Endure Until the End

Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Because of offenses, many will be afraid to love. Who can they trust? Love God, and those of your household of faith. Restore those who will be restored, withdraw from those who seek to divide or walk contrary to the doctrine we are taught.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

If we come to Jesus of our own free will, we can also leave Jesus of our own free will. Jesus saves us, not ourselves, we are saved by our faith in him, and he does the work. IF, we were not sincere, and leave, apparently we were never saved. What then? Should we fear God? Yes, we fear God and reverence him and stay closely abiding in him. He keeps us in his hand; nothing can take you out of God's hand.

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Continue in the faith, continue to learn more and more of him, continue to praise him, continue to worship him. Do not allow your love for Christ Jesus to grow cold. For those who are His, are sealed by the Holy Spirit forever.

2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2 Cor 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Phil 4:6 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do not fear that you are not saved. The devil will accuse you, resist him and crawl into God the Father's lap, for through Jesus Christ you are kept by your Father, forever in his love. Encourage one another with this.

The Apple of His Eye

Num 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
Num 24:9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psa 68:34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
Psa 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Psa 122:7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

2Ch 7:12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
2Ch 7:13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Jer 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Luk 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
Luk 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord

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Israel went through a great holocaust during world war two. This was as the travail of a nation being birthed again. In 1967 they defeated four Arab nations and expanded their territory. They were disciplined, watchful and prepared. One Commander in Israel called the miraculous defeat of the Arab armies a lot of luck. It wasnot luck, it was the hand of God protecting Israel. There will be other battles, tribulations, and Israel will turn to their Messiah and the people will be born again.

Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

If our nation turns against Israel, we could be cursed. The people of God are not cursed,we are blessed. We with the Israel of God are the apple of his eye.

Zec 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Flawed Servants of God

Num 23:16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.
Num 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
Num 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Num 23:20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Num 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
Num 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
Num 23:23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!
Num 23:24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
Num 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Num 23:26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

A true prophet of God must speak what he hears from God. Baalam was a covetous prophet wanting the money and the fame offered by God's enemy. Balak the Moabite prince wanted Balaam to curse Israel, instead he spoke blessings from God. The LORD's servants are to speak his message, but they do not always act as men of God. A person of God must become like Jesus who had no sin or iniquity. Jesus warned the people around him of the scribes and the Pharisees actions.

Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Like Balaam the lust of money and the lust for position and power came with the preaching of God's word. We are imperfect people who are given a responsibility to share the good news of God with the world. The world needs Jesus, Lord help us to also be examples to the world as images of our Lord and not of the world's values. We are to make disciples like Jesus, not like impure people of the world.

2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Father forgive us for our sin of greed, envy, power and self pity. We want to serve you as your holy vessels with the holy word of God. Help us to be like you, in Jesus name, amen.

Concerning the Resurrection

Mat 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Mat 22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

Mat 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

The Sadducees where trying to trick and to mock Jesus by asking him a question about a woman who was married seven times. Whose wife would she be in heaven? They did not believe in an after life and they did not believe in Jesus, so they were trying to make him look foolish. Why is it that the foolish ones try to make the things of God foolish? A proverb comes to mind.

Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Jesus answered him wisely, for he is all wise with all authority. First off apparently marriage is not to continue in heaven, for we will be as the angels which are spiritual creations.

Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

We will continue to love one another as commanded by Jesus. We will become the bride of Christ and will have a marriage supper, but it is not like the marriage of flesh. We shall be one in spirit with God.

Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 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.

Jesus addresses the Sadducees concerning their unbelief in the resurrection, by telling him an important truth.

Mat 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Jehovah's Witnesses say that Jesus is not God. Jesus says that he is. I AM the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob: Have you not heard this? Jesus is Jehovah God, one with the Father and God is not the God of the dead, he has made us new spirit creations, he is God of the living. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are alive in the spirit and awaiting the resurrection.

