Promises for Our Children

Troubleshooting Christianity

Ken

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10 KJV). Evangelical Christianity still believes Jesus is the essence of all True Religion, and “no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). Sinners are still repenting. Disciples are being baptized. But, converts are leaving through the back door, when the motions of social church life become a disciplined but slow grind of attempting to live life in the face of all the pressures any person has, coupled with the special demands of disciples trying to propagate their faith. 

Just as insects develop a resistance to pesticides, Professed Christianity seems to have developed a resistance to Jesus. Is that really possible? Actually, no, but our understanding and presentation of Jesus as the answer to everything necessitates a Spirit taught awareness of… 

Who is Jesus? 

First, the Spirit of God has the unique place of revealing Jesus to everyone, especially to His disciples. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me” (John 15:26). “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come” (16:13). 

Second, the centrality of Christ to both our physical and spiritual existence, gives us absolute dependence upon Him. Our physical existence: “And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). Our physical sustenance: “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Our spiritual sustenance: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). 

Third, our necessity of Spirit inspired action is not well known, understood, or appropriated. Disciples have been commanded to make disciples of all nations “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). And, we have been commanded to teach others to obey Christ. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20). However, if we simply assume, we will obey because we choose to obey, then we are likely to assume our obedience is due to our good intentions resulting in our obedience. Yet, we have been plainly made aware, our obedience is due to God inspiring us to obey, i.e., “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). 

A- The whole purpose of the New Covenant was to give us God’s Spirit to indwell us to inspire us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27).

B-  The first sermon of the New Covenant was Peter explaining what we must do to receive God’s Spirit. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). 

C- We were then reminded, The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey Him, i.e., obedience to the command to repent and be baptized (2:38). “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32).

Fourth, we should obey God and require others to obey God; but, our complete expectation of anyone’s obedience — self included — is God’s faithfulness through His Spirit. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Again, our expectation is of God. “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him” (Psalm 62:5). 

Fifth, Christ is our Preeminent Paradoxical Example as Almighty God, yet truly the Son of Man. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (1Peter 2:21). Christ’s perfection is to be imitated, though we are too often prone to sinning. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 5:23). Faith is required (John 3:18; 1John 3:23), yet faith is a gift (Ephesians 2:8). Repentance is required (Acts 26:20 NIV), yet repentance is a gift (2Timothy 2:25). “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). 

Sixth, Jesus is our All-In-All Salvation. “God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 5:9). He is our Justification (Romans 3:24). He is our Sanctification (Acts 26:18). He is our Glorification (1John 3:2). Significantly, all the different relations of Christ to the Believer are also proofs of His Divinity and essential unity with the Almighty.  

A- Good Shepherd. Yahweh is not simply a shepherd for His people, but He is the Shepherd of Israel. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Christ’s claim to be the keeper of His sheep made Him the keeper of my soul. Anyone claiming this priority makes Himself God and becomes responsible for my spiritual preservation. “11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. 29 My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one” (John 10:11, 28-30). Guidance and shepherding are ours, if we are His sheep. 

B- Door. The point of entry into the Kingdom of God is Jesus. Whatever is the entry controls who is allowed entrance. God is the Gatekeeper. “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). We forget that entry is a privilege and can be denied — for our own good. “All that ever came before Me are thieves [by night] and robbers [by day]: but the sheep did not hear them” (10:8). Entry and protection are ours, if we are numbered among those who trust Him. 

C- Way of Salvation. Christians were early known as followers of the Way (Acts 19:28), since Jesus declared Himself “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The definite article “the” identifies Jesus as the unique way to God. Giving Jesus the saving attributes belonging only to Yahweh makes Jesus God — and, necessitates our understanding of the Trinity. Understanding Jesus’ uniqueness makes our clinging to Him in faith a single mindedness toward our salvation. 

D- The Truth. The tendency for everything to point to Jesus as the equal of the Almighty was understood by the Son of Man. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). And, of course then, Jesus is “the truth” (14:6), to the aggravation of the skeptic. Either, everything points to Jesus as God, who is our Truth, or nothing does. 

