Journey into God's Promises II

The Mysteries of Christ

I had been praying and discussing with the Father the next volume of writing, and without much effort, it came to me that this would be a great book to discuss 15 chapters on the words and parables of Jesus Christ, and 15 chapters on the words of the Apostle Paul and other apostles.  It’s a pretty simple book, that will delve into the hidden meanings of the words of Scripture that have confounded many people, and the Lord has given me the plain understanding of much of His Word to the point that I am willing to share the mysteries of Christ in a plainer manner than previously.  One of the things people must remember is God is an Endless Being; He is Father, Son and Holy Ghost, without beginning or ending.  So people must also realize His wisdom is endless and sometimes fathomless.  There is always more to learn, more to see and experience, and more to do in His everlasting Kingdom.  So long as people are born of Him as His children, they will have access to all of His blessings if they believe on His name and keep the vision till the end.  That is one of the primary goals of God’s work is to convert souls to the new creation life of Christ, so they can speak in His name the oracles of God, as redeemed men and women of God.  So this will be the 2nd volume of the “Journey into God’s Promises” book series, and I believe it is a very necessary book of writings, to bring Holy Ghost light and understanding to the Scriptures, inasmuch as the Lord has revealed them to me.


Part 1
The Earthly Life of Jesus Christ


Chapter 1
The Words of Christ


    There is something marvelous about the words of Jesus Christ.  He always went about bringing Light to the world, in the region He lived and worked.  He went about doing good and being the salty savor of the Heavenly Father’s glory upon the earth.  The first 15 chapters of this book will be focusing on the words of Jesus Christ and discovering the hidden meanings that are in the 4 gospels that were recorded concerning Him.  One thing is common in all 4 gospels, and it is the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified by the Roman Empire, by the demand of the Jewish leaders of His time.  They envied Jesus and were afraid He would take over the Kingdom of the Jews, so they demanded for Him to be crucified. (Mark 15:13, Luke 23:21, John 19:6)  The Roman Empire is the 4th Beast in Daniel’s prophecy, and during the Roman Empire was the first measure of the Kingdom of God, which was Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem.  The testimony of Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the faith of all of God’s true children, and it is the most integral part of the Holy Scripture, which is the incarnation of God becoming in the likeness of humanity.  
    One of the things about Jesus’ words is He said, “It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh profits nothing.  The words I speak unto you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63).  Jesus was telling His disciples that His words have divine life and energy that come from the Holy Ghost, and as the Messiah He would offer His flesh and blood on the Cross as an offering for sin, that those who eat of His offering will live forever. (John 6:51)  The words of Jesus have a special significance in all the Bible, because He says those who keep His sayings, will never taste of death.  (John 8:51)  In other words, those who obey the Lord Jesus Christ will walk in the path of life and righteousness and grace.  There are many parables in the witness of Jesus and I will cover many of those in this book, and show the meaning the Spirit of God has given me.  It is important that God’s people possess the spiritual understanding of the Gospel, in order to know plainly what the doctrine says.  Christ and His doctrine are one, He is the living Word of God in human form.  Christ is the Law of God in human form, and not written on stone, but written on the fleshly tables of the heart.  (2 Corinthians 3:3)


“Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” - John 8:51


“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” - Matthew 7:24-25


“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” - John 14:21


    This is one thing that is important to understand, is that a lot of weight hangs on keeping the sayings of Jesus Christ.  It is a ministry of the Holy Ghost to bear witness and remind disciples of His testimony. (John 16:13) His words are the bread of life and the heavenly manna in the form of holy substance that was manifest to Israel, so those who eat of His life daily will be enriched with abundant life.  His teachings on forgiveness, grace and righteousness are unmatched by any other professed god or religious body.  Every knee must bow to the name of Jesus Christ in the end of this age, as He is preparing a Bride who will bear witness also of the glory of the Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.  The Holy Ghost will cause people to gather and speak in the name of Christ the Son the words of life and grace, unto the building up of the Temple of God in the latter days.


Chapter 2
John’s Gospel


    At the heart of the 4 gospels of Jesus Christ, there is the Gospel of John.  Some have referred to it as the “glory gospel”, because Jesus discussed so many profound messages of love and grace, and also He is first mentioned as the “Word made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).  John’s Gospel is unique among the 4, because it is the only one to have its own unique rhythm and stories that the others don’t have.  John was close to the Lord, and he knew secrets about Him that are unveiled in his books.  One of the main principals taught in John’s Gospel is the idea of being “born again” in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John chapter 3.  Jesus mentioned multiple times that for a man to see the Kingdom of God, they must be born again, by water and the Spirit. (John 3:5)  Nicodemus was considered a “master of Israel” and he had never heard of this integral truth.  Jesus did everything to glorify the Heavenly Father and also show forth His own glory in the Gospel of John.  
    There are many mysteries and hidden wisdom in the Gospel of John, such as the meaning of the water turned to wine in Cana as His first miracle.  In this particular miracle, they needed wine, and Jesus turned 6 barrels of water into the most precious wine, which is emblematic of His shed blood on the Cross.  The reason I know this, is because He told His mother, “My hour is not yet”. (John 2:4) The master of the wedding feast praised the wine as being of the best kind, and having been reserved for the end of the feast.  If people only knew that this wine represents the love of Christ for His Bride, in order to save her from sin and set her on high.  A lot of people think of the blood of Christ from a religious standpoint, but they miss the mystery of the love of God in the desire for marriage, as was written in Song of Solomon.  The blood is the life of Christ’s flesh, so for us redeemed humans, John’s Gospel also says we must eat of His flesh and drink of His blood in order to have life (John 6:53).  This is essentially referring to eating and walking in the doctrine of Jesus Christ, as Jesus did speak it in a metaphor, because He is the Logos of the Father.  John’s Gospel was intended to show the mystery of God’s intimacy with man through the witness of the Apostle John, who was the only Apostle who witnessed the event of the Cross. 


“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:5-7


“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” - John 6:40


“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” - John 6:51


“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.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” - John 15:4-5


    There are many good sayings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John, but the general point is to understand the mysteries of love and intimacy with God.  John mentions living water many times, such as with the woman of Samaria in John 4.  Jesus offered her the living water of the Holy Ghost in exchange for her devotion and love for Him.  He said, “give Me to drink”, but in spiritual terms, this is referring to love.  Just as water is necessary to have life, so it is true you need real love as a necessity to live.  Often people find this need met through idolatry, but when the Messiah appeared to Israel, this all changes.  This is the love of Christ that satisfies and rejoices the human heart more than any other thing.  That is why Jesus told her that no one will worship the Father in Jerusalem or in the Mountain of Samaria.  They will learn to worship God where ever they may happen to be!  The Word of God is what is represented by the water, but also the Holy Ghost; these are what satisfy the heart of a marriage relationship, and that is why Jesus said, “Go, call thy husband, and come here”. (John 4:16)  Because it would be a romantic work that the Lord does in restoring the human life to the perfection of Eden.  God created humanity perfect in the beginning, but through Jesus Christ and His atonement, we are able to re-enter the glory walk that Adam and Eve lost, and even possess greater heights than previous dispensations through our faith.
    One of the most important messages of the Gospel of John is in John chapter 15, where Jesus told His disciples that He is the Vine and they are the branches.  He commanded them to abide in Himself as the Vine in order to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, and that without Him they can do nothing for the Kingdom.  How important it is to abide in Christ every day of our walk, for this is the rule of immortality is to abide in Christ by prayer and communion with God.  To abide in Him is a love relationship, which is why He says to abide in His love in order to let His joy be fulfilled in us.  How do we abide in Christ?  How do we live in Him daily?  We must keep our mind on Him and walk by faith and walk in the love of Christ.  We must pray always in the Spirit and have a solitary communion with God, which is to find a place where no other person can intrude.  Christ is the source of life and happiness, and He is the Life that we need to keep moving forward forever.  Jesus said we will have peace of mind and rest of soul if we come unto Him and learn of Him at His feet (see Matthew 11:28-30).  Nothing else should occupy a Christian’s mind other than finding God’s blessing through patient waiting upon God, and learning His Word.  We must do what we can to escape the bondage of the world and be freed to serve God in the Spirit.


Chapter 3
Jesus’ Teaching on Provision


    This is a topic I wanted to put early on in this book, simply because it may be the biggest anxiety that most people are currently suffering with, which is not having God’s financial provisions.  As long as people are laboring constantly for money, then they cannot be a powerful witness of Jesus Christ at all times.  God would rather have people obey His commandments until God’s windows of favor open up upon them, and cause them to possess the wealth He has.  If people truly obey the law of tithing and offering, they will have open heavens and no lack. (Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 28:27)  In Matthew 6, Jesus taught them about if you pray in secret, or give alms in secret, or fast in secret, then God the Father will reward you openly.  (Matthew 6:4)  These words of Jesus are infallible and they must be accepted as facts of life.  We must not forget the fact that the Father will reward us openly for our devotion to His name, so long as it is secret and not for the praises of men, then He will reward us openly with fruit and open manifestations of blessings.  Also, in the same chapter, Jesus said not to take thought or worry about provisions of food, and clothing, and we can assume this applies to all of God’s provisions.  He said, “Life is more than meat, and the body is more than clothing” (Matthew 6:25, Luke 12:23).  What He meant is that there is a spiritual and eternal element to life, which is the spiritual life, which is the Kingdom of God.  He ends up saying, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).  So if people have the faith to accept these sayings of Jesus, and DO them, they will be provided for.  It is true, people must be committed to God, and love Him above all else, and only then will they be provided for by His hand.  The basic precept is that Jesus wanted His disciples to focus their eyes upon God and not look anywhere else for their blessings.  To love the soul more than the body is the heart of God’s work and the Priesthood of the Lord.


“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33


“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:3-4


“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” - Luke 6:38


“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.” - Luke 12:33


    One thing Jesus reiterated throughout the earthly ministry was the principal of laying up treasure in heaven.  He stated that whenever we GIVE to the work of ministry or else give to the poor, we are laying up treasure in heaven, and this treasure is unfailing and not corruptible.  As Paul stated to the Philippians, it is “fruit that abounds to your account” (Philippians 4:17).  A lot of people entertain talk about giving and charity, but only as people truly give to the Kingdom or to the welfare of the poor, will they truly reap from God.  It is the easiest and most simple way to gain the favour of heaven and God is to learn to be charitable.  Giving 10% is what the patriarchs gave to God, and that is the standard.  If people have more then they are expected to give more, and as it says in proverbs, God desires the first and best portion of our increase or paycheck, as it is written, “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:  So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)  This is truly the principal that conquers greed, the root of all evil, and encourages people to be great witnesses of God’s favour and blessing.  God demanded His people to prove Him with this giving principal, and see if He doesn’t open the windows of heaven and pour out an amazing blessing. (See Malachi 3:10) The last thing I’ll say, is we shouldn’t put a limit on God and His ability to bless humanity with His goodness.  Our faith is supposed to have no boundaries, and so God can be free to bless people boundlessly.  We must give in FAITH and EXPECTATION of God’s blessings.  If people truly don’t believe the infallibility of His Word, then they won’t give.  Giving is proof of faith and also love, so we must get used to being accountable for it.


