Showing posts with label Romans 8:28. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans 8:28. Show all posts

Sunday, January 15, 2017

The MYSTERY of the Gospel, Part 3...The Spirit of Revelation - LLM




.


Christ, The Stumblingstone

Unto the Jews a stumblingblock”, and, “Unto the wisdom of the world foolishness”. How true is the statement in 1 Peter 2:7-8, “Unto you therefore who believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders rejected, the Same is made the Head of the corner, And a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed.”

This is stated also in Romans 9:32-33, “Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that Stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a Stumblingstone and Rock of offense; and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.”

Worldly wise men, and self‑righteous men have always stumbled at the virgin birth of the Son of God. The great mystery and miracle of the incarnation is too much for the wisdom of this world. Even religious leaders today repudiate it, because it cannot be explained within the realm of natural science. This is the spirit of antichrist that was in the world before the last of the Apostles died. The Christianized agnostics in the assemblies today do not care for the fellowship of the members of the Body of Christ whom they call Fundamentalists. We say to those who DO believe in this all important doctrine, that is the Deity of Christ, be warned against fellowshipping or supporting the pseudo Christians who deny the Deity of the Son of God. 2 John 10-11. Then 1 John 2:22 says, “Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ. He is antichrist.”

Christ was in the world and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. This is the testimony of the Holy Spirit in John 1:10. And, because the rulers, spiritual and physical, of this world knew not the eternal purpose of God in Christ, they crucified the LORD of Glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8. “They killed the Prince of Life.” Acts 3:14-15.

To the religions self righteous Jews on earth, when Christ was in their midst...their Messiah said, “do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, Moses, in whom ye trust: For had Ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings how shall ye believe My words?” John 5:45-47.

Note this terrible indictment against the Jewish leaders, “But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him. That the saying of Isaiah, the prophet, might be fulfilled, which he spake, ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?’” John 12:37-38. “The Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” John 9:22. (The Jews, often mentioned in the Gospels are not to be taken for the everyday common man of Israel. In first century Palestine there was no separation between church and state. The priests at the temple in Jerusalem not only officiated over the religious life of the Jews, they were also rulers and judges. These along with the Sadducees, were what is referenced as The Jews)

The Jews would not believe their own Scriptures. They claimed to believe Moses, but they did not. Just as the Modernists claim to believe Christ; but they do not. The Jews saw Christ feed five thousand people with one scanty meal; they saw Him calm the stormy sea; they saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead; they acknowledged that He was a Teacher come from God; that He spoke as never men spake; that He might be John the Baptist raised front the dead or some old testament prophet reincarnated; but when Christ made Himself equal with God, they took up stones to kill Him John 10:28-35. Then Christ added, “they hated Me without a cause."

WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT?

That was a very important question, “Who hath believed our report?” And the other question asked with it, “To whom is the Arm of the Lord revealed?

The answer to this last question is given in the language of Christ recorded in Matthew 11:25-27, “Thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father.”

What a wonderful truth this is! AND, this still seemeth good unto the Father. When Simon made the great confession to the Messiah “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living, God,” The Son of God said a most significant thing, “BLESSED ART THOU...FLESH AND BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED THIS UNTO THEE. BUT MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.” Matthew 16:16-19. In line with this great truth, the Apostle Paul wrote years later, “no man can say that Jesus is LORD except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3.

In Ephesians 1:16-19, we learn that the same God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ gives the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to all members of the Body of Christ who really desire to know the deep things of God. “For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10.

But LOOK, millions of members of the Body of Christ, who believe the report concerning the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the LORD Jesus Christ, do NOT believe the LORD’s report concerning “the Mystery of Christ” in Ephesians 3:1-11. Why? One reason is because the eyes of their understanding have not been enlightened in accordance with Ephesians 1:18. This Mystery is, to the great majority of redeemed saints, “The Mysterious Mystery.” Its enemies in the assemblies are many, and even some fundamentalists call it divisive teaching, because they have not received the Spirit of revelation. Like the Jews in the days of Christ, they have agreed that they will put out of the synagogue any who confess and teach that the risen LORD revealed a Mystery to the Apostle Paul different from the message and program which He gave to the twelve Apostles. This, right here, is THE cause of all of the schisms and divisions in the Body of Christ today, because the eyes of their understanding have not been enlightened in accordance with Ephesians 1:18.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The MYSTERY of the Gospel, Part 2...Test the spirits: The Questions - LLM



.


