The Jesus Tribe

New Links

2009-06-11T07:28:00.002-04:00

I have added several new links that a reader has suggested for everyone to check out(thanks Jack). If anyone has links, thoughts, or a revelation to share...please feel free to type it out and send it to me. We are to edify and exhort and love one another; we ARE our brothers keeper. We need to put ourselves "out there" and see what happens. Guarantee you're not the only one seeing what you are ... and even if you are, so what? We'll think you're crazy and talk about you behind your back! Just kidding, obviously. So send me your stuff and let's start sharing and stirring things up.

Amazing Grace & Abundant Life

2009-05-31T11:53:00.001-04:00

I remember when I first “got saved” and accepted Jesus as “my personal Savior”. All the enthusiasm I had for evangelism; wanting everyone to know what I now knew. The excitement with which I responded to God and to the revelation that Jesus offered “abundant life” to those who believe.

As time wore on, some of that fire died down. The flame didn’t go out, but it did mellow. Life got busy. I still believed. I still followed Him, but Grace became more of a doctrinal understanding than a way of life, or a way to life, and I didn’t describe that daily walk in grace as amazing or joyful. Life got dry, dull, tedious and monotonous.

I am often reminded that He came to bring us life, and not just life, but “abundant life”.

That sounds very different from the ordinary ho-hum daily grind we so often experience, doesn’t it? A brother shared with me a definition he says he received from the Lord and it is this:

Life – the experience of existing in this realm without the hindrance of time, resources or circumstances.

The concordance gives this definition for grace:

Grace – the divine influence upon the heart and the outward reflection thereof.

Imagine, if you can, being so dependant, so trusting, in Father for His provision of your every need, that you could go about doing Kingdom work [walking in grace] without any concern whatsoever over schedules, appointments (time), money, food, shelter (resources), health, family, job, bills, obligations (circumstances) [abundant life].

Can you imagine that kind of freedom; that kind of abundant life; that kind of walk in grace?

So, how do we get to that place? For each of us, God seems to allow that hunger to grow in different ways. We slowly become dissatisfied with what we have of Him and what we know of Him and we want more. We dig deeper.

If you had to describe your current spiritual life, what words would you choose?

Dry, Saturated, Boring, Encouraged, Lonely, Fulfilling, Exciting, Overwhelming, Challenging, Tiresome, Busy, Easy, Joyful, Hard, Ever Changing

Many people think God is disgusted with them as they fail in their Christian walk, but in actuality, God sees our failures as opportunities for Him to work in us. Through our sense of being utterly hopeless, God is able to bring us to the end of our natural selves; and it is at the end of ourselves where we find Him.

The frustrated church worker believes that being a good Christian means dedicating his own fleshly work to God, when in reality, true Christian work is Father Himself doing the work through a totally yielded person. The compulsion to want to do what God wants done isn’t a new one. Just look at Abraham and Sarah. When God told them they would have a son, they were excited, and although they believed God, they thought He needed their help in fulfilling the promise. All they really did was to make a mess and complicate things. Right up to this very day there is still centuries-old conflict between the Arabs and the Jews.

Trying to do Father’s work through our own efforts always produces conflict. Father weans us of our self-reliance by using adversity. His goal for us is brokenness. We will never understand that Father doesn’t want to give us strength until we are faced with troubles that are so overwhelming that we realize we can’t handle them in our own strength. Why? Because He wants to be our strength. While this breaking-down process is painful, it can’t be avoided if a Christian is to experience maximum usefulness in service to Father.

We are so busy trying to live for God when what He really wants is to live His life through us. Asking God to help us live for Him is to request some sort of divine blessing on our effort to do what He wants us to do. The difference is working for Him verses resting in Him and trusting Him to do through us what He wants done. The difference is law & grace. The law says, “Help me do things right and stick to your rules”, whereas grace says, “I am abiding in You and You in me. Express Your life through me in any way You desire.”

Remember the definition of grace? The divine influence upon the heart and the outward reflection thereof. Much like the moon, having no light of its own, but reflects the sun to the earth; so are we without our own light, and we are to reflect the Son into the world.

It is the difference between doing and resting. It is the difference between law and grace. It is the difference between going to church and being the church. It is the difference between working for God and letting Father have is way through you. Mary and Martha.

I think maybe when we let go and let God, when we stop trying and start trusting, when we stop striving and start resting… Maybe that’s when we discover this abundant life without hindrances.

Thoughts? Comments? Discussions?

Amazing Grace Lyrics

2009-05-28T21:12:00.004-04:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear... the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

The Purposely Driven Angle On The Purpose Driven Life

2009-05-15T23:03:00.004-04:00

I recently participated in Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” six week study. Being who I am, I was bored watching a man teach from the DVD. My couch became a pew and the TV the pulpit.

I had really been anticipating more interactive discussion and sharing amongst the body. Not to sound snobbish, but I was surprised at the “milky” diet of the content. After 13+ years of being a follower & believer of Christ Jesus, I am seeking a “meatier” diet and looking for the deeper things. This seemed very basic and at times monotonous.

Although I feel that the process of discovering our gifts and purposes is a basic thing that young believers need to do, I do also think that the way Warren goes about relaying the steps in this process are misleading and sometimes out right wrong. Warren often paraphrases scripture, and often cites half-verses, and takes verses out of their intended context.

And though I don’t necessarily believe that Warren is doing this intentionally in every situation, I do think it is important to make other’s aware that his use of “proof-texting” in his teachings is misleading, especially to those who are new to the faith and less able to discern.

Last night while covering lesson 4, part 1, Warren proceeded to tell us of the 3 tools God uses to conform us to the image of His Son, or make us more like Jesus. Tool #1, Warren states, is the Bible.

Really? I think he was referring to 'all scripture', but regardless, he more than implied that without one accessing a bible, God cannot conform you. God doesn't need you to read a book to conform you. See, his confusion lies with God doing the work verses you doing the work. For you to do something yourself, you need instructions, an outline, directions. For God to do the work, He only need to want to do it. He already knows what needs to be done, when and how. Truthfully, the less we think we know, the less we can get in His way and mess things up with our own works.

What Warren goes on to say, however, is not benign. Warren says that one HAS to read their bible to hear from God. “Open the bible, God speaks. Close the bible and you close the mouth of God.”

Really? All God has for us is in those pages? God doesn’t speak to us, His ecclesia (called out ones) anymore? How sad. To think that all I will ever know of Him, my Father, my God, the Creator of the universe, is fully contained within the written pages of mans work.

Maybe that is because Rick Warren, and many churches, have traded in the Living God for the bible. They continually refer to it as “The Word”, when inside its pages it makes clear that Jesus is the Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God….. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” John 1:1-10

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John1:14

Warren’s bible paraphrases prove his positions. On page 68 of The Purpose Driven Church we see how Warren uses a verse from The Living Bible to biblically prove his conviction that intelligent Christians should be open to “new ideas”.

“The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them” (Proverbs 18:15).

For the undiscerning Christian reading his book, this verse would be taken at face value and accepted as biblical proof for whatever deceptions one might be planning.

A deceiver could easily convey that innovation of the church is necessary, and that traditional thinking in the church is outdated and in need of replacing with these “new ideas.”

But what does this verse really say? In the New King James Version it reads:

“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Prov 18:15)

According to the literal understanding of this verse in the context of Scripture, any “knowledge” that a prudent man seeks is based on the objective truth of God’s Word and does not imply any use of “new ideas.”

Don’t you think that to state that the verse is advocating being “open to new ideas” is wildly off the mark, dangerous, deceptive and misleading; if not outright heretical? The terms “knowledge” and “new ideas” are not synonymous, and it is irresponsible of Warren to suggest otherwise by using this paraphrase.

Could these new ideas include that we should be open to “new ideas” like New Age mysticism? How careless a translation!

Again, in the heading of Chapter 7 from The Purpose Driven Life, Warren uses the following verse:

"The Lord has made everything for his own purposes." (Proverbs 16:4, NLT)

You simply cannot argue that to the undiscerning reader, to the babe in Christ, who is looking for God’s purpose in their life, you can't argue that this verse is misleading and incomplete and should not be allowed to stand on its own merit.

However, this is not the complete verse, even though it is falsely cited as such. In the KJV, Proverbs 16:4 fully reads, “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil”. The full force of this verse lies in the truth that God has made ALL THINGS for his own purpose, even making the wicked for the purpose of punishment!

So why does Warren present it with a sentence-ending period as if he cited it entirely when he did not? Why didn’t he accurately note the reference as Proverbs 16:4a? Maybe the second half of the verse didn’t fit in and therefore he felt the necessity to deliberately leave it out?

Warren does it again on page 76 with Psalm 14:2, where he chooses the weakest rendering he can from The Living Bible:

“The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want to please God.”

By singling out this verse, without putting it in its proper context, Warren is guilty of presenting a half-truth. Yes, God may be looking on all men to see who understands, but what Warren doesn't tell us is that God doesn't find one single person who fits that description! Look at the context of both verses as seen in the more literal rendering of the NKJV:

Psalm 14:2: The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. 14:3: They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.

As you can see, the third verse of Psalm 14 is pivotal to understanding God’s truth about the complete sinfulness and rebellion of natural man, but Warren fails to cite it.

Instead he chooses to present a weak translation of a single verse to imply that God is actively seeking out “purpose driven” God-pleasers. What Warren doesn’t tell us, however, is that God finds NONE who do good, NOT EVEN ONE. This is such an important truth about man’s utter sinfulness that Paul reiterated it in Romans 3:10-12 to emphasize the point.

So why did Warren leave that part out? Is it because it would negate his “purpose driven” argument?

Distorted View of God

2009-05-10T13:10:00.004-04:00

((This post has been hi-jacked from a fellow blogger over at Greg's Head. It would be nice if you stop by and visit his blog by clicking the link in the post title.))

Now, hear me out.

I have a feeling my words here could be misunderstood. But I also think I may be seeing something from a slightly new angle (for me) that may also be helpful to you.

As I've been reading Genesis again, I've been watching for how God is interacting with us (people) in the stories. What seems to be his heart. Where is the person we see in Jesus in the gospels. I've commented here already on how much I can see that God is with us, and wants to be. Even though we have been a mess pretty much from the start. That's amazingly cool.Another line stood out to me.

When Seth [son of Adam and Eve, after Cain killed Abel] grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. It was during his lifetime that people first began to worship the Lord.Genesis 4:26

Wait. Say that again?

It was during his [Enosh, grandson of Adam] lifetime that people first began to worship the Lord.

Really? What about Adam? And Eve? And Cain and Abel... what about the offerings that they brought, the ones that were acceptable and unacceptable. Didn't God establish some kind of worship rules and schedule for them to follow? He didn't?

Huh.

Strangely, in this brief, overviewish jaunt through Genesis so far, one thing I have noticed is that God did not require worship. At least, I haven't seen it. What I have noticed is a slow progression in the way we (people) feel towards him and interact with him.

In Genesis 2, Adam and Eve spent time literally in God's presence. And he with them. When they had to fess up to eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God was walking around in the garden. He was right there.

There is a line in this account that I remember just chuckling at as a kid. Remember it?

"Now, although Adam and his wife were both naked, neither of them felt any shame."

Tee hee! They were naked! Isn't that funny!?

Until this day, I don't think I really understood the significance of that. The fact that there is no shame was revealing much more than the basis for a life of nudism.

Consider the role shame seems to play not only in the next chapter, but the next ten chapters of Genesis, and sin completely overwhelms the human race, and Genesis says, "all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil." The first effect of shame was that they felt they had to cover up their bodies. God found them hiding from him, the account says, because they realized they were naked. But could it also have been that they realized they had chosen what God had told them not to?

Following that, notice that Cain and Abel both start bringing offerings to God. Already, they are separating God from themselves. Adam did not do that. Adam and Eve did not. But one generation later, that is what is happening. And God continued to be with them.

Then Seth was born, and as I wrote above, it was during his son Enosh's life time that people first began worshipping the Lord. Another step towards removing ourselves from God, distancing ourselves from him.

By the time Noah and his family got on the ark, God told them to make provisions for sacrifices which they offered after the flood was over and they were all alone on the planet.

Now, did God command them to offer sacrifices? Didn't he by saying bring enough animals for a sacrifice demand to be worshipped? I don't think so. Jesus said that God allows for divorce because the people had hardened their hearts. God knew that even "righteous" Noah and his family felt the need to offer sacrifices - which seems to be another step further down the road of separating ourselves from God than Cain and Abel's offerings. (Says nothing of a "sacrifice" in that instance.)

Do you see how important it was that we had no shame?

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

We're almost to Easter. Easter is often a time when we implore people to feel shame. Remember that it was our fault that Jesus went to the cross! He grudgingly took our guilt upon him, all the way to the cross, scorning its shame.

Wait, what? It doesn't say "grudgingly"? Oh? Right! It says this:
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

Great pleasure. From the beginning of time, all God has wanted is to have a relationship with us. Him... with us. He pursues us. I submit that we, out of understandable shame, are the ones who separate ourselves from him. Not that he is not deserving of reverence and awe and worship. He is. But I believe he made us to be his kids... not his subservient subjugated subjects.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Jesus defeated sin, death, and shame on the cross that day. "For the joy set before him." We've read before that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." It's so hard to see it, because we live with shame. We move God off to a distance because we know our shortcomings. He is holy, different, other. And he is. But I think what he wanted us to see in Jesus - the perfect representation of who he is - is that he's not afraid to get a little dirty.

I think it's great to sing to and worship God and even remind ourselves just how amazing and awesome he really is. But in the end, what he seems to want most of all, is for us to just be with him. To know him.

Jesus, and the cross, gives us the freedom to do that.

The freedom to be ourselves - naked - with him.

That's something worth celebrating.

Labels: Bible, God's Nature, Jesus, Life With God

Language; Hi-Jacking God's Vocabulary

2009-05-06T22:38:00.003-04:00

Very often we take God's vocabulary and we apply our own meaning to them, using self serving definitions.

Some examples of these would be:

"Communion"; meant to be an experience of community and fellowship shared among believers, now, almost always, refers to the attending of a religious ceremony and partaking of a cracker & juice.

"Church"; what Jesus Himself is building with living stones & intertwined human relationships, now reduced to every brick & mortar non-profit with a steeple.

"Marriage"; a man & woman covenanting with God to partner one another for life, now an instrument for obtaining government recognition, insurance benefits, societal approval, etc.

I could (and have) go on & on about any one of these, but the one on my mind tonight (probably because it is the most talked about in the media and in religious circles) is marriage. Gay marriage in particular.

My view on it is this... IT IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS.

The Government can and will dictate whatever they deem necessary to ensure their own popularity with the people. They can "create" civil unions. They can legalize same sex marriages. They can call the earth flat and insist it is the center of the universe... but that doesn't make it so.

When God looks down from His throne room and views His church, I am positive He sees His people, His ecclesia, His 'called out ones'. Believers. Followers of His Son. Not the buildings with the bells and steeples. They appear no different to Him than the library or town hall buildings.

The same applies to marriage. What the Lord has joined together, let no man tear asunder. If the Lord hasn't joined it, created it, appointed it... then it isn't. Period.

The verse "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's" comes to mind, only with a tweak; render unto the world/government that which is the world's/government's.

I think it comes to mind because I believe our mindset ought to be one of "What does it matter to me if the world calls a homosexual union a marriage?" It may be as irritating to others as it is to me when people call a stone building "a church", but man has always had a knack for calling good evil and evil good, or seeing things upside down. If people are offending God, I trust God to deal with them on it. I have been called to love justly, live mercily and walk humbly with my God.

Even moreso, I don't understand my brothers and sisters in Christ who are gathering together in prayer to stand up for "God's Institution of Marriage", and they rally against the legalization something ... as if man calling it something actually makes it something to God.

Rather God recognizes it as such or not really shouldn't matter to us. Just as I get ticked at folks who call a two by four and dry wall structure a "church" makes it God's ecclesia.

I say stop fighting the world! They are doing exactly what Jesus said they would be doing approaching the end times. We need to keep our eyes on Him, our prayers on our children and families and our focus on His will for the Body of Christ. Everything else is none of our business.

The Birth of a Chick

2009-05-04T21:16:00.003-04:00

When in the midst of great change, it is helpful to remember how a chick is born. From the view of the chick, it is a terrifying struggle. Confined and curled in a dark shell, half-formed, the chick eats all its food and stretches to the contours of its shell. It begins to feel hungry and cramped. Eventually, the chick begins to starve and feels suffocated by the ever-shrinking space of its world.

Finally, its own growth begins to crack the shell, and the world as the chick knows it is coming to an end. Its sky is falling. As the chick wriggles through the cracks, it begins to eat its shell. In that moment - growing but fragile, starving and cramped, its world breaking - the chick must feel like it is dying. Yet, once everything it has relied on falls away, the chick is born. It doesn't die, but falls into the world.

The lesson is profound. Transformation always involves the falling away of things we have relied on, and we are left with a feeling that the world as we know it is coming to an end, because it is.

Yet the chick offers us the wisdom that the way to be born while still alive is to eat our own shell. When faced with great change - in self, in relationship, in our sense of calling - we somehow must take in all that has enclosed us, nurtured us, incubated us, so when the new life is upon us, the old is within us.

This picture has been helpful for me in my transition. Instead of being bitter and judgmental about my time in the institutional church I am thankful for it. It truly was a safe, nurturing place for me to develop. It is also true that it doesn't have the food to continue my growth and that it was time for me to break out of its confinement. The idea of eating the shell, of internalizing that which has brought me to today, leaves me in a place of gratitude for the nourishment.

With that same understanding, I am not anxious to break anyone out of their own shell or pull them into my new found freedom. That could be developmentally harmful for them. If they are safe within the safety of some brick and mortar walls, it may be a very good thing, for now. When it is time they will emerge, ready to see the Light in a brand new, unobstructed way. And, to build on this most-excellent metaphor, chicks are usually hatching in the midst of other already-hatched chicks. While in that shell, they can likely hear the "peeps" of other chicks, who've previously hatched. Those peeps can beckon them on, encouraging them to know that there is life beyond what we perceive. Something beyond the "matrix."

Some of us are called to peep; to "be peeps" for the ones emerging, awakening, coming to life. While we cannot break open their shell (lest we risk damaging them before their time), and we also cannot crawl back into the shell with them, we can put forth encouragement, signs of the life we're living.

And then I will dance with them, like the other Free Believer chicks have been teaching me to dance.

"peep"..."peep"

Know Ye Not

2009-05-04T20:23:00.002-04:00

I believe we need to get and keep an accurate picture of who and what the CHURCH really is. We are his church. Church is not a place, a building or a meeting. It is a people. A Called Out people with whom Jesus is in love and wants a relationship. Everyone together who possess His Life are called the Ecclesia, the Church, the Body of Christ. The individual members of the Ecclesia are called Christians. They are the in-Christed ones. They abide in Him, and He abides in them.

I read this a long time ago and saved it in a folder. It is such an accurate picture of the church that Jesus is building without human hands. This is not to say that there are not people in religious purposed buildings who love Him and seek Him. Remember, most of us went that route before we got where we are now. "There, but by the grace of God, go I". Yes?

Instead of being bitter, regrettful or judgmental about my time in the organized church, I am thankful for it, even grateful for it's nourishment. It truly was a safe, nurturing place for me to develop. BUT, it is also true that it doesn't have the food to continue my growth and that it was time for me to break out of its confinement.

So while we can hate the deceptions and grieve the gaps in our brotherhood, we must not lose sight of the fact that God has His purpose in the buildings, the programs, the meetings and most importantly in our brothers and sisters who are in them. Amen?

This is the vision:

Now imagine that the Lord wakes you up one night and says, "Come up hither, and I will show you the Church." You expect Him to carry you down the street to the Family Worship Center or across the country to where the crowds say they are experiencing revival; but instead you find yourself rising high into the air, leaving the earth behind, and in the blink of an eye you travel beyond the edges of the temporal universe and into the spirit realm, seated with Christ in heavenly places, there in the throne of God. Seated with the Lord and looking back down upon the world, we find from this perspective that the cathedrals, the church buildings, the worship centers, the sanctuaries, the denominational offices, the seminaries, the tithes and offerings, the membership drives, the movements, all vanish from sight. Everything melts away. He does not see the Assemblies of God, the Southern Baptists, the United Methodists, the Lutherans, the Presbyterians, or the Roman Catholics. He does not see Charismatics or Fundamentalists or Bible Belts or Christian Conservatives or Religious Rights. He does not see the building devoted to religious meetings as anything more special or significant than the grocery store or barber shop.

He sees pastors, yes, but strangely, He does not see every director of a non-profit organization who owns a building devoted to religious meetings as a pastor. And it is not just the pastors that are different from our heavenly observation point. Everything seems odd. Backwards. Apostles are not where you expect them to be, and they are not doing what you expect them to be doing; neither are prophets, evangelists, or teachers. Yet, they are right where He wants them to be, doing exactly what He wants them to do. Interestingly enough, He is not concerned with a rise or decline in church attendance because He does not see the Church as something which can be attended. Hmmmm.

Standing next to Him we see as He sees. We realize when we look upon Christendom that all God sees there is His Church, the Ecclesia. He deems those who abide in Him, those who possess the Son, as those who have Life. His Church is not declining, it is growing because His Life cannot be contained or restricted. His Ecclesia is outside the matrix. His Church is spiritual, and as such, it is eternal, transcending time and space. Just as He is, and does.

You look upon His Face and see the curve of His smile, so you follow His gaze - and there it is, the living stones and precious gems which make up His Church. You couldn't see them before, because you were right in the middle of it while still on earth. But now, far removed from it all and looking down upon it from the Lord's perspective, you see that the living stones are being assembled together into a brilliant, gleaming, dazzling building which covers the entire earth! An angel stands apart from it, shouting, "100% pure: never touched by human hands!" You zoom in closer and discover that the stones and gems are not literal stones and gems, but people! Wonderful, beautiful, joy-filled people, joined together into a striking mosaic of vibrant colors, a tapestry of interwoven beauty, a medley of lives in perfect twelve-part harmony, all pulsing with His heartbeat, His Life, His Essence. You begin to weep at the unadulterated purity of it and oneness of it. There is no spot, wrinkle, or blemish to be found. Only God could make something this gorgeous. Only God. Only God. And there, in the midst of this wonderful place, you see what makes it so splendid... There HE is, walking around in the midst of this Temple, adding living stone upon living stone, precious gem upon precious gem, and what do you hear? Singing? Yes. The Living Stones are crying out in praise. And He is smiling, and ...whistling while He works.

Jesus is building His Church. Then, as quickly as it began, it is over. You open your eyes and find yourself back on earth, having returned to your three dimensional world. It's a sunny day, the birds are singing, the church bells are ringing, and you see men, women, and children walking down the street, carrying their Bibles. You rush out into the road and grab an elderly gentleman. "Where are you going? What's going on? Why are you so dressed up?".

"Get your hands off me, you crazy idiot! It's Sunday morning, and I'm going to church!"

"You've seen the Church??"

"Seen it? Of course I've seen it. My great-great grandfather helped build that church!"

"No, I mean have you SEEN the CHURCH," you repeat emphatically. "The Church that JESUS is building!"

"I don't know what the devil you're talking about, young man. Now let me alone, or I'll be late!"

You let him go and before you know it you are swept along by the crowd and find yourself sitting within the four walls of a building that calls itself "First Hypocritical Church, International." The service is just beginning. The pastor approaches the lectern and announces, "Let us all stand and sing!" Not sure what to do, you join in the chorus: Know ye not, know ye not, ye are the Temple?Know ye not, know ye not, ye are the Temple? Know ye not, know ye not, ye are the Temple? Ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost!

At the end of the song the pastor appears at the lectern again and matter-of-factly shouts, "Isn't it good to be in the house of God today!" It's more of a statement than a question. And all the people say, "AMEN!" Hope rises! The House of God! Maybe he's seen it too! Forgetting where you are, you stand up and excitedly shout, "Have YOU seen the House of God, brother?"

"Amen!" He replies. "It's good to be in church this morning!"

"Amen!" the people agree.

"No, wait a minute," you interrupt, mouthing the words ever so slowly and deliberately, as if you were talking to a deaf lip reader. "Have you SEEN the CHURCH, brother? The Church that JESUS is building?" All heads are turned now, facing you.

The old man, one of the deacons, whispers, "That's the weirdo I met on the way to church this morning!" The pastor is growing impatient. "This IS the church, brother. Hallelujah!"

"But sir," you press, "KNOW YE NOT YE ARE THE TEMPLE???" The silence is deafening. "You are the Temple. WE are the Temple! Jesus is building His Church! I've seen it! It's a wonderful House of Living Stones, filled with His Life! We are the Church that He is building! We are the Living Stones, the Precious Gems! I saw Jesus, and He was smiling and placing the stones together, and..."

Some teenagers on the back row are giggling.

"I've seen it! It's true! The stones... the jewels... it's gorgeous!"

The people are looking at the pastor to see what he will do. Slowly it dawns on you. You realize that to them you are an alien from another planet trying to communicate something that is so real to you, but it is totally foreign to the rest of the world.

Desperately you grab the man standing next to you by the shoulders, thinking to shake it into him. "You don't believe me... But it's true! You sing about it... but you don't believe it! YOU ARE THE TEMPLE! You have to believe me! I've seen it! Jesus is building His Church!"

The ushers are making their way over to your place in the pew. Sweating and shaking, you look around the sanctuary, wild-eyed. "No, something's wrong here. Everything is different... this isn't the Church! I mean, you're calling it church, but this isn't what I've seen at all. No, the Church is... is... One Flock with One Shepherd, not divided up into denominations and sects! It's a mosaic of people! It's a tapestry of rich colors! It's a medley..." You begin to sob. "Listen to me! Know ye not ye are the Temple?!?"

The congregation is uncomfortable and agitated. The old deacon is ashen-faced, glaring at the pastor to put an end to this. "Friend," the pastor finally manages, "if you'll go with the ushers I'm sure we can better minister to you in private. With every head bowed and every eye closed, why don't we go to the Lord in prayer right now." While every head is bowed and every eye is closed, except the pastor's head and eyes, the ushers quickly hustle you out the back door. The pastor smiles. "and the church said... AMEN. Amen. You may be seated. Well, praise the Lord. Today my message is entitled, 'What It Means To Be A Christian'. Turn in your Bibles to...".

*************If God would grant you a moment by His side and allow you a fleeting glance at His Church you would at once understand what a pitiful substitute we have in Organized Religion. There is no vanity so deep as religious vanity, nothing more sickening and diametrically opposed to the heart and ultimate purpose of God. And we who are in Christ Jesus ARE seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)

If God is pleased to grant you this vision of His Church then you will come to appreciate it as a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because to see things as He sees them is true Wisdom and Oneness with Him and His people. A curse, because to see things as He sees them will ruin you for life, for you will never again be able to accept the surrogate, the counterfeit, even the good, at the expense of the Holy. His Church, His Treasure, how holy and pure and wonderful and unspeakable it is! Before you would casually call this thing and that thing "church" just like everyone else does and find it socially acceptable, but now your skin will crawl and your stomach will twist in knots when you hear others call some building the "house of God", knowing full well that His House is not this dead thing made with human hands!