E- The True Light. God is the essence of True Light. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Even physical light has a connection to God, who is a spiritual, non-material being. “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” (1John 1:5). Everything we identify with physical light corresponds to the True Spiritual Light, e.g., illumination, clarity, discernment. The Creator is the only being capable of manifesting all the essential characteristics of light. Humanity’s capacity to sense God’s spiritual presence results from God’s illumination of all mankind, so that we “are without excuse” (Romans 1:20) for rejecting Him. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). When we come into the New Birth, we are in the presence of the True Light. “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth” (1John 2:8). 

Seventh, being led by the Spirit is not optional, but Is a characteristic of the Children of God. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Tenderness or sensitivity to the leading of God’s Spirit is an unavoidable consequence of True Godliness, which separates Mainstream Christianity from New Testament Christianity. 

What happens when we are instructed, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13)? 

A- We make up our mind to “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13), which is understandable.  

B- We pray that God’s Spirit would indeed “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13), which is appropriate. 

C- We expect that the Holy Spirit will “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13), which He must. 

D- We, too often, do not wait upon the LORD to fulfill His Word to “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13), which is impatient, shortsighted, and tragic. 

E- We, run the risk of becoming shipwrecked in our walk, if the Spirit of God does not “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13). 

F- We, however, have the potential of achieving the satisfying consistency of living the life of Christ because the Holy Spirit does “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13). 

G- We may actually achieve the Spiritual Ecstasy of a Normal Christian Life, when the Holy Spirit does “mortify the deeds of the body” (8:13). “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out” (Romans 11:33). 

Heavenly Father, everything we do is under Your watch care. We can see how You have been developing our understanding of how we are to live the life of Christ here below, while we wait for His soon appearing. Grant to us the understanding, faith, patience, and overcoming that gives You the glory for everything achieved in our lives. Teach us to wait on You. Grant Jerusalem Your peace. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen.

God Is Not Done With Israel

Ken

God is not done with Israel. “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1 KJV). When the LORD established His covenant with Abraham, He unconditionally promised, “I will make of thee a great nation [Israel]” (Genesis 12:2), but He further promised, “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed [the Church]” (Genesis 12:3). Both Israel and the Church were foreseen. And, no, the OT Mosaic law and feasts are not necessary for the salvation and sanctification of the Church. “In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old [literally, obsolete]” (Hebrews 8:13). Remember, humanity is equal in the sight of God — “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) — but, He still has a special place in His heart for Israel — “Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen” (Isaiah 43:10) — and in His prophetic program — “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). 

It was no accident that the Gospel message started first “in Jerusalem, and [then spread] in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). All the first converts to Jesus were Jews, who crucified their Messiah. “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). Peter’s instructions to the Jews at the beginning of the Church, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39), which includes the rest of us Gentiles, who have come to Messiah Jesus. 

The essence of Bible prophecy is God’s before-it-happens-certain-declarations of future events. If the OT Jews misread prophecy and missed the Messiah the first time, then shouldn’t the Church pay closer attention to prophecies to prepare for the return of Messiah Jesus the second time? “So Christ [Greek, Christos, anointed one, the Messiah] was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Isaiah reveals God’s special relationship to Israel. “1 O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 4 Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:1, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19). 

That “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) prophesied by Isaiah was spoken of by Jeremiah, as well. “For the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man” (Jeremiah 31:22). “Created” (31:22) implies divine intervention. “Woman” (31:22) indicates an individual, not a collective noun. “Man” (31:22) compares to Isaiah 9:6, where it refers to God. Jeremiah 31:22 was believed by many in the Early Church as a reference to the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14) of the Messiah: a virgin womb encircling a man without the necessity of a man’s participation, yielding the miraculous result of a Savior. As difficult to believe as this narrative, it would eventually result in Israel becoming a nation spiritually at Messiah’s Second Coming. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). 