By the Word of God ONLY, members of the Body of Christ need to determine whether or not their denominational creed, Pastor, Preacher, or whoever and whatever, are truly of God. Again, the Word of God is the ONLY method by which to test. In our last message of this series I told you that we will have for you questions that you can ask. So now, here are the questions. These questions are thorough but not exhaustive. ALL of the following questions should be met with a resounding YES:

1. Do they believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven? (John 14:6)

2. Do they believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ? (Isaiah 7:14)

3. Do they believe that Jesus is God Almighty? (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-3, John 1:14; John 10:33, 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Revelation 1:8)

4. Do they believe that Jesus is the Son of God? (John 3:16)

5. Do they believe that Jesus died upon the cross? (John 19:23; Hebrews 12:2)

6. Do they believe that Jesus was buried, and rose again physically after three days? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

7. Do they believe that Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven after His resurrection? (Acts 1:9)

8. Do they believe that it is Jesus' blood which takes our sins away, and not just the death of Christ? (Colossians 1:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 7:14)

9. Do they believe in the Godhead (Trinity): God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? (Romans 1:20; Matthew 28:19-20)

10. Do they believe that Jesus is a member of the Godhead, equal in every capacity? (Colossians 2:9)

11. Do they believe that Jesus is perfect, never having sinned even once? (2 Cor. 5:21; Hebrews 4:15)

12. Do they believe that Jesus existed in Preexistent form, before He came to the earth? (John 8:58; Revelation 1:8)

13. Do they believe in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ upon the cross, Who died in our place? (1 Peter 2:21)

14. Do they believe that Hell is a literal place that burns with fire, to punish all Christ-rejecters for eternity? (2 Thessalonians 1:8; Revelation 20:8-15)

15. Do they believe in a literal Heaven, for the saved to go to? (John 14:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:8)

16. Do they believe that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe? (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16)

17. Do they believe that Jesus Christ always existed? (Revelation 1:8; John 5:58; Hebrews 7:3)

18. Is Christ's work of atonement completely finished? (Hebrews 9:26)

As I said, the answer to all of these questions should be a confident "YES!"

***

Now, the answer to all of the following questions should be a confident "NO!"

19. Does a person have to be baptized to go to Heaven? (1 Corinthians 1:17; Acts 16:31)

20. Do you have to do any good works to go to Heaven? (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

21. Do you have to join a “church” to go to Heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Psalm 118:8)

22. Do you have to confess your sins to a priest or a minister to go to Heaven? (1 Timothy 2:5)

23. Do you have to keep the sacraments to go to Heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 4:5)

24. Do you have to endure or persevere to the end of life to be saved? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:15; Romans 6:23; Romans 4:5)

25. Do you have to earn your way to Heaven? (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

26. Do you have to pray the Rosary to go to Heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Matthew 6:7)

27. Do you have to recognize, pray to, and worship the Virgin Mary to be saved? (1 Timothy 2:5; Exodus 20:4-5)

28. Do you have to be religious to go to Heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Mark 7:6-13)

29. Do you have to forsake your sins to be saved? (Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9)

30. Do you have to "be willing" to turn from your sins to be saved? (Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9)”

Again, these should all be answered with a NO.

OK...Back on point...

Now, the Bible has much to say about apostasy, false prophets, and deceitful workers, who transform themselves into the apostles of Christ, AND concerning the people who will give heed to seducing spirits and follow the pernicious ways of those who deny the LORD that bought them and bring in the damnable heresy. The Holy Spirit thru the Apostle Paul says, “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

Note God’s warning against these unbelievers posing as Christians, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. THIS is a deceiver AND an antichrist. Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever trangresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 7-9.