The full article can be read at: www.watchman.net/articles/escape.html

Where The Rubber Meets The Road

2009-04-28T18:58:00.002-04:00

Well, I couldn't reach the pedals,
but I could hold on to the wheel.
I was driving in the Indy in my Daddy's Oldsmobile.
And I took the checkered flag
and never took the car out of park.
Maybe I was sitting still,
but I was driving in my heart.
And then one day this youngman's dreams came true;
Dad threw the keys to me and said "let's see what you can do"

CHORUS:
Fire up your engines, come on let's go.
This is where the rubber meets the road.
It's time to put in motion everything you know.
This is where the rubber meets the road, meets the road,
The rubber meets the road.

Well, I drove about an hour and
finally made it around the block.
I was in all of my glory,
Dad was in a state of shock.
But it didn't take long for me to understand,
That the road's a different place
when the wheel is in your hand.
You can dream it, scheme it and talk about it,
read it in a book. Look where you want to go,
but are you going where you've looked?

CHORUS:
Fire up your engines, come on let's go.
This is where the rubber meets the road.
It's time to put in motion everything you know.
This is where the rubber meets the road, meets the road,
The rubber meets the road.

I've got a Bible on the table,
I've got 5 more on my shelf.
I've got a head half full of knowledge
far from what I'd call a wealth.
But I know what I do know, better yet
I know Who knows me.
And he's given us directions and
He's throwing us the keys, saying...

CHORUS:
Fire up your engines, come on let's go.
This is where the rubber meets the road.
It's time to put in motion everything you know.
This is where the rubber meets the road, meets the road,
The rubber meets the road.

by Steven Curtis Chapman

The Church That Christ Is Building

2009-04-26T14:24:00.006-04:00

Mar 03, 2008
The Church That Christ Is Building
by Darin Hufford

((Although this is written by Darin Hufford, I agree with it whole heartedly and our thoughts on this are so cohesive, I feel that I could have written it myself. See also, "Know Ye Not"))

I am coming to the conclusion that the Church that Christ is building is something quite different than what we have been taught.

I can recall studying the "5 fold ministry" while in Bible collage. At the time we were taught that those five ingredients are what make up the Church. Where Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are functioning together; there is Church.

Rather than understand that particular verse to mean that these things will exist in the Body of Christ world wide, we have foolishly interpreted it to mean they must exist "underneath one roof". I've even seen Churches advertise that they have the "5 fold ministry" in an effort to draw a larger congregation. There are articles and books written on whether or not these five things are working in today's Churches. When we build a new Church great time and attention is put into making sure that all the necessary ingredients are present when the doors open. The theory is that if we have an Apostle, a Prophet, an Evangelist, a Pastor and a teacher all within our congregation, we will have everything we need to "do Church". It's very much like opening your own McDonalds or Jack in the Box. Once everyone is in place, it's time for business. You need an owner, a manager, an assistant manager, a fleet of workers and you're good to go.

About two years ago I started taking a close look at my life and the lives of people around me. Everyone I know has their own personal circle of friends they hang out with. It may consist of family members, people from work, school, internet or their neighborhood. Every person I know has their "Inner Circle". It usually consists of between 5 to 10 people. They have other friends as well, but those people wouldn't be considered "Inner Circle" friends.

To be an "Inner Circle" friend, there just has to be something that causes a mutual connection between the two of you. There is no recipe for it, and one can never predict when it's going to happen. You can't force it, plan it, cultivate it or even command it to take place; it literally blooms totally on its own. I have found that only certain people can "jell" together on a level of deepness that is not necessarily shared with others. It's almost as though they were made specifically with the other person in mind. In a realm only known to God Himself, these people fit together like pieces of a puzzle. In fact, I believe that they were brought together by the Holy Spirit. Only He sees the inner structure of each individual soul and then finds another soul to connect snug and tight. It's unexplainable and cannot be manufactured or re-created by human hands in a million years.

I have an "Inner Circle" of about 10 people. These are folks that I'm super close with. Our connection didn't happen in an effort to fulfill some Christian obligation to meet together and perform relationship once a week. We all connect because we fit. We knew it the moment we first met. I have many other friends that I absolutely adore and love spending time with. I'd even die for them. They mean the world to me; however they are not in my "Inner Circle".

My four year old daughter brought out a "Hello Kitty" 100 piece jigsaw puzzle the other day and asked me to help her put it together. The box said that it was for ages 6 and up so I knew it wasn't going to come together without my help. As we were laying out the pieces and turning them all picture side up, my daughter started screaming with excitement. She had found two pieces that fit perfectly. The problem was that though they fit, they didn't go. The picture didn't come together. As I took a closer look at all the puzzle pieces I was surprised to find that many of them were the exact same shape. This is confusing for a four year old girl. All she is thinking about is getting the pieces to fit. She is two young to understand that there is a bigger picture being formed when all the pieces are in their proper place.

((This is the key for me.))

When man kind sets out to "build a Church" we are very much like my 4 year old daughter. We think that "fitting pieces together" is what it's all about. It's ironic that man would even set out to build Church when Christ Himself said, "I will build my Church". Only He has the blueprints and the final picture. The most we can do to build a Church is snap two pieces together that fit, but have nothing to do with each other when it come to the big picture. That is exactly what I see happening in the Institutional churches across America. They try and try with all their might to dictate and orchestrate relationship on their terms, and they do it all in the Name of Jesus. It's no wonder the Body of Christ today resembles a Mr. Potato Head that was put together by a deaf, dumb, and blind 4 year old. There's an arm sticking out of the eye socket, the lips are where the ears go and the eyes are on top of the head. It's a mess.

If a "men's accountability group" is meeting every Tuesday night at 7:00, YOU NEED TO BE THERE!!!!!! We are told that every man needs to come and connect with all the other men because they need that accountability. The problem is that the pieces don't go together just because they say so. A room full of men does not equal pieces that fit. Even if they are all Christian men who know the Lord well! You can manipulate and obligate these men to "go together" all you want, but it won't work. We have been taught if we are Christians, we should all fit together with that "Inner Circle" type of intimacy.

WRONG!!!

Jerry and Todd may both love the Lord and be brothers in His Name, but neither of them were made to be put together. YES they are a part of the same picture, but they were never intended to connect with an "Inner Circle" connection.

The sad thing is that Jerry is told over and over by his group leader or his Pastor that he needs to connect with Todd out of Christian love. So Jerry tries with all his heart to make that connection. He secretly beats himself up and feels condemned because it's just not happening. He starts to feel rebellious, and eventually wonders if he has the Love of God in him at all. Each week he reluctantly shows up to the men's meeting and makes small talk while glancing at his watch and wishing he was somewhere else. All the while, his leader keeps complaining to the group because he doesn't see the men connecting and talking as deeply as he thinks they should. (This is the story of almost every men's meeting in America) ((...and women's also))

I honestly think we try to "build the Church" because when push comes to shove, we really don't believe there is a Jesus Christ at all. We can't see Him with our eyes and we can't hear Him with our ears, so it makes it pretty difficult to just sit back and let Him build the Church. We jump in and do it because we don't believe in Him. Think about it. I am also convinced that this is why we start "Discipleship Groups" in our Churches. We honestly don't believe there is a Jesus. We feel that it's our job to disciple young Christians instead of just turning them over to Christ. I thought He wanted us to make "Disciples of Christ"? Why then are we intent on making people our disciples? Where in the Bible does it say that WE are supposed to disciple people? We do this because we don't believe there IS a Jesus.

If I disciple Jim and Jim disciples Tony and Tony disciples Greg and Greg disciples Brian; who disciples me? Who disciples the guy who disciples me?? Eventually won't it lead to Christ? Can't we just go directly to Him or do we really need another mediator? (More on this subject at another time)

So where is the Church that Christ is building???

((I LOVE this...wait for it....))

It's your "Inner Circle" of friends. He is the one who brought you together. Not only do you "fit" with these people but you "go together" with them. You fit together in the big picture!!! Your close friends ARE the Church that Christ built. If you look within your "Inner Circle" you will find diverse personalities. One has the personality of an Apostle, one is a Prophet, one is an Evangelist, one is a Pastor and one is a Teacher. Everyone I know has the 5 fold ministry built into their "Inner Circle" of friends!

The problem is that we leave that inner circle on Sunday morning and "go to Church". We spend hours trying to pour our hearts into fitting pieces together that have nothing to do with the original blueprints. We focus our time and attention on building the synthetic church while we neglect the actual Church that He as already built into our lives.

I hear people say to me that they need to "go to Church" because they need to find Christian people to connect with. My advice to them is that they spend their time deepening the connections they already have in their life. I believe that everything we need exists within our "Inner Circle" of friends. All we need to do is press in even deeper to those people that God has built into our lives. Those are the relationships that came from Heaven. Those are the relationships we need to spend our time and focus on. Those relationships ARE the Church that Christ built!

(( WOO-HOO!! Does anybody else get this? Amazing !! ))

The Truth About Fellowship

2009-04-26T12:20:00.004-04:00

Apr 20, 2009

The Truth About Fellowship

I was speaking with an old friend last week and the question finally came up about five minutes into our reunion. He asked, "Where are you going to Church these days?"

Trying to be as vague as possible, I responded simply, "We're not going anywhere at the time." The inevitable moment of silence came over the phone followed by an awkward and predictable, "What are you doing for fellowship?"

He wasn't being judgmental or religious. This man was sincerely concerned. The tone of his voice told me he was even a bit fearful for me, and he told me so before we parted ways. His concerns were born out of all that he and I had been told our entire lives. I could dry up spiritually or be open to attacks from the enemy. I could grow wrong and become susceptible to heresy. There are a thousand things that could become of me if I were not in fellowship with other Christians and any or all of them could decide where I ultimately spend eternity.

It's difficult for me to become angry in situations like this, because this person was clearly looking out for me and loving me to the best of his ability. This guy wasn't looking for a spiritual debate. He wasn't trying to put me in bondage or scare me, and he certainly wasn't acting on behalf of the institution as a mole or a recruitment officer. He cared for me. He was concerned.

I shared some of his fears when I first made the decision to walk away from the structure of Church. I'll admit that I was a bit skittish and apprehensive as to what would become of me in "the wild." Would I quit hearing God's voice? Would Satan gain special admission to my home or open access to attack me now that I wasn't under a covering? Would I dry up and lose interest in God? Would I become pagan?

I think most Free Believers who make the decision to leave their structured fellowship grapple with these same feelings. It's hard not to. We've all been warned of the dangers lurking. We've all heard the stories of the families who left "the fellowship" and ended up poverty-stricken or spiritually "off." Who in their right mind wants to risk that?

This one subject is discussed more than any other among Free Believers. People make the decision to enter the wild and they lose all their friends in about a week-and-a-half. They usually leave with a plan in the back of their minds. They concoct a picture in their mind of sitting with friends and eating dinner at their home. They picture something organic, something real, something simpler than the rigid form of fellowship they had grown tired of. Once they get out, however, they quickly find that those friends they had hoped to invite for dinner no longer exist.

This is the point where fear sets in. If not fear, it's usually depression. They had no idea that they are about to enter a world of loneliness that they've never planned for. A world that will at first seem to validate everything they've been taught about leaving church. A world where everything they've ever known or thought they knew will be put on trial. In the midst of this loneliness, they experience a nagging feeling that all they've been warned about is beginning to come true. The one base (fellowship) they tried to cover has fallen through. Every part of them knows that they NEED fellowship in order to survive, and their present lack of fellowship begins to take its choking effect on their lives. "If something doesn't change soon," they think, "we'll have to come up for air and go back."

I find that when many Free Believers are describing their new life to others, they are extra-careful to ensure that everyone knows THEY STILL HAVE FELLOWSHIP. That seems to be the first and most important thing for any Christian to survive. It's like oxygen. Without it, you will surely die. This has become a statement of fact throughout the Christian world. It's not even challenged any more because we've all submitted to this teaching. Anyone who says differently is headed for certain spiritual death.

Guess what.

I say different.

I know this may be hard for people to believe, but you can actually survive quite comfortably for long periods of time without fellowship. Moses was in the desert for 40 years before returning to his people and having "fellowship." John was exiled on an island ten miles long and six miles wide for years, and he didn't miss a beat in his Christian walk. John the Baptist lived allalone in the wilderness. The Apostle Paul spent most of his time secluded in a prison cell. The Bible is full of characters who spent years without fellowship and they not only survived, they emerged better and stronger because of it. I feel that the Church lost the truth about fellowship about a thousand years ago through our desire to manipulate folks and keep them coming back faithfully. It's time we recover it.

I am quickly arriving at the conclusion that when Free Believers begin to feel as though we are dying without fellowship in the wild; it's purely psychosomatic. We've been taught for so long that we couldn't make it without fellowship, that the first few weeks and months alone, we begin to feel that we're not making it. It's been burned into our brains. We psychologically conform to what's been drilled into our heads over and over.

About ten miles from our home, there is a power company. They have a large cluster of really tall power lines that sit together along side of the road. For the longest time, builders couldn't sell homes close to those power lines because word has gotten out that they could cause brain tumors in people who spent too much time in the vicinity. To this very day, when my wife, Angie, and I drive by those power lines; she gets a headache. We laugh about it every time. I believe that the empty and desperate feeling many new Free Believers get in the wild is exactly the same. It's the power of suggestion at work!

I know many sincere Free Believers who are eagerly seeking fellowship somewhere, some way, somehow, because they feel the effects they've been told about slowly creeping into their lives. Some folks have gotten themselves to a point where they are in an all-out panic. They actually feel the tumor growing in their head.

Many times, it's not even that people desire exuberant amounts of fellowship. Some people are just naturally private, but because of all the teachings they've endured through the years, they feel they can't live without it. The entire subject has become an exasperating carrot dangling in front of our faces, but always just out of reach. No matter how much fellowship we force ourselves into, it's never enough. There can always be more, and the truth is, everyone needs a different amount. Some people need bunches of friends and others only need one. When we make the private person have bunches, we disrupt their personal life flow and tweak their heart.

I'll be perfectly honest with you. I live in a home with five kids, a wife and a dog. My sister-in-law and her family of four kids, a husband and a dog, come over to our house for a few hours every day. The last thing on my mind throughout my week is, "Gee, I really wish I had some more fellowship." Chasing five kids around, bathing them, getting them dressed and loading them in the car so we can drive to a building and sit quietly for 40 minutes listening to a guy give a monologue about God, is NOT fellowship. That's self-abuse.

If you're living in the wild and freaking out because you don't have anyone; don't worry. Time alone is a good thing. You're not going to implode. Don't stress about not being in fellowship. You can survive for years without it. I'm not trying to get anyone to forsake fellowship; I'm just pointing out that the Christian slogans we've lived our lives by for so many years are not based on truth. We say things like, "Christians need fellowship or they will die spiritually," or "Fellowship is the most important thing for a Christian," and they have no Biblical foundation. They are all exaggerations that came from a simple verse that says "don't forsake it." That doesn't mean you'll die if you don't have it. It doesn't mean that it's the most important thing in the world and it certainly doesn't mean that you'll lose your salvation without it.

When making the decision to leave the structured system of Church, my advice is: Do NOT attempt to ensure you'll have fellowship on the outside, due to fear of imminent spiritual death. I would suggest that you PLAN on being alone. Pace yourself. Don't freak out when it happens because it will. Embrace it. Accept it for as long as it takes.

You're okay. Don't worry. You're fine.

((The post is borrowed from Darin Hufford's Blog at The Free Believers Network . com))

A Fresh Start

2008-08-27T20:57:00.004-04:00

Hey Blogger Friends. It has been a long, long time since I've written anything original; or made any posts at all for that matter. I have been thinking, and have some fresh thoughts to toss around if anyone out there wants to play catch with me. Thoughts and ideas about topics such as "the trinity", salvation vs redemption and the completeness found in Christ, sin & forgiveness being for ALL people and for ALL sin and who & what "the Father" really is...

Big stuff. Heavy stuff. I'm not making any claims here such as "thus saith the Lord" or anything like that. I'm just pondering and searching and seeking Him and praying that through the multitude of council we may just catch a glimpse of Him.

So check back and leave your comments and let's exchange some experiences and ideas, eh?

Talk to you soon, Alisa

A Human Video - "Everything"

2007-08-26T08:48:00.000-04:00

Truly Awesome!! Stick with it to the end. It is worth it!

"The Seven Great Lies of Organized Religion"

2007-03-01T10:06:00.001-05:00

~~~ Lie #1 : 'If you live a moral life, deny yourself pleasure, follow the prescribed rituals and give us enough money, you'll have a decent shot at being accepted by God.' ~~~

Remember that scene near the end of the Wizard of Oz, when Toto is pulling back the curtain? The sound system is bellowing, 'Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ HAS SPOKEN!' And There's a little man behind the controls, talking into a microphone? Kind of reminds you of certain religious institutions,doesn't it? Short little insecure men, hiding behind names and titles, sending everyone on Mission Impossible while they themselves indulge in secret sin. The preacher stands in front of thousands and shakes his finger. Nobody else knows that he had a stripper in his hotel room last night.

Somebody tells you, 'Here, follow all these rules and be the best person you possibly can, and you might have a shot at being accepted by God someday.' Then they string you along and get you under their thumb. No wonder people are cynical. Well it's no accident that Jesus' own biggest enemies 2000 years ago were precisely those same self-righteous hypocrites. When Jesus showed up, they were terrified of losing their cushy jobs and political clout. Eventually they murdered him for exposing their racket.

True spirituality had been buried in a big pile of bureaucracy, and the religious establishment used it to gain leverage, to have power over people, to get priority seating in expensive restaurants, and to line their pockets with cash. They had everyone thinking that pleasing God was a never-ending performance marathon.

Well Jesus painted a totally different picture. He told this story:

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a holy man and the other a tax collector. The holy man stood and prayed, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this lousy tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'

But the tax collector, standing far away, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'

Jesus explains: "I tell you, this tax collector went home forgiven, rather than the holy man; for every one who praises himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be praised."

Beware of the proud holy man who hangs a bunch of rules around your neck. That humble tax collector had it right. He was doing the only thing you and I can do to be accepted by God. He just asked – with humility.

~~~Lie #2:'God is huge and unapproachable, and He wants you to labor, struggle and live in guilt.'~~~

2000 years ago, they wouldn't even dare say the word 'God.' God was distant, remote, and terrible. But Jesus had his own words for God, and he used them freely. They were controversial, even scandalous. His words for God: 'Daddy' and 'Your heavenly father'.

So when the Religious Gestapo condemned him for hanging out with ruffians and women of ill-repute, he told an even more scandalous story:

'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Dad, I wish you were dead. Why don't we pretend you are dead, and give me my share of the family estate.' So the father divided his property between them. A few days later, the disrespectful son packed his bags and headed for a distant land. He squandered his inheritance on wine, women and song. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he got hungry. So he got a job feeding pigs. (Jews considered pigs to be repulsive.) This young man would gladly have eaten the pods that the swine ate; but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said to himself, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough to spare, but I'm here starving!'

He went back to his father. But while he was still far away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. The son said, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, `Go get the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and have a huge party; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'

Jesus sums it all up like this: 'I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who comes back than over ninety-nine people who are already good.' The father in the Prodigal Son story was not concerned with his dignity. He was not concerned with what was 'fair.' When his son wanted to go his own way, he let him go. But he was watching out the window the whole time, hoping he would come back.

That's Jesus' picture of God – just like the father in this story. Loving. Forgiving. Approachable. Not distant and condemning.

~~~Lie #3:'You are not smart enough or good enough to think for yourself. We will do your thinking for you.'~~~

Do you know what the most important invention in the history of the world was?

It wasn't the computer. And it sure wasn't the light bulb or the telephone. (Or even the electronic voting machine.) It was the printing press.

In 1445, Johannes Gutenburg invented the world's first movable type printing press. He didn't know it, but he was unleashing a revolution that continues to this day. Even the mighty Internet in 2004 is just an extension of Gutenberg's original, revolutionary machine.

The first book he printed was the Bible. And that led to controversy, too, because Luther translated it into German, the people's language, instead of Latin, the lingo of the religious elite.

Suddenly, ordinary folks could not only afford a copy, but they could read it for themselves instead of getting some guy's self-serving interpretation. Soon the cat wasout of the bag--there were copies scattered all over Europe. When people started to read it, they were alarmed at what they saw, because between the covers of this book was an amazing story that had seemingly little to do with the politics and shell games he saw in the church.

Luther wrote a list of 95 accusations against the church, among them: priests taking bribes and granting 'indulgences', the institution setting itself up as a 'middleman' between man and God. He argued that God didn't need a middleman, or a distributor, or an agent, or a bureaucracy. People could go direct to the source.

This little 'schism' in Wurms, Germany unleashed a firestorm of protest and permanently changed the way people approached education. No longer was a big, faceless institution responsible for your spiritual progress -- YOU were. Now that you had the knowledge in your hands, you were accountable before God to do something about it. It's no coincidence that the scientific enlightenment and industrial revolution began within 50 years of this reformation.

Now that ordinary folks had access to knowledge and the freedom to pursue it, the possiblities were limitless. The printing press took the handcuffs off of knowledge and spirituality, and the world has never been the same. Equal access to knowledge empowered people everywhere, and it was only natural that the rennaisance, and in time, democracy too would follow.

What's troubling now is that most people still don't do anything with the knowledge that's available to them. Why would you accept a 'canned' answer or empty platitude when you can open the book and read about it for yourself? People have debates about Jesus, but most have never read the real story, they just believe what they're told. How sad.

If you want a 'Just the facts ma'am.' version of what really happened, grab a Bible (please, a modern English version that's easy to read, not something from the 1600's) and read the book of Luke. A truly fascinating story will unfold.

I dare you to read for one hour and then stop! And you know what? Nobody will need to tell you what it means. You'll be quite able to figure it out for yourself.

You can download the book of Luke free online by clicking here: http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CP03Luke.htm

Print it out and take it with you.

Or, you can listen in MP3 by clicking this link:

http://www.audiotreasure.com/mp3/Luke/Luke.htm

You might like to burn the MP3 onto a CD and listen to it in your car.

~~~ Lie #4 'Women are spiritually inferior and must submit to the authority of men.' ~~~

In the religious bureaucracy of the ancient world, women were basically property. If she burned his toast, he could divorce her and send her away destitute. If she saw a crime in progress and reported it to the police, her testimony in court would be thrown out, simply because she was a woman. Women weren't considered smart enough to recount what really happened. Isn't that special?

Get this.

Jesus gets crucified. His body is taken down and put in a guarded tomb. Three days later, some of his female friends come to the tomb, the door is wide open, and nobody's inside. They're shocked. But they're even more shocked when Jesus shows up. He talks to them. These women are the first people to see this astonishing event and report it. The men don't believe it until they see for themselves. Well here's the kicker: Had somebody invented this resurrection story out of thin air, they would *never* have said that women found the empty tomb, because women in that culture were considered inferior and unreliable anyway.

So what this proves is:

1) This story can't possibly be made up, because no person who invents such a hoax would ever put women in this role. The fact that women are the first witnesses to the fact virtually proves that Jesus DID actually rise from the dead. A conclusion that has staggering implications.

2) This also shows that Christianity considers women to be equal to men.

Jesus had many women in his inner circle, and there were female leaders and prophetesses in the early church.

When religion runs amok, it's always in the interest of one of three things: -Money -Sex -Power

Don't you agree? And what could be more convenient than for selfish men to shove women around and say it's the will of God?

You know, the thing about genuine spirituality is that it isn't used as a weapon to control people. Yes, Jesus gave some pretty stern warnings and he talked about some heavy subjects. But how often do you see him bossing his followers around? He didn't do that. Instead, he took off their shoes and washed their dirty feet to show them how they should serve each other. His life and death are the deep irony of God engaged in the humble service of mankind.

~~~Lie #5:'There is no single truth.

Everyone needs to explore and find a truth that works for them.'~~~

This one's a real hot potato. And it's not something you hear so much from ancient religious institutions. Rather, it's simply the 'politically correct' way to talk about spirituality these days. It tends to be expressed something like this:

'You've got your truth, and I've got my truth. You find a faith that works for you, and I'll find a fav ith that works for me.'

Well here's my question: How many conflicting versions of the truth can actually be true? I'm not going to use this space to promote an agenda today or to push any specific claim of Ultimate Truth. I'm just going to highlight a very simple, logical reality that each of us, in our search for Truth, must recognize.

Pardon me if I offend you, but I'm going to put it bluntly. It is impossible for all religions to be true.

In other words, if Islam is essentially true, then Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity are not. If Buddhism is essentially true, then Islam, Christianity and Hinduism are not, and so on.

How can I say such a thing? Because if you *really* study these religions, it will become clear that each makes bold, fundamental assertions about reality that are not compatible with the others.

For example, Hinduism states that divinity is present in everything. Christianity, Judaism and Islam all assert that God is distinctly separate from what he has created. The implications of these different views run very deep, and they are fundamentally incompatible. It's logically impossible for both views to be true.

So why bring this up, anyway? Well first I have to make a confession. I would *like* to believe that all religions could be true. I would personally *like* to believe that all paths lead to God. It feels good. It's a kinder view of the world. It puts everyone on equal footing.

But.... it just doesn't make sense. Truth is, by nature, exclusive.

There are always more wrong ways to do something than there are right ways. There are always more wrong answers to any given question than right ones. True? And you know what? This really raises the stakes. It puts a real sense of urgency in our search for truth, because it shows that if we're not careful, we can fall for a half-truth.

On the other hand, if you diligently search, seek out the facts, and your spiritual journey brings you to a place where the pieces fit in place - if everything makes logical sense and it feels right in your heart - then you should not hesitate to share your joy with others.

OK... now let's stop right now and make something very clear: If we possess the truth, it doesn't give us the right to be unkind to those who disagree. It didn't give Bin Laden the right to declare Jihad, hijack airplanes and fly them into the World Trade Center. It didn't give so-called 'Christians' the right to kill people in the Crusades. It doesn't give us the right to be disrespectful or violent.

What it does give us is the right, and the confidence, to go out into the marketplace of ideas and *see* if our Truth stands up to hard scrutiny.

C.S. Lewis was talking about this very thing when he said, 'You don't need to defend a Lion. You just need to let him out of his cage.' If you really do have the truth, then you have nothing to fear. You don't need to burn books or censor speech. Truth is its own best defense.

In our modern, sophisticated culture, spirituality getslocked up in a cage. It's a taboo subject. Discussions about religion are not considered 'polite conversation.' So nobody talks about it. The result? People don't talk to each other. They live in fear and isolation. Some folks harbor ideas and notions that make absolutely no sense, but because those ideas are never brought out into the light of day, they're never questioned.

Others have great wisdom, but they're afraid to share it! How sad. In your search for the truth, know that you're not just looking for something that sounds good. As with any other kind of truth, it may *not* feel good all the time. Know that you're looking for something definite, something that will, by nature, make some pretty bold claims.

Also, please understand that if someone tells you they possess the truth, they're not being arrogant. Fact is, they're either sadly deceived or else they're right. You can't put someone down for being deceived, and you can't fault someone for being right! The real challenge is to discern the difference.

~~~Lie #6: 'The Bible is out of date, inaccurate and over-rated.

Peoplein the 21st century are way too smart for that.' ~~~

At first blush this doesn't seem like an 'Organized Religion' thing. The reason I include it here is that many large religious organizations do teach it today. Let me ask you something: Don't you think it's a lot easier for a leader to sneak in his own agenda when there's no outside authority with which to compare it?