Chapter 4
The Parable of the Sower


    One thing Jesus told His disciples is that there is one parable that stands above all other parables, and it is the parable of the sower.  It is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and it basically talks about 4 conditions of soil that the Word of God is sown into.  Since Jesus Himself is the Word, it was appropriate that this parable comes straight from His mouth.  He mentions seed that falls on hard ground, on stoney ground, and on thorny ground, but also a 4th condition, which is good soil.  The only way the Word of God will bear any fruit is if the heart is broken enough to receive it and nourish it.  A hard, stoney, thorny or proud heart is not a suitable condition for cultivating and reproducing the life of Jesus Christ.  As God said in the Psalms, God requires a broken and contrite heart in order to be ready for God (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17).  Brokenness is a necessity for the Holy Ghost to shape and fashion a beautiful vessel for His Son.  Brokenness is what makes for a humble and meek life that pleases God.  Brokenness is a work of the Holy Ghost in causing a soul to be thankful, humble, respectful, honorable; the more we lose of our self-life, the more we die in our self, the more the Spirit will come in and bring the new life of Christ in us.  Jesus Christ is the Resurrection, so a resurrection requires also a death to the old corrupt life, and sometimes God makes this a slow and tolerable work of Grace.
    The new birth, being born of water and the Spirit, is the work that the Father is doing on earth.  It is a work of reproduction of Himself in His children.  The seed is Christ Jesus and as the new creation, we are to be new men and women of God, who are built up in the Word of God, through patience, study, prayer and grace.  The work of God does not happen over night, but according to the Bible there are three steps, which are SEED, TIME, and HARVEST.  We must first sow the good seed of the Word of God, in hopes of a harvest of God’s life, but there must also be time waiting upon Him in faith.  It also applies to money, as written by Paul, when we give our money as a seed to God’s Kingdom work, we should not expect a harvest until we have waited for a period of time.  I always believe God must be a farmer, because he loves the seed, time, and harvest principal very much, it applies to almost everything we do in life.  We must always be a Tree of Life, but also a planter of good seeds.  Good words, good deeds, charity, kindness, love, money can all be the good seeds we sow into the soil of other people.  Sometimes we must plow the ground, rebuke and reprove other people if necessary, to make room for the planting of the seed.


“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” - Mark 4:13


“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” - Luke 8:15


“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22


    Everything we do as humans, made in the image of God, is the seed, time, and harvest.  If we work a job, we sow our abilities, and skill, and we reap from it.  If we give to the work of God or to the poor, we see God’s heavenly treasures come to us.  It is possible to love people and not be loved back, because there are many people who are not capable of love and kindness, because they have not been built up as a spiritual house in the Lord yet.  If people are not born again by the will of Jehovah, then they are not part of the new creation yet.  It is possible to be born again, but still remain a babe or a carnal Christian and refuse the nourishment of God.  Ultimately, we must choose to believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and continue growing and maturing till the end, before we see any fruit in the 100 fold measure.  It is a slow process of daily walking with Christ and His Cross, but it is the only path that leads to eternal glory.  The path of self-will does not end in glory, and neither does any kind of selfish path.


Chapter 5
Sermon on the Mount


    One of Jesus Christ’s most famous speeches is referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” by most scholars and professors.  In my mind, the words of this sermon are a very spiritual and inward revelation of certain precepts of the Law of Moses.  For 2000 years Christianity has often taken these things literally, especially concerning marriage laws and the understanding of what is lawful and right.  Jesus starts out with the beatitudes, teaching His disciples that those who are poor and despised among humanity are indeed blessed by God and will be the first to receive of His Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-11).  Jesus then tells the disciples of Israel that they indeed are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and it becomes more-so true as they accept the witness of their Messiah.  Since Jesus Christ is the true Light of the world, then only through Him do people become the light and salt of the earth.  The last portion of this first segment Jesus tells them in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to destroy the Law and Prophets, but to fulfill them.  A lot of people do not understand what this means, that Jesus died on the Cross in order to end the dispensation of Law, and thus bring fulfillment to it.  A lot of people still try to keep the Sabbath and follow the letter of the law, when they do not have to.  The Cross alone is what justifies men through looking with faith upon Him, just as the Israelites looked upon the brazen serpent to heal them in the time of Moses. (Numbers 21:9)  Brazen means brass, and brass represents judgment, so a brazen serpent means that Satan, and sin, and the world, were all judged by God on the Cross in the person of Jesus Christ.  If people add their own religious works, or their own self-righteous deeds, in addition to the Cross and blood of Christ, then it is a loss and a detriment to the work of God.  God doesn’t need any help from man when it comes to the work of justification, all that is gain for man is a loss for Christ, according to Paul. (Philippians 3:3-7)
    The next segment at Matthew 5:21 is very interesting, how Jesus talks about murder, adultery, swearing, and other elements of the Law, and giving His spiritual understanding of these principals.  In the court of law, you can’t judge a person unless they actually commit murder.  But Jesus said even having a heart that harbors evil thoughts, or hateful thoughts towards innocent brethren, can be a means of guiltiness before God.  God sees our heart, we cannot hide the murderous spirit of religion from His all-seeing eyes.  He wants people to be born again and have a new heart and new spirit (Ezekiel 26:36).  Jesus taught that to lust after a woman is to commit adultery in the heart, because to lust after a woman is to not accept God’s choice and His hand in marriage selection.  To lust in general is another word for “covetousness” or “greed” toward a treasure, and according to Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10, to covet or idolize money is the root of all evil.  In regard to lust, Jesus’ solution is to bear the Cross daily and allow the Spirit to mortify our flesh, in order to live to God in the Spirit. (Romans 8:13)  Jesus also said in Matthew 5:39 not to resist evil, but rather let people do evil if that is their choice.  The very act of returning evil for evil is negative and it is not something Jesus wanted His disciples to do.  If they knew the truth, they would know God will repay people for their deeds, and thus it doesn’t require taking matters into our own hands for vengeance.  Also Jesus said not to bother with suing at the law, but rather surrender our coat and the cloak that covers our sins.  A lot of what Jesus said was in figurative language, so it is important to ask the Holy Ghost for what He is saying.
    The Jews were a very superstitious and sign-seeking people, and so Jesus commanded them not to swear at all any oath.  As Christians and redeemed humans we are always changing from day to day, so He did not want people to be hurt by an oath, simply because we can’t perform to the pleasing of God.  God can swear an oath, and we can swear by God, simply because God never changes from eternity to eternity, and God never fails to perform His word and oath.  The last item in this segment is in Matthew 5:44 where Jesus taught His disciples to love their enemies, to bless and pray for and seek good for their enemies.  This doctrine was NEW and was in contradiction to many previous beliefs about love, but Jesus taught love and forgiveness of sins quite regularly in His doctrine.  Christ is the “bigger man” who dwells within His children, and He is able to love the enemies, when it is rather natural and human to hate enemies.  To have a renewed mind and heart is to learn to love more people because of the strength and grace that God gives.  Jesus finished by saying the Father is kind and gracious to all people on earth, giving sun and rain to all people, which is figurative of His loving and compassionate nature.


Giving, Praying, Fasting


    The 6th chapter of Matthew is something I refer to quite often, because Jesus gives three individual principals that strongly affect our spiritual life and cause God to openly reward our devotion.  Giving, praying, and fasting were things that the religious pharisees did quite regularly, but according to Jesus they often did them for show, for pretense and were not sincere about them.  It was quite a sad condition to be in, but Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and gave this doctrinal correction.  Jesus said in this chapter that those who give, pray and fast should do them secretly, and not for show, in order for their faith to be genuine toward God.  Other people will see the rewards of devotion, and it’s good to give God the praise, but the acts of giving, praying, and fasting are to be for the purpose of God’s glory and to strengthen our outer witness for Christ.  These three things are listed together, because they are a three-fold cord that cannot be broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12), so Jesus listed them in one sermon.  All of these things are proof of our faith and love for God, because it is a secret inward devotion to Him that causes prosperity to be unveiled.
    There must be a daily abiding in Christ that consists of prayer to the Father in the name of the Son and by the strength of the Holy Ghost.  As we do this in our secret “prayer closet” or even in our heart, there is always a refreshing reward the Father gives.  We must have charitable hearts that desire to give for the joy of God and not for any self-righteous purposes, and the Father will openly reward us.  When we fast, we must anoint Christ as our Head, and be separated unto Him, and let our fasting be before God alone.  If we suffer for God, people must not seek self-pity or sympathy, but as Jesus said, have a joyful countenance always, and the Father will reward openly.  Fasting is abstaining from something good in the flesh in order to focus on God, it doesn’t always have to be food, sometimes it is just our level of separation to God, or our sanctifying work to His name.  


Judgment from Christ


    The 7th chapter of Matthew is the last chapter of the Sermon on the Mount, and it has a theme of judgment of the individual person.  Jesus starts off commanding His disciples not to judge unless they expect to be judged in the same manner and using the same measure.  Jesus wants His people to cast out the beam out of their own eye, in order to see clearly in matters of judgment.  He does not want the judges of the earth to be hypocrites, but He wants them to have the lowly Spirit of Christ.  Next, Jesus commanded not to cast holy things before dogs, lest it cause damage.  If people are put to the law of God they may not be able to keep the saying of Jesus, due to their weakness.  A dog or swine in God’s eyes is someone who does not have any reverence for God’s Word, so people must be careful to speak words of grace that are salted with divine goodness (Colossians 4:6).  Too many holy words can cause people to be weary and tired and worn out, so people must use discernment when to speak the word of God.
    In Matthew 7:7, Jesus gives a small preaching on God’s provisions, that we are to ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK our way into God’s blessings, and we shall receive if we ask in faith and not for the fulfillment of lust.  Jesus affirms that if we ask the Father in heaven for a provision, He will not give anything but something GOOD.  Among human parents, they want nothing but the best for their kids, so is not the almighty Father much better than a mortal father?  Sometimes God makes people wait until they are further prepared to receive a blessing, but His plans are always better for those who are separated unto doing His will and not making our own plans.  “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.” (Matthew 7:12)  This Scripture in bold is very important, because Jesus is describing His Law and what it takes to fulfill His Law.  His Law is Love and kindness for all men, doing what we want done unto us.  We don’t treat people like they treat us, but we treat them how we desire to be treated, according to Christ’s doctrine.
    Christ wants people to follow the strait and narrow walk into God’s glory.  It takes diligence, it takes daily abiding in Christ, it takes patience, it is a daily walk and also bearing the Cross.  But see, it is an EASY and simple path, with yoke easy and burden light. (Matthew 11:30)  Christ warns people of false prophets, that many are ministering in Christ’s name that are false, but you should know them by their fruits.  Often false teachers have no substance to their message and they want to seek luxuries of financial blessings without actually working in the Gospel.  Jesus said there is a good tree that bears good fruit, and there is a corrupt tree that is unable to bear good fruit, but only brings forth evil fruit (Matthew 7:18).  Basically Jesus is talking about the old nature and the new nature, which one is incorruptible and good, and the old is corrupt and evil, the key is being born again by the incorruptible seed of the Word of God.  He warns that every corrupt tree will be thrown down and cast into the fire.  Fire is the judgment of God on corrupt and fruitless trees, just as in nature.