Now, get this, most of these spiritual criminals (because criminal is what they are doing), are moral, religious, sincere religious infidels. Satan is accused of the crime of deceiving the whole world, but how any man can be so deluded by the arch enemy as to call himself a Christian while he denies the Genesis record of creation, the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the self‑existent Christ, then deny salvation from the sorrows of the second death by the Faith in His shed blood and bodily resurrection, and further go on to deny the other Christian doctrines of the Bible, is almost beyond comprehension or explanation!

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Friday, January 6, 2017

The MYSTERY of the Gospel, Part 1...Modernists and Liberals - LLM

.


While there are many evangelical and evangelistic Postmillennialists, the majority of Christians are Premillennialists. BOTH groups believe in the complete and absolute inspiration of the Bible and therefore in the virgin birth and eternal Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and both believe that the Faith in the redemptive work of the LORD Jesus Christ will save sinners from the wrath of God, and that all who deny the Deity and virgin birth of Christ and do not accept by the Faith His vicarious expiation for sin are eternally and irrevocably lost.

Premillennialists believe that the Messianic kingdom, proclaimed by Christ and His apostles to the nation Israel, has been postponed, but that God has only temporarily abandoned His kingdom program. HOWEVER, these covenants WILL be fulfilled after this parenthetical Body of Christ period, this present Dispensation of Grace, has been brought to the climax of Ephesians 4:13, where it says, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Most Premillennialists believe that between the moment members of the Body of Christ experience the blessed hope of Titus 2:13 and the day that Christ shall come to earth as the Son of man to redeem Israel, there will be on the earth that time of trouble called in the Bible “The Great Tribulation,” out of which Israel shall be saved. Then will follow the restitution of all things spoken by God’s prophets. Acts 3:21. We’ll discuss this much more later in this series of messages.

Let's talk about MODERNISTS or LIBERALS

Many of the seminaries and pulpits of the so called evangelical denominations have fallen into the hands of the Liberals or Modernists. In their pride, self-righteousness, and spiritual blindness, they do not seem to understand that a “Christian infidel” is an impossible paradox. The Society of Atheists in New York City thank the Modernists in the churches for propagating their Christian agnosticism; for doing so much, from within organized Christianity, to increase the number of infidels, agnostics and atheists

“The only way to accurately identify a religious liberal or Modernist is to test their doctrine against the Word of God. This is the acid test. 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." MANY false prophets are gone out into the world. There are literally millions of false prophets today. 1 John 4:2 continues by stating, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." Many people misunderstand this Scripture. It is not an all- inclusive test; but rather, a starting point. Think about it, every Roman Catholic believes that Jesus Christ came in the flesh; but then they worship Mary, teach a works salvation, require the seven sacraments to be saved, trust men (priests) to forgive their sins, and follow a host of other manmade traditions not found in the Word of God, The Bible. So when we test a person, we should START by asking them what they believe concerning The LORD Jesus Christ.

There are many actual Christians are SO deceived by the liberals and modernists, (who are really unbelievers), that they quote and defend the jackals, supporting them in Christian schools, so that some truly born again Christians COMPROMISE until it is hard to tell the dirty child of God, from the wolf in sheep's clothing. For example, there is Dr. Nels F.S. Ferre, who says it is wrong to worship Jesus, and to follow the Bible. Well this heretic says that Jesus may have been the illegitimate son of a blond German soldier and Mary who was a harlot. But then get this...this man is advertised as "an evangelical," and has been welcomed at Southern Baptist Seminary and other "Christian" institutions, as was Dr. George Buttrick, who was the most outspoken opponent of the virgin birth, the blood atonement and inspiration of the Bible. There was also Dr. Elton Trueblood and many others who were actually unbelievers.

Remember this, Christian, 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ".
There is no way a man can be saved and DENY the very precious blood of Christ that saves. These men are deceptive, and will say that the blood of Jesus is very important; but, the truth is that they believe Christ's blood is only REPRESENTATIVE of His death. These are the type of modernists which we need to avoid and expose. And THESE are the liberals and modernists that have taken over this nation’s seminaries.
By the Word of God ONLY, members of the Body of Christ need to determine whether their denominational creed, Pastor, Preacher, or whoever and whatever, are truly of God. Again, the Word of God is the ONLY method by which to test these things. Therefore, in our next message of this series we will have for you some questions that you can ask.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

God is No Respecter of Persons...Acts 10:34, James 2:1 - LLM



.


"Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34; "My brethren, have not The Faith of our LORD Jesus Christ, the LORD of Glory, with respect of persons." James 2:1. Do not follow any man, or group of men, in the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Hear spiritual men of God and then search the Scriptures yourself. Do not let those of reputation scare you away from the high and holy truths contained in God’s Word.

There are several kinds of false teachers, whether they call themselves pastors, teachers, and preachers. There are false teachers who make false statements and give false interpretations of the Word of God. Then there are men, really saved men, who make false accusations against their Christian brethren, with whom they disagree as to the application of 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” And, being unable to answer their brethren with the Word of God, they resort to exaggerations and false charges as to their teaching. They try to intimidate Children of God who are untaught and un-established, and keep them from obeying God’s Word as expressed in Ephesians 4:3 and Ephesians 3:9, by maligning and misrepresenting servants of Christ, who would do the will of God and lead Children of God into the deeper truths of God.

“But What about Church Creeds”?

“Church creeds” may be both a help and a hindrance to the Child of God in Bible study. They may both aid and limit the honest searcher after Divine Truth. God’s Truth cannot be fully set forth in a set of “church rules” and a “written doctrinal statement”.

THE FEAR OF MAN and THE PRAISE OF MAN

No Child of God can be wholly true to his convictions and altogether honest in his study of God’s Word, if in any way he is numbered with those mentioned in Jude 16, where it says, “having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

Spiritual tact is always a virtue, but most religious diplomacy is equivalent to compromise and cowardice.

Humanly speaking, nothing is more beneficial than sweet spiritual fellowship with fellow members of the Body of Christ, but when that fellowship is maintained at the cost of compromise with God’s truth, with disobedience, or silence concerning some God-given conviction, it borders on fellowship with darkness.

Therefore, SHAME on any Child of God who turns from Divine light received by reading and hearing the Word of God in order to obtain some advantage, or as the result of the fear, or praise of men. In John 12:42-43, we have the record of those miserable religious cowards at the time Christ, was here on earth, “many believed on Him but they did not confess Him. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

For this very same reason there are many Children of God, today, who cling to a program and message of Grace AND religion MIXED. Now, I can't say this strongly enough...such a mixture is an ABOMINATION in the sight of Christ. However, to religious or semireligious people it is an "inoffensive" message. The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, in writing to the Galatians, declared that religion would remove the offense from the cross. This is EXACTLY what Satan wants the Child of God to do. That is, to mix in with the Grace of God enough religion to frustrate that Grace. In that same Epistle, the Apostle Paul said, “if I please men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.

For a good position, for more recommendations and less condemnation, for more and larger audiences, and more and larger offerings, it is a great temptation to preach sermons that will please the committee appointed to select the pastor or evangelist and to be careful not to offend the good givers.

In that same Epistle to the Galatians we find a splendid example of a servant of the Lord, one of the “big” leaders, trying a bit of religious diplomacy. Read Galatians 2:9-15. Peter walked not uprightly according to God’s truth, “fearing them which were of the circumcision.”, and many Children of God are falling into this same trap today. Peter received a very severe, but a just, rebuke from the Apostle Paul for this compromise. Perhaps he was saying within himself, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” But when the “circumcision”, or the “water baptizers” or “Sabbath-keepers”, or any kind of religious leaders, get after the Bible teacher or Christian worker, who is satisfied with The LORD Jesus Christ, and His pure message of Grace, without religious fetters...woe unto him! Religious people DO know how to persecute. Religion in the Child of God always counteracts the Fruit of the Spirit and changes love into hate.