Mortimer Adler, one of the greatest living literary scholars, spent decades researching a book called 'The Great Ideas.' He read every single major piece of literature in Western history, and his book explores the 102 most influential ideas that have defined Western culture. In the first chapter, he talks about 'The Twentieth Century Delusion.'

What's that? It's the fact modern people *think* that we are more enlightened about all subjects than people were 1000 years ago. Are we more enlightened about science and technology? Yes. Are we more enlightened about morality, philosophy and politics? Hardly.

In college I took a class called 'English Authors Before 1800.' I was amazed at how sharp those writers were. Once you get past the 'old English' language, you discover that Shakespeare's characters are just like the people you talk to every day. The book of Proverbs in the Bible was written 3000 years ago, but its advice has saved my butt many, many times. 'A soft answer defuses anger, but harsh words stir up evil.' 'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.' 'The fool hates to be corrected by his father, but a wise son listens to advice.'

Are we really wiser in the 21st century than people were thousands of years ago? Solomon, the author of Proverbs, said 'There is nothing new under the sun.' Many people have laughed at that statement. But he wasn't talking about technology. He was talking about the issues of the human heart. Malcolm Muggeridge said, 'News is old things happening to new people.'

So is the Bible a translation of a translation of a translation? Could it be reliable? Is it worth taking seriously? For centuries, the oldest existing copies of the Old Testament were from 1100 AD. Because so many prophesies in the O.T. had come true, many scholars declared that it was written after the fact. For example, Isaiah described the cruicifixion of Jesus with remarkable precision..... 700 years before it happened. Daniel predicted the rise and fall of the Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman empires, in sequence, including remarkable details..... in 550 BC.

Astonishing stuff. The skeptics had the upper hand in this debate until a boy threw rocks into a cave in the Qumran valley in 1947 and discovered what are now known as the 'Dead Sea Scrolls.' Not only did these scrolls date back to 200BC, proving that these astonishing predictions were written BEFORE the events took place, but the text was virtually identical to the later versions. Similarly, we have 5,000 ancient manuscripts of the NewTestament, some of them dating back to 60 A.D. The text is unquestionably solid. There are plenty of people who say that the Bible is flaky and full of holes, but honestly, the facts simply don't support that conclusion.

Take the 'Gospels', same-generation accounts of Jesus' life in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There are *no* other events in ancient history that are documented as well as Jesus' life. If we can't believe those history books, how can we believe any other ones? Of course the only reason anybody doubts this stuff is that it talks about miracles. Jesus feeds 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes. He heals the blind and the lame. He himself rises from the dead.

Can this be believed? Or was it just a big conspiracy? Well, that is THE question. Right?

Chuck Colson, a former US Government official who went to jail for his involvement in the Watergate scandal, tells this story: “Watergate was a conspiracy to cover up, perpetuated by the closest aids to the President of the United States. But one of them, John Dean, testified against Nixon, to save his own skin - only two weeks after informing the president about what was really going on. Two weeks! The real cover-up, the lie, could only be held together for two weeks, and then everybody else jumped ship in order to save themselves. What's more, nobody's life was at stake.'

Why do I bring this up?

Because conspiracies planned by big groups of people always fall apart. Somebody always narks. Well, in the case of Jesus, eleven disciples were crucified, tortured, stoned to death and burned to the stake because they stuck to their story. They were all ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED that Jesus rose from the dead. The historical narrative reports that the first witnesses to the resurrection were women. Given the legal standing of women at that time, nobody would have written the story that way had it been made up.

What do you think? Well, you really can't make an informed decision until you read the story. Fortunately there are four versions of that story -- Matthew's, Mark's, Luke's and John's. Read one or all and decide for yourself. If you don't read the story, you're not in any kind of position to decide. Examine the evidence so you can make an educated decision.

~~~Day #7:'If God was really powerful and good, he wouldn't allow so much

evil and suffering to go on.'~~~

This is raised by just about everyone: Priests and ministers, college students and housewives, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. It's one of the hardest questions anybody ever asks. Just a few days ago, a close friend of mine, Laurin, passed away after a fierce 18 month battle with cancer. What a horrible experience this was for him and his wife Diana.

I've visited the slums of Sao Paulo Brazil, where 500,000 homeless street kids sniff glue and steal for a living. Sometimes the police hunt them down and kill them, just to reduce the crime rate. Last year my wife spent a week in Mozambique where she saw an infant in her mother's arms, dying of pneumonia in a hospital waiting room. She met hundreds of other kids with malaria and malnutrition.

We've given some money for a medical clinic, and every bit helps. But the problems are so huge, what little you try to do still seems like a teardrop in the ocean. If you took all the parties, the humor, the success and happiness in the world, and put it side by side with the suffering and pain, the comparison would be almost absurd. There's a lot of sickness and sadness in this world. How can God let it go on? Well, I can't give you an answer. I can only tell you a true story.

A certain man threatened the Religious Gestapo, who inturn convinced the Roman government that He was a threat to them, too. His followers were disappointed that He didn't overthrow the Romans and declare himself King, like the Messiah was supposed to do. So they abandoned Him. The ancient Romans pioneered what was possibly the most cruel form of torture ever devised by man: Crucifixion. They would drive spikes into their victim's ankles and wrists, smashing his nerves. He would hang there in blinding sheets of pain, slowly suffocating and dehydrating for days, until he finally expired.

Jesus was whipped and beaten, literally beyond recognition, then nailed to a cross between two common criminals. One of these criminals was cursing and shouting at Him in a fit of rage: 'HEY! If you're the KING, why don't you get yourself down from there! And US, TOO!!!' The other guy went along with this... for a little while. But he saw that Jesus wasn't hurling insults at his torturers. Instead He was asking God to forgive them (?!). He sobered up. He said to the other criminal, 'Hey dude, you and I are here because we deserve it. But this man Jesus has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Remember me when you take charge of your Kingdom.' Jesus simply replied, 'Today you'll be with me in Paradise.'

Stop the camera. What you have here, in this brief conversation, is a snapshot of the entire world. You have two criminals who have gotten themselves into a horrendous, awful mess. And you have the Son of God, who has not only chosen to live with us in our world of pain and suffering, but has personally taken all of it upon his own shoulders. Even though he is completely innocent. One thief refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions. He's unwilling to admit that he created the very mess that he's in. He lives in denial until the bitter end. He grits his teeth and dies in his sin. The other thief comes clean. He recognizes that Jesus possesses divine authority. He admits his guilt. He is required to do nothing, other than to let go of his pride. He asks for forgiveness. Forgiveness granted. Jesus' pardon doesn't make the cross or the agony go away. But finally the struggle ceases and this man crosses the Great Divide. The intense pain dissolves and he steps into a New World, designed by God Himself -- with renewed body and soul.

That's a picture of the entire world, right there. You and I are in this mess together, and we've all contributed to it. We've all rejected God in some way or another, we've allcommitted some kind of crime, and we all experience suffering.

The situation is what it is.

So we have a simple choice: Accept that fact that God has suffered with us -- or mock him and be furious because the suffering exists in the first place. Which way do you want it??? The decision is yours.

You and I will never get a true 'answer' about the pain and suffering we experience in this life. But in the midst of our pain, we have a companion. You and I can have the same conversation with Jesus that this criminal had, and we can experience the same forgiveness. All we have to do is ask, just like the thief on the cross did on that sad day.

~~~ This is the last of the Seven Great Lies of Organized Religion. I pray that I've helped to strip away all the baggage that the Religious Gestapo adds to the story and reduce it to the bare essentials. I hope this has stirred your mind and your heart.~~~

The Jesus Tribe - Home

2006-09-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

The Jesus Tribe - Home

New Group for Tribesters

2006-08-13T20:09:00.000-04:00

Hey folks. I recognize the fact that it is difficult to discuss the things posted here, short of leaving a brief comment. I have been looking for a way to fix that and think I have found something. Below is a link to a discussion board for us tribesters and those of you who pop-in regularly to catch up. You are all welcome to just come read and be an invisible guest or actually speak up and participate by throwing in your 2 cents. You can post anonymously, or you can join the board, sharing as much or as little personal info as you are comfortable with. Come one, come all.

I will be adding more stuff here soon also.

The link: the jesus tribe discussion board

Hope to "see" some of you soon.

The Survey Says....

2006-06-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

I polled 100 people (not really), and asked them the question, "Why did Jesus come?".

Out of the 100 people polled (in my mind) I received 4 answers. We will discuss the 3 most popular answers, before covering the correct answer (which, of course, is MY answer, since it's my imaginery poll).

So before we start, what do you think is the answer? Careful now. I want more than just your opinions or your feelings. I want bible backup on this.

Why did Jesus leave a heavenly paradise, and the Father to come walk amongst us?

I think the Survey Says that the #1 answer is a reflexive one, to be a sacrifice for our sin problem. So let us start there.

Yes, man’s biggest dilemma of all time was sin. No one is without it, for not one is righteous, no not one (Rom 3:10). Yet, God had a solution from the beginning of the world. At a certain point in time He would become a man (John 1:14) and die for our sins (Jn.12:24). Somewhere in the eons of eternity it was decided that the Son would be sent to earth. He was sent from heaven to earth to fulfill a mission of the utmost importance, to take care of man’s debt of sin. He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev.13:8). He came to seek and save the lost (Mt.18:11; Lk. 9:56,19:10).

Jesus' coming to earth is described in Philippians 2:6, He "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Hebrews 9:26: “He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

This is the reason he became a man, to give His body as a sacrifice for our sin. He became human to save humanity. He came to set everyone free from their own forms of bondage to religious legalism and oppression and to liberate from sin both those who were religious and those who were not.

Paul wrote, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Tim 1:15).

Proving that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world is an easy task, even for the babes in Christ who are new to the faith, so we won't dwell on this point any longer.

I think the Survey Says that the #2 answer might be to lead us to the Father.

John 5:24 says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

and vs 43, "I have come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."

John 14:28, "You have heard Me say to you, I am going away, and coming back to you. If you loved Me, you would rejoice, because I said, I am going to the Father: for My Father is greater than I.

I have found, in my own personal, informal, study of the Word, that although Jesus always points us to the Father, when it comes to Him instructing us on procedure, He seems to reference their importance equally. Confused? What I mean is...take this for example:

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life (all about Him) and no one (us) comes to the Father (our goal) but through Me (the Way)."

The Survey might then say that the #3 answer to why Jesus came may have been to teach us how to forgive and love one another.

Being that He was born a man and lived out His life without sinning, and also loving and forgiving those who did sin, seems to be a fitting purpose for His coming.

He certainly did love. And not just His mother and brothers. Not only John and Peter. No. He taught us to love the sometimes un-lovely and un-loveable. He embraced the disease laden. He dined with the sinner. He be-friended the undesireable tax collector. He forgave the harlot. He delighted in the faith of the woman who asked for the dog scraps from the Master's table.

I wonder. Do you think if Jesus never came and we had only the written word of God, how quickly would we revert to the Pharisees way of thinking? Would we welcome the presence of sinners and tax collectors and harlots and leppers at our dinner table or in our living rooms? Or better yet, would we admit openly to being one ourselves?

Yes. He definitely taught us to love. And to forgive. Forgive and you will be forgiven is taught in numerous passages. (Matt. 6:14; 2 Cor. 2:10) Forgive others because you have been forgiven. (Eph.4:32; Col. 3:13) And we all know the 70 times 7 lesson (Matt. 18:22).

In my opinion, the Survey Says that the #4 answer to the question of why Jesus came was, in fact, a combination of all three of these points. I believe He came that we may have Life and to have it more abundantly. (Jn 10:10)

He is the Life. He redeemed our life through His Life. He taught us to Live and give and share and love. He taught us mercy and kindness. He taught us to be charitable without being smug about it and to remember that, "There, but by the grace of God, go I.".

In John 5:39-40, Jesus says, "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, ...but you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."

A member of my gathering shared this definition of life that he received from the Father;

Life : The experience of existing in this realm without being hindered by time, resources or circumstances.

But without the Father's revelation and then actually experienceing it for yourself (or, at the very least, witnessing it first hand), it is nearly impossible to imagine such a realm; one of being in the world, yet not tethered to it by any of these three neccessities: time, resources, circumstances.

Now, read John 10:10 again, where Jesus says, "I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." The word abundantly is the word perissos and means superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above, more than enough, profuse, extraordinary, above the ordinary, more than sufficient.

Can you imagine having that life? Ask the Father for deeper revelation as you consider the implications of this message. Think on that for awhile and share your comments and thoughts.

to be continued........

Moral Failure VS In-Accurate Doctrine

2006-03-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

For the sake of a good discussion, let us consider for a moment the possibility that there is no more punishment / payment for our sin. Let's pretend that God's grace IS sufficient for me and for you and for everyone else, it's enough. Let us suppose that Jesus paid for all sin for all time, just as He said and it really IS finished.....

The Word says we must repent (turn from) from sin once we are aware of it. So if we are sincere in our repentance, then that's the end of it right? Well, it should be, however, we find ourselves instead swimming in feelings of failure and guilt. Every denomination has it's own way of restitution. Some preach good works & charity, some a penance, some prayer beads; but almost all people require of themselves that a "payment" for their own failure be made.

But doesn't the Word say that even our most righteous deeds are as filthy rags in His sight? How can filth be payment for anything? Because without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22) and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29); how is it that we continue to put forth the idea that we are doomed to God's judgement for being the very thing He knows we are...sinners saved by a merciful, forgiving Father.

Theories vary from denomination to denomination and from person to person. I think the most popular view (opinion, belief, teaching) by far is the one that accepts that Jesus died for the sins we have committed.... up until we accept Him (get saved, become accountable, etc.). It is felt that we must "pay" for our sins that we committ after coming to know Him. But scripture says The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. IT IS FINISHED!

There is an insatiable need indwelling us that insists we "pay for", or be held "accountable for" our short comings in order for God to fully accept us. I offer to you that this simply cannot be true and is not only our mere human nature coming through, but is, in fact, blasphemous. The sin of dis-belief. I say this because we MUST take into consideration the scriptures (in context) that state Jesus is our Savior, deliverer, conqueror, atonement, reconciliation and each and every persons propitiation for ALL sin.

No amount of charity work, rosary praying, fasting, ______(fill in your penance) can ever pay for or make right our wrongs or justify our flesh. Remember that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.

We already know that Jesus paid a price that none of us could pay. We couldn't pay it then and we can't pay it now. If we each had to settle our bill at the end of the night we would come up so very short. Unacceptablly short. But it just so happens our Brother is in tight with the restaurant Owner. Jesus not only paid our tab for the night, but told the Owner that anything else we ordered was on Him. When we leave at the end of the night, we will owe nothing.

Jesus overcame the LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. ALL of it.

Jesus CONQUERED sin and death.

sin #266 hamartia - literally means missing the mark, failure, offense, wrong doing, wrong course, guilt

I propose to you that the judgement seat we shall all encounter will be more focused on our doctrinal belief system. Did we allow ourselves to be deceived? Did we follow Him or man. Were we lovers of the truth or people who chose to be willfully ignorant? I propose that these are the life and death choices we are accountable for.

Comment???

Who's The Thief?

2006-02-08T09:39:00.001-05:00

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly.

John 10:10

Jesus tells us here that the function of the thief is threefold. He has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy. First we must agree that the thief to whom Jesus was referring was the Pharisaical system, not the devil, as many are taught today. (This is proven by keeping the passage in context.)

In this passage a thief is the word klepto, which is defined as a filch, or one who steals by way of stealth type procedures. This particular brand of thief would not be the obvious suspect, but instead, the one last suspected by authorities.

This is why it is so hard to break free from religious bondage today. The system may appear to be correct, when in fact, it is the main cause of spiritual death and those who propagate it today are just as much thieves as the Pharisees that Jesus confronted. And they are just as unaware that it is them being spoken of as the Pharisees were... even after Jesus told them that it was them!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door

into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same

is a thief and a robber. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door:

by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go

in and out, and find pasture.

John 10:1, 8&9

Next, we must see that the word kill used here is the word thuo. Thuo is defined as to breath hard, to blow, to smoke. It's implied meaning is to sacrifice something by way of fire. It is the New Testament word that is used to describe an animal that is slaughtered for sacrifice or celebration. It is used in the New Covenant 13 times, and each time it is in reference to an animal being slain. The one and only time it is applied to the death of a man is when in reference to Jesus being our Passover Lamb. It is never used to describe the death of an ordinary man.

Purge out therefor the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump,

as ye are unleavened. For even Christ, our Passover, is

sacrificed (thuo) for us.

1 Corinthians 5:7

So, HOW do they kill? Surely they don't slaughter animals on an alter. But, since the sacrifice of the animals was nothing more than a symbolic display of a relationship with God; in essence they still DO sacrifice! Since it was symbolic, no internal change was required; therefore no eternal benefit was gained. Doing this is no different than using "bodies" to fulfill a pastoral or corporate vision today. How often do we see someone placed into a ministerial position for the sole purpose of having that position filled, regardless of the persons calling, capabilities or preparation?

There is no difference between the Pharisees sacrificing an animal 2000 years ago and a pastor putting an incapable someone into ministery today just to fill a void in their business plan. God takes no pleasure in our business plans.

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. 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.

Hebrews 10:1-6

Burnt offerings (or ministerial service) are man's natural response to God's spiritual requirements. The current ministerial services, required or perceived, will not bring anyone to perfection. Any service that we do unto God, must be done unto God alone and must be based upon His spiritual leadings rather than the plans of a controlling overseer....No matter how right it may appear!

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Ephesians 4:11-12

Paul tells us hear that the purpose of the functioning gifts is for the perfecting of the saints. The word perfecting is the word katartizo which describes something that is completed thoughroughly for the purpose of accurate joining. It is in this accurate joining that the ministry work builds the body. Notice that in Hebrews 10:5, the Father did not require burnt offerings and sacrifices, but was seeking a prepared "body" and Paul is giving us the necessary guidlines for the building of that prepared body.

The issue with many of the current ministery services is that they are based upon a flawed vision of evangelism. It is taught that if we provide a service to those outside they will be drawn into our congregations. The building of the "body" is based upon an externally viewed numerical quotient rather than an internally manifest heart change. It is much safer to deal with those we do not know than it is to deal with our own flaws and personal issues. It is very common in the current evangelically focused system to provide for those outside of the camp while totally neglecting those whom we are supposed to be "brothers and sisters" with. While feeding the hungry might appear to be accurate and right, doing so while your own "family" starves is not a picture of accurate body based ministery.

Yes, we are each called to do good works. We are each called to minister to those that God places in our path; but, we are called as God calls us. We are not called to fulfill someone else's vision unless we have been joined by God to that vision.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

That word compacted is sumbibazo and means to force, to drive together, to unite in association or affection, to knit together. The word effectual means to be effective, to be efficient.

As seen here, we are to speak truth in love, one to another, that we may each, individually and corporately, grow up in Christ. We are to be tightly fit together, (there's that pressure), each of us supplying to another the needs of that part, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part .... AND THIS makes the increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.

A whole lot of one-anothering, loving your brother AS yourself, baring one anothers burdens, BRINGING EQUALITY among the brethren and not just having love for a brother, but actually giving and showing that love in everyday life is what those on the outside will see and seek and yearn to be a part of. Seeing others who are living loved regardless of their circumstances is thee most effectual evangelism.

To Be Continued....

So we were saying,

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of

the household of faith.

Galatians 6:9-10

We are commanded to do good unto all, but especially unto those whom are of like precious faith. The word especially is the word malista and means : most (as in greatest degree), or particularly, chiefly. Paul is placing a priority on our good works (unto all), but chiefly unto those of the household of faith. This pattern has been lost in the current system of seeking the lost! The household of faith has become nothing more than a tool to achieve an end, rather than the goal of the entire gospel message.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:20-23

Paul's letter to the Galatians was focused upon warning the newly formed churches of the infiltration of the "Judasizers" into their midst. Judasizers were semi-Christians in that they were recent converts to the new covenant, but insisted upon the fulfillment of the Law in order to be saved. This perversion of the gospel message was Paul's entire purpose in writing this letter. Paul understood that this polluted concept was contrary to the one of liberty that Christ died to bring to the church.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2:20-21

Notice that Paul states that attempting to bring the Law to fulfillment "frustrates" the grace of God. The word frustrate is the word atheteo and describes the setting aside of something; the disesteeming and outright violation of something, and in this case, the grace of God.

As we have discussed at length previously, grace is defined as the divine influence upon the heart and the reflection of that divine influence within the life and that is of God. If we replace the word grace with its definition in the above passage and personalize it, clarity is received.

{21} I do not set aside the divine influence upon my heart and the reflection of that divine influence within my life and that is of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

When we allow ourselves to be coerced into religious positions, whether through vain service or rote programs, we violate the spirit of grace and cast aside the free gift. When this occurs, the crucifixtion, death and resurrection of Christ become absolutely meaningless. He did it for nothing; He died in vain. And this is a choice that we make!

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 shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Colossians 2:11-19

What were the ordinances that were against us; the religious positions that had been developed from the Law. Paul even goes as far as saying that these religious positions are our adversary by the use of the word contrary. Hupenantios is a word that not only means something that is contrary or opposed to us, but that this opposition is one that is covert in nature, meaning that it may not appear as such.

In Christ's overcoming at the cross, He not only freed us from the Law of sin and death, but He also spoiled the principalities and powers. A principality is not only some unseen demonic force encamped over a person or region, but also (and more often) the consequences resulting from the principles a person chooses to live by. When Paul stated that the principalities had been spoiled, he was saying that the operational principals, the foundational religious positions that those under the Law had been forced to endure, were now stripped of their authority. The powers he speaks of are the religious leadership that enforced those positions. That is why he continues, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the sabbath days". These are nothing more than religious positions that man tries to bring us into bondage with.

Promise of Life: The New Covenant ...Part 1

2005-11-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. {15} See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil… {19} I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life,
that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:14,15,19 KJV)

I am not a big proponent of cut and paste theology, but the relevance of this grouping of passages makes more sense than most. Cut and Paste theology is the religious art of removing scripture from context and building doctrines (or sermons) around the dislocated scriptures to re-enforce an unscriptural position. Cut and Paste is the backbone of much of what is called biblical teaching within the modern church today.

A large portion of C&P theology is derived from taking the promises given unto natural Israel and saying that they now belong to the post-crucifixion church; this is an erroneous and fallacious position. God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah stated:

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: {32} Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, Although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: (Jeremiah 31:31-32 KJV)

The phrase 'not according to' means not after the manner of. This is explained in Hebrews chapter 8, where the difference between the promises made to natural Israel under the Law and the promise of grace through Christ and the New Covenant are examined.

But now hath he (Christ Jesus) 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. {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. (Hebrews 8:6-9 KJV)

Understanding that the C&P theologians will utilize this passage out of context to establish a link to lead NT believers back under the Law, further examination of its present truth context is necessary.

What is the New Covenant?

What are its promises?

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 neighbor, 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. (Hebrews 8:10-12 KJV)

I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.

The first promise of the New Covenant was a major shift away from the written Law. Under the Old Covenant, the written Law was an actual document carved in stone. It was intended to be unbreakable, but when Moses, in anger, broke the first set of tablets that God had provided for him, God commanded him to personally hew out the stones for the replacement set. This is a very symbolic event.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there:
and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. (Exodus 24:12 KJV)

Notice that God gave Moses the stones and they were already inscribed with the Law and he was commanded to teach the Law to Israel. But after the stones were broken, God told Moses to provide prepared stones for which He (God) would write the Law upon.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. (Exodus 34:1 KJV)

In the first covenant God provided the stones prepared; under the second He demands that we provide our heart for Him to write upon. This is the prophetic picture that God reveals when He demands of Moses to provide the hewn stones that He would write upon.

Paul explains:

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:3 KJV)

The picture of Moses coming down the mount with the first tablets of the Law and seeing the people already moved into idolatry, thereby angering him to break the tablets can also be a prophetic picture of the church today.

While Moses was up on the Mount receiving the Law; the people became anxious and desired a god that they could see and touch. Aaron moved with possibly fear (?) gave them what they wanted; the golden calf. The picture that emerges of us today is one of prosperity for our worship. If we worship God, He will prosper us with our own idols or golden calves. This is not what the Father desires nor offers us in the New Covenant.

One of the most significant differences between the First and the Second Covenants was the issue of external observances. The First Covenant appeared to be founded upon external displays of obedience. Internal change was not required. All of the Law was observable and based upon manifest behavior. And it was ordained to be that way.

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. (Hebrews 9:1 KJV)

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; {10} Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (Hebrews 9:6-10 KJV)

All of the services rendered under the Law did nothing to cleanse the conscience of the one offering the sacrifice; this was due to the fact that the offerings were all external and did not require an internal reconfiguration of the heart. It is much like what we see today in religious high church. Many attend each week, pay their tithes, sing a few songs, shake a few hands and leave; thinking they have supplied all that is required. There is really no difference between their worship service and the Temple Service of the ancients. Mode operation may have changed, but the result is still the same; there is not an internal alignment unto God and His purpose. Come Monday (or later Sunday afternoon!) things return to the same patterns.

And it was ordained to be this way… Until the time of reformation.

The worldly sanctuary with its divine ordinances was ordained to be in place until the time of reformation. Many view the time of reformation, as beginning with Christ on the cross and this is true; but what also needs to be seen, in the kairos (or season) of diorthosis (a right arrangement, ordering, restoration, amendment, bringing right again), is the personal application of reformation. Each one of us has been called to reform, but we may not all be called at the same time or to the same level of change; But we are all called to change and that change is to be first internal; with external manifestation as the by-product and not the focus.

The issue with much of the “holiness” movement today (and this includes Pentecostals and Charismatic’s as well), is that the requirement for external manifestation is being viewed as the most important objective. If it looks good, it is good and thereby accepted of God. As it was with the Pharisees, external was not what God was looking for and is not looking for in the New Covenant. External manifestation without divine inward reconfiguration is unacceptable to the Father. You can dance until you drop, Give until you starve, Sing until the cows come home and not impress the Father one iota. Never has…never will. But a heart broken and desiring the Masters touch to repair it, will cause the Father to move all heaven and earth.

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. {7} Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {8} For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. (Mark 7:6-8 KJV)

We may not see modern day worshipers fulfilling “divine service” by washing pots and pans, but the doctrines and traditions of man that pervade the church today have rendered the Word of God to non effect; hearts are not changed when the Word is delivered. When Jesus stated “many other such like things ye do”, He was addressing most, if not all, of the current church practices.

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. {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 (Jesus) were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: {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.
(Hebrews 8:1-5 KJV)

The writer of Hebrews (not proven to be Paul, but assumed) tells us here that the sum or totality of his writing thus far is this: We have a high priest on a throne serving in a tabernacle not made by man, but of God. Also stated is the fact that the earthly priests were just an example of what was to come and that they were to operate according to the pattern laid down within the Law, But that pattern was not to be forever.

But now hath he (Jesus) 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. (Hebrews 8:6-7 KJV)

Jesus, through his crucifixion, death and resurrection obtained a ministerial priesthood far above that which the pattern could ever provide and in doing so fulfilled the Law and originated a new and better covenant with much better promises than the first. What are some of the promises that were gained in the divine release from the debt of the First Covenant?