“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:21-23


    The above Scripture is the next verse, and it’s important to know that just because someone is a professing Christian does not mean they will enter the kingdom, at least not immediately.  As Jesus said, only those who follow Him in the strait and narrow path will find the glory of God.  People cannot stand before the glorified Messiah unless they have prepared themselves diligently, by grace and faith.  Just because people do miracles and prophesy good things does not mean they are perfect before God.  Unless you know Jesus Christ through repentance, faith in His blood, and the new birth, and spiritual maturity, then they don’t truly know Him yet.  “Fruits of repentance” is what the prophet John the Baptist spoke about, meaning, there must be evidence that people have a new and redeemed lifestyle. (Luke 3:8)  There are a lot of “casual” Christians that will be surprised that they are not welcome into some of the better areas of heaven, simply because they did not keep the faith or follow the commandments of God.  The last portion of Matthew 7, is that Jesus said how important it is to be a “doer” of the word of Jesus.  He said those who merely hear and don’t commit to obedience, are not legitimately founded on the Rock of the Gospel (Matthew 7:25-27).  Obedience to the faith is the only thing that pleases the Father, and nothing can shake a disciple who keeps the Word of God, and does what Jesus says.  It is true, every person has a different level of understanding, so people must obey at their current level of growth, and they will keep making progress into heavenly experiences of glory.


Chapter 6
Jesus Christ the Healer


    One thing about Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son, His mission on earth was to bring healing to all who come to Him.  In the 4 gospels of Jesus Christ, one of the most prominent things Jesus did was heal bodies and souls from the sickness that was common among them.  Jesus was the incarnation of Jehovah Rapha, that God who heals us, so people must not take lightly the doctrine of healing gifts.  A lot of people want to immediately use doctors and pharmaceuticals, which is fine at times, but there is no sickness that cannot be healed by Jesus Christ.  Doctors of the world will try to tell people that certain things are incurable, but that is never how the Lord speaks.  Some people really do not have much faith in God, and the healthcare system of the world is usually pretty good at healing certain ailments and they give good wisdom usually.  But remember King Asa in the Bible, he was pleasing to God, but he died an early death because he trusted in physicians rather than trusting in God (2 Chronicles 16:12).  As for Jesus Christ, there was none who went away without healing of every kind.  Not only did Jesus forgive their sins from God’s throne, He also cured their bodies and set them free.  Sometimes He warned them not to sin anymore, because sin is ultimately the cause of many kinds of diseases, but if people hear His Word, they can be healed by their faith in Him.
    It is really important for the Body of Christ to always remember the gift of healing.  The Word of God is a healer, and it is sad to see people with so little faith in God’s power.  Often what happened with Jesus is that virtue came out of Him and healed many people.  The very high quality of God’s virtue and holiness was able to heal people and fight off demonic spirits.  That is one of the reasons Jesus was a Nazarene, is because according to the Law, a Nazarite grew long hair and drank no wine in order to be separated unto God.  In Jesus’ case, He was not a literal Nazarite, but a spiritual one.  Long hair represents submission to authority, namely in this case, it was Jehovah the Father.  So as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:7-14, long hair on a man is something of a shame to him, because women are the ones who submit to men as the image of God and His authority, but in the case of a Nazarite, just as Samson, long hair was a means of their strength with God.  The reason I mention these things along with healing, is because people have to be quite separated unto Christ as Head in order to be witnessing with the power of God’s healing balm and deliverance from Satanic bondage.  People of God must always remember to minister in Christ’s name, and by the Holy Ghost they will see victory over the enemy as it is written in Luke 10:19.


“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” - Matthew 8:16-17


“And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” - Luke 6:19


“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” - Luke 4:14-15


    The one thing that is important to understand is that God has forgiven all and has loved all people through His Son.  He gave heaven’s best gift to the world in the person of Jesus Christ, and so will He withhold any other good thing?  If God gave His best gift, will He not give lesser gifts, such as healing, and provisions, and joy? (Romans 8:32)  Yes, we must accept this work of Jehovah Rapha who is the Healer of all people, especially those who come expecting with faith and trust.  The Psalmist wrote, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)  Sickness only exists on a fallen world, but with Jesus Christ, He proves His love over and over by delivering from all sin and sickness.  He is the one who bore our sicknesses on the Cross, and by His stripes we were healed.  Accept the doctrine on healing, stop trusting in the world’s medicine more than God.  Medicine and healing in the world is not a bad thing, but our world has often made it a business endeavor rather than an angelic ministry.  I’ve had great health provisions in my life, but it is important to be freed from the controllers who want the health business to boom rather than help people graciously.  God should be the family physician for all Christian homes, and people should accept His word and will over any man.  I’m not saying physicians are not good to use, they do great work as a profession, but my point is that people must remember Jesus Christ first and foremost for healing.  No doctor or medicine can be a replacement for God almighty who heals very well all our diseases (see Psalm 103:3).  Although if people lack the faith to be healed, they must use whatever medicine is available, but my point is our trust should not shift from God to man.
    One thing Jesus wanted His disciples to learn is the saying from the prophet Hosea which says, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 12:7).  The legalists accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath, but Jesus reminded them of King David who, when he was hungry, he ate the show bread of the Temple that was sanctified for the Priests.  In other words, it’s better to show mercy to people rather than following the letter of the law or the protocol of the rule of law.  Mercy is a greater principal than the sacrifices of the law, or the works of the law.  The sacrifices of the law were the type and shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ, and He was there to teach people to be merciful, which is something the law did not often teach.  The Law was a harsh school master which punished every form of disobedience, sometimes with stoning to death.  Jesus refused to stone the woman caught in adultery, because He was there to bear the sins of the weak, and not to accuse. (John 8:4)  He was there to restore sinners into God’s grace, and not condemn sinners.  Moses commanded that such a woman be stoned, but Jesus represents a New Covenant of grace and truth, where people are no longer stoned for their sins, but rather they learn from the Lord Jesus Christ how to repent and turn to righteousness and believe in forgiveness of sins.


Chapter 7
The Marriage Supper and the Great Supper of God


    According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast and banquet.  In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells about a “great supper” that God is preparing.  People must understand, these are two different events listed in Revelation 19 at the coming of Jesus Christ.  The marriage supper is occurring as the feast of tabernacles, which is a feast of fat meat and well-refined wine, which happens at Christ’s 2nd coming.  According to Matthew, both good and bad people will be gathered unto this wedding, so long as they have the wedding garment, they will eat the supper. (See Matthew 22:10) This means they must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and seek to put off the old man and his deeds.  This is also mentioned in the gospel of Luke as being a time where the Son of Man comes and causes the people of God to sit down and eat after the wedding. (Luke 12:37)  This is also mentioned in the book of Isaiah as a feast of fat things and refined wine, in which God takes the veil off the eyes of all nations.  The feast of tabernacles takes place in the fall feast, in the 7th Jewish month, and it will be a time of spiritual revival and revelation that brings fatness to the souls who are waiting for the Messiah.  The Bride of Jesus Christ, and the wedding guests, are the assembly of Saints who will eat of this wedding feast, and also help to serve it to others.  Just as in the Song of Solomon, the Bride is pictured as a storehouse of spiritual treasure, likened to milk, and honey and wine (Song of Solomon 5:1).  The banner over the Bride is LOVE according to the Song of Solomon, so people must remember, this is the purpose of the wedding supper of the Lamb.  It is a time to partake of the glory of God and exceeding goodness of the produce of the Spirit.


“And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.  And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 25:6-8


    There is another supper mentioned in the Bible, and it is the “supper of the great God”, and it involves vengeance upon the world.  It is the army of God that tramples the wicked under their feet, and every bird of the air is called to partake of this supper. (Revelation 19:17-18)  It is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament, as being the time that God unleashes His wrath upon all the mighty and captains of the old creation that remain at Christ’s coming.  This is a time for the Heavenly Father to punish the world and those who were gross criminals that lived above the law.  The key to participating in this Supper is the same as the Marriage supper, which is being separated unto Jesus Christ as First Love and keeping the faith till the end.  There are many who are distracted with the cares of the world, and they do not make time to learn and seek Wisdom above all other things.  To reign with Christ as kings and priests, the Bride must possess Wisdom.  Those who execute judgment must know the Scriptures and have an understanding heart, so that is why Jesus said if people do not come unto Him and learn, they will not even taste of His supper. (Luke 14:24)


“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9


“And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.  Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” - Luke 12:36-37


Here is a “supper of the Great God” scripture:


“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;  That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” - Revelation 19:17-18


    So the purpose of this chapter was to show there is a difference between the marriage supper, which is a thing of romance and joy with the Beloved, and how it differs from the “supper of the great God” which is a time for God’s vengeance to fall upon the ungodly at the time of Christ’s 2nd coming.  The ungodly will be ruled with a rod of iron, and they will have to endure God’s wrath until the time appointed.  The angels of God will reap down the harvest and burn up the tares when they are separated from the wheat.  It is true, that all nations will eventually learn to worship God and eat of the feast of tabernacles, just as it is written in Zechariah. (Zechariah 14:16)  He wrote that all nations will be merry if they come unto the feast of tabernacles, and celebrate the mighty works of God, otherwise, if they don’t come they will not have rain, which rain is a figure for heavenly treasure that only those who celebrate the Lord God almighty get to enjoy.  A lot of these scriptures about the marriage supper are written in parables, but they do make sense the more people receive the truth of it.  God wants people to worship Him only and celebrate their life by His grace and truth.


Chapter 8
Selected Parables of Jesus


    In these next chapters I just want to discuss some of the many parables of Jesus and what the Holy Ghost has shown to me concerning their meaning.  This selections of parables will be ones that I think deserve greater attention and some real interpretation of the Holy Ghost.  Jesus spoke many things in parables, hyperbole, figures of speech, expressions and metaphors.  This was to fulfill the word of God given to Isaiah the prophet, saying that God wants to speak to Israel in order for them to hear and not understand, and to see but not perceive, that they may be brought to judgment. (Isaiah 6:9-10)


1.  Parable of New Cloth and New Wine (Matthew 9:16-17, Mark 2:21-22, Luke 5:36-39)


    In all three gospels, Jesus mentions the Parable of the new cloth placed on an old garment, and also the new wine placed in old wine skins, and how they are not appropriate to do.  The context was that John the Baptist was fasting and also the pharisees, but see, the old garment represents the righteousness of the old creation, which is like filthy rags.  The wedding garments of Jesus Christ is what the new cloth represents, shining white by the power of the blood of Christ, and not through fasting or being good enough or pious enough.  The two forms of righteousness do not agree with each other; it’s either faith in the blood of Christ, or it is the Law-keeping self-righteousness.  If Jesus would have taught His disciples to fast in the old way, it would not be appropriate.  He taught them to fast from the cares of the world, and to anoint Christ as their Head and Lord, and be separated and obedient to Him.
    Jesus next mentions the new wine and how it cannot be poured into old bottles, lest they break and the wine be spilled.  New wine usually figures the resurrection joy of the Holy Ghost, and the old wine-skins figure the old mortal flesh.  In the resurrection of Christ, we will have new bodies that can bear His glory and be quickened by His eternal Spirit.  The basic principal of what Jesus Christ is teaching in these two sayings, is that the new creation glorious life cannot be contained in the old creation sinful and weak vessels.  People must be broken in death and quickened by the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.  According to Jesus, no one can come to God unless they have a broken heart and contrite spirit, due to their sinful condition, only His mercy and grace can save the human soul. (Psalm 34:18, 51:17)


2.  Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)


    The Parable of the Rich Fool who builds bigger barns is a warning to those who do not seek the Kingdom of God, but rather seek to increase their own material riches only.  When people are rich they sit back and relax and say, “Let’s eat and drink for tomorrow we die”.  This is pure antichrist spirit.  To think there is no God to give an account to, and no reward for obedience, is the spirit of antichrist.  That is why Jesus said, “This night your soul is required of you”.  See, the moment that rich people decide they don’t need to seek God and keep His commandments, is the moment their soul is lost, and their riches will be given to another who is found worthy.  If people use their money to help the poor, or contribute to the Kingdom ministry, then they will be blessed, so long as they do it quietly and not for the praise of men.  The Scripture says, “Love vaunteth not itself” (1 Corinthians 13:4).  If we do good and charitable deeds, we must remember that God’s praise is good enough.  It’s not wrong that people know we are givers, but it’s wrong if people desire approval of men more than God.  If we receive a huge blessing, it’s not wrong to confess God as the Source of blessing, but we must do whatever it takes to avoid vaunting oneself.