Surely we must admire the Apostle Paul for his bold, noble, uncompromising stand against the pillars of the church and the religious “somewhats”. Galatians 2:6-9. But it cost him some friends, including Barnabas. And what it cost him to completely deliver the message of Grace from every religious entanglement, including legalism, ritualism, signs and ordinances, is told in any 2 Timothy 1:15, “All they which are in Asia be turned away from me.” At that time Paul was in prison for preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, and proclaiming the Mystery, which was a message from the RISEN Christ that SUPERSEDED the entirety of the religious program foretold by the prophets of Israel. Colossians 4:3; Colossians 1:24-29.

The “pillars” and religious “somewhats” in the world’s various Fundamentalist Associations, are today the great enemies of the Blessed Truth in the Word of God, known as “The Mystery”, The joint Body of Christ, made up of both Jew and Gentile without distinction, saved by Grace alone, through The Faith, the Glorious truth of the Child of God’s full identification with Christ, by a Divine baptism NOT made with hands. These “pillars” and religious “somewhats”, not only close their pulpits to that most wonderful truth of the Scriptures set forth in Ephesians and Colossians, but they actively boycott, persecute, ostracize, and dis-fellowship other servants of Christ, who do.

They contradict their own testimony by preaching, that the believer is accepted in Christ, complete in Christ, eternally and securely identified with Christ, as a member of His Body, blessed with all spiritual blessings and seated with Him in the highest heavenlies; all on the grounds of the shed blood of the spotless Son of God; all by the pure unmerited grace, nothing by human endeavor, practice or attainment. They claim this, BUT THEN, on the other hand, they withhold the right hand of fellowship from those who refuse to agree with their religious water baptism ordinance, admitting that they cannot quote one single verse of Scripture authorizing one member of the Body of Christ to baptize a believer who is already a member of that same Body. They manifest anything but the love of Christ toward the fellow-members of the same Body who are endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit on the basis of that one Divine baptism which makes believing sinners members of that Body and joined to Christ the Head.

It is just the repetition of the same old spirit mentioned in John 9:22: “for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that Jesus was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.”

One of the “pillars” among the Fundamentalists of this country, who is one of the “somewhats”, has warned other Fundamentalists to shun Christians who do not accept the water ceremony (water baptism), and to have no fellowship with them. The Pharisees are not dead.

Virtually all of the leaders among the Fundamentalists are agreed concerning the important fundamental doctrines, but concerning water baptism they are divided and sub-divided into confusion, uncertainty and sectarianism.

The Body of Christ is truly menaced with a state of Baptism Babylon, destroying the unity of members of the Body of Christ and hindering believers from obeying Ephesians 4:3 and Ephesians 3:9.

With many Christians the question is still the question of John 7:48 “have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed?” The question should be, “what saith the Scriptures, rightly divided?” The rulers and the Pharisees were WRONG in those days, and those who believed what they believed erred concerning the truth.

We trust that we may encourage many Children of God to be true searchers of the Holy Scriptures, and get their eyes off the “pillars” and the “somewhats”. Search the Scriptures. Remember that no man, or group of men, has reached the finality of truth. No Child of God has any monopoly on the only infallible teacher, the Holy Spirit. Always keep in mind that some of the most recognized “big men” among Bible teachers today are the real enemies of the most blessed truths of the Bible.

The purpose of this message, and all the messages of The Lion and Lamb Ministry are to stimulate, encourage, or provoke real honest to goodness spiritual, prayerful, first-hand Bible study. DO NOT FEAR MEN. Read Hebrews 13:6 and take courage, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what men shall do unto me.”

Sacrifice the praise of men for the praise of God, which shall continue into the ages to come. Do not compromise for advantage, for a job with a good income. God can still open doors. Philippians 4:19 is still true: “But my God shall supply all you need according to His riches in Glory by Jesus Christ.” Get your eyes off of men. Look unto the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Be as the Bereans in study, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Be as Timothy, a good soldier of Christ, remembering those words of the Apostle Paul, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

THE GOLDEN RULE - LLM



.