Justification:
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16 KJV)

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 3:11 KJV)

Righteousness:
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:21 KJV)

The Spirit:
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? {3} Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:2-3 KJV)

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(Galatians 3:14 KJV)

Miracles:
He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
(Galatians 3:5 KJV)

Life:
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. (Galatians 3:21 KJV)

Search the scriptures (The Law); for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. {40} And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40 KJV)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 KJV)

One of our foundational mindsets as end-time reformers has been the fact that God has ordained all of our days. This is based upon an understanding of Psalm 139:15,16 (NIV); that all the days ordained for me were written in His book before one of them came to pass. We also understand that it was that way for ancient Israel also. Nothing that happened to Israel was by happenstance or chance. This included their turning away from God unto idols shortly after being delivered from Egypt.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV)

In this passage, Paul tells us that everything that happened unto ancient Israel, happened for a specific purpose: for our admonition. This is key to understanding the pre-ordination of Gods purpose. In simplest of terms, God ran Israel through the ringer in order for us to have specific guidelines of what not to do as we approach the end of the age. For us to attempt to fulfill any of the Law is contrary to His Purpose for us as end-time reformers.

...to be continued...

Purpose of Functioning Gifts

2005-10-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. {4} For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: {5} So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. {6} Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, … (Romans 12:3-6 KJV)

One of the greatest disservices done unto the Body of Christ since the early church has been the defining of what are today called the 'office' ministries. They refer to the apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher and evangelist. The definitions that have been passed down from generation to generation since the second and third century have been corrupted to a point of uselessness and have hindered profitable growth within the body.

These erroneous definitions have been used to define positions rather than functions and have all but crippled the Body of Christ in its ability to arrive at a place of accuracy; unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

The definitions that have been forced into the Body by unscrupulous and controlling men throughout the ages have ruined the faith of many and caused great harm to the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

Was God aware of this corruption? Absolutely! It was ordained.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. {4} For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:3-4 KJV)

It was ordained of God that this corruption should occur; that there would be men who would contradict what Jesus had said seemingly to their own benefit and gain. The men who were ordained to this condemnation are totally unaware that it is them that Jude is referring to in this passage. These men and women have developed a gospel of power, but not a gospel of divine power. A gospel of control; a gospel of manipulation, intimidation and outright witchcraft in order to secure their positions over the called ones of God.

One of the greatest areas of this misuse of power has been in the area of ranking. Through an erroneous doctrine that applies a ranking system to the functioning gifts, men have assumed positions over one another and have elevated themselves to higher positions (hence more valuable/ visible) than the average believer. They have turned these rankings into weapons of control to coerce and manipulate the “average” believer into their own little armies of servants, rather than equipping the believers for service unto Christ.

As Paul alluded to in Romans 12, we are all members of one body (of Christ), but that we all have differing functions according to the divine influence upon our heart and the reflection of that influence within our lives. This measure of grace given each of us differs according to our ordained function within the body. Does this difference make anyone function or member more valuable than the next? The answer is both yes and no!

The misuse of these functioning ministries within the body can easily be seen in the overall lack of maturity present in the church today. The proliferation of erroneous doctrine is directly related to the lack of accuracy in the ministry gifts.

The value of any functioning gift is determined by the fruit it brings forth and the operational truth in which it releases. The application of truth is foundational to the accuracy of the gift. Truth without its application is hypocritical and a sign of Pharisee-ism rather than manifestation of accurate gifting.

But what is the purpose of the gift ministries?

{7} But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ… {11} And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: {14} That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; {15} But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ
(Ephesians 4:7, 11-15 KJV)

Paul again refers to the particular grace given for the functioning gift to operate within and he calls it the gift of Christ. It is not called the gift of Jesus Christ, but rather the gift of Christ. This is an important point to discern; the gift of Christ refers to the anointing given to fulfill the calling and does not imply an elevated status.

How the false teachers arrive at the ranking doctrine is by misapplying the following scripture.

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV)

Inaccuracy applied to this passage has resulted in ranking being applied within the Body of Christ. This was not the intended meaning of this passage. It appears that the error stems from the misunderstanding of the word first used in the passage above.

First: proton; firstly in time, place, order, or importance: before, at the beginning, chiefly

Through misuse of this definition many scholars/teachers have assumed that apostles are the most important of the office ministries and therefore higher in position. This is a wrong application of this definition; if that were true than God would be a respecter of persons. And scripture declares that He is not.

So then, what is meant by the definition first in time, place, order, or importance?

God sends apostles to bring about change in the body. Can God bring about these changes without using apostles? Absolutely. But God, in His divine wisdom, has chosen the foolish of the world to confound the wise and the chosen foolish come in the package of a man’s frame with the gifting of grace hidden within it.

A quick clarification is needed here. Can this package be female? Absolutely! Contrary to the teachings of many “apostles” and “teachers” today, the gift functions are without regard to sexual orientation. God gives, as God determines, and this too is born out in scripture; both old and new. In each of the sending scriptures (1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11) the word some is used in each passage. That specific word (actually two words) is ho-men and it is gender neutral. It can be used to define both males and females. Therefore, some that come may be male and some may be women!

Praise God, that in either case the word men speaks of the intensity in which they come. The calling requires them to be very intense in the application of their particular gifting and at times their intensity may be misconstrued as arrogance or pride when in fact it is just the manifestation of their calling.

How does this apply to proton? Proton was defined as first in time, place, order, or importance. When God sends an apostle to an area it is for the foundation to be laid. Jesus Christ is the foundation and all true apostles will build upon that core doctrine. Any other foundation is wrong and true apostles will challenge that to the death. False apostles will compromise core doctrinal issues for the sake of unity; whereas true apostles will choose to stand alone rather than give an inch of what the Lord has revealed to them. So what is the proton? Apostles come first to lay the foundation of Jesus Christ and him crucified. That is the importance of being first. Without an accurate foundation of Jesus Christ with which to build upon, nothing of any eternal value can be structured or fabricated.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Ephesians 2:19, 20 KJV)

It is only after an accurate foundation of Jesus Christ has been laid that building can begin.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)

The first operation is the perfecting of the saints. Casual doctrines of the past discerned this perfecting as the maturing of the saints. Though this sounds good on paper it is not what is being related in scripture. The word perfecting used here is katartismos and describes the complete furnishing of something. It comes from the word katartizo which means to complete thoroughly and has implications of repairing something that is broken; the adjusting that which is crooked, and the perfect joining of various parts.

If you were an interior designer hired to decorate a home, your mission would be to completely furnish the residence to achieve the owner’s desire. Functioning ministries should operate much the same way, for in the same way that an interior designer would view the space in question before starting the project to get an understanding of what was needed or lacking, functioning ministers should have a base understanding of the fellowship that they are to work amongst before they speak into it. This requires some level of relationship.

The current system of traveling ministries is flawed in that virtually no relationship is ever consummated and developed with the local flock. This is due to the fact that the traveling ministries rely on the body for their income and in order to meet daily expenses extensive movement is required.

The second flaw of the current system is that no deposits are left behind. Good words and services may occur, but life changing power is not deposited into the saints. This is due to the short time spans that the itinerant minister may spend at each location. Accuracy in relationship takes time. It is not possible for an itinerant minister to completely furnish anything in a congregation that he spends only a few hours over the course of a week with. Discernments must be made before adjusting/repairing can begin and that takes time; face to face time that involves the day to day interactions between the saints and the functioning minister. The act of perfecting requires continued interaction over time....

...To be continued

Teacher Fired For His Beliefs

2005-10-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

This was in today's local paper. Now, while I am not Catholic, and I usually disagree with parochial school content and catholicisim in general, I have to respect this teacher. I do agree 100 % with the views he presents here, as, I think, should all denominations, who claim to be followers of Jesus the Christ.

October 15, 2005

By LYNNE TUOHY

Hartford Courant Staff Writer

Stephen Kobasa has taught English in parochial schools for 25 years, always with a deep religious conviction and without an American flag in his classroom. It was never an issue until this school year began.

Kobasa was fired from his job at Kolbe Cathedral High School in Bridgeport Thursday, in the face of a new diocesan policy that he says he's never seen in writing and hours after turning in his classroom flag to Principal Jo-Anne Jakab. "I had come to the end of all the procedures of appeal available to me," Kobasa, 57, said Friday. He said his deep-seated religious belief, not un-American sentiments, was at the core of his opposition to having the flag in the classroom. "The crucifix cancels all flags," said Kobasa, a longtime peace activist. "Christ speaks of compassion without boundaries. ...Flags are about separation, assertions of superiority and aggression. The whole notion that loyalty to country is connected to one's religious faith is totally bizarre and unjustified."

A statement posted on the Diocese of Bridgeport's website, attributed to spokesman Joseph McAleer, confirmed that Kobasa "is no longer a member of the faculty at Kolbe Cathedral High School. It is not our policy to comment on any internal personnel matter." The statement makes cryptic reference to the flag issue, without direct reference to Kobasa. "Our Catholic schools provide a dynamic learning environment in which respect for the opinions of others, as well as respect for school property, are both key components," it says.

"The Diocese of Bridgeport has long believed that the American flag is an important fixture in its Catholic school classrooms." When asked if Kobasa's opinions had been respected, McAleer declined to comment. Kobasa is not sure who made the flag an issue. He said he had heard that a colleague complained about the lack of a flag in his classroom. The school year began with an announcement that the Pledge of Allegiance would be said by all classes at the beginning of the day.

"This posed a problem for me," Kobasa said. "I offered a compromise." Kobasa agreed to display the flag at the start of the school day, for the duration of the pledge, "for any students who feel they require this expression of loyalty to the flag." Then he would remove it.

"I felt I could keep my conscience intact and I wasn't imposing my position on them," Kobasa said. But his compromise was rejected by the diocese's school superintendent and Jakab. Kobasa said he wrote to Bishop William E. Lori to emphasize that for him, the absence of the flag from his classroom was a matter of conscience, not whimsy. He received no response.

Before coming to Kolbe Cathedral in 1999, Kobasa had taught for years at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, in a flag-free classroom. "It was never an issue."

Kobasa bristles when asked if he contemplates filing a lawsuit."This was never about law," Kobasa said. "When school administrators communicated with me they would say, 'Are you bringing your lawyer?' It was never about that. I never raised it as a free-speech issue. What grounds would I have? None. It was about the moral principle that this tradition supposedly represents."

For a newly unemployed man who watched his eldest daughter amend her college application to list her father's occupation as "former English teacher," Kobasa was remarkably good-natured Friday. He spoke of the gratitude he felt at being allowed to remain at school throughout Thursday to explain his position and fate to his students.

"I had not gone into detail with them," Kobasa said of the weeks he spent negotiating and appealing. "I had not evangelized the point of my stand."

He said the support he received from the students was "quite remarkable." He said they spontaneously made posters decrying his termination and were chanting his name in the halls.

"There was all sorts of pageantry," Kobasa said. "It's not something that happens often in that school. "I taught up to the end, I guess I can say," Kobasa said. "It was my last lesson. For the ones to whom this matters, they'll remember this."

My Song This Week

2005-09-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

This song has been in my head all day, every day for a week. Thought I would share it with you. Blessings...Alisa

I Can Only Imagine - Mercy Me

I can only imagine, What it will be like
When I walk, By your side
I can only imagine, What my eyes will see
When your face, Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

CHORUS:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

I can only imagine, When that day comes
And I find myself, Standing in the Son
I can only imagine, When all I will do
Is forever, Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
CHORUS:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

(c)1999 Simpleville Music(ASCAP)
Words and Music by Bart Millard
Although the words can evoke some beautifully fantastic images, we must remember that the human mind cannot imagine what God has in store for us.

If we can imagine it...It's not God!

Love vs The Ratings Game

2005-09-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.(2 Peter 2:1 KJV)

Peter tells us here that the deception will come, it must. But as end-time believers, we must hold fast to that which is true and exercise our senses to discern good from evil doctrine.

In the above passage we see that the heresies that are brought into the Church are of the magnitude that they bring damnation with them. For a New Testament believer to be damned should be a frightful thought, but true just the same.

Jesus himself told us that:

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? (Matthew 7:21-22 KJV)

How did these believers arrive at this destructive end?

Many well meaning, but absolutely deceived, Pastors and Teachers would respond by saying that these folks never really believed in the first place, so this end is justified and fitting. But is that really the case? Could it actually be the deceived clerics and their sheep that Jesus is referring to? Notice the preceding scriptures:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Matthew 7:15-16 KJV)

Notice here that Jesus speaks of false prophets, and Peter, in the earlier passage, equates false prophets with false teachers. Any legitimate function in the Body of Christ has a false counterpart. But how do we determine that which is true and accurate from what is false and destructive? What are we to do when the false is manifest?

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1 John 3:23-24 KJV)

The Apostle John tells us here that there must be a resident faith in the character of Christ within the believer and that this faith has a by-product that produces a desire to fulfill the commandment to love one another. This commandment was explained when Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees concerning the Ten Commandments.

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. {35} Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, {36} Master, which is the great commandment in the law? {37} Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. {38} This is the first and great commandment. {39} And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. {40} On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:34-40 KJV)

The principle seems simple enough, love God with all of your being and love your neighbor as you love yourself. But as was witnessed in other writings on the same discourse, they failed in understanding this commandment.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? {26} He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? {27} And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. {28} And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. {29} But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:25-29 KJV)

As it was in the day when Christ walked the earth, it is still today; there is still an attitude of self-justification when it comes to this passage. We have a tendency to rate or even over-rate our love for others. A good deed here and there or a hug to your brother or sister at a Sunday meeting is not fulfillment of this passage. It should also be noted here that this particular passage is focused at those that were under the Law. The question raised earlier by the Pharisee was an attempt to trap Jesus into the “ratings game”.

The “Ratings Game” is played when we try to justify ourselves by rating our failures and sins against someone else’s. It is the age-old scenario of,
“I’m glad I’m not as bad as that guy over there”. The Pharisees played the “Ratings Game” with their understanding of the Law. This is evident in many places in the New Testament.

Jesus dealt with the “Game” in the passage concerning corban. The inclusion of corban into early Jewish culture was comparable to a modern day Catch 22. The commandment of God was for children to honor their parents. This included the taking care of their parents if they became unable to care for themselves. But with the “Ratings Game” approach to scripture interpretation, the Jews created a loophole in the Law to relieve themselves of this duty.

Here is how it works. God issued Israel ten very distinct commandments:
The Big Ten:

I am the Lord your God and you shall have no other gods before me

No graven images of me (or anything else for that matter!)

Don’t take my name in vain

Keep the Sabbath, and keep it holy

Honor your mother and father

No killing

No adultery

No stealing

No lying

No coveting

In the “Ratings Game”, which is what the Pharisee was playing when he said to Jesus, “which is the great commandment in the law?”, we want to rate the point’s value of the commandments. Commandment number one will always outrank number seven and missing number ten is not as bad as missing number eight.

The concept of corban was an answer developed by playing the “Ratings Game”. The way corban was played was, if your parents needed care and you didn’t want to accept responsibility for that care or have the resources to provide it, you would tell them that if you were to provide the care that they needed than the required offering unto God would be affected and since that was a Sabbath Law, it rated higher than the honoring of the parents, thereby it became corban. Jesus’ challenge to corban was hinged upon the traditions of man that rendered the word of God to non-effect. And because the Pharisees chose to play the ratings game they failed the whole of the Law.

Jesus later issued a new commandment to be utilized in the New Covenant. This new commandment closed all of the loopholes and fulfilled all of the Law and Prophets.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35 KJV)

Notice that Jesus states that this is a new commandment, not an extension of what had already been in place. The word used here for 'new' is the word kainos and literally means new, especially in freshness. The implication is one of brand spanking new not a reworking or renewing of an older item. This one has the original new car smell to it!

Due to our misunderstanding of what love really is (God type), we easily misinterpret love as being fulfilled in our Sunday associations with fellow believers. The depth required in relationships in order to truly love is almost unfathomable to us. Jesus gives an indication of the requirements of this new commandment. He states that we will be known of all men by our love one to another.

I cannot recall the number of times I have told other believers, whom I knew from only a surface relationship, that I loved them. In fact, I recall many saying to me, “I love you with the love of the Lord brother”. We even used to sing that very same line in a popular chorus. But did we truly love our brother to the depth that Christ did?

Paul wrote:

…, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(Ephesians 5:25b KJV)

To make the statement, that you love someone as Christ did, is the same as saying, "I love you so much I would die for you". Have we really transcended to that level of understanding of Christ likeness?
(I think not.)

Jesus said that all would know that we were his disciples by our love one to another. I perceive that we have made that love for one another rather than to one another. We can have an associative love for people that we really do not relate to, but to those that are in our own personal inner circles (our close relationships in the Body), we are to develop a far more superior love for them than the associative type.

It is an easy thing to have love for someone and never give it to them. The commandment is to have love to one another. The phrase 'love to' used here is a verb. If the phrase were 'love for' it would be a noun. Verbs require action on the part of the hearer. In this case, the commandment is to put your 'loving your brother' into action. Do not withhold it.

This can be seen in James’ writing.

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? {6} He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. {7} Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {8} For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. {9} And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. {10} For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: {11} But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. {12} And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; {13} Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.(Mark 7:5-13 KJV)

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35 KJV)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
(1 John 4:1 KJV)

Revival and Reformation

2005-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

What is the difference between Revival and Reformation?

Revival:
1.) a- The act or an instance of reviving; b- The condition of being revived.
2.) A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence (adjective that means present or in existence, but not active or manifest)

3.) A new presentation of an old play, movie, opera, ballet, or similar vehicle.

4.) a- A time of reawakened interest in religion; b- A meeting or series of meetings for the purpose of reawakening religious faith, often characterized by impassioned preaching and public testimony.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition © 1992

Apostolic definition of “revival”: “The stirring of apathetic saints”
Apathetic:
1. Feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent.
2. Feeling or showing little or no emotion; unresponsive.

Reformation: 1357. diorthosis, [from a comp. of G1223 and G3717], meaning to straighten thoroughly; rectification 1, i.e. (spec.) the Messianic restoration: reformation.
1.) To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition.
2.) a- To abolish abuse or malpractice in: reform the government; b- To put an end to (a wrong), “to correct.”
3.) To cause (a person) to give up harmful or immoral practices; persuade to adopt a better way of life.
4.) To change for the better
5.) Correction of evils, abuses, or errors.

As is easily seen by looking at the differences in definition between revival and reformation, there is a distinct difference between the two.
But which is the Fathers desire in us?

Why is reformation necessary in the church today?

Gods ultimate purpose is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son. But because of false or erroneous teachings, teachings either arrived at in error, or containing error, WE, the Body of Christ, no longer look like Christ. In the Acts 5:15, we see Peter's shadow causing people to be healed. Was Peter aware that his shadow was doing the work? What is obvious is that those around Peter saw something manifesting that separated him from them. They saw Christ in him and that aroused the hope of glory!

Earlier in Acts 4:33, Luke describes what led up to the shadow incident:
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”

Power: 1411. dunamis, from G1410; force (lit. or fig.); spec. miraculous power (usually by impl. a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work. 1410. to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.

2Witness: 3142. marturion, of G3144; something evidential, i.e. (gen.) evidence given : to be testified, testimony, witness. 3144. martus; a witness (lit. [judicially] or fig. [gen.]); by anal. a "martyr":--martyr, record, witness. [ Acts 1:8]

Resurrection: 386. anastasis, from G450; a standing up again, i.e. (lit.) a resurrection from death (individual, gen. or by impl. [its author]), or (fig.) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):--raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again. 450. anistemi; from G303 and G2476; to stand up (lit. or fig., trans. or intrans.):--arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up (-right) 303: ana,; a prim. prep. and adv.; prop. up; In compounds (as a prefix) it often means (by impl.) repetition, intensity, reversal, etc. ).2476: histemi, a prim. stao; to stand (lit. or fig.):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stand (by, forth, still, up).

Grace: 5485. charis; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

The grace of God was so strong upon the early church that those around them could see “something” was different about them. They could see that they were “Christ”. [anointed]

This was not the first time that people saw something different about the early church.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (KJV)

The first thing that the Pharisees and Sadducee’s saw was that Peter and John had a boldness that caused them concern. Boldness towards the religious rulers was not a common sight. The Pharisees had built a system that effectively closed the doors to heaven for the average person. They were to be feared. They imparted to the people the mindset (stronghold) that “if you cross us, we will kick you out of the Temple and then how will God hear from you”!(paraphrase) 3 [see John 9:22]

But when Peter and John displayed no fear, they got nervous! It wasn’t enough that they were unlearned and ignorant, but what caused them their greatest concern was that “they took knowledge of them”.

Knowledge: 1921. epiginosko; from G1909 and G1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by impl. to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:--(ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive.

The phrase “to know upon some mark” refers to something that they knew of because a past experience. The men that were now questioning Peter and John, were the very same men that had “set up” Jesus for His crucifixion! Annas and Caiaphas! [Acts 4:6] And now they could see that same Spirit upon these two “mere men” that they saw and feared so much upon Jesus!

But there was now a new dynamic that troubled them. When they crucified Jesus, there were approximately 120 followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. Now there were at least 8120! And this was in just a few months after the crucifixion. 4 [see Acts 5:34]

Why? Because they could see Christ manifest in the flesh! Not Jesus the Christ, but the Body of Christ! The anointing of God upon men!
In Isaiah 52-53, the crucifixion of Christ is foretold. Many theologians have taken VS 52:14 to speak of Christ upon the cross.

Just as there were many who were appalled at him -- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness. (NIV)

Many well meaning commentators have taught us through this scripture that Jesus was so badly beaten that no one could recognize him. While we do not intend to remove the horrific nature of the crucifixion, it must be noted that crucifixion was a common punishment in that day. And everyone knew that it was Jesus that was hanging there. They could see the difference between Him and the two malefactors.

Could this prophetic word be speaking to us? Could it be saying that we no longer look like Christ?

Diorthosis, the Greek word for reformation, is the same word that we get the word orthopedic from. Orthopedics is defined as “the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention or correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments.”

When we hear Paul describe the church as a human body 1, we then can see the need of reformation to take place within it in order to realign the skeletal structure back into its proper position. Think of it as chiropractic medicine for the spirit! Something has gotten out of shape within our foundational belief structure that no longer allows us to appear as Christ! And that was and is the Fathers intention!

Before God manifested as Jesus in the earth, God was without form. He is a Spirit and spirits don’t have a discernable shape. In Colossians 1:15; we see that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Something that is invisible does not have a shape to the natural eye. But God became man [Emmanuel: God with us] and took the form of a man, so that men could see God!

In Hebrews 1, this is further explained:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:1-3 (KJV)

The phrase “brightness of his glory”, means that he was the off-flashing of the Fathers glory. He wasn’t a reflection of it, he was it! He wasn’t the thing that was illuminated by the flashlight, he was the beam of light itself. And that is further confirmed by the next statement; “the express image of his person”. Jesus was the exact representation of His essence. He was as much God, as God was! But in the visible form of a man! He was the visible expression of God.

And that is what we are called to be! The visible expression of God in the earth!

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (KJV)

The word used here for “manifest” is the Greek work phaneroo [5319] which describes something that is “rendered apparent”. This is speaking of an obvious manifestation. Not some spiritual application, but an outward manifestation of Christ’s presence.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 (KJV)

Conformed: 4832. summorphos; from G4862 and G3444; jointly formed, i.e. (fig.) similar:--conformed to, fashioned like unto.

Image: 1504. eikon; from G1503; a likeness, i.e. (lit.) statute, profile, or (fig.) representation, resemblance:--image.

The word “summorphos” speaks an adjusting process that changes the way something appears. The new thing will take on the shape of that which is the desired result. In this case we are to be changed into the likeness of Christ. Paul re-enforces this point in Ephesians 4.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 (KJV)

The word “conformed” in this verse is not the same as the word “conformed” used in Romans 12:2. That is the word “suschematizo”, which describes the self-transformation of a person. Scripture there admonishes us not to appear as the world appears. We should look differently than the world, but the change occurs because of the indwelling presence of God, that causes a literal change of our outward appearance. But what needs to be seen in this particular scripture is the use of the word “transformed”.

3339. metamorphoo, met-am-or-fo'-o; from G3326 and G3445; to transform (lit. or fig. "metamorphose"):--change, transfigure, transform.

This verse speaks of a transformation process that is brought about by changing the way one thinks about themselves and that the result of this new thinking process releases the will of God for you to come to pass.
Hence the difference between revival and reformation is this; revival is focused upon external manifestations of the presence of God and the subsequent activities that motivate those manifestations; whereas reformation is about the internal adjustment of the individual believer to the designed individual purposes of God in each believers life and the “joint forming” that is manifest by these accurate alignings. And this can only be brought about by the internal restructuring of our thought processes.

For we already have the mind of Christ. Lets determine to utilize it, rather than rationalize it. Consider this verse:

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:17 (KJV)

1 Rom 12:4, 1 Cor 12:12, 1 Cor 15:49

1) Recify:
1. To set right; correct.
2. To correct by calculation or adjustment.
3. To refine or purify, especially by distillation. - Chemistry
4. To convert (alternating current) into direct current. - Electronics
5. To adjust (the proof of alcoholic beverages) by adding water or other liquids.

2) Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Witnesses: this word represents the promise of the Father that He would give us the power to be “martyrs”. To die to self

3) John 9:20-23 (KJV) His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. 22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

4) Acts 5:32-42 (KJV) And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

The Search

2005-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? (Mark 4:13 KJV)

Jesus, while enlightening the twelve on the Parable of the Sower poses what looks to be a question, but in realty for us end-time, New Testament believers, may be a statement of warning. We must always remember that punctuation marks and italicized words were not part of the original texts; they were added by the translators and were based upon their understanding of the scriptures.

The passage above appears to be self explanatory, but is it? Do we understand the depth and consequence of what Jesus is saying and how does it relate to us as reformers?

We have become increasingly aware during our search for Reformational understanding of the scriptures, that many hidden truths are really not hidden at all; but rather right before our eyes; we just never sought them out, therefore we never saw them.

Martin Luther sought a deeper relationship with God and in that seeking came across “the just shall live by faith”1. But why was it that no one prior to Luther saw that passage? It had been there for 1500 years; why hadn’t anyone else seen it sooner?

The answer is really quite simple; he looked.

In our society and season, the culture we live in demands results without effort. This has led to the development of fast foods, the immediate response to informational requests (i.e.: the internet) and the total breakdown of the human will to search. We are a coach potato society that demands instant gratification without the corresponding effort required to justify the result. There is an old saying that “the end justifies the means”, but in our search for a deeper relationship with God, the means that we employ will bring us to the justified end.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
(Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

This often quoted passage is used to calm the human spirit in times of trouble, to appease the senses of those in the daily fires of life. But for us in this present truth season of God, it is our “confirming word”, the one that drives us to seek the deeper waters of revelatory wisdom. It is that word from the Father that assures us, in our hearts, that He has His hand upon us and will bring us to telos, the conclusion of an act or state of being that results in the immediate, ultimate or prophetic purpose of God for our lives.

That place where we are conformed to the image of His son.

But as with all of the work that the Father does within us, a process must be adhered to. For most, if not all of us, our walk with the Lord could be characterized as a crises/call relationship. We find ourselves in a crisis and we call upon the Lord! This is not a new phenomena, it has been this way from the beginning. And this is what the Father was outlining when he gave this word to Jeremiah.

As we delve into this passage we must always remember that everything that happened to Israel happened unto them for our admonition that we may be able to stand in the end.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV)

The parallel of the season in Jeremiah can easily be a mirror of the day in which we find ourselves. Israel had been carried away as captives into Babylon. Babylon is a prophetic type of the worldly systems and Israel a picture of the Church.