3.  Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30)


    The Parable of the Wheat and Tares is important to know.  Sometimes this parable can be used literally but sometimes it is used figuratively also.  Jesus said the good seed are the children of the Kingdom, and the bad seed are the children of the devil.  It can also be good words verses evil words.  The Word of God is the good seed that the farmer sows into the heart.  Our heart and mind is a ground for sowing seeds of good or else evil, so people are commanded to guard their heart and make sure there is a cleanness of conscience and integrity before God. (Proverbs 4:23)  Jesus said at the end of the world, the good crops and evil crops (the tares) will be separated and judged sufficiently by fire.  One of the most important keys of understanding this Scripture, is to let the wheat and tares grow together until the end.  Some people may be part of a fallen religious system, but still have good seed of Christ in them, so it’s important not to judge the whole as being a tare and destroy the wheat of Christ also.  There are 5 primary religious denominations in Christianity according to Isaiah 19:18, and people must remember not to destroy the tares of religious bigotry with the wheat of sound Christian Faith and doctrine.  The separating is happening now and will continue till the end when the Messiah comes and sends His angels to burn up the tares.


4.  Mustard Seed of Faith (Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 13:18-19)


    The Parable of the Mustard Seed applies both to the principal of faith but also to the kingdom itself, based on two different scriptures concerning the mustard seed.  The essence of what Jesus said is that faith is the smallest seed, but for those who nourish the word and allow God to perfect their soul, they will receive the greatest harvest if they continue till the end.  To receive the fullness of the Kingdom we must continually walk by faith in the Lord, and follow God’s process into perfection of fruit.  As Isaiah 53:11 says, we see the travail of our soul and will be satisfied, as though the Kingdom being increased in us is a birthing process.  As people follow God’s commandments, and learn from the Holy Spirit, they will have amazing joy of victory in the end when they receive His blessing.  But Jesus did say that the Kingdom as a seed is the smallest of all seeds, so at first a lot of people struggle to be rooted in the Gospel, depending on the condition of their heart.  Christ Himself is the seed of faith and also the seed of the Kingdom, and though He is the smallest seed, He increases into a grand and everlasting Kingdom in our heart and soul for a harvest.  As Jesus said, he who has the mustard seed of faith, can do all things and nothing is impossible with faith.  More so, nothing is impossible with faith in God.


5.  Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44, Matthew 13:45-46)


    Jesus spoke two parables back to back concerning the Kingdom being a treasure, and also a pearl of great price.  The essence of this message is that the Kingdom of Heaven is a hidden kingdom.  As Jesus said, no one can see it except they are born of God (John 3:3).  It does not come by natural observation, only as someone is quickened by the Holy Ghost can they see in the Spirit realm.  I testify that ever since I was born of the Spirit in 2007, that I have seen remarkable and astonishing things in the Spirit.  It is hidden from the natural man, but it is a strong reality to those who are God’s Children.  Miracles are a common thing with God, He is a supernatural Being, so it is always amazing the works that He is doing throughout His universe for those who trust in Him and practice faith in His Son.
    The Pearl of Great Price is a very similar parable as the previous one, but in this case it is based on a merchant man seeking beautiful pearls, and he finds one pearl of great price, and in his eyes it was worth so much that he sold everything he had to buy it.  Obviously it has to do with Jesus Christ being the Merchant man, and he sold everything to purchase the Bride on Calvary.  The Bride is likened to the Kingdom itself, just as in the case of Solomon and Abishag, Solomon compared her to the Kingdom and had his own brother put to death because he tried to take Abishag as his own. (1 King 2:22)  Many spiritual leaders believe the Song of Solomon was written about Abishag, and that she was the most beautiful woman of her time.  This parable can also mean that the pearl itself is one piece of wisdom that is greater than all others, which in this case, the piece of wisdom is the hope of nuptial happiness and bliss.


6.  Entering of the Shepherd at the Door (John 10:1-18)


    In the Gospel of John, Jesus gave a parable about a shepherd leading the sheep out of the sheep fold, and also into the sheep fold.  In other words, the Shepherd himself is the last man to be saved in the Body of Christ, but he is the first to lead the sheep to enjoy the Gentile world and inherit the world and its kingdoms.  Also the Shepherd will allow them a safe place inside the sheepfold where they are safe by the hand of God.  Basically these are two worlds, the Judeo-Christian world, and the Gentile world, and it is possible to find pasture in both of these worlds, but a lot of people don’t have the wisdom and understanding to inherit the world without losing their soul, so it’s important to follow Christ and the Holy Ghost until the soul is perfected by God.  Christ Himself is the Door that the Shepherd enters through, by the Holy Spirit who is the porter who keeps watch of the Door.  Anyone who is a shepherd in the Body of Christ must first be a disciple who enters the Door, which is the Word of God.  Jesus then calls himself the “Good Shepherd” as well as “The Door”.  Unlike a hireling, who is paid an hourly wage for their work, He is a Shepherd who owns the sheep, who cares for and who dies on the Cross for His sheep.  A Shepherd is the owner of the sheep, as opposed to just an overseer.  Those who are to be the Sons of God will have the inheritance and authority of Christ.  Those who are true Sons of God are chastened by the Father, and chosen, and faithful, and prepared by the Holy Ghost for ministry.  There are many who claim to be sons of God, but if they’ve never suffered or been chastened, the Scripture says they are illegitimate (see Hebrews 12:8).




Chapter 9
Selected Parables Continued


7.  Taking the Low Seat (Luke 14:7-14)


    One of the Parables of Jesus that discusses the principal of humility before honour is when He speaks about taking the low seat at a wedding feast.  He does not want people exalting themselves into high positions unless God Himself invites them to that position.  The principal Jesus is speaking of is humility and self-abasement which is a pre-requisite for honour and exaltation in God’s Kingdom.  Jesus even goes as far to say if you do this you will “have worship” in the presence of others.  Usually, the Bible says not to worship any man or disciple of Christ, but in this case it means “high esteem” or “high honour”.  Jesus was not saying you literally worship anyone except Jehovah in the name of Christ, but as people study wisdom and grow into the divine nature through faith in His promises, they will gain the honour and glory of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14)  Each of us has a gift to offer God for all eternity, and He made no one without it, so we must sacrifice and praise with our gift by the Grace of God.  But in the midst of all of our work, we must remember self-abasement.  A lot of people have envy and strife in their hearts, and these are evil things that must be put off in the new creation.  We must learn to celebrate OTHERS and not vaunt ourselves.


8.  Sheep and Goats Separated (Matthew 25:31-46)


    In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches about the separation of sheep and goats in the last day.  He identifies the sheep of Christ as those who love and take care of one another.  Jesus said what we do to the least of the brethren, we did it unto Christ, and what we refuse to do to help the least of the brethren, we refuse it unto Christ.  The sheep are those who are good Samaritans who love and consider one another, maybe they bestowed their money to fund the Gospel and the ministry to the poor, and therefore Jesus says they will inherit the Kingdom.  In other words, those who love one another in Christ’s name in word and deed, are Christ’s true disciples.  Those who refuse to love and show kindness to the least of the brethren, are not Christ’s sheep, and they are delivered over to eternal fire to be burned.  God has no use for dead branches in His Kingdom, so they must be burned up.  Essentially, it is the Law of Christ to do unto others as we want done unto us, but only if we have power to help in that situation.  Sometimes God wants people to seek God and His promises and not look for a hand out of money.  If people learn to seek God and His Kingdom, they won’t lack anything according to Scripture. (Proverbs 28:27) The essence of Jesus’ message in this parable is to consider the poor and needy, and show mercy to the lost and needy souls, and there is laid up untold treasure in heaven for those who obey this.


9.  Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)


    The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a very popular saying of Jesus Christ.  Jesus in the context had been teaching His disciples about seeking and saving the lost, and that those who repent are celebrated more than those who don’t repent.  A lot of people think that the word prodigal means “lost” but it actually means “wasteful”.  A prodigal person is someone who is careless in the usage of money, and he wanted his father’s inheritance before he died.  As he left he became a lost soul having spent all his money, and he decided to come home to having his provisions from his father.  This is a very key moment in Scripture, because the father in this parable represents Jehovah God who runs to his lost son and is quick to forgive and restore him into his grace.  The father threw a party and killed the fatted calf, which is a representation of when the 2nd coming of Christ happens.  A fatted calf usually represents the fatness of the Word of God and the riches of the Father’s Kingdom, which is why Solomon wrote that it causes envy sometimes (Proverbs 15:17).  The older brother who did never transgress the commandment of the father, is the one who is self-righteous, and did not feel joy over his brother, but rather he felt envy and hostility.  Why would this be?  If he is so righteous, why does he not rejoice over his brother being redeemed?  I tell you, if people have envy and hate in their heart, they are not righteous with God.  This parable essentially teaches the abundant love and mercy of the Heavenly Father for those who are weak and lost from Him.  He will celebrate their coming home more than those self-righteous Jews and religious Christians who never truly repented of their sins.


10.  Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)


    The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard is an important parable to understand.  Jesus is essentially saying that there is labour to be done in the Vineyard of the Lord, and that all men receive the same reward, which is one denarius, a day’s wage.  The difference is, those who were last will be first, and those who are first will be last.  Each time the servant finds idle people he commands them to labour in the Vineyard of the Lord and they will receive a day’s wage.  The difference is those who were called last, receive the same money that those who worked all 12 hours.  This is a teaching of God’s Grace towards those who are least, that if they truly labor in the Word of God, they will receive the same glory as the fullness of those who preceded them.  I’ve been tempted to have pride over others as being a chosen vessel of the Lord, but I forget that God will reward them the same as me if they want to ASK for wisdom and continue faithful till the end, they will have the fullness of God as well.  It is the eternal purpose of God, to seek wisdom as treasure, to love one another, to bear fruit and multiply as the stars of heaven.  This parable is also a teaching against idle people.  There’s no reason to be bored or idle when Jesus commands people to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).  It is possible to waver in faith and dedication, but as people ask for grace and faith and give God the consent to perfect their vessel, then He will do it.  Nothing we attain will be by our own effort, but by God’s Grace and our willingness to obey.