To start this study, here is Matthew 7:12, where it says, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

For this study we want you to read in your Bibles...Exodus 25:17; Exodus 26:34; Exodus 30:6; Exodus 40:26; Leviticus 14-17; Exodus 25:22; and of course Matthew 7:12

This is a study of "The Golden Rule" and "The Golden Mercy Seat". First let us read from Exodus 25:17, where it says, "And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold; two cubits and a half the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubim of gold.". Next let's read Exodus 26:34, where it says, "And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the Ark of the Testimony in the most Holy Place."

Now we read Leviticus 16:15, where it says, "Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat". And now Exodus 22:25, where it says, "And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel".

The mercy seat was NOT UNDER the Law, but the Law was under it. God is both just and the Justifier. Romans 3:24-26. We know that Matthew 7:12 has been called "The Golden Rule". But now, concerning the Golden Rule, note the statement where Christ says, "This is the Law."

OK...now, with this let us read Galatians 3:10, where it says that the curse of God upon those UNDER the Law. Referring to the Law, note what the Apostle Peter said to his fellow disciples in Acts 15:10, "Why tempt ye God to put a yoke on the necks of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" And now look at James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the WHOLE Law, and yet offend in ONE point, he is guilty of ALL."

Then concerning the Law note what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7, "For what I WOULD, that do I NOT; but what I HATE, that I DO. For the good that I WOULD I do not: but the evil which I would NOT, THAT I do. Now if I DO that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me". Because of inherent, indwelling sin the natural man is not subject to the Law of God. However, the spiritual man, by the Law of the Spirit of life, CAN WALK in the Spirit and FULFILL the righteousness of the Law. Romans 8:4.

We read in Exodus 26:34 that the mercy seat of pure gold was placed ON TOP of the ark. The Ten Commandments, the Law, was placed IN the ark. This was not by accident! And, the ark and the mercy seat were behind the veil, in the most holy place in the tabernacle. Note Hebrews 9:7 where it says, "But into the second went the high priest ALONE once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people". Christ entered within the veil (in Heaven) by His Blood. Hebrews 9:12.

God is Just and the Justifier of every one who trusts in the blood propitiation of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24-27. The Law is just. Romans 7:12. True justice knows no mercy. But because of Christ and Calvary, God can be just and merciful and do what He could not do by the deeds of the Law, which is to justify the believing Law-breaker. Romans 3:19-20; Romans 8:3; Acts 13:39.

Remember the Law was UNDER the golden mercy seat. The Law worketh wrath. Romans 4:15. The Golden Rule is the Law. Christ made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:20. Read Galatians 2:21 and Galatians 3:21.

The Law condemned the Pharisee. The blood sprinkled mercy seat justified the publican, who went down justified. Luke 18:10-14. The Law is the ministration of condemnation. 2 Corinthians 3:9. Believers are justified by the Blood of Christ. Romans 5:7-10. In Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. Romans 8:1; Romans 8:32-35; John 3:18. The place of safety is not under the Law, but under the Blood...and under Grace...Romans 6:14...IN Christ.

Just THINK of the foolish, religious person who prefers "under the Law" TO "in Christ".

Then think of those who have been to the blood sprinkled mercy seat (Calvary) and there received the Divine Nature and now want to keep the Golden Rule by yielding to the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus and obeying Romans 8:4.

Sinners, though moral, religious, conscientious, and sincere, can NOT get near to Salvation and Heaven by struggling with or following the Golden Rule. The blood sprinkled mercy seat is FIRST.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Christian and The Great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ - LLM

.
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; Who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 .

We can only touch on the glories of our LORD Jesus Christ and the eternal relationships between this One who is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and the redeemed sinner who is already seated with that glorious Savior in the heavenlies.Ephesians 2:6 . Isaiah 9:6 .

When we learn that The LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is mentioned by noun and pronoun more than sixty-nine hundred times in the New Testament Scriptures, you see the impossible task of me trying to describe Him in our relationships in one short article. According to John 21:25 ,“even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” concerning this One, who is called:

“The LORD of Glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8 .

“The Prince of Life.” Acts 3:15 .

“The Brightness of God’s Glory.” Hebrews 1:3 .