Luk 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Lifted Up for Healing

Num 21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. (manna) Num 21:6 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Num 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. Num 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. Num 21:9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. A fiery serpent, a burning or poisonous serpent. This makes me think of the copperhead snake that my mother stepped on as a child in Arkansas that bit her leg; she greatly feared snakes. The snake or serpent is also the symbol of the devil, as he first came to tempt Adam and Eve in the garden. A spiritual serpent: lucifer. And the physical serpent was cursed by God to slither and eat dust. A brass serpent was made and lifted on a pole for all Israel to see. By looking upon it they were healed. This was symbolic of Jesus going to the cross.Num 21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. (manna)

Num 21:6 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Num 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
Num 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
Num 21:9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

A fiery serpent, a burning or poisonous serpent. This makes me think of the copperhead snake that my mother stepped on as a child in Arkansas that bit her leg; she greatly feared snakes. The snake or serpent is also the symbol of the devil, as he first came to tempt Adam and Eve in the garden. A spiritual serpent: lucifer. And the physical serpent was cursed by God to slither and eat dust.

A brass serpent was made and lifted on a pole for all Israel to see. By looking upon it they were healed. This was symbolic of Jesus going to the cross.

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus was on the cross, the Son of God and he was no serpent. How then is this a replica of the brazen snake that Moses lifted up in the wilderness? We must realize that Jesus took upon himself all the sins that we have, past , present and future. He became sin for us. Satan dwells in sin and darkness so when Jesus removed our sins he was in affect removing the power and poison of satan over us. Jesus went to the cross for our sins. He was taking away the poison of the fiery serpent who would be delivered to a fiery pit, the lake of fire.

The serpent on a pole became the symbol of healing for physicians. It is Jesus on the cross that brings both physical and mental healing. He gave his life so that we may live.

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

He is risen in glory to assure that he will return for all who trust in him. So let's put away murmuring and sin. Jesus has delivered us from the serpents power and given us power to be the children of God. May we not be complainers but instead let us magnify the name of Jesus. Let's lift him up before the people for the removal of their sins and for a new life in Christ.

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Jesus was on the cross, the Son of God and he was no serpent. How then is this a replica of the brazen snake that Moses lifted up in the wilderness? We must realize that Jesus took upon himself all the sins that we have, past , present and future. He became sin for us. Satan dwells in sin and darkness so when Jesus removed our sins he was in affect removing the power and poison of satan over us. Jesus went to the cross for our sins. He was taking away the poison of the fiery serpent who would be delivered to a fiery pit, the lake of fire. The serpent on a pole became the symbol of healing for physicians. It is Jesus on the cross that brings both physical and mental healing. He gave his life so that we may live. Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. He is risen in glory to assure that he will return for all who trust in him. So let's put away murmuring and sin. Jesus has delivered us from the serpents power and given us power to be the children of God. May we not be complainers but instead let us magnify the name of Jesus. Let's lift him up before the people for the removal of their sins and for a new life in Christ.

Who is this man?

Mat 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Mat 21:10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
Mat 21:11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Who is this that you shout to, Hosanna in the highest? Hosanna, translated: O save, Save I pray. They called unto their savior. They were looking for a kingdom apart from the Romans rule. They wanted to be saved from the taxes and reproach of roman rule. He truly was their savior, to all who would believe in him as the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. He is God the Son, the savior from sins punishment, the substitute sacrifice and our Lord.

Hosanna to the son of David, that was to come with an eternal kingdom. Jesus answered Pilate concerning the kingdom of God:

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Now his kingdom is within the hearts of his disciples. He will return to set up his kingdom and that return is soon, because the world is lining up with the Bible prophecies.

The multiude saw him as a prophet. A prophet speaks the words of God.

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

He was a prophet from Nazareth, born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the words from the prophet Micah.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Micah spoke the word of God: A ruler, the everlasting Holy Son of God, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The crowd knew in part, but we should know Jesus with more assurace. We have the authority of the Bible. We are not to guess who he is, or look in obscure cast out books or the opinions of others to see who this man was. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Who do men say that I am?