As Israel had no choice in being exiled to Babylon, we have no choice in our captivity in this world. We are here because God has placed us here. Our being placed in this time and season was never a matter of chance but rather it was a divine decision. It is as Mordecai spoke of Ester: “thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this”.2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; (Jeremiah 29:4 KJV)

It seems that we have a mirror image presenting itself here. Israel had been carried from Jerusalem to Babylon and we have been translated from this present corrupted world to the kingdom of His son but the technology of this passage is quite revealing.

Historical Background:

God had sent Jeremiah to the leaders of Israel with a prophetic revelation concerning Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire. It was God’s decree that all of the nations of the earth should serve Nebuchadnezzar and this included Israel. But as is the case today, false prophets had risen and released a contradictory word. God had told Jeremiah that the captivity would be long and gave specific direction to the captives. The false prophets released the seemingly encouraging word that the captivity would be short.

What are the parallels (similarities) to our present truth season?

What are the admonitions (warnings)?

As stated earlier, none of us is here by chance. We are in the season and locations that were preordained by God. Even if in our own mortal mentality, we have made decisions that we perceive as being wrong ones (such as moving to this city or that, or changing jobs…), God still knew and will always know, where we are and what we will be doing! Nothing happens anywhere in this realm that He is not involved in. We may have permitted mental blocks to that truth, but that does not negate the truth.
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault?

For who hath resisted his will? (Romans 9:19 KJV)

The reality of this passage that needs to be internally digested and received into your spirit is that no man can resist the will of God and in this case of captivity it was Gods will that Israel be taken captive, BUT, it was also Gods will that some would resist. Remember that all that happened to Israel happened unto them for us to whom the end of the age was to come. They were forced to this place in order that we would have insight from previous historical accounts on how to accurately stand in the end time season of God.

All Old Testament scripture is to be viewed through the words and actions of Jesus. One of the most dangerous positions a New Testament believer can assume is to attempt to make Old Covenant scripture stand on its own merits, without first filtering it through Jesus and the writing of the New. The Old Covenant was for the ancients and then it was only to serve until the New came along. Jeremiah wrote:

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
(Jeremiah 31:31-32 KJV)

This same passage is carried over into the New Testament.

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: 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. (Hebrews 8:8-9 KJV)

One of the keys to releasing the power of the New Covenant is found in defining the phrase not according. The word according is the word kata and has numerous definitions depending upon the case that it is joined to; and in this case it is joined to the word not. Some of the more applicable meanings of kata in this case would be: not pertaining to, or as not touching the previous covenant. One usage of the word that appears more accurate and to the point is not after the manner of. If we restate Jeremiahs prophetic release with this definition in place of the word according, we can gain a clearer understanding of the separation between the Old and the New.

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: {32} Not after the manner of the covenant that I made with their fathers…

Simply stated the New Covenant would not be bound by the restrictions, manners and customs required by the Old. The New Covenant is not an extension of the Old Covenant, but rather a reference material to be used by the NT believer to guide them to accuracy in the end.

One of the greatest technological instruments for use by the NT believer is found in the Hebrews Eight confirmation of Jeremiahs prophecy. It states that God found fault with the first Covenant.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. (Hebrews 8:7 KJV)

The fault with the first was man, not with the covenant itself or with God, but with mans inability to fulfill the requirements of it. This too God had foreknowledge of. But the technology that we need to glean from this passage is that we have a right and a responsibility to find fault with our current belief systems. As previously discussed when we examined James Chapter Five, if your accepted doctrinal positions do not enable you to stand accurately in any given situation or circumstance, they need to be reviewed for erroneous foundations. God will not do this for you, but can make you wish that you had!

Returning to Jeremiah:

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; {6} Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. {7} And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. (Jeremiah 29:5-7 KJV)

God had directed the children of Israel that had accurately received the word from Jeremiah to integrate in to the Babylonian culture. Not change the Babylonians, but live amongst them. The directive was to increase the kingdom of God within the operating system of Babylon, no to change Babylon into the kingdom of God. The New Covenant directive that could parallel this passage can be found in John, Chapter Seventeen.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (John 17:15 KJV)

The word evil used here is poneros and as we have previously discussed, poneros an evil influence rather than a personality (the devil). We are to be in the system, but not influenced by it. We operate according to different patterns and frequencies within the same physical parameters as the Babylonians, but we do not accept the influence of the Babylonians as truth.

The parallel between the old and the new as it relates to separatism can clearly be seen in. those that refused to leave Jerusalem and move into Babylon. There is a large segment of the current church body that see holiness from a strictly OT point of view. Under the Law it was forbidden to touch many animals that were seen as unclean; the Gentiles on the other hand regularly did just that. So the mentality of Jew of that day was that the Gentiles were unclean, therefore to be avoided. This has carried over to the New Covenant by misinterpreting Paul’s dissertation to the Corinthians.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
(2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)

Many today relate this scripture to the separating of the believer from the influences of this world, when in fact Paul was relating it to the influence that the unbelieving Jew could have had upon the believer.

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. (Jeremiah 29:7 KJV)

Many today have utilized this passage without filtering it through the NT as a scriptural basis for the many prayer movements aimed at changing this environment. But once again without the accurate filtering of Jesus, this too becomes corrupted.

For Jesus said:

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (John 17:9 KJV)

If we are to be Christ-like than why are we doing something that He did not do?

How can we relate and discern this scripture (Jeremiahs) from an accurate NT frame of mind without violating Jesus example?

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; {2} For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)

Paul is telling us here what to pray for. He states that the object of our prayer is to be the end that the leadership of Babylon will allow us to live and worship in peace. And it must be said that in the same way that we filter the OT through Jesus, we must also filter the writings of Peter, Paul and the other NT writers through Jesus’ teachings. For it is just as feasible to be deceived by NT scriptures as it is by the Old.

And speaking of the deception:

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:8-9 KJV)

The admonition here is for judgment; the accurate reception of the words that are spoken. The best defense against false prophets and prophecies are the words and teaching of Jesus. Any word that is released in prophetic stature is to be judged.

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
(1 Corinthians 14:29 KJV)

How does what the prophets are saying relate to what Jesus said must come to pass? And remember that anything that contradicts Jesus’ teachings concerning the end is of the deceiver, not from God. It says, “let them speak”, but then judgment must occur. For too long we have been afraid to challenge the “prophets” of God, when the reality and responsibility of the NT believer is to do just that. By challenging the false, light enters in. And we are called to be light; the revealers of all that is false. And as God spoke through Jeremiah, “I have not sent them, saith the Lord”. So if God didn’t send them, what harm can come from challenging them?

Notice that the prophets and diviners are in our midst. They are amongst us. The difference between a prophet and a diviner is that the prophet speaks by inspiration or by discourse of future events, whereas the diviner determines future events by lot or by magical scrolls. The diviner sounds as if it would be easy to spot, but the same people who utilize the name of Jesus as a magical incantation can utilize the written word in the same fashion. Consider the date-setters or the end-time dispensationalists who have supposedly foretold of how the end-time will unfold by the way they interpret scripture.

We are also warned against harkening to our own dreams, which we cause to be dreamed. The word dream used here comes from the root word chalam, and means to bind firmly with the implication of being made plump. It also implies of something being in a good liking. This speaks into the personal desires that invade our thought processes. We can twist scripture to our own liking, for our own gain and have it corrupt our ability to remain clear-headed. Bad doctrine when yoked together with corrupted thought processes will always lead us to a place of deception. As a man thinketh…

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. (Jeremiah 29:10 KJV)

Here we have the Father placing a length to the season of the captivity: 70 years. It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that the Father is speaking in the literal human time of kronos, but as with many of the promises of the Father, they are conditional. And in this case the Father says that the captivity will last seventy years and then you will call on me and I will hear you. (Daniel 29:14)

But what if Daniel had not had this passage revealed to him? What if he hadn’t been searching the scriptures and discovered that the seventy years had passed?3

How long would Israel have waited?

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. {14} And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. (Jeremiah 29:12-14 KJV)

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
(Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)

What if there is not a generation or a remnant in the earth that is actively seeking the return of the Lord, Will he return?

Footnotes
1 (Romans 1:17 KJV) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
2 (Esther 4:14 KJV) For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
3 (Daniel 9:2-3 KJV) In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. {3} And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Transitioning ...Part 3B

2005-08-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Let's return to John.

The next stage is the rising up of the false religious persona. There had already been a division within their ranks [John 9:16] and in order to try and rectify the situation, they “get religious”. Much like we just saw with false brethren in Galatians 2.

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. John 9:24 (KJV)

As if this guy had to be told that God had done this great thing in him! But they began to sit in judgement on the manifestation. “You had better bless and glorify God because we know you must have gotten lucky, cause we know this guy is bad news”[para]. But notice now what occurs; his martyr spirit begins to rise.

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? John 9:25-27 (KJV)

He stands up in the face of what would seem to be insurmountable odds, and challenges them directly, in the presence of witnesses, as Paul did, to judge the manifestation. This is a necessary move in order to allow for the acceptance or the rejection of the move. These will be the words that will come back to haunt them at a time of judgement. After he begins to take a martyr stance, the Pharisee’s now turn to personal attacks and also set up their “system” as the judge of what is of God and what is not. But what they cannot see is that the “Moses” system was now in the final throws of death and would very shortly become obsolete.

Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. John 9:28-29 (KJV)

The Pharisee’s stand has now become obvious “it’s the Moses system” or it’s not God! Notice also that the same thing they relied upon [the written word of Moses] would also be the same thing that would later convict them of the error.

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? John 5:45-47 (KJV)

In effect, Jesus is telling the Pharisee’s that, those things that you misunderstood and misinterpreted will be the very same things that will be used as charges against you at a later time. They had allowed their “religious” beliefs to render the Word to a place of ineffectiveness. That is also the place where the Body of Christ is today, a place of ineffectiveness. Hence the need for a reformation move.

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
John 9:30-33

Now we see our “empowered” brother making the ultimate challenge to their structure. “If this man were not of God, he could do nothing”. His reasoning is simple; if any man submit and worship God and do what he has commanded them to do, God will hear them. Take note of the use of the word 'but' in that scripture.

“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but”! Thank God for buts! If it were not for 'but', none of us could have ever have gotten saved! It was after this bold stance, that the Pharisee’s carried forth their threat. They cast him out of their midst. BUT, not until they had ridiculed him in front of those present, as a means of securing their position of fear upon them. Notice their return to the previously held belief structure. “You are totally in error in your belief system is because you were completely born in sin and you expect to teach us anything ?” [para]

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. John 9:34 (KJV)

But bless God, Jesus was watching all along and came to him and confirmed the stand he had taken. We have a tendency of waiting for the manifestation of Christ (or a confirmation) before we take a stand, when in fact, the manifestation (or confirmation) most likely will appear after we stand! As part of the confirming action that Jesus displayed, in seeking him out after his stand, Jesus then reveals to our brother, in an even clearer way, that he had been true to the leading of God all along.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
John 9:35-37 (KJV)

The phrase “Thou hast both seen him” can also be stated “you have completely discerned him”. And in light of our apostolic implication of these scriptures we can see how he was able to discern the moving of God in his midst, even though it was contrary to the popular accepted religious position. Jesus continues,

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. John 9:39 (KJV)

Jesus tells the listeners of his purpose. The phrase 'for judgment' is the Greek word krima, and it means the function or the effect of a decision and comes from the root word krino, which means to distinguish, to decide mentally or judicially. Jesus is telling us that he came to bring people to the place of decision. And the purpose was to separate those “who know that they cannot see” from those that “think that they know what they see”. As was with Jesus and is generally the case with all who seek to move forward from established positions, the Pharisee’s challenged his words.

And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? John 9:40 (KJV)

And Jesus answered their question in no uncertain terms. Jesus said unto them,

If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 9:41 (KJV)

This puts the Pharisee’s in the category of those that think they see. This is were the misinterpretation of John 10:10 “officially” begins. We have now been keeping this in context for two chapters. Jesus continues and, remember, he is still speaking to the Pharisee’s that posed the question of their “blindness”.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 (KJV)

He begins by establishing that there is only one way into the sheepfold and that is through the door. Anyone who enters into that arena by any other means (the Abraham system or the Moses system) is a thief and a robber. The word 'thief' used here is the Greek word kleptes which means a stealer ; but it comes from another word that means to filch. A 'filch' is someone who takes something, especially something of little value, in a manner expressive of hidden motives or purposes. Another word for filch is a pilferer. The word pilferage is the word we use for someone who steals from their employer. A robber on the other hand is the Greek word leistes, and it means to plunder ; one who is a brigand. The definition of plunder is to rob of goods by force, especially in time of war; property stolen by fraud or by force. A brigand is a robber or bandit, especially one who is a member of an outlaw band. An “outlaw” is one who has committed crimes against the “law” and refuses to surrender. The Scandinavians, who invaded and settled in England from the 8th through the 11th century, gave us the Old English word ¿tlaga, which designated as someone who because of criminal acts, must give up his property to the crown and could be killed without recrimination. Note that “The Law” was actually at a place of transition to becoming “outlawed”. So we can see by context and definition, that the thieves and robbers mentioned in John 10:1 refer to the Pharisee’s, that refused to come under subjection to the ruling authority set in place by God, and were trying to enter and control “kingdom” domain by some other route, other than Christ.

Jesus then begins to reinforce that he is speaking to the Pharisee’s.

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
John 10:2 (KJV)

He now sets in place a comparison between those that enter illegally and those that enter correctly. Only those that enter through the door are the shepherds. The Pharisee’s could be considered the shepherds of the “old” order. But in their refusal to submit to the new thing of God, they try to force “their way” into the sheepfold of the new and there by become thieves and robbers.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. John 10:3 (KJV)

Keep in mind who is being spoken of here. He is speaking of those shepherds who enter correctly into the fold. He is not speaking of himself. He says that the “porter” opens the gate for them. The word 'porter' used here is the Greek word thuroros and it means a gate-warden or he that kept the door. I submit that the “door keeper” is the Holy Spirit. He is the discerner of the hearts of those that enter the fold. It is as the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of the “called”, that they are then drawn to the door. He then begins to outline the proper establishment of “apostolic order”. Those that are to follow certain shepherds, will understand the “voice” of their “apostolic oversight”. Some are to be hands, eyes,… He continues with the “technology”:

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10:4 (KJV)

Jesus now shows us the purpose in training the “sheep”. To release them to graze. To help the sheep find their place in the pasture and release them to walk as they have seen their shepherd walk. Not necessarily the same walk as their shepherd, but as they have seen him walk after the Good Shepherd. And the Spirit will bear witness that their voice has been true to Gods Word.

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. John 10:5 (KJV)

The voice of those not of the same flock will cause the sheep to run away, sometimes from God! And as was usually the case with Jesus’ parables, they couldn’t understand what he was saying, so now he begins to restate his words, to explain them in a clearer light.

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7 (KJV)

He tells us that he is the portal of entry into the “new fold”. All the sheep and the shepherds of this new move must pass by him.

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. John 10:8 (KJV)

All of the shepherds of the previous system were thieves and robbers, but, the “sheep” were not totally corrupted by accepting all that they said was so! In their system, they made it so complicated for someone to “be right” with God, that the sheep couldn’t understand, or comprehend, what they were trying to get across.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9 (KJV)

Jesus tells us one of the “keys of the kingdom”. Once we come through the door, we can now go in and out of the sheepfold in the liberty that kingdom provides. We can roam the mountain of God to find our particular “pasture”. Sheep are not meant to be “corralled”. He also begins to set up a comparison again between what is “proper” shepherding and what is not.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 (KJV)

The comparison continues. The thief, those that enter by some other way other than the door, come to steal (filch), kill and destroy. Whereas Jesus came that they, the sheep, may have life. We must take note that in John 8:44 it is said that they are of their father the devil and that he was a murderer from the beginning. But their is a major difference between a murderer (anthropoktonos) and kill (thuo) listed in John 10:10. These differences will also reinforce the object of this scripture. Jesus in John Chapter 8, while speaking to the Pharisee’s said,

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44 (KJV)

Now it has been said that this scripture is the reference to John 10:10’s use of the word kill, but that cannot be so! The word used here for 'murderer' is the Greek word anthropoktonos, and though it does mean to kill, it specifically means a manslayer, one who murders a man. But the word used in John 10:10 is the Greek word 'thuo'. Thuo is a word that means to rush, to breathe hard, to blow, to smoke and it implies to sacrifice by fire, but generally by extension to immolate (slaughter for sacrificial purpose). It is used fourteen times within the New Testament and with the exception of John 10:10, every other usage is related to the sacrifice of animals in worship. There is not one reference, (other than relating to Christ as the Passover Lamb) that points to the murder or death of a human being. To imply from John 10:10 that the devil has the power to kill is an ignorant use of scripture and may actually be a releasing of him to do such. But if we place it in context to the Pharisee’s religious practices, it makes perfect sense! Their entire religious system was developed around the sacrifice of animals for the temporal remission of sin. They had become so blinded to the Spirit of the Word, that they couldn’t see that the “Lamb of God”, was about to present himself, to transition them from a sacrificial system that was temporal, to a system where, the sacrifice of one would be sufficient for all. The Pharisee’s system of religion was one of destruction. The destruction of souls. The lack of liberty in serving God would “choke” revelation. God was in the box (Ark of the Covenant) and that was that. Revelation of God had come to a standstill. The “sheep” were standing in the same place for four hundred years. If a “sheep” stays in one place to long, it will starve to death. It must be constantly moving forward to greener pasture. The Pharisaical system was literally destroying the sheep. New revelation of God was hindered to the point that there was no new revelation. It was forbidden. It is a parallel to what we see now and will see in the times to come, as God moves and people hear. It’s guaranteed! They will arise!

They must in order for every jot and tittle to come to pass. The Prophet Ezekiel was commanded to speak a word over Israel, notice the wording and see if it sounds familiar.

There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. Ezekiel 22:25-28 (KJV)

The phrases; have devoured souls; have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows, sure sounds parallel to John 10:10. But the next phrase gets right to the point; to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. to shed blood, to destroy souls to get dishonest gain to kill to destroy to steal Now I pose a simple question; Was Ezekiel speaking of the devil? Was John? You be the judge, your life just might be depending on it!

Ezekiel 34:10-12 (KJV) Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. 11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Ezekiel 34:14-16 (KJV) I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Transitioning ...Part 3A

2005-08-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Jesus’ ministry on earth was in a state of constant transition. He was persistently pressing towards the “mark”. The “mark” for His final transition was the “cross”; a kind of “X marks the spot” focus. He not only manifest on earth to fulfill the “redemption” purpose of the Father, but also to prepare “common man” to do the same. He was to prepare a people to walk as He did, in His steps and in His image and in His glory.
Time after time, scripture reveals to us, the secret.

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”.

Jesus tells us that; Whoever has determined (will) to come and go (come) in His shadow (after) must die to their own desires and wishes (deny himself) and take a stand (take up his cross) and walk as you have seen Him walk (follow me).

This message is mirrored through out scripture, both Old and New Testament. As we have seen in previous lessons, sometimes the “Bible story” can hide the “apostolic” or the “present truth” of Gods Word. Peter admonished us;

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12 (KJV)

The phrase “established in the present truth” refers to one who by conscience decision, and unwavering resistance, to externally applied pressure, becomes fastened securely upon a foundation that allows for God’s truth to become near at hand. It is a truth that is relevant to the “kairos” that they are presently in.

We have been told that the Word of God is the Living Word. In order for something to be living, it must be ever-changing, ever growing. Not that it “changes” in its truth, so much as it changes, in it’s focus on particular truths. It must be active in its function or use. Because of the active nature of God’s Word , it allows itself to be read, many times over and get different truths from the same passage. The volume of truths that can be received from just one passage of His Word, could possibly fill all of the libraries of the world, and still not uncover all that is hidden therein. It is beyond the comprehension of man to fully understand even one jot or tittle of the Supreme God's Word.

It is for that reason, that we must never be satisfied, with those things that have been revealed unto us. No matter how complete they may seem.

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret things do belong unto God and it is within His Sovereign right to reveal them unto whosoever He desires. The word used here 'revealed' is a word that also means to uncover that which is hidden. It is our right and responsibility to seek out the secret things that the Father has placed in His Word.

Martin Luther was a nobody in the Catholic Church when God opened his eyes to the now simple biblical truth; “the just shall live by faith”. But God opened one man's eyes to something that had been there all along. It is mind boggling to think “how many” people had read that scripture and never “read” that scripture. That was Martin Luther’s “kairos”. God had created him for that purpose; to uncover a simple truth that would challenge twelve hundred years of false teachings. Martin Luther stepped into a transition move of God and literally challenged and began a dismantling process of the most powerful organization on earth.
And what was the key to the success of that early reformation? “Present Truth”. Martin Luther took the insight that God gave him and “reproved” the Word of God. He tried to share it with the religious leadership of his day, but to no avail. The truths that he shared with them threatened their very existence in the same way that Jesus’ manifestation of present truth, threatened the Pharisees.

The Pharisee is still alive and within the church today. As God begins to “open” your eyes to “present truth”, you will, at the same time, begin to see the Pharisee spirit arise. It must! For the truth to be manifest, the key holders of the present religious system must be challenged. When they begin to arise, instead of cowering and backing down; press in and reprove for the battle is the Lords! Take your stand (cross) and walk as you have seen Him walk (follow Him)!

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Luke 11:52 (KJV)

The Pharisee spirit is a religious assertion, that takes a position, that hinders the release of most anything new within the kingdom. They see God “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”. While that is a true biblically based statement, the Pharisee spirit receives it from the standpoint that says; their position is all that is to be known on any particular issue or scripture.

The Pharisee spirit calls anything that disagrees with their position heresy, when in fact, any stance that declares itself to know all that there is to be known on any scripture is in fact a true heretical position! It is impossible for any man to know all that there is to know about God. And any man or religious institution that takes such a position, even on the slightest of biblical truths, is bordering on the foolish.

Take for instance this scripture,

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 (KJV)

We have been taught and conditioned that the thief is the devil and that he came to steal to kill and to destroy the people of God. This has been a “tried and true” doctrinal position throughout the modern church. How it came to pass, none truly can ascertain. Its origins within the church are most likely untraceable, but we take it at face value without question. But does that mean this is the truth and all the truth of this scripture ? Could there be more?

This particular scripture is part of a much larger interchange between Jesus and a group of Pharisee's. In John Chapter 9, we see a man who had been born blind as the focus of one of Jesus’ miracles.

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. John 9:1-3 (KJV)

Just prior to this scene, in John 8, We see that Jesus had a confrontation with the Pharisees. During this dialogue the Jews reiterated the point that they were Abraham’s seed. And that premise was their foundation for being the “chosen” of God. All that they believed was founded upon Abraham’s relationship with God. Jesus than makes a statement that causes the “religious” spirits to rise to the boiling point.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. John 8:56-59 (KJV)

It is at this moment, as Jesus passed by, his disciples inquire about a man that had been born blind.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. John 9:2-3 (KJV)

This question was not an out of order inquiry. The mindset of that day was, that if you were afflicted with a physical infirmity, you or your family must have offended God and this was to be you punishment. But Jesus right away dispels that religious argument and tells them of the Fathers hand in it. This is even quite contrary to some of our current religious positions! Lets now turn our “apostolic” eyes and see what may be hidden within the “story”.

First, this man had probably been around the Temple most of his life. We can derive this from his parents reaction. They were afraid of being “kicked out” of the synagogue. So it would be safe to say that this man had a “religious relationship” with the Father. But because of his surroundings he had been “born again” blind. He was saved according to the rule of the day, but he couldn’t see the truth in his relationship with God. He knew that he was lacking something in his walk, but because of hypocrisy and false doctrine he was legally blind, “Blinded by Law”.

Jesus, leaving the Temple after confronting the Pharisee’s “blindness”, crosses the path of our “born again" blind brother. Notice that he tells his disciples that he must “work the works” of He that sent him and begins to make a compound to rub upon this mans eyes. He didn’t even speak to the guy, just started smearing the mud on his face! Boldness!

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is, by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. John 9:7 (KJV)

The word 'sent' used here is the Greek word apostello. It is the same word that is used to describe an apostle. What Jesus was telling our brother is; to go and get under an apostolic anointing and allow the washing of water by the word [Eph 5:26] to free him from his enslaving religious position. The pool of Siloam represents a place where apostolic liberty brings us into a deeper relationship with God.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5 (KJV)

Now the true Pharisee spirit begins to show its face.

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. John 9:16

This manifestation cannot be of God for he violated a religious principle! What they couldn’t understand because of their “closed vision” of God, was that new rules had come to pass during the transition period. Mandatory worship had been replaced by those who would worship in spirit and in truth. It didn’t matter what the manifestation was, if it was contrary to “their” standards, it couldn’t be God.

Next, we see the manipulation that accompanies the Pharisee spirit.

But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. John 9:18-22 (KJV)

The first appearance of manipulation is through the releasing of a spirit of fear. “If anyone stands and associates with this new move of God, we will separate them from amongst us. We will “excommunicate them”. [para]. Notice also that their tactic was to attack the family body. The spiritual principal is that a house divided cannot stand. Could this be insight into the technology that Jesus spoke of when he said:

And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:36-38

The Pharisee’s intention was to get the parents to cause the man to deny the manifestation of the “new move” of God. To quench the fire on the inside by using those closest to the receiving party. This is a common tactic.

When Jesus said that a prophet was without honor in his own country and among his own kin, could he have been speaking of this type of scenario? Those that are closest to you may very well be the ones who will be used of the Pharisee spirit to try and dissuade you from pursuing the deeper things of God. Transition will never be an easy thing!

This is also seen in the interaction between Peter and Paul. When Paul first had his “blinded eyes” opened [Acts 9:8] he separated himself unto God for a season [3 years Gal 1:18] in order to receive from the Spirit those things, that were to be required of him in his service to God. He separated himself unto God, not unto the existing structure [the existing apostolic order]. He remained separated until released to approach the apostolic elders at Jerusalem. And when he did go up to Jerusalem, he only met with Peter and James, and with them for only fifteen days. But it must be noted that in that fifteen day period, the apostles bore witness of the hand of God upon him. In Acts 9:26-30, we see that fifteen day period spoken of, and it only took Paul fifteen days, to persuade the opposition to kill him! Paul then went back to his own ministry and remained there for another fourteen years and then by revelation of the Spirit he returned to Jerusalem. [Gal 2:2]

What did Paul find when he got there ? The apostolic structure had been corrupted by false teachings! [Gal 2:4] And what was the purpose of those teachings? To bind up the people of Christ and bring them back into the previous structure of religious practices. This corruption can be seen later also at Antioch.

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Galatians 2:11-12 (KJV)

Peter had been caught up in the web of hypocrisy that had invaded the structure of the “new move” of God. He would be a gentile when alone with the gentiles, but became a “Pharisee” when among those of the circumcision. And his second worst nightmare was when the two clashed! Paul’s martyr spirit arose!

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all…. Gal 2:14

That which is hidden will be brought to the light! And what did Paul say about the matter ? 'Peter, no one will be justified by the requirements of the previous religious system, but only by the faith of Jesus Christ… [Gal 2:16 para]

TO BE CONTINUED...

