different times of his life.
(Haven’t we all?) Despite his challenges which at the time resulted in him taking a
step or two back, Jacob did continue on in his journey, step by step, not flying leap by
flying leap. I am not saying that some of us will not take
flying leaps, my point is just that gradual, diligent and methodical steps are quite
acceptable.
The Sojourner has many times told me that life is a journey so
enjoy the journey!
This journey is best conquered one step at a time. We
can see in |
Jacob’s life he often did not know
what the second and third steps were to be until he had taken the first step. This is
where faith comes into play. God knows our past, our present, and our future. Let us trust
that God knows which steps we are to take next and if we listen he will let us know where
to step and when. Following both his timing and his plan we will conquer the obstacles
before us and even if we have some “step-backs” God, in his grace, can put our
repentant hearts back on course and take us places in life further then we ever thought
we’d go.
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May 14, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 19 |
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Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
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 When Jesus ascended, he did not abandon his followers/believers.
He actually said some quite startling things during his seemingly last encounter with his
followers. Just imagine if you had been one of those present
|
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
Soon--within the next
couple of years--we will be having individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in
North and Central America in small Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
there out by Bethany, and you
heard Jesus tell you what you were to do but you had to, needed to, it was necessary to,
wait in Jerusalem for a period of time before you could carry out his directives to you. Jesus Had Appeared
Our scripture tells us that Jesus had already appeared to Mary
Magdalene and two others but the eleven would not believe them! This must have been a
humbling moment for the eleven when Jesus showed up in their midst and took them out to
Bethany[a], there to give them instruction and ascend to the Heavenly Father in
order that the Holy Spirit could come.
Jesus Rebukes
We are told that Jesus rebuked the disciples,
“for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal.” This is an interesting
passage because to hear most believers today one would think it not Christ-like |
to speak a rebuke to
believers, especially from the “Five-fold.” So WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)? He
would correct when correction was needed. The Great Commission
Jesus no sooner corrects them but then gives them the greatest
instruction and commission he has given, to this point, to his chosen messengers.
Can you imagine what would have happened if the disciples had
said, “Well, if he is going to act like that, I don’t know if I want to have
anything to do with him.”
It would seem a resurrection carries more weight in the eyes of
some, than miracles might have in their thinking. Even though they had just been rebuked
for lack of faith and stubbornness, Jesus was still willing to give them the greatest
commission ever given to men up to that point in history! This should encourage us all
greatly! |
These
Signs
Jesus tells his disciples that he will provide evidence to all
those who believe, who will carry out this commission! You see it is the carrying out of
his will that the signs and wonders follow or in fact accompany (see v. 17-18)
They And You Are
Witnesses
Jesus makes it clear they are the witnesses and so are all
believers who will follow his words.
Jesus did not place a person limit or a time limit on this
commission other than one glorious day he would catch us away when all had been fulfilled
which has been spoken of in the Word of God.
|
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Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
|
|
Looking at the news today can be a
disturbing experience. Death and disease have taken
forms that our great-grandparents would have never conceived. Stress levels and fear
levels are at a place uncommon in generations gone before us. I have heard so many stories
of people being afraid of other people and living their lives according to that fear.
Numerous times in the scriptures we are told to, “Fear not!” How can we do
that?! Proverbs gives us the solution.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever
trusts in the
|
Walk out the call God has
for you!
|
LORD is kept safe. Proverb
29:25 NIV
Consider Noah, Daniel and King David. All three of
these men had ample opportunity to be afraid of what other men thought or physically
afraid of other men’s responses to their actions.
Noah suffered ridicule from his peers for decades—but he
trusted the Lord and was kept safe.
Daniel and his friends threatened with death but still trusted
the Lord and all four men were miraculously kept safe. David honored God’s ways and
God’s chosen king (even though that king was trying to kill fhim) and God not only |
kept David safe, but he ulfilled the
call he anointed David for years before, and put him on the throne of Israel. Walk out the call/vision God has for you. Keep tuned to his voice and his
Word and remember Proverb 3:5-6NIV
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.