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Joh 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Joh 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Do you believe in Jesus, the Son of God? Will you continue to praise him? The Hosanna crowd soon were shouting:" Crucify Him, crucify him" .

Luk 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

Luk 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

Luk 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

They followed the crowd and were moved with every wind of popular opinion. We must withstand the winds of adversity and stand on the eternal word of God and the authority given to us who believe in Him. The Holy Spirit is greater than any storm or Tsunami of this life. Jesus speaks to the storms and there is peace.

Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

He is the son of man, eternal king after David and the eternal Son of God, our savior and redeemer, our great high priest, the eternal I AM. Is he your Lord and Savior? Settle this now in your heart, ask him to be Lord of your life and to forgive you of your sins.

The Unheard Message

Mat 20:17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
Mat 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Mat 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Mat 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Jesus took his twelve disciples apart to speak to them of an important matter. When God wants to speak to us, it is best to be away from the crowd and in a place where you can hear what he is saying. Even then our thoughts can be elsewhere. We must learn to be where we can hear the voice of Jesus. In a gathering all may be in the same place, but all may not be hearing what is said. This is especially true in an Internet chat room, so many disruptions. Some are talking on instant messages, others are searching the Internet for information. A most important message may not be heard, even when all are together in one place. Jesus was giving them the gospel of his atoning sacrifice and they missed it.

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

The message of redemption, the hope of our salvation and they did not hear. A distraction came right after. Zebedee's wife asking the Lord to make her son's, James and John to rule with him in his kingdom .The scripture said that they came worshipping him and asking for this favor. Something doesn't same right with that. It is like flattery in order to get something. Do we come "worshipping" only to get some favor? This sparked jealousy and strife among the disciples. They were competing for favor. Competition has no place in the kingdom of God, obedience is better. Competition leads to envy and strife. So much is said against this. We are to serve as we are able. It is enough to obey our callings. I see strife and pride in ministries where there is competition for the biggest crowd of people. Some are full of pride about being called an evangelist or prophet. Look to Jesus, not to pride or numbers. If a church is full, do they preach the atoning sacrifice? The shed blood? The resurrection and the baptism of Jesus in the Holy Spirit? Do you hear the word of God and obey or are you distracted? The thief comes to steal the word of God. In the parable of the sower Jesus spoke of the fowls coming to eat the seed that fell on the wayside.

Mat 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

Jesus had taken his disciples to the wayside, he gave them the seed of his word. Then came the disruption of who would be the greatest in the kingdom. The fowls removed the seed of God's word. This important message was missed because of their dull hearing. Lets stop looking for prominence and position in ministry and just do what we are called to do. Are we so full of self that we are missing the Lord's message?

Enter the Promise Land

Num 14:36 And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
Num 14:37 Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
Num 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.

Twelve princes of the twelve tribes of Israel were sent to spy out the promise land. They saw that it indeed was a land flowing with milk and honey. The LORD told them to go into the promise land and that he would be with them. The LORD allowed ten of the princes of Israel to die because they were unfaithful and sowed panic and fear among the tribes of Israel. They thought themselves as inadequate and called themselves grasshoppers, for there were giants in the land.Two princes, Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report and were ready to go into the land.

How often we fail because of fear and unbelief. The LORD has told us to do something, but we feel unworthy or make excuses. He is not pleased with our lack of faith. Listen, it is not faith in self or self confidence that he wants you to have. The world values self. He wants you to trust in him and allow him to work through you. We are to die to self and walk in the spirit obeying what he says. Timing is important, for God must be in it, or it is only self effort, a pitiful substitute for walking in his anointing of His spirit.

After Israel missed their opportunity, then they decided to go into the land. The LORD said, no, I will not be with you. An entire generation missed God, all but Joshua and Caleb would wander in the desert until all were gone.