Transitioning ...Part 2B

2005-08-20T06:45:00.000-04:00

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. John 4:34 (KJV)

There is a place of supernatural abundance that lies waiting for those who seek to worship the Father with their lives. Paul admonishes,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 (KJV)

The key to understanding this principle is hidden in the phrase “reasonable service”. The word 'reasonable' is the Greek word logikos, and means rational. The word 'service' is the word latreia, and speaks of one who renders ministry unto God in the form of worship or divine service. The combination of these words refers to one who has made a conscience decision to provide service, whether through worship or sacrifice, unto God. And as Paul states; “ye present your bodies”.

God will not force anyone into this position, but will provide the “wells” to see you through. The key lies in accurately discerning your calling or purpose. How does one find that? The same way as the man at the pool at Bethesda; Rise, change your foundation from a soft one to a solid one, and reclaim your dominion, start walking. That’s what the woman did;

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:28-29 (KJV)

A waterpot is a receptacle for family water supply, she put her families desires aside and began to walk in the revelation that had been given her. And by doing so brought in many from that city into the kingdom. As we begin to walk in the revelation given us, one of two things happen. We either hit the mark, or we miss it. Each has it’s own consequences. When we miss the mark, we can be assured of rough roads, dry places, and fruitless ventures. Wisdom should tell us how to discern our fruit. If it’s rotten, than there’s real good possibility that you are “missing the mark”.

But if as you walk, you are continually finding the wells of joy and good fruit, let that be your assurance of accuracy in calling. But as with the man at Bethesda, you have to rise, and you have to seek, and you have to press on and through.

Another area that Haggai dealt with was the concept of thirst. He said; “ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink”. This same statement can also be examined in light of these scriptures.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10 (KJV)

Could Jesus be giving us further insight into accurately discerning our calling with this scripture? Could He be saying, “If you knew your gifting, the one that is from God, and if you could discern when I was in your presence, you would know when to go to the well for refilling”? The word 'gift' used here is the same as the word used in Ephesians 4, where Paul says:

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Ephesians 4:7 (KJV)

And in this particular scripture he is telling us about the grace that is given to each one of us personally as it relates to our specific giftings.

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:13-14 (KJV)

Jesus is telling us in this usage, that if we try to fulfill our callings according to our natural efforts and our own desires rather than those that the Father has purposed and planned for us, we will always have to return to the “natural well” for refilling. But if we find the place that He has created us to fill we will have constant access to the living water. Living water always tastes better and is more satisfying than water that is stagnate. Notice also the use of the phrase “water springing up into everlasting life”. An alternate way of expressing that could be “a gushing forth perpetual living”. Living water will wear down anything that stands in it’s path. It may take time, but it will eventually wear away. Whereas stagnate water begins to lose it’s ability to satisfy aftertime and in time will also breed organisms that render the water useless for consumption. Algae doesn’t reproduce well in rushing rivers!

Haggai also mentioned the clothing that these people were wearing. He said: “ye clothe you, but there is none warm”. You have on the proper garments for the season, but you just can’t seem to get warm. Could the possibility exist that you aren’t discerning the season correctly?

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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. 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. John 3:1-3 (KJV)

Nicodemus was a ruler among the Jews. He was a member of the Sanhedrim. He represented the “current” move of God. Understanding this interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus, may possibly be one of the fundamental keys to “kingdom” theology. The name 'Nicodemus' means victorious among his people and comes from a root made up of two words. The first is the word nike which means the means of success or the means of conquest. The second word is the word demos, which means the public as bound together socially. When the two words are combined it speaks of a means of coming together in unity to succeed or conquer. The implication of that name to us should cause us to think of “kingdom purpose” as defined in Ephesians 4.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4:13 (KJV)

This is the point we all should be aiming at. So Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. This was not any time of night. The word used here is the Greek word nux which means midnight. Midnight represents change, specifically the cusp of change. Nicodemus came to Jesus during a kairos that was set to change and he could sense it. This can be seen in his statement to Jesus “we know that thou art a teacher come from God”. They weren’t in the habit of seeing God manifest to the degree that Jesus was presenting. In fact, they hadn’t heard from a Prophet in four hundred years, except for John the Baptist, and they weren’t too sure about him. So what appears as a Ruler humbling himself and coming to Jesus for insight into the things of God, gets real confusing, real quick, because of Jesus answer: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

What a response! Here comes this guy seeking and Jesus nukes him! Or so it seems ! We have traditionally seen this scripture fairly one sided. For the most part we have only looked at it through the “evangelism” eye. We have used this scripture almost exclusively in the light of leading the lost to Christ. But is that all it means? In the light of apostolic reformation technology, it can take on an entirely new and exciting meaning. It means “transition”.

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. John 3:2-3 (KJV)

Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order to enter into the new move of Gods Spirit, you have to enter it as a child. You have to start over! What you know from the past move may not have any bearing at all, in the environment that you are seeking to enter. You have to be willing to lay it all down. Nicodemus as a ruler of the synagogue would have been wearing his religious robes when he came to Jesus. You could easily distinguish the religious leaders by the clothing that they wore. This is what Haggai was eluding to. You have all the right clothing for your season, but is your season the same as Gods? What Jesus was telling Nicodemus was that your robes won’t bring about the results you desire in the next move. If you want to enter, you're going to have to change them. Your current clothing will not give you the intimacy with Christ that you will need. In fact, if you don’t change your clothing to align with the new thing God is doing, in time, your robes will keep you from hearing from God at all!

The robes represent the “religious” practices that take the place of relating with a living God. It is the 'God in a box' syndrome. Then Jesus goes even further. 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. John 3:5 (KJV)

Could Jesus be telling him that unless you flow with the Spirit as water and are regenerated from that Spiritual flow, you cannot enter into the “current” move?

A further analogy that can be applied here is the parable of the rich man and the eye of the needle.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:16-22 (KJV)

This guy represents those that have trusted in their religious exercises to gain them entrance into the “kingdom” environment. Notice in verse 20, he knows that he still lacks something. He has done all the “things”, but still knows in his heart that he has come up short. Jesus tells him to lay down all that he has trusted in and walk in the revelation of who I am, and then you will be able to enter the next phase of the Fathers purpose, But it seems our friend can’t leave “his riches” behind. This is not only talking about his possessions, but all that he has trusted in. This includes his “religious” works. Jesus than reveals the technology

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:23-24

Rich men can be rich in possessions, religious men can be rich in position. That is what the Pharisees feared about Jesus. He had the ability to cause their entire belief structure to become obsolete. The needle spoken of here is not a sewing needle. At night when they would close the gates of the cities, they had built into the gates, a slit. This opening would be just big enough for a camel to enter in through, But there was a catch. The opening was just big enough for an “unloaded” camel to enter through! This was done to allow for people to enter after dark into the safety of the walls, but also made it difficult for invading armies to flood the city without being noticed. This opening would require that whoever wanted to enter, would have to unload their camel on the outside of the city, then cause their camel to kneel down and crawl through the opening. Once inside, they would go back out and hand carry through the gate their supplies or treasures. This speaks of the rich man humbling himself and laying down all he holds dear, in order to enter in. History has proven and will prove again, that the greatest hindrance to a new move of God, will be the current religious rulership. We, as a people, get so set in our ways of doing things in the religious realm, that we fail to see the cloud of his presence move. In our desire to uncover reformation technology, we too must not allow what is revealed to us today, to become our treasures that we refuse to lay down, should the Lord tarry.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

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. Matthew 12:35 (KJV)

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. Matthew 13:52

We need to be able to discern properly, with Godly wisdom, what treasures are to be cherished in the coming move, and be willing to lay down even those we cherish, in order to enter in.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 (KJV)

TO BE CONTINUED...

Transitioning ...Part 2A

2005-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

As we continue our look into transitioning, the moving from one position to the next, as the “cloud” of His presence moves, let’s again return to Haggai.

Haggai was considered to be one of the most accurate of the Old Covenant prophets. He stood in the midst of people who had all been deceived. All of Israel had come to the same conclusion; that it was time to build their own houses. They had bowed to a spirit of fear, that had all but quenched the accurate moving of Gods purpose; the rebuilding of the Temple of God.

The importance and significance of this scenario; the rebuilding of the Temple, should cause us all to take a serious look at ourselves and our ministry focus.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (KJV)

Paul is giving us apostolic insight into the purpose and use, of the Old Covenant scriptures and their implication to the “end time” church. He tells us that “all these things happened unto them for ensamples”. The word 'ensamples' is the Greek word tupos and relates the idea of a metal stamping. Something that is to be indelibly imprinted or molded to provide for a lasting impression. The purpose of this stamp or scar is to be a model for imitation or an instance for warning. What is to be understood about this word 'tupos' is that it’s root word tupto, means to pummel with a stick or a bastinado, not just once, but repeatedly. A bastinado is a beating specifically upon the soles of the feet.

The apostolic insight that Paul is releasing, is that the things that are revealed within the Old Testament scriptures are for the changing of the steps of those that are to be the “end time” Church.

Take this concept of the bastinado and apply it to the technology that we examined about the “sheep” in the last chapter. As we discovered about sheep, they specifically are a forward moving creature. They are not designed to move backwards, nor are they to be “free-willed” in their movements. They are to be free-grazing creatures, but they are to be led by one who knows their destination and purpose. It has been said that the shepherd would break the legs of a “wayward” sheep, as a means of correction. Could this be insight to the trials of one who has erred? One who has “strayed from orthodoxy or piety” as is revealed in James 5:20?

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James 5:20 (KJV)

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Haggai 1:6 (KJV)

In the last chapter we examined the issue concerning sowing and not reaping. The New Testament example was the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5.

Lets now move on to the concept of “food”. Haggai informed the wayward nation that they were in a place of famine. They had food, but it was never enough to satisfy their desire. They had all that they wanted, but it didn’t provide the nourishment for their souls. The word 'enough' used here is the Hebrew word sobah. Sobah is a word that means satiety which is the condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction. They could have had all that they wanted but, it still wouldn’t provide the relief.

It may be easier to comprehend this “eating disorder” in the natural realm, than in it’s spiritual application, but lets examine a time of famine in the scriptures and see how it may relate to us today.

And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. 2 Kings 6:24-25 (KJV)

This scripture tells of a great famine that had come upon the people of Israel while they were in Samaria. It can be said that Samaria was not the chosen place for the people of God. It is a place that is synonymous with disobedience, rebellion, idol worship and deception. The first mention of Samaria in scripture is in 1 Kings 13. It is in reference to the disobedient prophet who was slain by the lion for “returning down the same path” he had been commanded not to return by. [Remember the “sheep”] It should also be noted that he had been told not to eat nor drink there either. [1Kings 13:17]

What had occurred that cause him to be deceived into disobedience? Another man, a prophet, had heard of his doings and told him that “an angel spoke unto him by the word of the LORD”, [1Kings 13:18] for him to come unto him and eat and drink water. But the angel lied!

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matt 24:4

The history of Samaria begins in scripture in 1 Kings 16:21. The Nation of Israel had been split into two parts. The Northern and the Southern kingdoms with Tibni as the King of the South and Omri as King of the North.

Tibni makes reference to stalks of grain as they have been chopped in threshing and used for fodder, the feeding of livestock. But what is curious about Tibni is that at it’s root, is the word banah, and it means to build, repair or to set up surely.

Omri on the other hand means heaping , but comes from a root that means to “heap up chastisement and to make merchandise of”. One speaks of building something and the other speaks of controlling for their own purpose.

An interesting play on words takes place at the transition of the divided kingdom into one Nation:

But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.
1 Kings 16:22 (KJV)

Tibni Died! The building ceased! Samaria was built by Omri on a high hill commanding the major N-S route through Palestine. He spent six years on the construction of his new capital. The building was continued by Ahab, who built a temple to the Sidonian god Baal-Melqart for Jezebel, and he expanded and beautified the palace. During Ahab's reign, Ben-Hadad of Aram unsuccessfully assaulted Samaria. It was during this period that the great famine, mentioned in 2 Kings 6:24, occured.

During this famine a donkeys head and a measure of doves dung were considered to be delicacies. In our natural mind, not so appealing, but what are the spiritual implications.

In a time of spiritual famine, the recommended diet of the Word is neglected, for things that may be thought to satisfy. In this scenario “donkeys head” became a desired staple. What is donkeys head? Junk food! The definition of ass’s head comes from a root that means to boil up; hence to ferment with scum. It represents a people feeding on that which is not healthy for natural spiritual growth. And because of the shear size of the beasts head, you think that your getting more from it than you really are. When in fact, your getting nothing beneficial from it. Brain matter from a dumb and sometimes rebellious animal. Zero spiritual growth. It can be seasoned to your liking, but does it provide the nourishment that your soul desires? Is that the type of food that the Father desires His sheep to eat?

The second delicacy listed is “doves dung”. Simply put, that is what the dove leaves when it flies away. This represents feeding upon “past” present truths. They are still truths, but are they relevant truths to the kairos that you are in. It would be like preaching a salvation message to a house full of mature Christians.

You could tickle their fancy with the delivery and appease their imaginations with visions of the streets of gold, but where is the nourishment. The dove has moved on! The cloud has moved to a new position of enlightenment, but your stuck in the poop that has been left behind!

We are sheep. We are meant to be continually moving forward to greener pastures in the kingdom of God.

In 722 BC, Samaria fell to the Assyrians after a three-year siege, bringing to an end Israel's existence as an independent nation. Its people were deported, after which the city was rebuilt and placed under an Assyrian governor. In Nehemiah's time, its Persian governor was Sanballat, who with Tobiah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as is spoken of in Nehemiah 2:10. Hence the tie in to Haggai.

But what is the tie in to us in the New Covenant and with the focus on transitioning to the next move of God?

He [Jesus] left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
John 4:3-5

Now as we have studied in past lessons, Jesus only did what pleased the Father. And according to the “oral law”, Jews were forbidden to have any business with the Samaritans. But here we have Jesus purposing to go through Samaria. As the “Christ” he could have easily “translated” himself through it or around it but “he must go through Samaria”. The phrase 'must go' is the Greek word dierchomai, and it means to traverse through, but can also mean to pierce through. Could there have been a greater purpose to Jesus’ passing through this “forbidden” region? Could there have been something that needed to be pierced through in order for the Fathers purpose to come to pass?

The name 'Samaria' means a watch-station. A place that is hedged about as with thorns to either guard or to protect something. It also has the implications of a taking heed to ones self, to be circumspect, to lay wait for something. Could this be an insight to those who dwelt in that region. That they were laying wait for something? Could this be what was meant by the woman at the well when she said; “I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things”. [John 4:25] Could this have been telling us that she was “laying wait” for something, literally waiting for that which was to come?

Another interesting word is 'Sychar'. Lets examine this a little closer.
Sychar is the Greek word for a place known as Shekar in the Hebrew. In the Hebrew tongue it means an intoxicant and it comes from a root word that means to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, it means to be satiated with a stimulating drink or influence: to be filled with drink / influence abundantly. Could this be telling us that there is a sheltered place for self examination in which can satisfy us abundantly?

Now here’s the picture; Jesus’ disciples have gone off for the easily obtainable food [donkeys head?]. Jesus, on the other hand, sits and waits on the well. The word 'well' used here is the Greek word pege, which means something setup or set in a place with the purpose of gushing plumply. A fountain, as a source, or a supply of water, blood or enjoyment, but not necessarily the original spring.

Notice that the disciples are oriented toward the fleshly, but Jesus is at the source of the stimulating influence? And it just so happens, that source is in a place where the religious leaders of that day saw as taboo. This scenario almost parallels the one with Martha and Mary. Martha was busy doing all that she thought had to be done (getting the food), while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Mary got the better part! But take note that Jesus was wearied from the journey, but in His right mind He knew that he had to connect with (sit on) his source of joy! But it didn’t have to be the original spring! He didn’t have to return to where the Father was to be refilled. The Father prepared a place for him in this realm where he could be satisfied abundantly.

And what was that place? Accurately fulfilling the Fathers purpose.
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? John 4:27 (KJV)

Notice that when the disciples returned they didn’t even inquire what was transpiring, even though they perceived that something must have happened. They were still focused on the flesh. They then began to try and convince Jesus to eat something, but once again he rattles them with His response;

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. John 4:32

Jesus begins to release a picture of the technology of transition hidden here. He tells them that by walking in the anointing of his particular calling, it satisfies completely. It is a place where burnout cannot occur because though he may weary, the Father will always provide a source that will flow abundantly, when you are accurately moving in His purpose.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Transitioning to the Next Move of God ...Part 1

2005-08-13T09:40:00.000-04:00

A season of transition has come upon us. We have been chosen of God. God in His infinite wisdom has called us to be an end time people to move with His Spirit towards “pleroma”, the completion of His purpose in the earth. What lies ahead, no one knows with a certainty. But what we do know, is that our spirit bears witness, that the cloud of His presence has begun to move.

We have been called into a “kairos”, a set season of purpose, in which, we must come into perfect agreement with the Father. A season that requires change. Change in the way we “do” church. Change in the way we “are” the church. Change in us to “be” the church.

Haggai is considered to be one of the most accurate of the Old Covenant prophets, in that he brought forth the Word of the Lord in a season when everyone in Israel thought that the time to rebuild the Lords house had not come. All of Israel agreed that it was time to build their own houses. But one man, in obedience to God, stood in their midst, and released the Fathers Word. That release changed an entire nations mindset in just three weeks. A mental stronghold that had stopped the movement of God, and held it idle for fifteen years, was broken by the “voice of one”.
The word that Haggai shared is much like the questions posed by our Lord Jesus, when confronted by the Pharisees. Jesus would answer their inquisitions, with such thought provoking responses, that they would cease from any further aggression. His questions would strike fear in their hearts. For they knew that if they responded according to their desires, they would come to a place of denying God; But if they responded according to the written Word, their entire belief structure would be called into question. Everything that they held so close to their hearts, would then become suspect. The traditions that had caused them to rise to their place of authority, could be destroyed with one reply. And, in essence, that’s what the Father desired. For their traditions had rendered the Word of God of none effect and needed to be discarded in order that they could transition as their fore-fathers had when the cloud moved.

What was Haggai’s message; “Consider your ways”. Honestly review your course? Take a moment and objectively reflect upon your journey ? And then answer this question: Are you seeing the results that you anticipated would occur? If not, “Consider your ways”!

It seems necessary in our search for truth to review our current position. That is also what Haggai laid before the people. He said:

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Haggai 1:6 (KJV)

The first area of challenge was in the area of sowing and reaping. He told them that it was an obvious fact that they had sown in abundance, but their return was not enough to satisfy. No matter how much they sowed, the crop harvested was not in proper proportion to seed released in the soil. It appeared that the law of sowing and reaping had been negated. The increase ceased!

The next item he raised for consideration was in relation to their thirst. He tells them that they go through the motions of drinking, but their thirst is never satisfied. They could ingest all of the water at their disposal, but still never come to a place of satisfaction beyond natural desire. It wasn’t that they lacked access to the water, it was that the water became as dust. It did nothing to quench the thirst of their inner man.

He then addressed their clothing. “you put on all the right garments for the season that you're in, but you can’t get warm”. You place layer after layer after layer upon your body, but still, there is no heat retained within your body. You are always seeking warmth. Even the sun light provides no relief. You're just cold!

You that earn wages, your efforts almost seem like they're cursed. You literally see the product of your labor fall to the ground with no lasting value redeemed from it. You toil to earn what you need, but by the time you get home, much of what you needed is already gone. No matter how productive you try to be, it is never enough.

Haggai then throws that daunting question back at them again, “consider your ways”! Are the efforts you are putting forth bringing about the desired results?

No? “Consider your ways”.

The New Testament is a book of transition. If observed from the “technology” perspective, you will find a volume of laws and principles “hidden” within the obvious.

Take for instance when Haggai challenged the people of Israel about their sowing and reaping. He said “Ye have sown much, and bring in little”. Your increase has ceased! What had occurred at that time, was that all of Israel had agreed with a mindset of fear, that had been handed down to them, from the previous generation. This can be found in Ezra 4:21-5:1.

A spirit of fear had all but quenched the “current” move of God. What would have happened if they had ignored the kings decree and continued to “build” the walls ? The cessation of forward movement within the “kingdom” causes complacency to replace Godly zeal. The “fire” goes out!

A New Testament parallel can be seen in John, Chapter 5 . This is a well known Biblical passage that has been taught from many different perspectives. The basic story is of Jesus finding a man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been infirmed for thirty-eight years. Jesus interacts with the man, and shazam! He’s healed. There are multitudes of expository messages that have been given to us, in relation to this passage. Whether right , wrong or indifferent, lets examine it now, in light of present truth, with an eye towards “transition”.

John 5:2 (KJV) Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

First, lets examine where this interaction occurred. Jerusalem, as we are all aware of, is the Holy City. The name literally means habitation of peace. As we are also aware, the City of Jerusalem is not what we could call a peaceful city at this time. In fact, it may very well be the most unsettled city in the world today. It is literally the crossroads of three major belief systems, all vying for control of it. But know lets look a little closer at the words that make up the name Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is made up of two words.
Yarah, 3384; a prim. root; to flow as water (i.e. to rain); trans. to lay or throw (espec. an arrow. i.e. to shoot); fig. to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach:-- (+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach (-er, -ing), through.

Shalam, 7999; a prim. root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); fig. to be (caus. make) completed; by impl. to be friendly; by extens. to reciprocate (in various applications):--make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, X surely.

In examining the definition for Jerusalem, we see that at its root, it speaks of a place where something can flow as water to a place of completeness. A pointing to that place that is perfect. A place flowing in restoration. The return of something that had been lost.

Inside of Jerusalem was a place known as the Sheep Gate. In John's verse he refers to it as the Sheep Market. There are some interesting insights into even what could be seen as a simple word. First, the definition for the word used here for 'sheep' is the Greek word probaton and it means something that walks forward, a quadruped. A four legged creature that should naturally move in a forward direction. The root of 'sheep' is made up from two words that should stir those in the reformation mindset. The first is the Greek preposition pro and it means fore, as in, in front of, prior to, or superior to. It is a place of authority. The second word that makes up sheep’s root is the word basis, and it means to walk; i.e. but by implication it means the foot.

Could this be a tell tale sign of the “sheep’s” superior foot status in this realm? For the concept of man's dominion was through the treading down to bring things into subjection!

The second observance about the Sheep Gate, is that when Nehemiah led the people in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, the Sheep Gate was the first gate of the City to be rebuilt. [Nehemiah 3:1]. We will examine this incident further into the lesson.

John then tells us of a pool that was located near the Sheep Gate. The word 'pool' is the Greek word kolumbethra, meaning a diving-place, a pond for bathing or swimming. It comes from the root word kolumbao, which means to plunge into the water. Could this be telling us, that the pool by the Sheep Gate is a place where those desiring to move forward, to flow to a place of completion, can make the transition to the next level that the Father has for us?

He then releases another clue about this pool; it’s name. The name Bethesda means house of kindness . Many have related this word to mean; God being kind toward his people, when the word literally implies kindness towards God. The combination of words used here speaks of a place to build piety towards God. Not necessarily God doing for us as much as it means us drawing towards God. Another interesting note about Bethesda is that it had five porches. In the reformation mindset, the number five, should always cause us to consider a “five fold” application to the technology being revealed. In this case, the pool had five porches surrounding it. The word porch means colonnade which comes from the root word to stand [2476].

Could this pool be a place where apostolic impartation takes place, enabling the “diver” to stand in the things of God?

The next series of verses will now begin to show us the parallel between the pool at Bethesda and the mindset that Haggai dealt with. We begin to learn some history of the place itself.

Apparently an angel, a messenger from God, had visited this place at some time in the past. And because of this “visitation”, those that knew of God were drawn there, looking for the “next visitation”. And there they sat! They developed a mindset that centered around what God had done in the past. They birthed a tradition, that said “this is where and how God will move next”. And they got settled into that tradition, a tradition of man! Lets examine this according to Johns passage.

John 5:3-4 (KJV) In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

The tradition came to pass, because during a kairos (a certain season), God moved His Spirit (the water), and in the moving, people were made whole. So a perception was adopted that “if you hang around here long enough, and if you try hard enough, and if you are fast enough, you to can get it for yourselves and be made complete!” [para] Much like the current lottery system, they were drawn to the pool against almost impossible odds of success. To give some insight into this theory, lets examine those around the pool.

Impotent: The impotent are those that have become unable to stand in the things of God. 'Impotent' comes from the Greek word astheneo, [770] and it means; to be feeble (in any sense), to be diseased [unsound, disordered, corrupted] impotent [ unable to reproduce, sterile, lacking self-restraint].

God is a God of reproduction. Everything after its own kind was designed to replicate itself. The key to man's dominion in this realm, lies within our ability to reproduce and grow. These people had received of God, but were stunted in their growth. Could it have been in their lack of self restraint that they ceased to flow on to perfection?

Blind: The blind represent those that cannot see. The word used here is tuphlos, [5185] and it means something that is opaque, as if clouded with smoke. By analogy it means to be blinded, physically or mentally. What’s curious about the word tuphlos is its root word, tuphoo, and it means to envelop with smoke. Figuratively it means to be inflated with self-conceit; to be high-minded, to be lifted up with pride, to be proud.

These are they who have been exposed to the moving of God and have gotten “puffed up” in their own minds. There are numerous scriptures that tell us of the proud and their place or lack of place in the things of God. These can also be those that “see” themselves as righteous. This is exhibited as a Pharisee spirit. Those that have moved into a prideful position and are no longer in a mode of humility towards the things of God. In their pride they literally set themselves against God.

…, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (KJV)

And unless our righteousness exceeds that place, we will not enter the next move of God.

Halt: The “halt” represent those that have moved in the things of God incorrectly. They may have been ill informed, adhered to incorrect doctrine, wavering in their faith. The definition for one that is halt is one that proceeds or acts with uncertainty or indecision; one that wavers. These can be those that have not “sold out” for Christ in that they waver in their faith, and thereby receive nothing.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1:6-7 (KJV)

Withered: The withered represent those that were never watered with the word. They may have gone through the motions, but never really got soaked in the things of God. They may be those that are in “dry” places within the religious realm. They are one step away from turning to dust and blowing away.

One thing that all of these various groups had in common was that they were “waiting” for the moving of the water. They would gather there daily and wait for God to stir the water that was before them. This scripture doesn’t give us any indication how often the water stirred. For all we know it may have happened only once or twice, but it doesn’t take much for a tradition to be birthed. [Fatima? Toronto?, Brownsville?] And once a tradition has been established, the challenging of the tradition takes on the appearance of challenging God, when in fact, it is man's principles that you are questioning. And when man's principles become traditions, they then become the ruling “principalities”.

So here’s the picture:
All these various groups of believers are gathered around a tradition waiting for God to do something miraculous. But take note; that no where is it written that He was going to do it that way again. In fact, it wasn’t written that He would do it that way at all, but because He had done it that way once, in His sovereign will, everybody’s sitting, staring at the pool , waiting for Him to do it again.

This is a common mistake within the Body. We have a natural tendency to expect what God has done in the past to be our gauge of what to expect from Him in the future. That is NOT a scriptural position. God has never returned to a former glory. He went from the burning bush to the Rock in the desert, to the Tabernacle, to the Temple, to the Cross, to you and I! He has never retreated to a former position. But we always seem to assess the current move of God according to what has been prior. Now the subject of this interaction with Jesus is a guy who has been “infirmed” for thity-eight years. He has been unstable in the things of God for almost four decades. He has been hanging around the pool for a long time. In fact, he has gotten real comfortable in that position. So comfortable, in fact, that he now brings a mattress with him. The word 'infirmity' used here is the same word used for impotent that we defined earlier. This man's theology had been corrupted. It may have been in his lack of self restraint that he neglected to discern his proper position in Christ and thereby fell victim to the traditions. Could it be that his mattress represented his theological understanding. He had built up a distorted concept of God and thereby had a “soft” foundation? Like the man who built his house upon the sand? Could the mattress represent his being complacent in seeking the “present truth”?