Paul asked the Romans, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision” (Romans 3:1). What strategic advantage had the Jews over the rest of the world? The Jews superiority was their possession of the Word of God. “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (3:2). But, you say, Nearly everyone today has access to the Word of God, so where is the advantage? Scripture has no practical benefit to us unless understood and obeyed. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (2:13). Intelligence is valuable in society, science, government, military, and business, as well. It is not what you know, but what you do with the Word of God. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2Chronicles 16:9). 

We must remember, the Jews have long been the subject of prophecies: (1) that they would be subjected to the Babylonian captivity of Judah, i.e., “shall be carried to Babylon” (Isaiah 39:6), and (2) that they would be held in the Babylonian desolations for seventy years, i.e., “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:11). 

But, the Jews were also told: (1) when “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25) would appear, He would be “be cut off, but not for Himself” (9:26), answering to Christ’s atonement [First Coming of the Messiah], and (2) they were also told the Son of Man would have an “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (7:14), answering to the Millennial Reign of Christ and beyond (Revelation 20:4) at the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) [Second Coming of the Messiah]. 

In summary, the Jews were responsible for the custodial care of the Divine Scriptures (Romans 3:2), furnishing the bloodline of the House of David for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17), for the political rebirth of the modern nation of Israel (1948), and providing us a prophetic clock for the reappearance of the Messiah. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). 

Father, You have not cast away Israel, the “apple of [Your] eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). We pray for Your success in winning back the hearts of Your Chosen People Israel. Cause us the Gentiles to provoke Israel (32:21) to faith in the Messiah (Romans 11:11). We ask that our eyes would be enlightened, and we would not follow Israel’s former example of unbelief. May we see our victories in the immediate inspiration of Your Spirit inciting us to obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). May Jerusalem see Your peace. Messiah Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Walk in the Spirit

Ken

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). Are there two classes of Christians, those who walk in the Spirit and those who do not? Is living and walking without the Spirit simply a regrettable loss of reward? How does our lack of understanding on this affect our hotness or coldness toward Christ? “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Not walking in the Spirit is clearly indefensible and strips the Professed Christian of the Spirit’s testimony of sonship. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Walking in obedience to the Spirit gives us His Spirit of sonship. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep His commandments” (1John 2:3). Walking without obedience to Christ is not only unjustifiable, but lacks any credibility to support our sonship. “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (2:4). It is not our memory of sonship that gains us access to Heaven. If He claims not to know us, then we are the liar. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). 

Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) is as achievable as it is misunderstood. Either we lower our expectation of what is possible, or we raise our understanding of what Normal Christianity is. We must begin by adjusting our understanding of temptation and sin. Since Christ was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), then temptation is not sin. Strong desires or lusts (Greek, epithumeo) to do evil are considered sin, when the heart consents to act upon them, e.g., “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Likewise, the strong desire or lust to do good, also becomes righteousness when so contemplated. “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth [Greek, epithumeo] a good work” (1Timothy 3:1). God’s faithfulness through His promises and ministered to us through His Spirit is the perfect enabler to keep temptation from overpowering us to sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13).

We cannot walk in uncertainty, if we are to walk in the Spirit. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). We should not be “holier than thou” (Isaiah 65:5), but neither should we lack the confidence to live or die for the LORD (Philippians 1:21). Our hatred of sinning will not be motivated by a personal fear of eternal punishment but because of our love for the LORD and for the honor due to His Name (Psalm 66:2). The holiness which makes Jehovah uniquely apart and separated from sin now clothes us as we put our confidence in Him. “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [Greek, anastrophē, conduct]” (1Peter 1:15). No one is capable of being holy apart from the active presence of God; hence, we are indwelt with His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). For that reason, we are cautioned, “Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). 

Returning to Galatians 5:16, walking in the Spirit would be the equivalent to “walk worthy” (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1Thessalonians 2:12) of the Lord. It would seem our main goal is to not “fulfil the lust [Greek, epithumeo, strong desire] of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). But, that is entirely opposite of what is needed. We should instead be seeking, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). Gaining His guidance will steer us away from the pitfalls of the lust of the flesh. We may become utterly amazed of how refreshing an approach being led by the Spirit is in conducting our affairs, instead of simply avoiding a check list of forbidden or not recommended actions. 