Num 14:42 Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.
Num 14:43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

A new generation would go into the promised land, led by the two men of faith, Joshua and Caleb. Before we send an army to fight for our nation, we need to seek God and his will. If God is not in it they will fail. Antichrist spirit is overtaking many, but we are not to fear. We are to stand on the promises of God and we are to do what we are led by the spirit to do. Be like Joshua and Caleb. The LORD spoke to Joshua.

Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Rich Man

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 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.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

I have heard this explained that the eye of the camel is a low gate, that a camel had to crawl through without any load on it's back. This would seem to apply to a rich man not being able to take any of his riches with him to God's kingdom. A rich man may have put all his efforts into getting rich and given little thought to the kingdom of God. How many would give up all their wealth as a condition to follow Jesus Christ? Well, he doesn't want your wealth, he wants all of you. Are you willing to die to self and live for Christ?

I see prosperity teachers attempting to convince the hearer that if they send them money that they would be blessed financially. Some drive around in expensive cars and live in mansions, because of the greed of those who send them money to gain wealth. Hold it now, the true riches are spiritual. If we are serving God through Jesus Christ, he will bless us as he wills. Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and be a true child of God.

3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:

In this story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man was selfish not caring about Lazarus, the beggar. They both died and the rich man was in torment in hell while Lazarus was in the arms of Abraham. Abraham was a rich man, who followed the will of God by faith. The true riches are following Jesus and doing his will. If God has favored you with finances, be thankful and be a good steward of His money. It is on loan from heaven.

Luk 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Luk 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Luk 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Luk 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

A final note. Persecution will come to the people of God, just as it came to Jerusalem after Christ returned to heaven. They had to sell all they had, perhaps for little gain, but they met together and shared all things. The greatest riches are spiritual, loving the family of God, obeying the Lord is our riches.

Silver Trumpets

Num 10:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
Num 10:3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Num 10:4 And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.
Num 10:5 When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.
Num 10:6 When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.
Num 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
Num 10:8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

There were only two sons; Eleazar and Ithamar, which may be the reason for only two silver trumpets.

Num 10:9 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Num 10:10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.

The trumpet has a shrill sound. These were about a cubit in length which is about eighteen inches. The size and bore would make the sound high pitched and shrill. They produced one sound , a conical sound like a horn on a car. A modern trumpet has bent tubing to where the sound is not as clear, but there are more harmonics, more notes, sort of like a human voice, but a greater range. The trumpet was made to be heard above the rumble of carts and animals and talking. We will hear the trumpet of the Lord when he calls.

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Forgive Trespasses

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

In the parable one servant was forgiven much and then the servant who was forgiven much had no compassion or forgiveness for a fellowservant.

Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

We are to give to others what ourselves have received from the Lord. We are to forgive them and we are to seek reconciliation for offenses. We are not to Lord it over a brother, but we are to offer him the grace that we have received.

Note the punishment given in the parable of the unforgiving servant. He was delivered to the tormenters until he paid back what was due him. I believe that in the spiritual, if we are unforgiving and not seeking reconciliation and restoration, that we could be delivered to satan and his tormenting spirits as a means of chastisement. We would not be at peace, we would be fearful, self centered, unable to sleep and crying out, "why is this happening to me". Let go of unforgiveness and be reconciled, especially be reconciled to God.

Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Forgive your fellow servants in Christ. We are to be blameless children of God in a world that needs a good example. Show them Jesus Christ working through acts of kindness and grace.

In the parable one servant was forgiven much and then the servant who was forgiven much had no compassion or forgiveness for a fellowservant.

Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
We are to give to others what we ourselves have received from the Lord. We are to forgive them and we are to seek reconciliation for offenses. We are not to Lord it over a brother, but we are to offer him the grace that we have received.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespas
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in loive your fellow servants in Christ. We are to be blameless children of God in a world that needs a good example. Show them Jesus Christ working through acts of kindness and grace.