11.  Wise Virgins vs Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-12)


    The Parable of the Wise Virgins and Foolish Virgins is a teaching of Jesus concerning the time that His 2nd coming happens.  Elijah will prepare the way before Him, and cry unto the Saints, and they will all wake up out of sleep.  According to Jesus they are represented by 10 virgins, 5 of them wise and 5 of them foolish.  The key is that they are indeed virgin people, but only half of them took oil in their lamp, which is a representation of the anointing of the Holy Ghost.  The 2nd coming of Christ will happen at a midnight hour according to this parable, so those who seek to enter the Wedding of the Lamb must have the understanding of the Holy Ghost in them in order to have light in their lamp to make it to the Bridegroom.  In other words, this is another parable on division between those Christians who kept the faith and prepared themselves, verses those who took lightly their calling and did not prepare themselves.  It requires oil to keep a lamp burning, so the foolish virgins will run out of oil before the coming of Christ, and will not be able to enter the Wedding.  I honestly believe people will have a chance to repent in the 2nd or 3rd watch of the night, but Jesus Christ taught that His coming will be an hour we don’t expect, which means He is coming in the NIGHT.  No one can see in the night, so we don’t know what it contains, but the revelation of Jesus Christ will allow people to see clearly to make it to the Wedding and be raptured by the Messiah.


12.  Profitable Servants (Matthew 25:14-25:30)


    The Parable of the Profitable Servants is a really interesting parable concerning different levels of productivity for the Kingdom.  Three servants were given different talents, one was given 5 talents, and he multiplied to 10 talents, the second was given 2 talents and multiplied to 4 talents, and the third buried his talent.  It’s really important to understand that God expects people to use their gifts to increase the Kingdom of Heaven and bring glory to the One who sent us, which is Christ.  God doesn’t light a candle and put it under a bed, but He puts it on a Lampstand so all in the house can see the light.  There are people who are successful in their business or their working in life, or in their studying and praying; the proverb of Solomon says, “In all labour there is profit” (Proverbs 14:23).  If we are truly laboring for the glory of God then we should bring profit to Him and also ourselves.  An idle person who doesn’t work, or labor in Christ, does not have any profit either.  God’s first commandment in the Bible is to be fruitful and multiply and make the earth an enjoyable place to live.  Each person has a gift, so there is no excuse; we must think about the glory of Christ and what we can do to show forth His life.  At the end of this age, we will be brought to account for the gifts we had and if we used them to profit the Creator’s plan, and the good news is the Creator is gracious and merciful, but the essence of this parable is to not be idle, but by the Grace of God we must find productivity for His world or His Kingdom.  Even if someone is not His child yet, they still have gifts, so it’s important that people celebrate one another’s gift and encourage people to humbly use them.


Chapter 10
Selected Parables Continued


13. Moneylender Forgives Unequal Debts (Luke 7:37-50)


    The Parable of the Lender who forgave two people, one owing 50 pence and another owing 500 pence.  Who will love him more?  Obvious reasoning would tell us that the one who owed more debt is the one who will appreciate the Lord more.  Jesus was there to frankly forgive all of humanity for their sins before God, through the work of Christ on the Cross, and so those who are more guilty and are forgiven will love more, having realized their own weakness.  Jesus said an amazing thing to the Pharisee, and He said, “He who is forgiven much, the same loves much.  He who is forgiven little, the same loves little”. (Luke 7:47)  How could this be true?  Why is being guilty before God’s Law a pre-requisite to knowing and possessing Love?  How could weeping at Jesus feet and kissing His feet justify a life of sin?  According to the Scripture, the reason is because she was truly contrite and broken before God, and that is what made her a loving and humble heart.  Pride is still man’s greatest flaw in God’s eyes, so His Word says, “God resists the proud, but He shows grace to the humble” (James 4:6).  This is deep down another parable about humility and self-abasement that comes with being a disciple of Christ.  Christ is to be our all-sufficiency, and not ourself.


14.  Wise and Foolish Builders (Luke 6:46-49)


    The Parable of Wise and Foolish Builders.  The wise man builds his house upon a rock, but only after digging deep and laying the foundation.  As we know, the foundation of God’s House is Jesus Christ.  People must have a correct revelation of Jesus being the Messiah in order to truly be born again by His Spirit.  When the Scripture says “dig deep” it means studying and praying in the Spirit, in order for the Seed of Christ to take root in our heart of flesh.  The heart must be broken and contrite to reverence the Word of God, who is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Those who hear the saying of Jesus, and KEEP IT, they are building upon the Rock.  There are many who hear but do not keep the sayings of Jesus, and He said they are building on sand.  As long as people are disobedient to the Lord and not committed to Him, then they are building their house on sand and not rock.  It’s the same principal as the seed that falls on good soil, as opposed to falling on hard soil or rock.  There must be softness in order for the Seed of Jesus Christ to germinate in the human heart and soul.  The work of God in redemption is a work of reproduction of Christ Himself, so as we dig deep, lay the foundation of Jesus Christ, and build upon this foundation, then we won’t fall in the day of judgment.  There are many who hear the Word of God, but do not obey the principal of it.  The teaching of Jesus in this parable is obedience.  Only the obedient to His Gospel will inherit the promises of God.  Jesus even said, “Why do you call Me Lord if you do not what I say?” (Luke 6:46)


15.  Watchfulness (Mark 13:32-37, Matthew 24:32-51)


    The Parable of Watchfulness is in relation to the 2nd coming of Christ.  Jesus wanted His disciples to watch and pray always in order to prepare their soul for the coming of Christ.  Jesus asked who is that wise and faithful servant, whom the Lord will make ruler of all His goods?  This I believe is referring to the Branch of the Lord, which is the Bride of Christ, who will cause the disciples of Christ to sit down and feed them the meat of God’s Word.  The Song of Solomon is a good book to read to understand the many spiritual goods that the Bride of Christ will possess to satisfy the Lord Jesus Christ and the other Sons of God who will be equal in power.  The essence of this parable is that people must be prepared for the coming of the Messiah, and to ask, seek, and knock and basically study the wisdom of God given through the apostles and prophets of God.  Jesus even says that no man, or angel, or even Himself, knows the day of the Lord’s coming except for the Father.  One of the carnal desires of men is to know the future and the details, but God wants people to seek the perfection of their soul by feeding on God’s Word and seeking first His wisdom which is able to enrich their life greatly.


16.  Lampstand (Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18)


    The Parable of the Lampstand is a small saying of Jesus that refers to the lighting of a lamp, and the need for it to be placed on a lamp stand.  If someone has a gift or understanding of the Gospel, then God expects them to be prepared to be used as a light in this dark world.  Jesus said there are many called but few are chosen.  God will use those FEW who truly love Him and keep His commandments, to be His ensigns and ambassadors of His Kingdom.  We don’t need to be self-sent preachers like some are, but we must be prepared by the Father’s grace to labour in the vineyard of God and be sent by Him to reap the harvest.  No one can reap the harvest except they spend years in preparation.  It is important that disciples of Jesus are correct channels of God’s word and truth by the unction of the Holy Ghost.  Jesus said no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bed, but it is put on a stand to give light to all in the house.  The Light of Jesus Christ only comes by the Holy Ghost anointing, so please do not listen to any pastor or preacher who belittles the anointing or baptism of the Holy Ghost, they are false teachers.  The Holy Ghost is the Source of the Light, and Satan our enemy is the source of darkness and misunderstanding in this world, and he is the father of lies.  The Apostle John wrote, “God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him” (1 John 1:5).  Let us understand that there is no darkness in God, and there is no sin in Jesus Christ from everlasting to everlasting.


17.  Leaven (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21)


    The Parable of Leaven has been an often misunderstood saying of Jesus Christ.  In the Bible leaven is always a reference to sin and evil, and Jesus referred to the revelation of the Kingdom as being like leaven.  He mentions a woman who put leaven in three measures of meal, until all the dough was leavened.  This means there are 3 manifestations of the Kingdom, and each of them will cause more knowledge and revelation to increase in the earth.  Each time God appears, there is more grace, there is more leniency, there is more changing of our conscience.  What was once evil is now pure, as the Apostle Paul said, “All things are indeed pure, but it is evil for the man that eats with offense” (Romans 14:20).  See, the increase of the knowledge of God causes man’s conscience and morality to be more lenient just as God is lenient and gracious.  We are not justified by the letter of the law, but by the grace of Jesus Christ and His atonement.  Some people might think “What about lawlessness?”.  It is true, the principal of lawlessness is considered a mystery by the Apostle Paul, but God will allow evil to exist until His 2nd coming burns away and destroys evil works by the Spirit of His mouth. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)  A lot of people debate, “What is lawful for a Christian?”  Or they say, “What is illegal for a Christian?”  The more we grow as Children of God, the more our conscience will be strengthened to know the difference between good and evil and also how to not resist evil when it comes.  Paul, as a spiritual man, wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).  In other words, we as Children of God are born of incorruptible seed by our faith, and we are not always subject to the weaknesses of the fallen nature, but rather, we have an overcoming faith and power.  People have to beware not to cause weaker Christians to go against their conscience or be destroyed, but that isn’t always up to us, we just have to remember the witness and glory of Jesus Christ.


18.  Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)


    The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a very popular and well understood parable of Jesus.  Jesus mentions a Levite and a Priest who sees a fallen and beaten man, and they do not fear God enough to help rescue him.  The Good Samaritan, however, sees the man and has compassion and seeks to rescue him.  He brings him to an inn and Jesus said he pours in oil and wine into the wound.  Oil and wine represent the pleasant message of the Gospel of Grace and how it is able to cure the wound of sin and death that was upon him.  The Levite and Priest represent the Old Covenant, which did not rescue anybody.  The Law of Moses did not give anyone life or grace, it only identified the problem of sin and gave a temporary covering for it through the Levite Priesthood which God instituted until the Messiah came.  Only Jesus Christ as the Good Samaritan is able to understand the hurting people of the world and deliver them from their lost and wounded condition.  Samaritans were outcasts, they were sinful and struggling, but if someone is indeed GOOD then they are able to help the lost, and this good nature only comes through Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost indwelling us and outpouring to others.  Some might wonder, “Wasn’t Jesus a Jew?  How can He be a Samaritan?”.  It is just an expression as to how God uses weak and hurting people to help others, because they understand better the conditions of life.  Jesus knows the conditions of humanity and only His balm of healing and compassion can heal people.


Chapter 11
Selected Parables Continued


19.  Two Sons, One Obeys, One Does Not (Matthew 21:28-31)


    The Parable of Two Sons, one who was commanded by his father to work in the vineyard and he said he would go, but did not go.  The other son was commanded the same thing, and he said he would not be going, but later he repented and did go.  The parable is quite simple, meaning that some people have a profession of religion and piety, such as the Pharisees, but they are unwilling to do the Father’s will.  Whereas there are others who seem waywardly indifferent toward God’s call, but they later end up repenting and going to work in the vineyard.  Jesus told them that tax collectors and prostitutes believed the call to repentance by John the Baptist, and they will enter the Kingdom sooner than the religious professors who are hypocrites.  In this parable, Jesus is saying that a profession of faith means nothing, if we do not back it up with obedience.