How does the Holy Spirit communicate with us? 

First, the Word of God is the voice of the Holy Spirit because: 

A- He inspired it. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21).  

B- He preserves it. “For ever, O LORD, Thy word is settled [literally, established] in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).

C- He teaches it. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). 

D- He empowers it. “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2).

E- He fulfills it. “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). 

Second, in both the OT and NT dispensations God’s Spirit has spoken to His Saints through their thoughts, for how can He get into our praise, if He enters not into our thoughts? “But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest [literally, dwells within, abides in] the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). 

Third, we should expect the Spirit of God to direct us through our thoughts, since we are to be “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” (2Corinthians 10:5). 

Fourth, God’s Spirit communicates with us through our circumstances, since nothing happens accidentally but providentially. “And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of His mercy and His truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren” (Genesis 24:27). 

Fifth, the Holy Spirit can direct others to speak, teach, or preach to us, but it must be confirmable by God’s Word, and we must be willing to hear it. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). 

Sixth, expect the Spirit of God to confirm His directions to you by the success He gives to your endeavors. “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it” (Psalm 90:17). 

Seventh, be willing for God’s Spirit to do the miraculous, if need be, to confirm and direct you, e.g., Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:37-39), Samson’s parents’ sacrifice (Judges 13), Hezekiah’s sundial (2Kings 20:7-11). But remember, God did not need to do the miraculous to require their participation and obedience, and neither is the miraculous required for us. 

Father, cause us to walk in Your Spirit as a normal way. Teach us to expect Your Spirit to direct us in concert with Your Word. Give us a thirst and understanding of Your Word that enables us to walk in Your Spirit. Help us to read, hear, remember, and think Your Word until Your thoughts become our thoughts. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

Marriage and Family

Ken

Marriage is Walking in Agreement 

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed” (Amos 3:3 KJV). Male and female are attracted to one another because their Creator made it so, for the Divine Purpose is to produce a “godly seed” (Malachi 2:15). Marriage is a joint sharing or agreement, it represents the understanding that the “husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23). Marriage is God’s arrangement of opportunity and responsibility. Adam had the intelligence to name all the animals (Genesis 2:19), yet he is remembered for humanity’s first sin (Romans 5:14). Not because he ate the forbidden fruit first, but because he was responsible for Eve, when she was deceived (1Timothy 2:14). God named Adam. Adam named Eve (Genesis 3:20). Parents name their children. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Parents are accountable to God for they determine the destiny of their children. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Children are inescapably a reflection or response to their parents, for the parents are the caregivers, whose conduct molds their children’s impressionable minds. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). 

Marriage and Family: Ordained to Promote Obedience to God

Marriage is the means God gave humanity to fulfill the commission, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion” (Genesis 1:28). The necessity of marriage as opposed to simple cohabitation is based upon the commitment of a man and a woman becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). If marriage was not an institution of God, fornication (premarital sex) and adultery (sexual intercourse with someone other than your spouse) would hold no meaning. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Discussion of differences between the sexes recognize the female capacity of bearing the child and the male role of giving the seed; but, God instructs “husbands, [to] dwell with them [wives] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1Peter 3:7). 

Life’s Purpose: Glorify God

The discussion of marriage and family becomes lost in the struggle of life until life’s purpose is understood beyond merely existing. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1Corinthians 10:31). Moses declared, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Preacher concluded, “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Twenty Four Elders worship God, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). All of this unites in the centrality of the worship of Jesus throughout all the ages to come. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). 

Whatever Adam and Eve were purposed to do in the Beginning (walk with Yahweh), whatever Messiah Jesus accomplished in His Atonement upon the Cross (reconciled us to God), and whatever the NT Church is supposed to be accomplishing until Jesus raptures His Church (teach people to obey Christ), we are to accomplish within the framework of Christian marriage. “30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:30-32). 

Success in all areas of marriage and the family require

 A Basic Understanding of How God Accomplishes Obedience in Our Lives. 