Now Jesus enters the scene. Out of all the people at the pool , he chooses this guy. Why? Who knows? Jesus is God in the flesh and chose him. Sovereign choice! But notice what Jesus says to our guy. “Wilt thou be made whole”? He poses a curious question to a man that has been seeking to be made whole for almost forty years. Do you desire to be made whole? And this guy not even seeking to know who is doing the asking, responds with a traditionally based answer that shows his ignorance of the things of God and his wavering in faith. He replies that he has no man to help him into the water. We must consider that this guy has been there for thirty-eight years and knows who gathers at the pool and what time they get there.

If he was truly seeking a blessing from God, he could get there before anyone else and get a position next to the water, but like the multitudes, he gets under the covering of the colonnades, and waits in the shade, with everybody else. And hence, misses the moving when it does occur.
Remember that “darkness” is the obscurity of vision resulting from error! It is at this point that Jesus reveals the transition technology.
He says:
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. John 5:8 (KJV)

The technology that Jesus released can be seen in the definition of the word 'rise'.

Rise: 1453. egeiro; to waken through the idea of collecting one's faculties, i.e. rouse literally from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence, stand, take up.

He tells him to get up and do something! He then tells him what to do. He tells him to throw away that soft foundation. Change the way you think and take dominion! The word used here for 'walk' is the Greek word peripateo and it means to tread all around, walk at large especially as proof of ones ability.

One of the keys of the technology released with our brother, is found in the definition of the word 'whole'. The word used here is the Greek word hugies, and it means to be healthy, i.e. well in body, but also means to be true or sound in doctrine.

In his obedience to the present truth revelation of Jesus’ word, he was brought out of a traditional stronghold, restored to a place of right understanding of sound doctrine, and was able to “stand” in the midst of the Pharisees persecution and reveal Christ.

Notice what occurs after he leaves the pool and goes to the Temple.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
John 5:14 (KJV)

Jesus makes a curious statement to him at this point. He tells him to sin no more. When, in the narrative, did he accuse him of sinning at all? Could this be what James was referring to?

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20

The word 'error' is the Greek word plane, and means a straying from orthodoxy or piety, to be deceived or in delusion resulting in error.

In this scripture James is speaking to and referring to believers that get led astray from the things of God. These are not unbelievers, nor are they backsliders. These are they, who have had erroneous doctrine and the traditions of men fed to them as if it were the truth of God. They have been led from the truth, and if they are not recovered, they may perish.
One of the other definitions that is used in defining Bethesda, is the habitation of reproof. Reproof is the “Re-Proving” of a truth. It can be seen in 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Our brother in John 5, needed to have the ways of God reproved to him. His thinking had been so clouded by traditions and untruths, that the proof of Gods power had to be revealed to him afresh. And part of that particular reproving, was the releasing of Gods power contrary to the tradition that had bound him.

The word 'whole' comes from a root word that means to grow, i.e. enlarge, to give the increase. Jesus told him to increase in the truth that had been revealed and don’t err (sin) from the truth anymore. Stay humble before God and don’t pick up that mattress! The very thing that Jesus said to the man at the pool is what Nehemiah said at the Sheep Gate.

Nehemiah 2:17-20 (KJV) Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. 18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? 20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 3:1 (KJV) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

Arise, Restore your foundations, and Take dominion!

Haggai had told the people of Israel “Ye have sown much, and bring in little”…..

“Consider your ways”

Nehemiah told the people of Israel “we his servants will arise and build”

“Consider your ways”

Jesus told the man at the pool at Bethesda “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” And he did, but later Jesus told him…. “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

“Consider your ways”?

Accurate “End Time” Prayer

2005-08-11T10:30:00.001-04:00

As we have discussed in previous lessons, there are multiple positions that “believers” can take in prayer. They are "the good, the acceptable, and the perfect". We were also able to discern that the positioning in these three areas was a matter of choice. And as with all choices, there are varying degrees of responsibility and consequence. Hence the need for accuracy in prayer.

Being an “end time” people, our positioning in prayer, may be critical to the timing of the Fathers desired actions. This is not a season for inaccurate or “me” focused prayers. The cost must be counted, decisions for service must be made, and the “martyr” spirit must rise above our own personal desires and wishes.

The entire focus of prayer technology is to align man in the earth with the Father in heaven, within the power of agreement, for the purpose of “pleroma”, that is, the completion of the Fathers plan.

Designed into the “technology” is the perfect agreement with the Fathers purpose in any given situation that we may face. Because of the nature of the technology, we do not have to know the Fathers purpose in order to agree with Him in it.

However, we do have to accept the consequence of our agreement with Him. Accurate kingdom prayer will release things that we may not understand, or for that matter, even like! It may cause our own situations to be affected in ways that we do not perceive before the prayer is released. We, in reality, may not be personally pleased with what comes to pass. We may not like what we “see” with our natural eyes, but we must rest in the assurance, that the Fathers plan is what we see. It is manifesting because we asked according to His will and we know that He has heard our prayer. The key, is that we know, that we asked according to His will without any “misinterpretation” of scripture hindering our prayer. Our “feelings” have absolutely no bearing upon our prayer. We have become “Christ” in our asking. Not mine, but thine, will be done. And it is in that humble posture that we please the Father.

Accurate kingdom prayer removes us from the possibility of becoming an adversary to the Fathers plan. As we discussed in regards to Matthew 16:23, we were able to see, that because Peter did not like nor relish the possibility of Jesus' crucifixion, he crossed the line to the point of desiring to hinder the preordained purpose of the Father and became adversarial towards it. It must be understood that Peter didn’t realize that the position he had taken was against what the Father had intended. He was only reacting as a natural man. He did not want to see what had to happen, happen! And even after the stern rebuke from Jesus, it can be seen later that Peter still did not comprehend what was going on.
[ See John 18:10,11]

As the “End Time” people of God, our agreement with the Father becomes critical. An understanding of certain end time events, must be seen without the preconditioning that our eschatological beliefs may cause. There is only One being in the entire universe that “knows” how the end time scenario is going to play out and that is God. For any man to say “this is how it’s going to be” with absolute certainty, is a man who knows very little! God will do it His way, in His time, and according to His purpose.

Many have devised “well meaning” and scripturally plausible scenarios for the “end”, but due to the fact that none of us have been through the end before, we must be absolutely honest and admit, we don’t know with a 100% assurance, that the end is going to happen the way we have been taught. What we believe to be true, may not be true. Whether we like it or not! The safest position may be similar to "Here, There, In the air…Who cares! He comes, We go!"

But the biggest difference between Peter’s generation and ours, is that we now have the Word in a format that allows us to research and search at almost lightening speed. Peter did not have concordances to locate scriptures, he didn’t have dictionaries to help him understand the meanings of various words, and he certainly didn’t have a computer that allowed him to search the scriptures in milliseconds? We are the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4 (KJV)

With the “technology” that the Father has given us in this day, we can search more of His Word in any one sitting than our brothers could have searched in years. If at all! Even with the advent of the Bible as we know it, in one volume, that in itself would baffle our ancient relatives!
But why did God release this technology unto us, the end time church? Could it have been for the simple reason that the end time church would have to know certain things in order to agree with Father for those things to come to pass? Remember that God came as a man in order that a man would agree with the Father! And now that Jesus made a way for us to agree with the Father, we now become the “players” in the earth; The body of Christ!

Lets examine what we do know for certain! There is an end!

Jesus said on no less than three occasions that heaven and earth will pass away. [ Matt 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33 ] That the realm as we know it will cease to exist. If Jesus said it was going to happen, whether we like the thought or not, it will happen!

Peter gave us much insight into our proper positioning in the last days.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 2 Peter 3:10-12 (KJV)

What Peter confirms is that there is an end, but he also tells us we should be looking for it and hastening its coming. The end should be seen with a hopeful anticipation and we should be doing all we know to do to speed its progress by urging the Father to fulfill His will. Regardless of how it may affect us personally!

If this was not the case, then why did Jesus give us so much insight into the end. Could he have been releasing to us the technology of “standing”? Jesus gave us many truths that pertain specifically to the end time. Lets examine some of them to see how they may relate to us and our positioning ourselves “for” the Father to use.

It seems that when Jesus began to tell His disciples of the end time scenario, he always started with this phrase “Take heed that no man deceive you 1 . The word 'deceive' is the Greek word planao, which means to cause to roam from safety, truth, or virtue, to go astray, to deceive, to cause to err, to seduce, to wander, or to be out of the way. It needs to be said that man would be the vehicle used in this deception. Whether or not that man is influenced by the Devil or not, has no relevance. It will be a man who will do the deceiving.

Another curious factor is that this man will say he is Christ. Now, hopefully, if someone came up to us and told us that he was the Christ, we would have enough spiritual discernment to realize the error of this brothers way and run! But what if someone came to us and said “I have an anointing”. Would we be so quick to discern the truth? And how often do we hear that phrase now?

It has become common place for people to come into the “church” environment and proclaim that they have “special giftings” and anointings and we receive them without much concern. This is an extremely dangerous position. We have become so “gift” oriented, that we may not be discerning properly. We have also become focused upon the manifestation of signs and wonders. Signs and wonders are supposed to follow the believers (not the other way around), but it will also be signs and wonders that are used of the deceiver’s!

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:23-24 (KJV)

Jesus is telling us that there is a possibility of believers being led astray by false anointings and false prophets, who will manifest great signs and wonders. The word used for 'wonders' is the Greek word teras, and means a prodigy or an omen. A prodigy is a person with exceptional talents or powers who manifests acts or events so extraordinary or rare as to inspire wonder among the viewers. We have become so enamored with various manifestations, that we don't hesitate to travel great distances to sit in meetings, under “great anointings” for the express purpose of witnessing a manifestation. We have become more interested in witnessing the manifestation, than becoming the manifesting witness!

Jesus said; Take heed! In another place2, scripture states:
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”.

There is a road that we can be on that looks like the right one, but it leads us where we don’t want to be![para] Just because it “looks right” doesn’t mean it is! Notice what Jesus further tells us in Matthew 24: 11,12

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (KJV)

Jesus is telling us that a byproduct of these false prophets is that “iniquity shall abound”. The word used here for 'iniquity' is the same word used in Matthew 7:21-23.

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. Matthew 7:21-23

Though the “works” of these people appeared to be the right thing to do, they, in fact, moved into an area of “illegality”, an area that they were forbidden to move within. They became trees that bore corrupt fruit and their end has been determined.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 7:15-19 (KJV)

Jesus tells us that they come into our midst looking just like us, but they inwardly have their own motives. The word 'ravening' is the Greek word harpax and means to be rapacious. It comes from a root word that means to take for oneself. to be greedy. To be rapacious is a taking of something by force and plundering it. To plunder means to seize wrongfully or by fraud. They come into the kingdom environment seeking their own will rather than the Fathers. And what adds insight into these “wolves” is the definition of the word itself. The word 'wolves' is the Greek word lukos, which comes from a root word that means light. This then adds to the appearance factor of the wolves fitting in amongst us.

Peter gives us an interesting insight into these false prophets that we need to uncover and analyze.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2 Peter 2:1-2 (KJV)

The phrase 'false teachers' is the Greek word pseudodidaskalos and it means one who is a spurious teacher, a propagator of erroneous Christian doctrine. The word 'spurious' holds insight into this particular individual that may sound strikingly familiar.

Spurious: 1. Lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; not genuine; false. 2. Of illegitimate birth. 3. Similar in appearance but unlike in structure or function. The American Heritage® Dictionary, Third Edition © 1992

The definition tells us that they may look like and act like us, but their function is not the same as ours. It also tells us that they are of illegitimate birth. In the book of Hebrews, the writer gives us insight into the lives of the illegitimate.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:5-8 (KJV)

This scripture shows us that the illegitimate despise the chastening of the Lord. In our natural mind we see chastisement as strictly a corrective action, but the definition gives us a proper insight. The word 'chasteneth' is the Greek word paideia, which means tutorage. It comes from a word that speaks of the training of a child. Though it does have the implication of disciplinary correction, its purpose is to instruct, educate and train. And it also means to nurture. Could the possibility exist that much of what we call attacks of the enemy, may actually be the Father “training” us? And we may be quick to pass the Glory of God off as something it is not?

Another interesting note in 2 Peter is that they go as far as “denying the Lord that bought them”. In a cursory reading of 2 Peter, one would assume that this denial has to do with them denying the Lordship of Christ, when in fact the word used here for denying also means to contradict Him.
Denying: 720. arneomai; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:--deny, refuse.

Could this be telling us that one of the “signs” of these false teachers could be the leading of saints into an area where they contradict what Christ told us to do? Such as teaching us to curse those that curse us rather than blessing those that curse us, or praying to stop the vary wars that Jesus said would come?

Peter then begins to give us a clearer picture of these “false teachers”:
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2:9,10 (KJV)

He tells us that these walk after the lust of the flesh. The word 'flesh' is the Greek word sarx and refers to the physical body as opposed to the soul or spirit of a man. It is also used as a symbol of what is external or kindred to man. It speaks of the human nature with its frailties and passions. Peter is telling us that these men are driven more by their external surroundings than they are by the things of the spirit realm.

As he continues he begins to tell us that they despise government and are presumptuous. The phrase 'despise government' speaks of the thinking against or disesteeming the divine order that has been established by God. And they do it with a presumptuous spirit, as if they “know” what they are doing. He says that they are self-willed, they are seeking their pleasure rather than God purpose.

Peter continues; Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2 Peter 2:11,12 (KJV)

Peter now gives us an insight into what these false teachers are leading the children of God into. They are bringing them into an arena where they speak against the spiritual order that God has put in place. This scripture is paralleled in Jude.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ…… 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jude 1:4, 8-13 (KJV)

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion,
and speak evil of dignities. Jude 8

Remove the word filthy. The use of the word dreamers makes reference to those who see visions while in a state of spiritual torpor (inactivity or stagnation of function [spurious]). And it is because of these inaccurate visions they move into the arena of despising dominion and speaking evil of Gods order. They violate His Supreme intention and move into a realm of illegality. They frustrate the purposes of God.

Despise: 114. atheteo, to set aside, to disesteem, neutralize or violate:--cast off, despise, disannul, frustrate, bring to nought, reject.
Dominion: 2963. kuriotes; mastery, rulers, dominion, government. Comes from 2962. kurios: supremacy; supreme in authority, controller; God, Lord, master, Sir.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:1-2 (KJV)

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

These men are guided by what they can discern with there natural senses. What they see! A key insight into these men is the use of the phrase brute beasts. The word 'brute' is the Greek word alogos. It is the word logos, which we use to describe the written word of God, but has in this usage the 'a' prefix which perverts it. They are being led by a perverted word of God. They have been deceived and have fallen prey to the oldest trick in the Book. The misuse and or the misunderstanding of the Word of God. To pin point their offence, Jude tells us that they bring blasphemous accusations against the devil.

This should cause all of us to rethink our positons in the “spiritual warfare” environment. Nowhere in scripture are we told to “attack” the devil. We are told to withstand and stand against, and be mindful of his “wiles”, but outright attack is highly questionable, at best.

Jude continues:
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

The definition of Cain means to strike fast as with a lance. It tells us that these men strike fast without realizing what they are doing. For if Cain knew the consequence for his actions, the total banishment from Gods presence, he never would have killed his brother.

Jude then tells us that they “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward”. The name Balaam is symbolic of a false teacher and the phrase the error of Balaam, speaks of a straying from orthodox or pious position to a position of delusion and error because of false teachings. And it further tells us that it was their own greed that motivated them, what they want, not what God wants.

Jude then clues us in even further as to the make up of these. He says they perished in the gainsaying of Core. Korah rose up against Moses in Numbers 16. He gathered many of the leaders together and proclaimed that Moses needed to share the power with him and his buddies. Moses was a type of Christ, He was the deliverer that God had chosen for that day. Korah rose up with the other leaders and said we are just as anointed as you, and we want to do it our way. They rebelled against God’s plan. The name Korah means “to make yourself bald”. What this implies is that in their arrogance they actually remove the covering of protection that is given to those that serve Gods purpose. They wanted to control the outcome of the journey of Gods people to suit their own desires, and in that they perished.

Jude and Peter give us insight into the end of these “false teachers”.

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jude 1:12-13 (KJV)

Notice that their fruit withereth. They bore fruit at one time but now it rots to no reward. Also they are twice dead. The believer is already dead with Christ and the second death has no part. But these are twice dead implying that they will not escape the second death!

…and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

The word 'liars' is the Greek word pseudes and it means those that are untrue, erroneous, deceitful, wicked, to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood.

The sad part is that when something is erroneous it means that it was derived from error or that there was a mistake made. It was not necessarily a conscious action. But it cost them all that they thought they had.

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 2 Peter 2:13-17 (KJV)

And regardless of doctrinal stance as to once saved always saved, please note that these had escaped the pollution’s of the world through the knowledge of Christ. The word 'knowledge' used here is the Greek word epignosis and it means to have a full discernment and acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Savior. These are saved people who, through false teachings, stray into an area that may well cost them all.

For if after they have escaped the pollution’s of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2 Peter 2:20,21 (KJV)

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness [error]. Luke 11:35 (KJV)

Jesus is admonishing us here to be sure that our understanding (light) is true light and not the delegated influence of error.

One of the other interesting scenarios of the “end” is the delivering up to affliction. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:9,19 [ Mark 13:9/ Luke 21:12]

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Matthew 24:9-10 (KJV)

Jesus is telling us that we are going to be brought into a place of trials and tribulation and notice what happens, “then shall many be offended”. This parallels the Parable of the Sower.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:20-21

Notice that when the tribulation and the persecution come that they are offended. To be 'offended' means to stumble, but these go a step further:

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Matthew 24:10 (KJV)

Notice when they become offended, they betray their brothers! In order to betray someone, you had to have been on their side to begin with. Your enemy cannot betray you. These are “Christians” turning over fellow “Christians” to be tried. And their fate is already determined.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. Matthew 18:6-8 (KJV)

1 Matthew 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8
2 Proverbs 14:12 , 16:25 (KJV)

The “Sin Thing”

2005-08-10T23:08:00.000-04:00

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1 John 5:18-20 (KJV)

This verse has been examined through many different eyes. Some have seen it as a catch 22. A place of “damned if you do and damned if you don’t”. But if we open the eyes of our apostolic dimension and view it through the eye of truth, focused upon change, great comfort and victory are hidden within these few lines of scripture.

John tells us that “whosoever is born of God sinneth not”. It seems that for the most part we have always viewed sin as a moral failure. Which is probably why we have struggled with the “sin” question to little success.

We have this picture of “Christianity” as a spotless existence in this realm. A place where we never “fail” God. The problem with this mindset is that it is our picture, not Gods. Not that we fail God, for He is all knowing and knows our weaknesses. He knows when we are going to sin. He never condones it, but to say that He doesn’t know the “whens” of our faults, is probably worse than the fault itself.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8 (KJV)

If we say that we have no sin we are in error! And when you are in error, the truth is not in you. The word used here as 'deceive' is the Greek word planao and as we have examined in previous lessons it means to cause to roam from safety, truth, or virtue. It means to go astray, to deceive, to err, seduce, to wander out or to be out of the way. It’s the same word that James used in describing those that have erred from the truth.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20 (KJV)

Now in this scripture it is beyond doubt, that James is referring to believers here, not to the unsaved. As is John in his epistle. The early Church fathers didn’t write these letters to the unsaved, for they wouldn’t have understood them. These are things of the Spirit and the natural man cannot comprehend them.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

Which is why, when we approach the unsaved or even more accurately , the “uncalled”, with spiritual things, they look at us as if we were crazy. We have a tendency of trying to share spiritual things with carnal people and then get discouraged when they don’t understand. So it is safe to conclude that all that is written in the Epistles is for our instruction, our correction, and to admonish us, in how to stand, as Christ did, in this corrupted world.

So herein lies the problem. On one hand we have John telling us that whosoever is born of God sinneth not, and in the very same letter he tells us that if we say that we have no sin we are in error and the truth is not in us.

These scriptures have a spiritual meaning that the world cannot understand and quite frankly, I don’t think the “church” has that great of an understanding of it either. But lets try and examine what John was truly releasing to the “body” that we can grow thereby. Because the whole Bible is about birth, reconciliation and growth.

In a previous lesson we examined in Chapter Four of Ephesians, the reason that Christ released the “gifts” unto the church.

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the

edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto

the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:12-13 (KJV)

And these gifts were to be active until all of verse 13 was completed. A time when Gods people come together in one accord, in Christ, with a full discernment of who He is. When we are brought to the place of perfection in Him and the church then looks like Him. That is the purpose of the gift ministries. But as we are all aware, “we ain’t der yet”! But one of the keys to the “sinneth” question lies within this verse.

The word 'perfect' used here is the word teleios and it speaks of being complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character. For the most part we have viewed it as being “mature”. But in examining the root word, we begin to understand the depth of perfect. The root is the word telos. And telos means “to set out for a definite point or goal: the point aimed at as a limit, the conclusion of an act or state that results in immediate, ultimate or prophetic purpose. Telos is the mark at which Paul was aiming.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Philippians 3:14-15 (KJV)

Paul is telling us here that “if your desire is to be perfect you are going to have to pursue the target that is Christ” [para]. You have to purpose to aim at the mark. God won’t do it for you. But if you aim at Him, I believe that He will move heaven and earth to line up your arrow to His expected end for you.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end… 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11,13 (KJV)

The word 'search' is the Hebrew word darash and it means to tread with a frequency; usually to follow for pursuit or to search with an eye towards worship. When our hearts desire is to “aim at the mark”, we will achieve His expected end.

But do we always “aim” for His purpose? His expected end? Sometimes our earthly or carnal desires, cause us to not see as clearly as we ought. Sometimes what we perceive may not be what the Father sees. The writer of Hebrews tried to enlighten us to this principle, but still, there is such a struggle within the “body,” with its application.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:1-8 (KJV)

Who are the “witnesses”? Those that endured the chastening.

The writer admonishes us to cast off every hindrance and sin that is surround-ing us, that is trying to impede our race. He tells us to run with a cheerful endurance, the course that has been chosen for us. And who has chosen this course? Not you or I, but Him. God has determined our course. We don’t have a clue as to the finish line of our individual races, but we are to rest assured that the Father has an itinerary laid out that we are to focus upon.

We are then admonished to consider attentively Jesus. Not just to gaze upon Him, but turn all of our attention towards Him as the example. Because He’s the archegos. The writer and designer of our course. He’s the Chief Inducer, the One who has drawn us to the Father. He has laid the example before us, as to the proper way to participate in the Fathers plan. His race was to the cross. Our race begins at the cross. When we surrender our lives to him at the cross, we then begin to run the race after the cross. If we died with him at Calvary, we now are dead to this world. Our race is not according to the principals of this realm. We are seated with Him in the heavenlies and it is there that our focus should be.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on

things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV)

Jesus is more than the archegos of our faith, he is also the finisher of it. The word 'finisher' is an extremely interesting word. In the Greek it is teleiotes. Teleiotes is from the root word telos, but means the state of completeness. He is the essence of perfection. He is what we are to become.

When we were discussing transitioning from one move of God to the next, we spent considerable time in the Book of John. The book of John is a map of the race course that has been set before us. In the beginning was the Word. The Word transitioned and became flesh and dwelt among us. From that point on John, through the Holy Spirit releases technology to help us begin to transition. Then in John 17 Jesus points us to the 'finish line':

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they

also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be

made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me,

and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:21-23

The desired end is to be made complete without flaw. To be the exact representation of Christ in the earth. So that when those outside the “kingdom” see us, they see Christ, and thereby the Father. The Word became flesh to transition us to the Word. He then began to lead the way to the place of transition; The Cross. The place where the flesh and the heavenlies collided.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy

that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set

down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

The writer tells us that Jesus cast down the thoughts of his natural man and paid no heed to the humiliation of the cross, but looked beyond the suffering of it, towards the joy that it would release. This is to be our path; look beyond the trial to the purpose that the Father desires to release through you in subjecting you to any particular trial of faith.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against

himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Again we are told to examine Christ attentively, that he stood up under the pressure of false accusations and strife against him. And we are being admonished, that if we don’t stand up under the pressure from accuser (s) and his / their accusations, if we don’t stand up in the face of strife and uncomfortable situations, that it will be those particular areas of assault, that will cause us to grow weak and to relax our steadfastness of mind and yield to the temptation and cease to run at all.

He then begins to outline a two fold process that is used to mold us and finish us according to the Fathers purpose.

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: Hebrews 12:4,5 (KJV)

He challenges us here in that we have not opposed our own sin to the point of drawing blood. In other words we have not completely brought our own flesh to the cross. We will never be punished by God for the sins of others, but we will be held accountable for our own. And God will release chastening into our lives to correct what is out of line with His purpose for us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every

one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath

done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV)

There is a judgement for the believer and not all who say “Lord, Lord” will enter! Hence the need to heed to the chastisement of the Lord.

The second part of the admonition is:

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint

when thou art rebuked of him:

Hebrews 12:5 (KJV)

He’s telling us that we forgot something. The writer was reminding the church of what had previously been written to Israel:

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father

the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV)

What needs to be seen in this particular admonition is its location. Proverbs 3 contains some extremely popular scriptures. One set in particular is:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

This passage has been memorized by many, but is it truly understood? What we are being told here is that our own natural understanding will not support us as we seek to serve God. We will have to trust Him in the various circumstances that arise. The Word tells us to recognize that God’s hand is at work in every path of our life and if we acknowledge that it is Him, then He will make straight our path towards His end.

But its only as we trust that it is Him. Saying that it is the devil or a circumstance that is controlling our lives, denies Gods sovereignty in fulfilling His purpose for us. It should also be noted that this chapter speaks much about wisdom . In fact, the next verse after the “correction” scripture speaks volumes about receiving the correction and rebuke of the Lord.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:13 (KJV)

Inherent in the proper receipt of correction and rebuke is the finding of wisdom and the gaining of understanding. The difference between “natural” correction and “spiritual” correction, is that one is dealt as punishment and the other released for advancement.

But how does that correction take place? Is it spiritual or natural? Both?

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:6 (KJV)

He tells us that in His training process “scourging” takes place. Scourging is defined as afflicting with severe or widespread suffering and devastation; to ravage, to chastise severely; to excoriate. The word excoriate means to tear or wear off the skin. It is safe to assume that chastisement from the Father can take on consequences in the physical realm. Yes a Spiritual Father can and will chastise in the flesh! Take note:

And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done:

and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant;

for I have done very foolishly. 11 For when David was up in the morning,

the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. 13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto

thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies,

while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land?

Now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the

hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand

of man. 15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even

to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to

Beersheba seventy thousand men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his

hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil,

and said to the angel that destroyed the people,
It is enough: stay now thine hand...

2 Samuel 24:10-16 (KJV)

This was correction in the flesh for sin. Notice to that an Angel carried out the command to correct. Could it possibly be the same angel that was released during the Passover? The word destroy used above is the same used to describe the Destroyer in Exodus 12:23

Also note:

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring

thee into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his

voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions:

for my name is in him.