20.  Signs From A Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-32, Matthew 24:32-36, Luke 21:29-33)


    The Parable of the Fig Tree is basically the expression of spiritual life and vitality that comes from the House of Judah, which are the Jews.  Jesus was saying before the Fig Tree comes down, they should give it a chance to bear fruit, otherwise it will be cut down.  It’s referring to the House of Judah, which is the source of spiritual Light in the world.  After they rejected the Messiah and He was cut off, they were blinded, and God turned Himself toward the Gentiles and He will establish a nation that will bring forth fruit for the Kingdom of God.


21.  The Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-8)


    The Parable of the Unjust Steward, is where a man is wasting his master’s goods, and he must be removed from the stewardship.  What he does is he gives a rebate to all his master’s debtors, thus giving him favor in their eyes.  Jesus is teaching that he did the wise thing in order to have favor, which is make friends of the unrighteous mammon.  Some may wonder why Jesus is referring to money as “unrighteous mammon” in this parable.  Perhaps because it was made in an unjust way, or else maybe it is because man highly esteems money to the point where it becomes “mammon”.  Either way, the lesson of this parable is that we must learn to give and create favor from God’s Kingdom.  Jesus refers to the finances of the world as the untrue riches, but He says if we are unfaithful in the unrighteous mammon, we will also be unfaithful in larger matters.  The key is to be faithful in usage of money, and be frugal, and be givers, and to know the value of a dollar and not be wasteful.  Because to be wasteful is also called being a prodigal, and we must be as Jesus Christ who never wasted money, He even collected the fragments of bread and fish after a great feast. (Matthew 14:20)


22.  King’s Servants Given Minas (Luke 19:12-27)


    The Parable of the King’s Servants Given Minas is another teaching on productivity.  God wants His disciples to produce fruit for His kingdom, using their gifts.  Each servant was given one minas, and one servant multiplied to 10, one servant multiplied to 5, and another hid his minas.  This is a teaching on God’s command to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the face of the earth with fruit.  We are given time to labor in the Gospel and God expects us to be fruitful and faithful to our calling, especially when it comes to blessing other people in His name.  A disciple of Jesus Christ must abide in Him in order to bear fruit for the Kingdom, so that is the goal of each disciple is to walk in the Spirit and grow into His likeness.  Those who are productive servants will be given more glory and honor.  The Lord will slay the false and evil-doers, but He will greatly reward those who are productive disciples of His.


23.  Persistent Widow and Crooked Judge (Luke 18:1-8)


    The Parable of the Persistent Widow and Crooked Judge is concerning the vengeance due the enemies of righteousness.  God promises to avenge His elect, and through the Cross of Jesus Christ all evil and sin was judged forever.  The lusts of the flesh that bother people must be put upon the Cross.  The true enemy of humanity is SIN and through the Cross of Christ, sin was forever judged by God.  Through the Gospel of Grace, people can receive the correct understanding of the Gospel and learn to overcome all things through faith in Christ.


24.  Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)


    The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a very famous teaching of Christ.  Lazarus was a beggar at the gate of the rich man, and he never received any mercy or financial support.  It is a teaching that those who have riches should help the poor as best they can, and understand that this work of helping the poor could be their very salvation.  What good is faith without works?  It is dead, according the the apostle James (James 2:17).  If people do not back their profession of Christ with tithes and offerings to the poor and needy, then it can be argued their faith is not genuine, simply because Jesus commanded this work to be done so many times through Scripture.  In the after life, Lazarus was taken by the angels to paradise, and the rich man was taken to hell, and there was a great gulf separating the two places.  The rich man wanted to warn others about the treachery of hellfire, but Abraham told him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe if one rise from the dead”.  (Luke 16:31)  In other words, unless people understand their sinfulness and depravity of fallen humanity described by Moses and the Prophets, then they won’t accept the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Savior who is risen from death forever.  Jesus’ death and resurrection was to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, so people must REPENT, and reckon themselves dead with Christ, in order to whiten their garments from the sin of the old creation.  People must confess and repent and be washed in the blood of Christ.  Jesus warned that except all of us repent, we won’t endure the coming of Christ. (Luke 13:3, 5)  Often times people must be broken in order to hear the voice of Jesus calling to them; Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13).


Chapter 12
Selected Parables Continued


25.  Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)


    The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.  In this parable Jesus is referring to those who do not forgive, and the penalty of God upon people who do not show mercy upon those who owe them a debt.  Jesus is saying we should be patient, just like the Father in heaven is patient with us.  The same forgiveness we receive of God, we should bestow that spirit upon others who need forgiveness.  If people repent and come to Jesus Christ, they must know they are forgiven.  A lot of people hold grudges and are easily offended, but they must forgive others their trespasses, as the Father forgives them.  They are no better than those they hold grudges against, so why not have a liberal spirit of forgiveness and grace?


26.  Friend in Need (Luke 11:5-13)


    The Parable about the Friend who visits at Midnight needing loaves.  This parable is about the desperate need for the ministry of the Bread of Life.  Those who possess much bread, or many loaves, must be willing to share the bread of life with those whose souls have hunger.  In this particular case, the man in the house is busy with his family, but there are always people seeking to know the salvation of Jesus Christ, and people must have an answer for those who need Jesus.  Let us be gracious as God is gracious, and let people know about the Savior’s atonement and work of redemption.  Let them know about the free gift of salvation by Grace.  Let them know about the Love of God, and give them good doctrine of Jesus Christ.  Don’t give people a religion to follow, give them a SAVIOR to follow.


27.  Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7)


    The Parable of the Lost Sheep who is found by the Shepherd.  Yes, there is more joy in heaven over 1 sinner who repents, than over 99 just person who are left in the wilderness.  The wilderness is a place of spiritual battle, and Jesus is saying anyone who is idle and not seeking the promised land, is going no where.  People who do not repent of their sins and seek holiness, are not on the path of spiritual conquest.  It is kind of a mystery as to why the Lord has more joy over the lost soul, rather than others who kept themselves together, but it is just part of the Kingdom to know redemption from a sinful condition.  The Laodaecian condition is being a lukewarm Christian and being full of material goods, yet being wretched, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17).  God may use brokenness and weakness to draw people to Himself in order to bring them His fullness.  As long as people are unbroken as a sinful vessel, then they are going no where in God’s Kingdom.  The Kingdom of God is a life of eternal progress, and just as Jacob in the Bible, God will break people down in order to use them and make them acceptable or great people. 


28.  Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)


    The Parable of the Lost Coin.  Jesus tells of a woman who lost one silver coin out of ten, and she swept the whole house until she found it.  The only thing I think of in this parable is the law of tithing.  1/10 of the silver belongs to God, just as 1/10 of all our possessions belongs to God’s work, so we must remember to sweep the house in order to find the coin that belongs to God.  Once people recover their belief in tithing to a good and God-approved ministry, then they will have found their joy of salvation again.  Tithing and offering is the greatest proof of both love and faith, so we must remember this holy commandment of giving to God’s work or else giving to the welfare of the poor.  


29.  Praying Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)


    The Parable of the Praying Pharisee and Tax Collector.  Jesus explains how vain of a prayer the religious hypocrite offers to God, that he exalts himself and is proud of his piety toward God.  Also the tax collector is a lowly sinner who desires God’s mercy.  This is a teaching of justification by God’s grace, because Jesus said the tax collector was justified that day.  As the New Testament teaches many times, religious duties do not impress God.  Listing all the good things we do does not impress God.  The pharisee was exalted of himself, and Jesus always taught that is the wrong doctrine.  Jesus always taught self-abasement which precedes honor and glory.  The pharisee was truly the most pathetic of all people, because all their energy in life is wasted on being self-righteous and following the written code of Moses.  The truth about Moses’ Law is the fact that all humanity was lost in sin, and only a Savior could lift them out of their fallen condition.


30.  Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-11, Matthew 21:33-46, Luke 20:9-18)


    The Parable of the Wicked Tenants is concerning those who held the keys to ministry in Israel.  Jesus basically talks about God sending prophets to bear witness to the Jews, and they were beaten up and killed.  But eventually, He sends His Son, and the Jews kill Him also.  They truly are a wayward people, lost from the grace and blessing of God since their beginning.  So what Jesus said is the Kingdom of God will be taken from the Jews, and given to the Gentile nation that represents the Kingdom in the future generations.  It is true, that the Body of Christ, is not Jew or Gentile, but they are all one in Christ Jesus, and any Jews or Israelites who want to be saved must come through this Door of Jesus Christ among the Gentiles.  Jesus speaks of Himself as being the Stone that was rejected by the builders, and how He is now the Head of the Corner, so in other words, Jesus is the first Stone of God’s Temple.  The Jews were not a born again people, so they were not truly part of the building of God unless they believed that Jesus, or Yeshua, is the Messiah.  This confession of faith in Jesus is the foundational Stone of Christian Faith.


Chapter 13
Counting the Cost


    One of the things Jesus often told His disciples is counting the cost of discipleship and how it would cost them everything to follow Him.  Friends and family will misunderstand a disciple of Jesus, and often a disciple has trouble in his own household and family.  The Light of Jesus Christ is so bright that it attracts the attacks and buffetings of the devil, even through family and friends.  A prophet or apostle of Christ has no honour in his own town and country, there is much envy and strife in most people’s hearts and they are not prepared to see one of their own citizens become a great one in the eyes of the Messiah.  Jesus said except a man figuratively hate his family, and his own life, he cannot be Christ’s disciple (Luke 14:26).  Jesus seemed to make it an astounding doctrine on the separation that must take place to be His follower, but in reality, it simply means others must not be as important as God or Christ, and if it means despising one or the other, they must choose to follow and love Jesus Christ above their nuclear family.  The natural man and nuclear family often has no problem with being united together, because among many there is no great light of Christ to contend with.  Those who live in darkness prefer others who live in darkness.
    Persecution is another thing Jesus promised would happen to His followers.  The world simply doesn’t understand spiritual life and glory, it has no place in a fallen world system or religious system.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings people life from death, so it should not be surprising that these do not get along always with the dark world around them.  The book of proverbs teaches that if a man’s ways please the Lord, He will cause even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7)  So it is possible to have peace in the midst of the fallen world, but as Jesus said, many will be hostile towards the Saints, some have been killed for their testimony, some have been slandered and reviled for their testimony.  The key to overcoming the world is FAITH, as written by 1 John 5:4-5.  The Apostles of Christ in the 1st century were like sheep to the slaughter, they were harmless as doves and sons of God, but they were often killed and tortured for their testimony of Jesus Christ.  The greater the Light that is manifested, the greater the discrepancy of the darkness that opposes it, but with Wisdom there is always peace with God, and safety.  As people walk in Wisdom’s paths, they will be safe and secure in the Lord’s favor.