First, we have been commanded to teach others to obey Christ. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

Second, if we simply assume, we will obey because we choose to obey, then we are likely to assume our obedience is due to our good intentions resulting in our obedience. Yet, we have been plainly made aware, our obedience is due to God inspiring us to obey, i.e., “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). 

Third, the whole purpose of the New Covenant was to give us God’s Spirit to indwell us to inspire us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 

Fourth, the first sermon of the New Covenant was Peter explaining what we must do to receive God’s Spirit. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). 

Fifth, we were then reminded, The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey Him, i.e., obedience to the command to repent and be baptized (2:38). “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). 

Sixth, Spirit directed walking is the obedience that overcomes the flesh. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). 

Seventh, this cycle of obedience continues for a lifetime until we are translated into eternity, where it is confirmed forevermore. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2Corinthians 3:18). 

Father, cause us to see Marriage and Family as a powerful tool to accomplish Your purposes in the Earth. Overcome all of the enemies’ attempts to make Marriage and Family as only accidental or incidental to the human experience. Bless all those who embrace Your ways in this life. Grant them understanding and happiness as they overcome all the inevitable troubles of life, until we are translated into Your presence. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Forgive, And Ye Shall Be Forgiven

Ken

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:37 KJV). It is interesting that forgiveness for our sins is reciprocally dependent on our forgiveness of those who have sinned against us. One might think our need for forgiveness for our own sins would be more the deciding factor for our effectiveness rather than our ability or willingness to forgive others. Apparently, we are more prone to stymie our Spiritual Effectiveness by disregarding our need of forgiving others. Most likely, what we do not think to be a lack of forgiving others, we may label as a lack of necessity for our forgiving others. 

What does forgiving others look like? 

On the Cross, Messiah Jesus “made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12), who were nailing Him to the Cross. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do [Greek, poiousin, present tense, are doing]. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34). He was praying for their forgiveness before they were done sinning against Him. Certainly, the Father will not forgive anyone unless they confess and repent of their sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). We can tell if someone responds to our pray for their being forgiven, when we can see them cease from their sinning. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil [literally, stop sinning]” (Isaiah 1:16). “Awake to righteousness, and sin not [literally, stop sinning]; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame” (1Corinthians 15:34). 

We have not been praying for the forgiveness of those, who have offended against us, because:

First, though we admit the intellectual need for forgiving them, we don’t see the practical point of praying for it. Yet, Jesus’ prayer was answered even as He was dying. “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). 

Second, we were there in spirit nailing Jesus to the Cross, since “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5), so He prayed for our forgiveness in the same fashion we should pray for the forgiveness of others we do not directly know nor are present at hand. 

Third, we are releasing the Holy Spirit upon those, for whom we are praying to be forgiven. “And when He [Holy Spirit] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). 

Fourth, the forgiveness of sin magnifies God even more than the healing of disease. “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house” (Matthew 9:6). 

Fifth, concerning forgiveness, unlike the OT sacrifice, whose sacrifices were only a temporary covering for sin, waiting for Christ’s atonement, our forgiveness is now once and final. “1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:1, 10).

Sixth, our forgiving others and praying for others’ forgiveness is a mark of ushering in the Kingdom of God on Earth, until the LORD returns. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me” (Acts 26:18).

Seventh, though there is no need of forgiveness of sin in Heaven — since there is no sin in Heaven — God will wipe away all the tears from the sin for which we already have been forgiven, remembering the first sin committed by Lucifer was also in Heaven. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Father, the blessing and power of Your forgiveness of us can only be seen in the power of changed lives. Teach us to trust and pray for Your forgiveness of us, even as we forgive and pray for others. Magnify Your name by who You forgive. Bring captivity captive and give the gift of repentance and forgiveness to as many as our Lord will call. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen.

 

Inspired to Obey

Ken

One of the main things that should attract us to being baptized is not just the forgiveness of sins, but the receiving of the Holy Spirit. 

Let me explain. 

The very first sermon of the NT Church taught us: 

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38 KJV). 