He was in the form of God. Philippians 2:6 . He was with God. He was God. John 1:1-2 . The Father said, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” “Unto the Son He saith, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever'” Hebrews 1:6-7 . “Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever”Romans 9:5 . And Thomas said unto Him (Jesus), “My LORD and my God” John 20:28 .

“He is before all things and by Him all things consist” Colossians 1:17 . By Jesus Christ, God made the world and all things. Ephesians 3:9 . In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9 . All judgment is committed into His hands. John 5:22 . He knows all things.John 21:17 . God hath appointed The LORD Jesus Christ heir of all things. Hebrews 1:2 . Therefore the Son could truthfully say, “All things that the Father hath are mine.” John 16:15 .
All of the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:20 .

This is the Savior who was made after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16 . This is the LORD of Glory who for sinners was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:8 . Is it any wonder He could say, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death” Revelation 1:18 . “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 .

The Scriptures, the Written Word, testify of Jesus Christ, the Living Word. John 5:39 .

This Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. Sinners saved by grace are members of that Body. “And they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the Church” Ephesians 5:31 .

The LORD Jesus Christ is the true vine and sinners saved by grace are the branches. John 15:1-8 .
“Our LORD Jesus Christ who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” 1 Thessalonians 5:10 . This Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 . He is:

“The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls” 1 Peter 2:25 .

“The Author and Finisher of The Faith” Hebrews 12:2 .

“The Apostle and High Priest of our confession” Hebrews 3:1 .

This is the Christ who died that “He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” John 11:52 . “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him” Ephesians 1:10 . The believer is in Christ. Romans 8:1 . 2 Cor. 5:17 . Christ is in the believer. Galatians 2:20 . Colossians 1:27 .

The believer in Christ is accepted in the Beloved; he is complete in Him; is a new creature in Him and is free from condemnation in Him.Romans 8:2 . Ephesians 1:6 . Colossians 2:9 . 2 Cor. 5:17 .
The believer is a Joint‑Heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 . So, if God hath appointed Christ heir of all things, what does it mean to be a Joint‑Heir with Him? Take a look:

“He is our Righteousness” 1 Corinthians 1:30 .
“He is our Peace” Ephesians 2:14 .
“He is our Sanctification” 1 Corinthians 1:30 .
“He is our Saviour” Titus 1:4 .
“He is our Passover” 1 Corinthians 5:7 .
“He is our Redemption” 1 Corinthians 1:30 .
“He is our Hope” 1 Timothy 1:1 .
“He is our Life” Colossians 3:4 .
“He is our Resurrection” John 11:25 .

He Himself said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” “I am the Bread of Life” “I am the Light of the World” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” “Before Abraham was, I am.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

He is the one Mediator between God and men. 1 Timothy 2:5 .

He is the Good Shepherd; He is the Great Shepherd; He is the Chief Shepherd. John 10:11 Hebrews 13:20 . 1 Peter 5:1-3 . Therefore Christians say along with the Apostle Paul:

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14 .

All of the Eternal Purposes of God are centered in that Only Begotten and Well Beloved Son with Whom He was well pleased; that One who was ever the eternal bosom‑companion of His Father; and not only that, but they are centered in that cross of Calvary where that Son, obedient unto that cruel death, was made sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

We will be singing His praises for all eternity and will never tire of hearing of His glories. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory and blessing” Revelation 5:12 .

So we are rejoicing in the fact that we are serving and worshiping a living, resurrected, glorified Saviour, who is our Advocate at God's right hand, where He ever liveth to make intercession for those who are saved. But let us remember that it is one thing to know Him as the Saviour from the penalty of sin, while it is something different to daily acknowledge Him as LORD, knowing Him with Paul in the fellowship of His sufferings and in the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 .
As Disciples of Christ, we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. And surely no Christian can consistently be a member of any fraternal organization whose members dishonor our LORD and/or deny His Deity.

“All men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father” John 5:23 .

Let us never receive the teaching of any man or woman, that the eternal Christ was the “creation” of the eternal Father before the world began. The LORD Jesus Christ of the Bible said, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” John 14:9 . After the order of Melchisedec, Christ is without father or mother, beginning of days or end of life. Hebrews 7:3 . He is pre‑existent, co‑existent with the Father and self‑existent. He was called “God” by the Father.Hebrews 1:8 . Romans 9:4-6 , 1 John 5:20 . Isaiah 9:6 . John 1:1-3 .