Exodus 23:20-21 (KJV)

The writer here is telling us that this particular angel is operating within the authority structure appointed by God. He was being used of God to bring these people to the place that the Father had prepared for them. And he did not have to return to the Father to get release to come against their transgressions. God gave them clear warning that if provoked, this angel will do what ever is necessary to “keep thee in the way”. Could this still be true today ? That the Father would use angels to “keep His people in the way”!

The word used here for 'transgression' is the Hebrew word pesha. Pesha means to revolt in a national, moral or religious application. It comes from the root word pasha which means to break away from just authority, to apostatize, to rebel. This word is not the word used to describe “sin” in the generic sense. That word is chatta'ah, which is an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation. It is a totally separated word from transgression. And comes from the root chata which means to miss; hence (fig. and gen.) to sin.

This brings us to the New Testament definition of “sinner”. The reference scripture we started with was:

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 5:18 (KJV)

The word 'sinneth' used here is the Greek word hamartano, and it means to miss the mark and so not share in the prize. Though this word does refer to the moral implications of sin, it is not the word used for the specific offense. That word is hamartia which comes from the root hamartano. Ultimately what is being stated is, that our sin, whether the offense or the consequences of it, causes us to miss the mark and not share in the prize.

Further insight is gleaned by the next statement which begins with “BUT”. The word 'but' is used as a connector to join the first and second phrases and to imply our part in the “not missing the mark” referred to in the first statement. John tells us that he who is regenerated by God keepeth himself. That word 'keepeth' is the Greek word tereo and it means to guard from loss or injury by keeping the eye upon: i.e. to note a prophecy; to fulfil a command. It is not the word koustodia which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus. It is the personal responsibility to watch ones own self.

So what John is telling us can be restated as; Whoever is regenerated by God won’t miss the mark aimed at because they guard themselves by keeping their eye focused upon what God has commanded.

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten

of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 5:18 (KJV)

John then tells us the benefit of that guarding of oneself. The wicked one toucheth not. The word used here for 'wicked one' is poneros. As we have examined in past lessons poneros is influenced evil. In the literal translation the word one is not present, so a proper rendering could be that the evil influence cannot touch the guarded saint.

What is curious also is that word toucheth. 'Toucheth' is the word haptomai and it means to attach oneself to, and comes from the root word hapto which is to fasten to, i.e. specifically for the purpose to set something on fire or to kindle. When the word speaks of the evil influence kindling the believer it can refers to the arousing of the emotions, thereby causing us to react in an unchristian manor.

John continues:

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1 John 5:19 (KJV)

John then reassures us how different we are compared to the world. Previously we were admonished to guard ourselves from the poneros [evil influences]. The very next verse he tells us that the whole world lieth in poneros. And what clinches the world situation is that the word used for 'lieth' is the Greek word keimai which means to lie outstretched; literally or figuratively: it means to be appointed, has been laid up for, made to, to be set. John is telling us that the world has been appointed to evil influence. It has been set in order that the world would be subjected to the evil influence as its course. This can be further seen in Ephesians:

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and

of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:2-3 (KJV)

An interesting note on this scripture is the word 'according'. That word is the Greek word kata which has numerous meanings. One of the more curious is after the manner of. If placed within this scripture, it further removes the thought of power from the devil. It would then imply that we walked after the manner of the age of this world, after the manner of the prince of the power of the air, the same spirit that works in the children of disobedience. The spirit being disobedience, not the devil. He may have a poneros in the situation, but he is not the controlling spirit. Mans disobedience to God is the factor. If they would become obedient to God, his exousia [delegated authority] would be broken.

That is what occurred in us at the moment of salvation. But it needs to be appropriated.

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts

of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were

by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:3 (KJV)

The among whom is among the children of disobedience, not among the prince of the power of the air. Paul tells us that we were children of wrath because of natural production. We were a product of our environment so to speak. The world lieth in poneros, so we were growing up into poneros. We knew of nothing different. Notice that we were led by the lust of our flesh, fulfilling those desires of the flesh and our mind. John restated this very same thing:

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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:15-17

Notice that John says that those things are of the world. Not of the devil. They may be characteristics similar to his , but they are a trait of the world. He tells us that those things are of the kosmos, the orderly arrangement. And he tells us that that particular system is going to pass away.

John also releases some technology just prior to this scripture:

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and

the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 2:13-14 (KJV)

This has always been a challenging scripture because of its separations in classes. Could it be that the fathers have discerned the sovereignty of God. The little children have become ministers to the king and by eminence to God (3816) have come under His protection? And the young men have become regenerated and have taken possession of the authority in Christ, to the place of overcoming the influence of ponero?????

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10

John is telling us that one of the signs of those that are in error is that they don’t do the truth. They may talk a good game but they don’t do what Christ said to do. And it is as we walk in the illumination of the truth that communion with the Father becomes more apparent, both to the illuminated and those that witness the illumination. The walking in the truth causes the “Christ” to shine forth from us. As the truth is manifest in our daily walk, we then begin to look like and act like Jesus to the dying world. We then become the candle set high upon the hill. The more of the truth that is revealed in us, the greater the cleansing power of the blood of Christ. For it is as we commune with the Father through Christ that the continuous purging of the old nature takes place. The “old man” becomes less prevalent. Habits tend to be broken and the new man is brought to fruition.

If we say that we have no sin we are in error and the truth doesn’t reside within us and we are then subject to correction via the delegated influence of error. If we confess our offences; He is faithful to forgive us and to restart the purging process. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Up until this point, John has been referring to the offence of sin. But at verse 10 the focus changes from the offence to “the missing of the mark”. John is telling us that if we say that we have not missed the mark, we call God a liar. This should be a word of caution to us, in our search for the understanding of Gods plans and purposes. If we stand in a place of spiritual arrogance and insist that we know Gods heart or His perfect plan for any given situation, we open the door for calamity in that we have made ourselves gods. For His ways are beyond finding out. And we will never know more than a part, and for that matter, a very small part of an extremely large plan, created by an infinite God.

But as is the case with our merciful God, He made a way for repentance;
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any

man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1 John 2:1 (KJV)

So the Father makes a way for us to repent when the knowledge of “missing the mark” becomes evident. Humility is the key. If we remain humble before God and “don’t believe our own press”, we can continually grow to greater heights within the kingdom.

A closing observation as it relates to the “missing the mark”,

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and

worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath

not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the

Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Colossians 2:18-19 (KJV)

Paul is telling us that these men intrude into something that they have not perceived correctly. That they got puffed up in their own minds. The word used here for worshipping is not the same word we use to describe the worshipping of the Father. This word means a ceremonial observance or a religious observance of angels. And they move into this realm with a false humility. But the key is in verse 19. When Paul says that they are not holding the Head, he is saying that they are not moving in the strength of Christ. And the way to discern between them is by the fruit. It is only as the strength comes from Christ that the body is nourished. Note that the body is nourished, this refers back to the equipping of the body for the working of the Fathers purpose. If the fruit of the ministry doesn’t do that, than question what it is doing.

Remember Haggai :

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have

sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink,

but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm;

and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain,

and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I

will be glorified, saith the LORD. Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came

to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith

the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run

every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed

from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon

the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground

bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the

labour of the hands.

Haggai 1:5-11 (KJV)

And that is God....not the devil!

Context

2005-07-28T08:35:00.001-04:00

In the study of scripture, it can safely be stated that the context of a passage or word may possibly be the single most important factor in determining the usage and application of that scripture.

We in the computer generation have a term that is referred to as "cut and paste". Cut and paste is a word processing function that allows, with ease, the highlighting of a particular segment of a document and transferring it to another. It is an extremely powerful tool in fabricating and creating a new document. It allows for the quick and effortless transfer of information, but it can have its drawbacks.

Sometimes when “cutting and pasting” from one document to another, simple phrases may not make sense because of the context of the original document. The pasted phrase may have an implied meaning that actually enhances the new document, but when related back to the original, it doesn’t apply at all.

This is known as taking something out of context and many have approached the study of the Word of God in this manner.

The dictionary defines context as the part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning. It can also mean the circumstances or setting in which an event occurs.

By utilizing the “cut and paste” approach to Bible study, many well meaning scholars have distorted the true intention of the original writers purpose. Scriptures have been removed from their original context and “pasted” out of context to “prove” the validity of the new writers manuscript. Though they may have been well meaning, it does not relegate the fact that they have misused and mishandled the Word of God. They have “reshuffled the deck” so to speak and in doing so have removed the power that was in it’s original intent. Hence the need for “reproof”.

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

Paul is telling Timothy here that the purpose of the “Word” is bring the “man of God” to perfection; that he be thoroughly furnished for the purposes of God. The ways that the “Word” accomplishes this, is through doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction.

What is “doctrine”?
Doctrine is defined as a principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group. The Greek word for doctrine is 'didaskalia', and it means; instruction, the function of instructing or the information released through instruction. It implies, that which is taught as a standard of any particular group. In the case of the “church” it relates to the “accepted” interpretation of any particular scripture as it relates to that particular organization.

Hence the reason for so many denominations and organizations, each believing that what they have interpreted is the truth. Just the fact that there is such a difference in various positions should be enough to cause each one of us to research for ourselves the truth of the scripture. We should never accept any interpretation of scripture as the “final word” until we have researched it ourselves and found it to be true and have an inner witness of the Spirit as to its truth. To do so places your walk with God in the hands of someone else, and that in itself is an unscriptural position.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)

You work it out! Believing someone’s interpretation of any particular passage without working it out yourself can cost you your reward.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Colossians 2:18 (KJV)

The word beguile means to deceive by guile; to distract the attention of; to divert the attention of someone. When a scripture is taken out of context, it literally diverts your attention away from its intended meaning. Notice in this particular scripture Paul is telling us that these particular people are intruding into an area that they have not discerned clearly (seen) but have become vain in their own minds. Following someone else’s interpretation “blindly” can cost you your reward. In other “misinterpretations” it can cost you heaven! Jesus said “Take heed that no man deceive you”.[ Mat 24:4]

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Luke 8:18 (KJV)

What is “reproof” ?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Reproof is the act, instance, or expression of re-proving something. It means to confute a belief. To confute someone or something means to prove it to be wrong or in error; to refute it decisively, to prove it to be false or erroneous and to overthrow by argument or proof.

When doctrines are built upon “Cut and Paste” Theology, the margin for error is wide open. There is to much room for misinterpretation. Hence the need for “re-proving” the Word of God.

The quickest and most sure way of “re-proving” the Word of God, is by returning the disputed scripture to its original context and studying out the authors original intent. It is in it’s original setting where we may possibly unlock the “hidden truths” that we so need in this latter day.
“Cut and Paste” Theology has permeated the entire Body of Christ and caused many to stray from “kingdom” purpose. The number of scriptures that have been corrupted is unknown, but by starting the process of “dividing rightly” the Word of God, we may prevent future generations from following in the error that has preceded us.

I am in no way passing judgement upon those that have gone before us, but there comes a time where we must follow the example of God Himself and recognize the faults within our own belief systems.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 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. Hebrews 8:7-8 (KJV)

It must be stressed at the use of this scripture, that the fault was not with God, but with man. And that is the inference of our need to re-prove the Word. Man has erred, not God. But in this latter time, God has begun to stir His people to honestly “contend for the faith”. It’s not about finding someone to blame for our condition, it’s about finding God’s purpose for us and moving in that direction. If we continue doing, what has always been done, we cannot expect to achieve different results. Hence the need for “reproof”.

To remove a scripture from its contextual position for use outside of it’s original context causes it to become a “pretext”. A pretext is an ostensible or professed purpose; an excuse. It can also be an effort or a strategy intended to conceal something. The word ostensible means; represented or appearing as such; it means that something is plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. Though something seems plausible, does not make it so. The word plausible means; something seemingly or apparently valid, likely, acceptable, or credible, it can also mean something giving a deceptive impression of the truth, acceptability, or reliability.

Though a well meaning approach to scripture, it has actually been carried to an extreme and thereby become a destructive tool rather than an instructive one. This approach to God’s Word has become the “Cut and Paste” Theology. If we like the way it sounds , we cut it and paste it where we want and in doing so, we lose what God intended.

Some of the major doctrines of this day are founded upon what appears to be “Cut and Paste” Theology. As we discussed earlier, the use of John 10:10 as a description of the devil, may very well be a case of “Cut and Paste”. Lets examine a few other scriptures and see how they may or may not relate to this principle.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)

I recently heard a message from a very respected minister of the gospel who utilized this verse to explain that Paul was “ambiguous” in the things of God. This was because of the use of the word perplexed. The word ambiguous means to be “doubtful or uncertain”.

Strong’s defines perplexed as having no way out, or to be at a loss (mentally):(stand in) doubt, be perplexed.

As can be seen in the definition of the word, doubt can be used to define perplexed, but does that fit in the context of the rest of the scripture.
What was Paul saying to the church at Corinth?

In chapter 4, verse 1 Paul is outlining how he and his companions have walked among the local church. He tells them how they have behaved. That they have not walked dishonestly or deceitfully amongst them, but have walked in a manifestation of the truth.[vs:2] He then describes those that have not or cannot receive the words of truth that have been shared with them because the “god of this world hath blinded” them.[vs:4] He then reinforces, that it is God that is doing the work through them, it is not them, but God. [vs:7] He then begins to describe the cost of allowing God to manifest through them. And he describes this through a series of comparisons.

Note:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4:8,9

Troubled: 2346; to crowd
Distressed: 4729; to hem in closely, cramp
Perplexed: 639; to have no way out
Despair: 1820; to be utterly at a loss
Persecuted: 1377; to pursue
Forsaken: 1459; to leave behind in some place
Cast Down: 2598; to throw down
Destroyed: 622; to destroy fully

Paul is telling us that even though they are crowded, the pressure is not hindering what they were sent there to do. He is fully aware that there is no way out, because he’s “sold out” to God, he’s not at a loss of what to do. Even though he is persecuted and pursued, God has not left him behind to stand alone. Even though he has been thrown down and beaten, he hasn’t been destroyed. But is he unclear in what God is doing? Absolutely Not! He explains completely what is occurring.

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (KJV)

He knows that what ever is going on, is ordained of God, to conform him to the image of Jesus. That in the trial God gets the glory and not him. Paul had been told by Jesus the things he would have to go through in order to fulfill God’s call upon his life. To say he was “ambiguous” is a total misstatement of scripture. Jesus said to Ananias when speaking of Paul:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Acts 9:15-16 (KJV)

Paul heard the Lords voice so clearly that at the beginning of his ministry he secluded himself unto God for three years [Galations 1] before he even approached the Apostles in Jerusalem, and then he spent only fifteen days amongst Peter and James. Then he separated himself unto his ministry unto God for an additional fourteen years, before seeking any advice from them. And he went then only by revelation. [vs: 2:2] So to conclude from one scripture that Paul was “ambiguous” to what was occurring, is in itself “ambiguous”.

Context must be considered when a scripture is taken for use “outside” of its original intention. If we allow for the Word to be subjected to “cut and paste”, we then move into an area of deception, where we PREsume its TEXTural application. It may sound good, but that doesn’t mean it is good, or of God for that matter.

Another example that becomes subject to reproof, is a scripture that when joined with others, becomes a main stay of the “warfare theology” we now see prevalent within the Body of Christ.

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 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

This is a very common verse that is used to justify the spiritual warfare doctrine. Though there may truly be a place for the believer to “war” against the forces of darkness, in all fairness to proper application, this scripture must be examined in it’s context before relying upon it to “through down” the devil. For it is with this verse, many “well meaning” have taken the stance that this verse gives them the right to attack “strongholds” of Satan in the spiritual realm. But is that so?

The fault with that singular interpretation is that it doesn’t match with the context that the verse was presented in. It is clearly stated in vs. 1,2 that someone had issued a challenge regarding Paul’s conduct as an apostle. Notice vs. 2, “wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.”

The NIV makes it even clearer: “I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.”

Note that it is against some people that he intends to be bold. It seems that the misinterpretation begins with the usage of two words: war and warfare.

Lets define these.
The word war used here is the Greek word 'strateuomai' and it means to serve in a military campaign; fig. to execute the apostolate with its arduous duties and functions, to contend with carnal inclinations: soldier, (go to) war (-fare).

The word used here for warfare is the Greek word 'strateia', and it means; military service, i.e. (fig.) the apostolic career as one of hardship and danger. This particular word is used only twice in the New Testament and in both uses, its implied usage has more to do with the “apostolic career” than it does with fighting a spiritual battle, or any battle for that matter!

If we also examine in context what is being stated Paul is simply stating that “though I am a living breathing human being, I do not execute my office as an apostle with its arduous duties and functions, with human efforts. The tools that God has given me to fulfill this office are not of the flesh realm, On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds”. Paul then defines what the strongholds are; arguments and pretensions [NIV].

A pretension is a specious allegation; a pretext. A claim to something, such as a privilege or right and the advancing of such a claim. It is also an ostentatious display. That means a pretentious display meant to impress others; a boastful showiness.

Paul is telling us that his “apostolic weaponry” will destroy those “claims” that have set themselves up against the knowledge that God had placed Paul as the apostle over those believers. Further study shows that [vs. 8] he was referring to his delegated authority [exousia] that he had as the Apostle over the Corinthian Church.

“For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction…”.

The word used here for destruction is the same word used in vs. 4 in describing the pulling down of those mindsets. The message in vs 10 further outlines the challenge from people within the church as being towards his apostolic authority.

For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." (NIV)

Paul continues to rebuke the church for its gullibility and their doubting his apostolic call. But at no time in this discourse does Paul make any reference to fighting spirit beings. In fact, from this point on until the end of the letter, Paul does nothing but reinforce his apostolic right over that church. To take this verse and use it as a basis of “spiritual warfare” is out of context and dangerous. (Remember Jude/ 2 Peter)

The second usage for the word warfare is in 1 Timothy.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare. 1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV)

This verse is also “pulled out “ of context and used as a basis for Christians doing battle with the spirit realm. As in 2 Corinthians 10, the definitions for war and warfare make reference to the “apostolic office”.
If this verse is read in context we notice that Paul is instructing the “apostle Timothy” on how to establish churches.

Note:
First, that prayer be made for favor with the Government officials where the church is to be established “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Tim 2:1

Then he addresses the issue of men as husbands. That they should lead their homes in prayer and worship after a Godly manor. He stresses the importance of the family lives of the believers. That there is an order, that God has ordained for Christian homes. It must be stated that the word “women” used in these scriptures refers specifically to wives, not to women in general. 1 Tim 2:8-15

And then he begins to outline the characteristics of Bishops and Deacons. 1 Tim 3:1
He then warns him of the false doctrines that will attempt to enter the church, but at no time does he make reference to fighting spirit beings. 1 Tim 4:1

So to utilize this scripture as a confirming word to 2 Corinthians 10:3, is as erroneous as the misinterpretation of 2 Corinthians 10:3 itself. But much of the focus of the church today is utilized in fighting the demonic realm based upon these scriptures. Could it be that if the pretext is in error, that the application may be flawed also?

It is interesting to note also that the false doctrines that Paul warned Timothy about , just so happen to be the doctrines of devils!

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV)

What is interesting is the use of the word expressly. That word means to be outspoken . When the scripture reveals that the Spirit was outspoken about relating something, that in itself should be our clue to the importance of what was being said.

The word depart is the Greek word 'aphistemi' and it means to remove oneself, i.e. instigate to revolt; to desist, to be drawn or to fall away. It comes from two words that mean to separate from, or, to cease from a position of standing.

The word faith is the Greek word 'pistis', and it means to be persuaded by a moral conviction of a religious truth, [or, the truthfulness of God or the truthfulness of a religious teacher], but , especially the reliance upon Christ for salvation and the constancy of such a profession.

Paul is telling Timothy, that there will be those in the latter days, who will be shifted from a secure position of standing in the reliance upon Christ for their deliverance to a place where they give heed to seducing spirits.

The word used for giving heed is the Greek word 'prosecho', and means to hold the mind towards, or to pay attention to something. In this case it is towards seducing spirits.

The phrase seducing spirits means an impostor, a spirit that is misleading spirit. An imposter is one who engages in deception under an assumed name or identity. An imposter spirit is one that pretends to be other than what they are or to have abilities or qualifications that they do not really have. An impostor spirit assumes the character or identity of another for the express purpose of deceiving.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (KJV)

The word transformed used here is the word 'metaschematizo', and means to transfigure or disguise; fig. to apply by accommodation; to change. It implies the ability to conform to what ever situation or circumstance, that will allow them to work within it.

In our discussion on John 10:10 , we looked into the possibility, of error, as being the “doorway” for the delegated influence to come against someone. We examined the possibility “if you call him the thief” without a proper scriptural basis, could you then be opening the door for him to become the thief in your life. With that as a backdrop could metaschematizo be an extension of that same principle. “Whatever Adam called it, that is what it was” ? If you move into error and call it so, is it so?

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (KJV)

Could that be what Paul was referring to here when he states: “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness”. The phrase taketh is the Greek word 'drassomai' and it speaks of the idea of capturing; to grasp, to entrap.

But what makes it extremely interesting is it comes from the root word 'drakon', which means to look upon a fabulous kind of serpent; perhaps as is supposed to fascinate one. And is also the word used to describe a dragon.

The word used here for craftiness has some unusual implications of its own. The Greek word used here is 'panourgia', and means adroitness, i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry. Adroitness implies ease and natural skill, especially in dealing with challenging situations. The word sophistry means a plausible but misleading statement or an argument based on a false or an invalid inference.

These definitions give the picture that these people will be snared by the error that they profess wisdom. They rely upon their “natural skill” rather than what Christ has already accomplished.

The phrase 'doctrines of devils', for the most part, has been taught from the standpoint that devils would introduce erroneous doctrine into the church. But could it also be interpreted that the church would accept teachings about devils as a doctrine?

Many of the teachings within the Body today center around the “power” that the devil supposedly has, rather than the fact that he was completely and totally defeated by the cross of Jesus Christ!

Paul continues,
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

'Speaking lies' is the Greek phrase pseudologos, and means something that is mendacious. Mendacious is a more formal equivalent of lying and suggests a chronic inclination towards untruth when it is applied to persons. Another interesting note about pseudologos is it also means one who promulgates erroneous Christian doctrine. To promulgate is to make something known by official public declaration; to announce or make a decree, for example.

Notice also that pseudologos is made up of two words pseudo and logos. Here we also see the perversion of the logos word, as was seen in alogos (brute) in Jude and 2nd Peter.

Paul then says that they are speaking these lies in hypocrisy. A hypocrite is one who says one thing and does another. The classic example in scriptures are the Pharisee’s. But in this case, where we are speaking of those within the church environs, they are those that say they are Christian, but are not doing what Christ has said to do. Could these be those that are referred to as the “workers of iniquity”?

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. 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. Matthew 7:22-24 (KJV)

Though the perception of these people mentioned above, is that they are doing the “Lords” work, could it be that they have had their ability to discern altered, by accepting erroneous doctrine as truth?

The word iniquity used here is a word that means illegality. Could Jesus be telling us that they have moved from a place of grace to a position of disgrace?

….having their conscience seared with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:2b

This is an interesting phrase. In the Greek it is 'suneidesis kauteriazo'. It means that they have had their perception rendered un-sensitive. The word kauteriazo is the same word that we use to describe something that has been cauterized. When something has been cauterized it has been deadened to feeling or moral scruples; it becomes callous. Paul is telling us that these believers become deadened to the truth because of their error.

One final example of scripture being handle incorrectly is:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

This scripture has been used by many well meaning leaders to lead the people of Christ into a regimented program of bible study. Though the concept is admirable, this scripture does not assert that.

The word study does not mean to “crack the books” or “burn the midnight oil”. The “Book” wasn’t published in mass until the 1500’s. If that were what the scripture meant then what would be the fate of those who can’t read? What about people who don’t have the scriptures translated into a common language? If it is about the “study” of scriptures that enable you to become approved of God, why were the Pharisee’s unapproved?

Jesus told us:
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (KJV)

The word used for study is the Greek word 'spoudazo' and means to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest and comes from the root word that means foot. The implication is to apply yourself to something. The word show is the word 'paristemi' and it means to stand beside. But the key to understanding this scripture is in the word approved. To be approved means to be acceptable or current after assayal. To be examined by trial or experiment; put to a test.

Another way of stating this scripture could be: Do your best to be a doer of the word and be found standing after the trial of your faith has passed, so that you will not be ashamed, having rightly understood the Fathers purpose for you in that kairos.

Having been challenged on this particular scriptural interpretation, I faithfully submit these other translations for consideration.

NKJV: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

NIV: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Literal Greek: Be eager to present thyself approved unto God a workman unashamed, cutting straight the word of truth.

Barclays NT: Do your best to present yourself to God as a man of sterling worth, a workman who has no need to be ashamed of his work, a sound expositor of the true word.

Good News Bible: Do your best to win full approval in Gods sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God’s truth.

Berkley Version: Do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing the message of truth.

Moffats NT: Do your utmost to let God see that you at least are a sound workman, with no need to be ashamed of the way that you handle the Word of truth.

RSV: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

ASV: Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

Darby’s: Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.

Weymouths NT: Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.

Young’s: Be diligent to present thyself approved to God--a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth.

NASB: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

New English Translation: Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

Douay-Rheims (Catholic): Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Vines Expository Dictionary : “Study” (see diligence B, No 1) : to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence

Liddell & Scott Intermediate Lexicon: spoudazô: to make haste, [1.] of things, to be busy, eager, zealous, earnest to do a thing [2.] of persons, to be busy with him, to be anxious for his success, canvass for him, [3.] absol. to be serious or earnest, etc.; with a grave face, [II.] trans., [1.], to do anything hastily or earnestly, to be zealously pursued [2.] Pass., also, of persons, to be treated with respect, to be courted Latin Vulgate: sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis sollicitus -a -um, disturbed, agitated, restless; anxious, uneasy, worried; of animals, watchful; in act. sense, disquieting. Adv. sollicite, anxiously, carefully. cura -ae, f. care; (1) care taken, carefulness, pains, attention, minding of things or persons; of business, management, administration; meton., an object of care, or a guardian, caretaker. (2) care felt, anxiety, worry, disquiet. ipsum : himself, herself, itself. probâbilis, e, adj. [id.]. I. Lit., that may be assumed, believed, or proved; likely, credible, probable II. Transf., in gen., worthy of approval, pleasing, agreeable, acceptable, commendable, laudable, good, fit ex-hibeo: lit., to hold out, reach out; hence], I. To hold forth, tender, present; to deliver, give up, produce A. Lit.: i. e. to acknowledge legal notice, etc. i. e. to make safe, i. e. to furnish, allow, B. Transf. 1. To show, to display, to exhibit: how I shall exhibit, show myself, shows, proves himself, (b). To show, confer (late 2. To maintain, support, sustain II. To show, exhibit, employ; to procure, occasion, cause: rem salvam exhibebo, I will set it all right, Plaut. As. 2.4.51: quorum virtus exhibet solidum decus, Phaedr. 4, 23, 24

Light...a thought

2005-07-25T09:08:00.000-04:00

If you can't shine like a radiant star

then shine like a candle.

Light is light,

both illuminate in the darkness.

Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and

well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside,

thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting....

"Wow! What a ride! Thank You Lord!!!"

Authors unknown