Repentance and baptism bringing about the reception of the Holy Spirit — should intrigue us. 

Our sins are taken away and replaced with God’s Indwelling Spirit. 

Now, people can see when you have been baptized, because you just got wet. But, how can they tell, if you have received the Holy Spirit? 

Obedience is how you can tell if someone has the Holy Spirit. 

That is what the LORD told the prophet Ezekiel.  

“I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). 

That to me is one of the most significant verses in the OT, which puts into perspective Acts 2:38. 

Perhaps you have already heard about the Promise of the Spirit? 

“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). 

But, did you know something as simple as water baptism could be so significant? 

Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). 

Notice the Loyalty Oath taken and given at baptism, in the presence of others baptizing and witnessing the event, declares Jesus as Lord. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus [confession with the mouth implies the presence of others baptizing and witnessing the event], and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). 

But still, it isn’t a debate whether water or grace through faith saves us. 

It is Jesus that saves us. 

What should become clear is that the Gift of the Holy Spirit preached by Peter at Pentecost 

Isn’t you possessing the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit possessing you.

By our obedience to something as basic as water baptism, we were given the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Just listen to how Peter and the other apostles put it in the Book of Acts: 

“And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). 

Did you notice that?

Obeying the command to be baptized gave the Gift of the Indwelling Holy Spirit.  

But, Jehovah’s promise of Ezekiel 36:27 was: 

“I’ll put My Spirit in you” 

 and 

“Cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” 

What dawned upon me (over long years) is the Holy Spirit causes us to walk in His Statutes, keep His judgments, and do them.  It meant

The Holy Spirit inspires us to obey God. 

Praise God! 

When the OT prophets and NT apostles were inspired to pen the words of Scripture, they were not taking rote dictation. 

I have come to the conclusion that

The giving of the Holy Spirit is for the express purpose of God securing and guaranteeing our obedience. 

Hallelujah! 

Not just securing our obedience to be baptized, but guaranteeing our obedience for everything! 

Paul expressed his heart to the Thessalonian disciples, as I do to you:

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thessalonians 5:23).

May you be inspired to obey God! 

Heavenly Father, if we being evil know how to give good gifts unto our children, how much more are You willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask You. Pour out Your Spirit upon us. Teach us to do Your will. Your Spirit is good. Lead us into the land of uprightness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Return quickly. Amen and amen.

Basic Christianity

Ken

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV). Elementary or Basic Christianity is built upon a foundation of: (1) turning away from self-righteous, dead works, i.e., “repentance from dead works” (6:1), (2) confidence or faith in the Living God, i.e., “faith toward God” (6:1), (3) pledging our loyalty to Christ through a public display of water baptism, and entering into communion with the Body of Christ through baptism, i.e., “doctrines of baptisms” (6:2), (4) reception of gifts of the Holy Spirit through the “laying on of hands” (6:2), (5) anticipation of our future physical resurrection from the dead or our reuniting with departed saints at the Rapture, i.e., “resurrection of the dead” (6:2), and (6) anticipation of our future reward, i.e., “eternal judgment” (6:2). Are these not already “principles of the doctrines of Christ” (6:1) or “elementary instructions” (6:1 NET) for us, so that we “may move on to maturity” (6:1 NET) or “perfection” (6:1 KJV)? First, since “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20), then dead works must be self-righteous works, which only justify us and not God, from which we are to turn away from in repentance. Second, to “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22) is fundamental to repentance. Third, willingness to pledge our loyalty to Christ in water baptism is fundamental to those whom “shall [not deny Christ] before men” (Matthew 10:33) and whom are “baptized into Jesus Christ” (Romans 6:3) and His communion. Fourth, recognition and preparation by others in the Body of Christ through the “laying on of hands” (Hebrews 6:2) is empowering disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit to make disciples, i.e., “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2 ). Fifth, preparing ourselves for the Resurrection or the Rapture — whether we are the “dead in Christ [who] shall rise first” (1Thessalonians 4:16) or “are alive and remain [who] shall be caught up together with them in the clouds” (4:17) at the “twinkling of an eye” (1Corinthians 15:52). And, sixth, the Bema Seat Judgment is the anticipation of those who have died in faith or were Raptured, to be rewarded and not punished, i.e., “For we must all appear before the judgment seat [Greek, bema] 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 [loss of reward, not punished]” (2Corinthians 5:10). Father, where we have poor understanding, strengthen us, because we desire to be those, who go on to maturity and perfection in the face of upcoming hardship. Number us among those, who seek to add to our understanding and who refuse to be at ease in Zion. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Promises for Our Children