Authority to Bind and to Loose

Settling offenses

Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Jesus gives us important advice in handling offenses. There are up to three steps; often people go to the last step first. We should do as Jesus says. If a brother offends, go to him first, do not gossip and tell everyone about his offense. If he will hear you, you have gained a brother.

Prov 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Prov 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Prov 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
Prov 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Prov 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Prov 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

In two or three witnesses a thing is established. If the person does not hear us, then we go with two or three witnesses. If the offender ignores all, then he has a hardened heart.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.

If the person has sinned publicly and will not repent in private, then the church should be told. If he ignores the church, he is not of God's people and should be removed. Too often people openly live in sin and no one goes to them.

1 Cor 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1 Cor 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Cor 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

If he continues in sinful disobedience, then allow satan to deal with him. If he looses his life, God is judge as to his final fate, perhaps his Spirit still is in Christ Jesus. Do not tempt God and be foolish.

Bind and Loose

Authority given to the Church body

Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

This was in reference to Church discipline of someone by the church body. Binding is to tie or restrain, to fasten in chains, to be restricted.

2 Tim 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

To loose is to untie a restraint.

Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Peter was given divine authority from Jesus upon his profession of faith

Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

This is not a power given only to Peter to be used carelessly or by his opinion, but it is a responsibility from God to be an instrument of God's Holy righteousness exercising judgement as to right and wrong . In Matthew 18:18, the authority was given to the disciples and to all who are in Christ Jesus to be used to exercise righteous authority in the handling of offenses in the church body. It is moral authority from God, not from man. We are to be instruments to release his authority, his laws, his morality in this world.

Authority given through the Holy Spirit

Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Joh 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

In a Spiritual application, it is to bind the devil so that the soul of a person may be freed from his power. Isaiah said it well in prophesying of Jesus:

Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

This is a great promise; two or more agreeing together in God's Spirit, Jesus in our midst. This will move the hand of God. The presence of Christ Jesus leads us to ask wisely in his will by prayer. Think of your prayers; if two or three others are praying with you in the presence of the Spirit of God, will we be asking for foolish lusts? I think that there would be correction and counsel before foolish requests would be made.

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

A final thought. Binding and loosing is not to be a magic show, or through the power of witchcraft or the power of man for personal glory. As the Holy Spirit is given to restrain sin and evil, so is the responsibility to bind, to forbid evil and to loose; to allow good to be manifest. We are to be responsible to God to be instruments of his divine will and by doing this we are to restrain evil and promote the goodness of God. There is good and there is evil, these are defined by God's word and the power of his will through his obedient people.

1Th 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1Th 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Transfiguration

Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Mat 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Many have wondered at the verse that says "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

Jesus spoke of his kingdom as being where he or his disciples manifest his power.

Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Luk 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
Luk 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

The kingdom of God is a spiritual place

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The kingdom is also a literal place.

Jesus will reign on an earthly kingdom for a thousand years and then in the kingdom of heaven.

Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Rev 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

His coming is very soon

Luk 21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Luk 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

So what was the kingdom of God that some of his disciples would see? I believe it was when they saw Jesus in his glorified body speaking with Elijah and Moses. They saw of glimpse of the glory that was coming. Jesus communing with the resurrected saints of God. This was so holy, that they were commanded not to speak of what they saw until Jesus was resurrected.

Jesus arose bodily in flesh and blood. He showed himself to Thomas, who was convinced that it was the Lord Jesus and his Lord and God.

Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus is Lord and God, He is God the Son. God is not bound by natural laws, he made the laws.

He can be risen in flesh and blood and be God. His real form was spiritual before taking on the form of a man.

Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

I believe he went to the father in his glorified spiritual body, not as flesh and blood.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

1Co 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Jesus was raised bodily in flesh and blood to show that he is Lord of life. He came from heaven; spirit became flesh, then returned in a spirit body. We will follow him not in flesh and blood, but in new spiritual bodies.

Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration gave Peter, James and John a look at the transfigured Lord with the resurrected Saints. They saw a glimpse of the kingdom of God. Because of this we also know that we shall be with him.

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

This is how I see these things using the Bible to show me. I do know this, that Jesus has come in flesh to pay the price for all humans to be forgiven of sins. If we confess our sins and trust in Jesus, we shall become the adopted sons of God. We are either for Christ or we are against him. We are of the spirit of Christ or the spirit of antichrist. Time is running out, come to Jesus now. Jesus is the door to the eternal Kingdom of God.

Seasons and Times

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
This is our time.

Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

This is the time of the Gentiles

Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him (Jesus) shall not be ashamed.

Israel will have their time of Salvation

Rom 11:25 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.
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

It Is time to witness about Jesus Christ

Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Act 1:8 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.

The time of the Day of the LORD

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Time is running out, so be faithful.

Basic Needs

Ecc 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Ecc 2:25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
Ecc 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes is the thoughts of Solomon, the man. Solomon had everything a man could desire; riches, fame, women, arts, honor, power, yet in considering all these things all was vanity. At this point in his writing, he has found basic things that make a man content. The things every man should value are food and drink and satisfaction in his labor and this is from the hand of God. He acknowledges that God is the source of good things. Listen; God gives to you what is good in his sight. Should we not be satisfied? He gives wisdom, knowledge and joy. The sinner heaps up things to be given to them who are good before God.

The Apostle Paul Learned to Be Content

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Pray for Japan

I have heard from a missionary friend that Japan has less than one percent Christians. One from Japan who had been converted by reading a Bible placed by the Gideons in a hotel room, said that most of his nation had no religion. They have no walk with our God, yet they are a specially gifted nation,hard working, orderly, intelligent and creative. Now a great earthquake has shaken this great nation and brought great destruction. Please keep them in prayer, for their needs and that they may find Jesus as Lord and savior. Vanity, all is vanity without the Lord in our hearts. Pray for our friends in Japan and promote the Lord Jesus Christ until he comes.

Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

The LORD will meet our basic needs if we trust in Him.

Blind Leading the Blind

Mat 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Mat 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

The Pharisees followed laws and often they were added to by the traditions of man. There is nothing wrong with following God's laws, but they thought they new them more than Jesus, who is the Living Word made flesh. They did not have spiritual discernment, so they accused the Lord of breaking the law.

Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

The "experts" of the law were wrong. We could be wrong in what we believe. Study the Bible carefully to see what is truth. If someone disagrees with you, then quietly and meekly show them the Bible verses. If they still do not agree with you, just "let them alone." We can fellowship with those who believe the most important things. Jesus is our savior. He is the Son of God. His blood was shed for our sins, he was buried and resurrected on the third day. The Holy spirit in you makes us a new creation through faith in Christ Jesus. Repent from sins and follow him. These are important, and you may list more. Let us not push a denominational view of scriptures to the point of division. Nothing destroys our witness to the unsaved as does strife among those who are called "Christians." The Lord knows who are his disciples.

Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

A parable with a similar message.

Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Study the Bible to discern truth and error and avoid strife.

King Lemuel

Pro 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
Pro 31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
Pro 31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Pro 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
Pro 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Who was king Lemuel? Strong's Concordance says that he was King Solomon. Lemuel means, "belonging to God." This was a descriptive name given to King Solomon, for there is no record of an actual King Lemuel.

1Ki 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
1Ki 4:30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Solomon built the temple of God that David wanted made. He also made all the vessels in it. The LORD spoke to him again.

1Ki 9:6 But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
1Ki 9:7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon. Solomon's father, King David saw Bathsheba bathing from his palace rooftop. His sin of adultery with her and the murder of her husband by placing him in the front of battle, was a great hindrance to the family of David. Bathsheba is giving her son advice. Do not give your strength to women. The strength of Solomon was his wisdom and also obedience "belonging to God." Solomon's weakness was women, for he had many foreign wives and made them places of worship to their gods.