“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:26-27


“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?  It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” - Luke 14:33-35


“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” - John 16:2


“Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:  That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” - Matthew 23:34-35


    Some people may think the Gospel of Jesus Christ has a great and unappealing side to it.  A lot of people don’t realize the battle that is going on of good verses evil, and they want to be a neutral person in this battle, but that is not possible.  Jesus said, “He who is not with Me, is against Me, and He who is against Me, scatters abroad”. (Matthew 12:30)  Jesus also said, “He that is not against us, is on our part” (Mathew 9:40, Luke 9:50).  It’s important to know these Scriptures, to know and identify an enemy or a friend.  A friend is any person who sides with the Truth of Jesus Christ, an enemy is a person who sides with the world and makes friendship with the world and wants to please the world rather than God. (James 4:4)  The world is currently at enmity against God, so people should spare any time and energy spent on pleasing those who reject Jesus Christ.  Some people are sheep who don’t know yea or nay, and they are non-factors many times in this battle.  The reason I say this, is I don’t want people condemning the world when Christ died to save it.  I don’t want people condemning the world, when God delights in mercy and kindness for all men.
    One of the great things Jesus said would happen to many disciples is they would be set before kings and rulers of the Gentiles, and they would have a chance to testify before the world and against the Gentiles.  This is written in Matthew, Mark and Luke, that when we are brought before kings and authorities of the Gentiles, to not premeditate any thoughts or words, but let the Holy Ghost speak through us the testimony of Jesus Christ and the words that He wants to speak. (Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11)  We don’t need to have anxiety or impulsiveness in speaking, but just wait in His Presence until the word of God comes forth with power and authority.  God wants us to speak in His name the words of life and grace to the convincing of people who hear.  Many people will come in the name of Christ claiming to know Him, but according to Isaiah, except they speak according to THIS WORD then there is no light or life in them (Isaiah 8:20).  The more familiar a person is with the Word of God, the better they will be at knowing the voice of truth and the voice of error.  Jesus Christ Himself is the voice of truth, so people must sit and learn of Him the oracles of God, and they will have rest of soul and peace of mind. (Matthew 11:28-30)


Chapter 14
The Cross of Jesus Christ


    The Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is accounted in all 4 of the gospel records.  It is spoken often by the Apostle Paul and other Apostles.  It is fore-told in the Old Testament prophets.  The Cross of Christ is the most important event in world history, everything hangs upon the Atonement of the Lord.  Some people thought the idea was foolish, but the Law of Moses taught blood atonement as the only means of sin being purged.  The Law of God required the death of Jesus as a substitution for fallen man, and a divine appeasement to a broken Law.  Without the finished work of the Cross and the blood of Christ, then there is a continuation of fallen humanity forever.  Only by the one final sacrifice of Jesus was mankind redeemed in a provisional way by God the Father.  All humanity was fallen and lost from God’s Presence, but the shed sacrifice of the blood of Christ has brought all humanity near to God, especially those who receive and believe the Message of the Gospel. (2 Corinthians 5:19, Romans 5:18)  On the Cross, Jesus Christ became an eternal offering for the sin of mankind, it is not a human sacrifice, it is a sacrifice of God Himself, taking upon Him the sins of the whole world.  The Law of Moses is the knowledge of sin, but it is not an answer to the problem of sin.  Only Jesus Christ’s atonement and resurrection, and outpouring of the Holy Ghost; these are what bring fullness of salvation if His disciples continue in faith till the end.
    The Jews had been following Moses’ commandments and offerings for about 1500 years at the time of Jesus Christ, so what Jesus and the Apostles bore witness of was a fulfillment of the Old Testament, and through the resurrection of Jesus Christ there was brought forth a newness of life and glory.  There is now access into the Holiest Place, because on the Cross the veil of Christ’s flesh was torn, and now there is a way into heaven with God.  How costly was this gift of God!  Christ became sin on the Cross, so that we can know God forever. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  The Jews out of their envy delivered Him up to the Roman authorities, and Pontius Pilate reluctantly had Jesus Christ crucified at the demand of an angry Jewish mob.  (Mark 15:15)  Just as Moses lifted up the brazen serpent on the pole in Numbers 21:9, so was Jesus lifted up on the Cross in order to draw all men to Him.  Without bearing the Cross, there is no progress made in spiritual life and glory.  The Cross was to put to death the body of sin, and the resurrection is to give us a body of righteousness that serves God.  Salvation is a process of God, it takes time to study, to pray, to fast, to give alms, and as we do these works of faith and grace, we are proclaiming the righteousness of faith.


“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.” - Matthew 20:18-19


“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.” - Luke 18:21


“And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” - Mark 15:15


“This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.” - John 19:20


    So Jesus was crucified, and after He gave up the ghost, there were three hours of much storming, thundering and lightning.  Jesus suffered a very painful and dark moment separated from the Father.  He descended into a place beneath the earth called Sheol, among the dead.  The Gospel of Christ is preached unto the dead ones, in order for them to participate in the eternal life of the resurrection. (1 Peter 3:19)  The graves of Old Testament Saints were opened at this moment in history, and on the 3rd day all of these Saints rose from the dead with new bodies and eventually went to heaven with Jesus to their eternal home. (Matthew 27:52)  It is important that people understand that there is a literal resurrection of our bodies, male and female, and are to be united in their heavenly estates for eternal happiness with God.  Not everyone is resurrected at the same time, but those who have kept the faith and prepared for eternal glory will be raptured first.  The final thing to say about the Cross of Jesus Christ, is it is the corner piece of all genuine Christian Faith.  This is not about being religious or being part of some religion, but being part of God’s own family of redeemed men and women, shining brightly in glory for all eternity.  Only by the Cross is this glory possible, and I will mention it throughout my life as being what saves all humanity.


Chapter 15
The Resurrection and Great Commission


    After Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the 3rd day, it was a day of amazing victory that not many would believe at first.  What Jesus had been telling them had been true all along, He really did suffer the Cross by the hands of sinners, and was risen again for our justification from all sin.  First, Mary Magdalene saw Jesus resurrected, and she was wondering where His body lay!  He was risen from death forever! (John 20:13-15)  Never again would death have a hold on our Lord Jesus Christ, because as He told them, He is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25-26) He suffered the worst death at the hands of the wicked, and now He is straightway glorified by God.  This work of Jesus Christ was now complete, and the way into the Holiest Place was now available by virtue of the blood of Jesus.  The Twelve Apostles eventually saw the Lord, and Thomas was not there.  Thomas had to see in order to believe, which is where the term “doubting Thomas” came from.  Anyone who needs to see to be justified is a doubting Thomas.  Nonetheless, Thomas accepted the truth, and he remained as a great apostle of Jesus.  Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Ghost, and gave them power to forgive sins or else retain sins. (John 20:23)  This was the first reception of the Holy Ghost, prior to being baptized by the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.
    After 40 days, Jesus visited His disciples 3 times and He eventually spoke good blessings over them and He ascended to heaven in a cloud.  The cloud were the witnesses of Jesus who raised from the dead with Him and they were going to their eternal home in heaven.  Jesus gave them a commandment to preach the Gospel to every creature and to wait for the promise of the Heavenly Father to be poured out upon them in Jerusalem, which would happen on the day of Pentecost.  This was the Great Commission of the Lord, was to convert the nations unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as disciples and followers of His commandments.  This was only possible through the power of God given on Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire.  What was given to the Twelve Apostles of Jesus is still a work that needs to be finished today by God’s prophets and apostles.  They must wait upon God in prayer and fasting, and receive His power.  People must pick up their collection of Scriptures and Prophecies and do battle with the enemy to win souls to Christ.


“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” - Luke 24:44-47


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


“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28-18-20


“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” - Mark 16:16-19


    So this is the end of Jesus Christ’s life in the flesh, and from now on He is eternally alive in the Spirit.  In the book of Acts, He baptized His disciples with the Holy Ghost and with Fire in order for them to have power to bear witness unto His name in all nations, starting in Jerusalem. (See Acts 2)  The Twelve Apostles were very powerful, and the next 15 chapters of this book will discuss the wisdom and works of the Apostle Paul and the Twelve who were ordained to minister for Jesus in the earth.  After being filled with the Holy Ghost on Pentecost, being in the upper room, 120 of them saw the power of God come upon them and they spoke in other tongues.  They went forth doing works in the name of Jesus Christ, and through the preaching of Peter there were thousands of people saved at different times as they heard and believed the message. (Acts 2:41)  Also through the ministry of Peter, they saw the salvation of Gentiles also for the first time, such as the house of Cornelius. (Acts 10:4-5)  All the Jews in Jerusalem greatly feared the Twelve Apostles, and they encouraged people to break bread and fellowship in the Word of God.  A man named Stephen was also a mighty witness of the Lord, and was testifying against the Jews for all of their crimes throughout history, and after he was killed, they laid their garments at the feet of a man named Saul of Tarsus, a pharisee who was a man who tried to destroy the Church of Christ in its earliest form, until He met Jesus!


Part 2
The Apostle Paul and the Apostles


Chapter 16
The Apostle Paul


    The next 15 chapters will be the wisdom and revelation given to the Apostle Paul and other Apostles like Peter, James and John.  Paul is a man who wrote 14 epistles in the New Testament, which contain many weighty and powerful truths about the Gospel of Grace, oftentimes written in mysterious ways or figurative speech.  In my first book I briefly explained why people need to take heed to the Apostle Paul and understand the authority he was given by Jesus Christ.  Without an understanding of the Dispensation of Grace, then it is impossible to truly receive understanding of the entire Bible canon.  In this portion of this book I will be covering many sayings of the Apostle Paul and giving the interpretation of the Holy Spirit that He has shown me.  The Word of God is a useless thing unless it is correctly understood by the Spirit of Truth, which is why so few people have profited from the Gospel.  The Lord often spoke to people in parables, and with the Apostle Paul it is no different, not many have understood the spiritual realities given to Paul, many have only understood them according to the letter, and not the newness of the Spirit.
    The Apostle Paul was previously named Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted the Christian family, and sent many to prison and death at the command of the High Priest of Israel.  But on the road to Damascus, Syria, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to Paul and struck him down to the ground.  The Holy Scripture says, “And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;  Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:14-18)  This is one of the greatest events of a man being converted in the Bible, a man who was completely unworthy to follow Christ and be a minister, but that was what God did through the Apostle Paul.  Everything the Apostle Paul was revealed through his years of preparation was to bear witness of the Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ and His good will toward all men and all nations, as was fore-told to Abraham.  Paul prayed that the Church would have the spirit of revelation and the spirit of understanding in order to help them grow and build them up in the Word of Grace.


“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward…” - Ephesians 3:1-2


“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord…” - Ephesians 3:8-11


“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool ) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.” - 2 Corinthians 11:23


    That is one of the things the Apostle Paul taught, even though he felt foolish in doing so, is he did more than anyone of his time period is preaching the Gospel.  He knew the wolves would take over the church after him, but God has preserved most of his testimony in the Holy Bible for future generations to learn from and understand by the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.  The only way to truly understand the Scripture is to ask God for Wisdom and also abide in study and prayer daily until we grow unto the fullness of the stature of Christ.  Without Paul’s testimony, the Holy Bible would be incomplete.  Paul is from the tribe of Benjamin, and many great things were spoken of Benjamin, and through Paul’s testimony, the house of Benjamin truly has a great hero of faith.  Jesus told him that he would suffer great things for the Christian Faith, but God does different things with each person, and Paul was definitely someone God has been gracious to, and through his weighty doctrines, we have become a very rich people of God.