Ken

Parents, raising your children is not a democracy. Not even the secular humanists will allow an infant to crawl into a dangerous place without restraining the child. Car seats are not designed to be optional for the child’s safety. God is our Great Father, and He commands us, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23 KJV). We are His children, and our children are His. Our children’s future is largely in our hands, as we are in our Father’s hands. 

What Does God Require of Us Parents? 

A worldly sense of altruism may motivate us to give our children the opportunity to make up their own mind, as they invariably will, and decide to come to the Lord or reject Him. But, does the LORD have that same opinion? No, not remotely! For He commands us (with promise), “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The Tempter seeks to convince our children of the unfairness of not being able to reject God, which of course they always can. If our First Parents did not originally sense Yahweh’s love, then they never would have consented to obey Him. “And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments” (Exodus 20:6). 

The LORD fairly warned us of the deadly consequences of disobedience (Genesis 2:16), but He also lavishes upon us all the benefits of obedience (2:17). We are to follow the LORD’s example. “And thou shalt teach them [God’s commandments] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). This was the same pattern of teaching followed by Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2Timothy 1:4). “And that from a child [Greek, brephos, infant, baby, young child] thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (3:15). Could we not raise Christian prodigies?

Parents Need Promises to Successfully Raise Their Children 

  1. Bedrock promise of success for our children. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). 
  2. Reclaiming our children after the LORD has reclaimed us, if we did not raise our kids with Proverbs 22:6. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). 
  3. Refusal to let go of God until He converts our obstinate children. “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except Thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). 
  4. Spirit-filled intercessions for our children will be answered, for it brings out righteous emotion. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). 
  5. Avoid anger in raising your children, for it brings out unrighteous emotion. Wrath means you are not raising your children in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
  6. Discipline your children, just as God disciplines you, for that is how He shows, you are His children. “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:7). 
  7. The least understood promise of our New Covenant Age, is how the Indwelling Holy Spirit’s purpose is to inspire us to obey God, in much the same way He inspired the Scriptures to be written. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Father, inspire our children to obey You!

Children Need Promises to Successfully Follow the LORD 

  1. Children will find their greatest success following God, by first obeying their parents. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). 
  2. Jesus is actively seeking parents to let their little children come to Him because they are then most like those who live in Heaven. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). 
  3. Submission to Jesus as the Lord of their life keeps the devil from overcoming them. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). 
  4. Faith that comes from God’s Word in their life causes them to overcome the devil and his demons. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He [the Spirit of Jesus] that is in you, than he [the devil] that is in the world” (1John 4:4). 
  5. God’s angels are supernatural, invisible, but real because their job is to camp around your children and deliver them, when the angels know they are needed most. “The angel of the LORD [especially Jesus] encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7). 
  6. Your children do not need to be afraid of all the wicked things that they might not be able to see, because Jesus the Good Shepherd shed His blood and laid down His life for the sheep, which are your children. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). 
  7. When your children are old enough to understand, tell them they are no longer just a kid, but are serving with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of the LORD’s Host. “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Father, You are God Over All. There is none greater. You have delivered all power to the Son. Blessed be Your Name. May we be empowered by Your Spirit to lay hold of these exceeding great and precious promises that we may be more like You and participate in all things to bring about Your Kingdom. Overcome that wicked usurper who seeks to destroy us and claim Your throne. Cause Your Son to overcome him through those who loved not their lives unto death. Rapture Your Church. Save Israel. Set up Your Kingdom on earth. Help us, Jesus, in our time of need! Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.