Fear God—do not fear man because as you trust God you will
be kept safe. |
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|
April 30, 2006
Vol. 4
Number 17 |
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|
Pray for our people in uniform
at home and abroad! |
|
|
When Jesus ascended, he did not abandon his followers/believers.
He actually said some quite startling things during his seemingly last encounter with his
followers. Just imagine if you had been one of those present |
By Christ's salvation we were saved,
healed and delivered! |
|
Motorhomes for Missions
Soon--within the next
couple of years--we will be having individuals and couples (mostly couples) traveling in
North and Central America in small Class B Motor Homes as the Lord leads.
They will be encountering the floundering with
the hope of Christ.
They will be in a sense “migrant
workers” harvesting in the Lord’s fields.
|
Want to be a
part? Let us know!
|
|
|
|
there out by Bethany, and you
heard Jesus tell you what you were to do but you had to, needed to, it was necessary to,
wait in Jerusalem for a period of time before you could carry out his directives to you. Jesus Had Appeared
Our scripture tells us that Jesus had already appeared to Mary
Magdalene and two others but the eleven would not believe them! This must have been a
humbling moment for the eleven when Jesus showed up in their midst and took them out to
Bethany[a], there to give them instruction and ascend to the Heavenly Father in
order that the Holy Spirit could come.
Jesus Rebukes
We are told that Jesus rebuked the disciples,
“for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal.” This is an interesting
passage because to hear most believers today one would think it not Christ-like |
to speak a rebuke to
believers, especially from the “Five-fold.” So WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)? He
would correct when correction was needed. The Great Commission
Jesus no sooner corrects them but then gives them the greatest
instruction and commission he has given, to this point, to his chosen messengers.
Can you imagine what would have happened if the disciples had
said, “Well, if he is going to act like that, I don’t know if I want to have
anything to do with him.”
It would seem a resurrection carries more weight in the eyes of
some, than miracles might have in their thinking. Even though they had just been rebuked
for lack of faith and stubbornness, Jesus was still willing to give them the greatest
commission ever given to men up to that point in history! This should encourage us all
greatly! |
These
Signs
Jesus tells his disciples that he will provide evidence to all
those who believe, who will carry out this commission! You see it is the carrying out of
his will that the signs and wonders follow or in fact accompany (see v. 17-18)
They And You Are
Witnesses
Jesus makes it clear they are the witnesses and so are all
believers who will follow his words.
Jesus did not place a person limit or a time limit on this
commission other than one glorious day he would catch us away when all had been fulfilled
which has been spoken of in the Word of God.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share a teaching tape
with someone today! |
|
|
Looking at the news today can be a
disturbing experience. Death and disease have taken
forms that our great-grandparents would have never conceived. Stress levels and fear
levels are at a place uncommon in generations gone before us. I have heard so many stories
of people being afraid of other people and living their lives according to that fear.
Numerous times in the scriptures we are told to, “Fear not!” How can we do
that?! Proverbs gives us the solution.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever
trusts in the
|
Walk out the call God has
for you!
|
LORD is kept safe. Proverb
29:25 NIV
Consider Noah, Daniel and King David. All three of
these men had ample opportunity to be afraid of what other men thought or physically
afraid of other men’s responses to their actions.
Noah suffered ridicule from his peers for decades—but he
trusted the Lord and was kept safe.
Daniel and his friends threatened with death but still trusted
the Lord and all four men were miraculously kept safe. David honored God’s ways and
God’s chosen king (even though that king was trying to kill fhim) and God not only |
kept David safe, but he ulfilled the
call he anointed David for years before, and put him on the throne of Israel. Walk out the call/vision God has for you. Keep tuned to his voice and his
Word and remember Proverb 3:5-6NIV
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.
Fear God—do not fear man because as you trust God you will
be kept safe. |
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| |
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