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” Colossians 1:15-17 .

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31 , while there is still time!

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Monday, September 26, 2016

The Christian and the Christian's Heavenly Father - LLM


.

“For ye are the children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26

Only Christians are the children of God, and only because of the Faith in and of, the LORD Jesus Christ. Children of God!

God is not some impersonal principle, or some unknown inanimate force. God is a living, personal God. Some religious people know Him as the Supreme Being, but His children know Him as God the Father. Ephesians 1:3 , 1 Peter 1:3 and 2 Cor. 11:31 .

“Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him” Matthew 11:27 . “God is Spirit” John 4:24 . “God is light” 1 John 1:5 . “God is love” 1 John 4:8 . “Our God is a consuming fire”Hebrews 12:29 .

“This is life eternal that they might know Thee, the ONLY true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” John 17:3 .

This excludes all other gods. The ONLY true God is known as “The God of Peace” Hebrews 13:20 . “The God of all Comfort” 2 Cor. 1:3 . “The God of all Grace” 1 Peter 5:10 . “The Father of Mercies” 2 Cor. 1:3 . “The Father of spiritsHebrews 12:9 . “The God of Hope” Romans 15:13 . This same God is known in the Old Testament Scriptures as the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” “The Lord which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”

When we believe and receive Christ, we are instantaneously born of God and become the children of God. John 1:12-13 . Then we belong to the Household of God. Ephesians 2:19 . “For which cause He (The LORD Jesus Christ) is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:11 . The LORD Jesus Christ said, “Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God.” John 20:17 .

The Bible is very clear in its teachings that a person has to be born into the Family of God. One of the lies of Satan is that ALL men are the children of God. To be sure all have their being in God; for there is no life apart from the living God. BUT, it is one thing to be born of blood, the will of the flesh and of man; but something ENTIRELY DIFFERENT and separate to be born of God. John 1:13 .

Now, for example, the Prodigal Son had departed FROM his father’s house: some saints do, in this way, depart from God’s House and return. But NO UNSAVED one was ever IN God’s House. Remember, through unbelief, Adam departed from God and took the whole human race with him.

Now, to those religious “enlightened” men who rejected Him, the LORD Jesus Christ said, “Ye are of your father, the devil.”John 8:44 . To another the Apostle Paul said, “Thou child of the devil.” Acts 13:10 . Also, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” 1 John 3:10 . Therefore, we see there are two kinds of children in the world, and the cross of Calvary stands between them.

What a sad day it will be when the great multitudes of religious people who are asserting sonship without obtainingRegeneration, will stand with all their guilt and sin uncovered before the true and Holy God in that awful Day of Judgment! Some religious self-righteous sinners are trying to behave like children of God without having experienced regeneration, without having received His Divine nature, the new birth which is the imperative for Divine sonship. Read Titus 3:5-7 .

Remember, it is one thing to be born of human parents within the natural law of procreation; it is another thing to be born of God by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. “Ye must be born again, ‘from above,’ of the Spirit” How? By believing and receiving Christ, as your LORD and Savior. John 1:12 .

He that hath the Son hath the Father.” 1 John 3:1-7 .

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying ‘Abba Father.”’ Galatians 4:6 .

“The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17 .

“The Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” John 16:27 .

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians these words, “my God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 , he was confirming the statement of The LORD Jesus Christ, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.” Matthew 7:11 .

“Pray to thy Father” Matthew 6:6 . This is the instruction of the Son, our LORD and Savior. So prayer should be directed TO the Father, THROUGH the Son, with the Holy Spirit making intercessions for us. Romans 8:26 . God delights to be addressed as“Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31 , while there is still time!

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Holy Week Message, part 2: Jesus Knew ALL

. In part 1 of the Lion and Lamb Ministry Holy Week Messages , we learned that the LORD Jesus Christ is NOT divided, and that He is t...