1Ki 11:3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
1Ki 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

1Ki 11:5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
1Ki 11:6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
1Ki 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
1Ki 11:8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
1Ki 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
1Ki 11:10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
1Ki 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
1Ki 11:12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
1Ki 11:13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Soloman's divided heart resulted in the dividing of his kingdom. Beware of your lusts, for Solomon was the wisest of men, yet he fell into idolatry because he lusted after other things. Wine, women, songs? Over indulgence of the flesh can bring sin and bad spirits to keep you from God

1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

The Word of God

Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

I prefer letting God's word speak for itself.

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made 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.

Joh 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Joh 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

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

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

AMEN

Treasure

Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Did you know that we are the LORD's treasure? If we are his obedient covenant people, we are his peculiar treasure.

Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

What is your treasure?

Pro 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Is this the prosperity you seek? Solomon had all the treasures the world offered and he considered it as nothing; all is vanity.

Ecc 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
Ecc 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
Ecc 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
Ecc 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Isaiah the prophet of the LORD spoke that which is the true treasure.

Isa 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Wisdom and knowledge, salvation and the fear of the LORD is his treasure. Jesus spoke of the treasure of the heart. Whatever your heart treasures is your character.

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Jesus continues this thought.

Mat 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Mat 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Our treasure is what we seek and value the most. What is most important to you? This is where your treasure is. Is our heart good, seeking the things of God? Or is the heart evil and corrupt?

Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

There is the parable of the rich man who built more storage barns for his fruits, but was not rich towards God.

Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The kingdom of God is our treasure

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luk 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luk 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

Be ready to serve and to speak the gospel of grace wherever you may speak. Prepare for eternal life where the true treasure is found. Dwell with your creator forever with joy and thanksgiving.

Another parable was of a ruler who said that he kept all the commandments. Jesus new that he had wealth and was trusting in that.

Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luk 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
Luk 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Wealth could be a curse, if not rich towards God. A beautiful woman who had been held for many years as a prostitute told me through the Internet chats that beauty was her curse. The LORD saved her and brought her from bondage to his kingdom of light. She is serving him today leading many who are in bondage to Jesus and to salvation. How many seek worldly treasures and beauty more than the kingdom of God? The heart that loves God is a rich and beautiful heart.

Paul had persecuted the church, thinking that he was serving God. Jesus showed him his salvation and grace, the true riches. It is God's truth not ourselves. We exalt him.

2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

We do not know what will be coming in our nation. Our treasures are borrowed and we are debtors. Look to God to supply your needs and be faithful. There will be many opportunities to do good and to store up treasures in heaven.

Parables

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

A parable is a story that represents a moral or spiritual truth. It may be understood in the natural and with meditation it is understood by the spirit. Even his disciples didn't understand why he spoke in parables. They did not yet have the indwelling spirit of God , still they were willing to be disciples. Many are not even willing to try to understand. These are why he spoke in parables.

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

The understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom are for those that God has chosen to be his people. What a privilege to be chosen for his kingdom. Who are the chosen? Whosoever will believe. Do you understand in your heart? Do you believe in Jesus as Lord?

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

Seeing is Believing

Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Being connected to Jesus, brings the knowledge of God and the blessings of God. Being separated and not wanting an understanding of God's word and wisdom will make you spiritually destitute. It is the thief, the devil who comes "to steal and to kill and to destroy."(John 10:10) It is the liar that places lies in the children of disobedience.

Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

People who will not hear from God, who would rather mock his word or block it's hearing for others, may sit quietly and listen to a parable thinking it interesting, but to them it remains just a story. We are to dig deeper and find the truth that the parable story represents. It is tragic when a church service becomes stories that entertain because people are satisfied with stories more than the meat of God's word.

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Parables and illustrations can make people want to hear, but how much better is it to hunger for the meat of God's wisdom and understanding?

Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

I want more of God, how about you?