Chapter 17
Epistle of Romans


    The epistle of Romans is considered by many to be the most powerful writing of Scripture in the Bible.  For those who are skilled in the word of God, the epistle of Romans is the hub of the wheel.  There are many core tenants of the Christian Gospel that is written by the Apostle Paul in the Roman prison, which if people understand properly the meaning, they will be delivered from much error and misunderstanding.  It does take devotion to learning Scripture and receiving the Holy Ghost that will cause people to grow spiritually.  The first thing Paul talks about is how he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which IS the power of God for those who believe, just as Abraham believed, so Christians are called to continue from faith to faith. (Romans 1:16-17)  Paul also referenced how humanity is fallen and lost from God, and they have no excuse to doubt His power when the creation of God clearly is evidence of His intelligent and unlimited creative abilities.  Paul describes the absolute depravity of the fallen man from the time of Adam down through history, and that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon this rebellious and unholy condition of humanity. (Romans 1:29-32)  How can man judge each other as sinners when every man contains the same guilty conscience in the eyes of God?  Only a Savior named Jesus Christ can redeem man from his fallen condition.
    The 2nd chapter of Romans is an interesting saying concerning the difference between the obedient and righteous, and the unbelieving and faithless.  Those who are contentious people are often rebelling against God.  It also describes the difference between Jews and Gentiles, how those who are Gentiles have a law unto themselves, and can sometimes be more righteous than those who follow the written code of commandments. (Romans 2:14, 2:27)  The problem with the Jews and their Law, is the Law has no power to give life, even though it is holy and just.  Without the work of the Cross and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the written commandments are just dead letters that cannot be fulfilled.  Paul knew there are many good Samaritans among the unbelieving Gentiles who will fare better than those who profess religion or profess Judeo-Christian faith.  As James wrote, faith without works is dead. (James 2:17)  What he means, is if we have faith, we must walk in the Spirit in obedience to our faith.  Otherwise we are nothing but religious hypocrites as the Pharisees and Scribes were.  The last thing Paul wrote in the 2nd chapter is that the true Jew is one who is circumcised in the heart, and keeps the faith of Jesus Christ in their inner man, and not necessarily in the outer man with its show in the flesh.
    The 3rd chapter of Romans is a very important testimony.  First, Paul refers to the Jews as being the nation given the oracles, or prophets, of God, from Moses in 1500 B.C., to King David in 1000 B.C., down to Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and also Daniel in 600 B.C and all the minor prophets.  It was a very good thing to be a Jew, because they were God’s people, and they still are.  He also mentioned that all men are indeed sinners, but that justification is only through grace, faith, and the blood of Christ, and not by any means our own works. (See Romans 3:24-26)  Paul was trying to convince Christians that all humanity are lost and sinful and there is none who truly are righteous outside of the new birth by Jesus Christ and abiding in His Gospel of Grace.  A lot people use these Scriptures out of context, saying there is no one righteous, no, not one.  It’s true, in the old creation all humanity is lost in sin, but in the new creation there will be a true assembly of righteous people in Christ Jesus who do keep the faith with sincerity, and they are often the least of society who hears the Gospel and keep it.  Romans 3:31 says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”  When the Apostle Paul says “we establish the Law”, he is not referring to the Law of Moses, but the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.  He is referring to the Law of Christ dwelling within the heart by faith and by the power of the Holy Ghost.


“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” - Romans 3:20-26


    The 4th chapter of Romans is a chapter on Abraham’s faith, and how the righteousness of faith works.  Abraham believed God, and thus God’s grace was upon him.  Faith is the only way to please the Lord God Jehovah. (Hebrews 11:6)  It is kind of a mysterious principal as to how faith and not works is our means of righteousness.  Paul said if we work, then our reward is a payment of debt.  But if we believe on God, our reward is not a debt, but a charitable grace.  Religion teaches people they aren’t good enough and they need to work for their salvation and “be good enough”, whereas the truth is, simply believing in the Word of God, or the promise of the Gospel, we are justified in His sight.  God counts faith as being righteousness in His sight. (See Genesis 15:6)  He has a right to name people righteous or unrighteous.  These sayings of Paul do not eliminate the blessing of good deeds, but in God’s courtroom, a guilty conscience is not cleared by self-works, but by the blood of Christ.  Most people deserve a lot worse than what they get, but it is God’s gracious and merciful nature to atone for the sins of humanity, because He loves them all and is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
    The 5th chapter of the epistle of Romans is another important and necessary doctrine, which states that God has reversed the curse of sin that was brought by Adam, and has instead made peace with God through the atonement work.  Paul says as Adam brought us under the bondage of sin through his disobedience to God’s holy commandment, so Jesus has MUCH MORE given us grace and the gift of righteousness through His finished work of Calvary. (Romans 5:17)  Paul taught that Christ died for all people who were on earth and were at enmity with God and Himself, and through the blood of Jesus there is now peace.  It is quite a mystery to behold and meditate on, because Paul also said the love of God is what we hope for in Romans 5:5.  What higher thing is there than the love of God?  Who can comprehend it in one day or one month or one lifetime?  Who can comprehend God’s Love in a 1000 year life time?  That is the discovery of God’s life is that it is eternal and unchanging.  We must be patient in afflictions, because nothing compares to the tidal wave of God’s glory that will cover the earth soon as written by Isaiah 11.  From Romans 5:12-21, these are very important pieces of godly wisdom that people must remember.  Righteousness is a free gift of God’s grace, and not something we earn by merit.  The free gift came upon all men according to Romans 5:18, which is contradicting many preachers and students of the Bible.  Many believe you have to have faith in God to be justified, but according to Romans 5:18, justification is freely given by grace and is imputed on all men.  It doesn’t mean they are righteous, but if they believe the Gospel, and are born again, and follow the faith as Abraham did, they will eventually be made righteous and blessed.  Except a person believe in the Gospel, the salvation provided for them will not be realized in their life.


Chapter 18
Epistle of Romans Continued


    This chapter of the book I will discuss the three most important chapters in the Bible, which is Romans 6, 7 and 8.  There is no more profitable Scriptures in the Bible than these 3 chapters.  Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).  Knowing the meaning of these Scriptures is integral in being free from sin and our growth in spiritual life.  I would say all Scriptures are important and necessary, but God let the Apostle Paul write many mysteries of His Kingdom in these epistles, and these 3 chapters reveal our journey from the flesh life in which we are crucified with Christ and freed from sin, the battleground of the soul where we overcome lustful desires that battle our mind, and finally our entrance into the Promised Land, and the victory by the Spirit of God in which we reign in life through Jesus Christ.
    Starting with Romans 6, the Apostle Paul writes about how we who believe have been baptized into Jesus Christ, both in death and resurrection with Him.  Death loosed us from sin and the law of Moses, whereas the Spirit has resurrected us into new life in Jesus Christ.  We died with Christ because of our sinful nature, we were buried with Him, and we were resurrected by faith on His name.  The resurrection has provisionally already happened, but not everyone has experienced the resurrection life yet because they have not heard His voice calling them yet.  Hearing the voice of Christ the Son is the first step to being redeemed and resurrected by God.  Then people must put off the grave clothing of religiosity and piety which is like a fig leaf method of covering sinfulness.  People must follow God in the pattern that Abraham followed, which is easy, it is grace and it is faith mixed together.  The bottom line of Romans 6 is that the body of sin has been crucified by the Cross of Christ, and we are provisionally loosed from sin and the law of Moses.  The covenant with Moses is ended by the death of Jesus Christ, now only Christ Himself is the spiritual law we must follow.  No one can be justified by their own self and adherence to the law of Moses, people must only believe the Son, and follow His commandments, and they will build the Temple rightly.  It is about Christ being formed in the heart and soul, a living message of Grace personified in the Son of God.


“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:11


“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” - Romans 6:13


“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” - Romans 6:17-18
 
    In Romans 7, this may be for many the most confusing doctrine for those who walk in spiritual darkness.  I don’t expect many to understand it immediately, but it’s very simple.  First Paul says, the only commandment of Moses that has an expiration date is adultery.  Once the husband is dead, the woman is freed from the law.  A lot of people want legal justification in having another spouse, and they do it by putting away their previous spouse.  In like manner, Christ has died as the husband who is Adam, the fallen creation, and has raised again as the Head of the new creation.  That is one of the mysteries of the new creation is that Christ is the Husband and Head of the male vessel. (1 Corinthians 11:3)  Just as man is the head of the female vessel.  Paul was just letting his people know that they are now loosed from the law of Moses through the death of Christ, and they are no longer justified by the works of the law, but by faith and grace.  Christ’s Life indwelling us is righteous and holy, and as people grow in Him, they will not yield to sin as much.  As they suffer with Christ, they will learn obedience.  Romans also talks in a figurative manner, how those who follow Christ, and desire holy living, often yield to sin and lust, and it seems to be a law that works in the flesh.  A person may desire to do what is right in their mind, but have no power to do right.  They may not have power to abstain from sin and lust.  It takes daily bearing the Cross and walking by faith in order to be perfected by Grace.  Paul thanked God that with his mind he serves the Law of God, but his flesh serves sin. (Romans 7:25)


“Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” - Romans 7:4


“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” - Romans 7:6


“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” - Romans 7:18


    Romans 8 is the consummating factor in our relationship with God,  and it is that the Spirit is the power we need to be our source of goodness.  The 9 fruits of the Spirit are all being reproduced in our heart and soul as we study His wisdom daily and pray always.  The problem of Romans 7 is solved by Romans 8.  As people ask for Grace, ask for the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost, and ask for help, they will overcome and eventually enter the land of promise.  A lot of people talk about how indwelling sin is not something that can be overcome, but that is not true;  that’s just an excuse believing sinners make for refusing to grow into godliness.  As long as people make excuses for their sins, they are foolish and froward.  God provided a means of atonement in the blood of Christ, He provided spiritual food and drink in order to grow, and He gave us His excellent name to keep us by.  There is no excuse-making for sins.  If people fear the Lord and repent, they will be spared judgment.  If they do not believe the message of warning and repentance, they will be destroyed.  God is a lenient Father, but there are many stubborn people who do not come to Christ and seek His commandments which give life.  The last thing I’ll say, is this chapter of Romans is about the victory that only comes by the Holy Ghost indwelling us.  If we follow the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, we will be free from the law of sin and death.  If we abide in Christ, we will live forever and be translated into immortal glory.


“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” - Romans 8:1


“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” - Romans 8:5


“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” - Romans 8:9


“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28


    A lot of the Scriptures of Romans 8 discuss how we are not to walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and if we do this, we are separated in our walk as the children of God.  Paul wrote that all of the creation of God groans in sin and corruption and is waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God (Romans 8:19).  The Sons of God are to show forth the life of Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father by the power of the Holy Spirit, and this work is a work of liberation from the bondage of sin and corruption.  Paul teaches that we as Sons of God do have a glorious liberty because of the Spirit of God dwelling in us.  The Holy Spirit is a free spirit of Grace and Truth, and through this ministry there will be glory and joy dwelling within.  Also the Apostle Paul teaches people that all things work together for those who love God and are His chosen ones, and he also taught that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. (Romans 8:38-39)  He taught that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.  This love of God is what makes us strong in our testimony, and He gives us indescribable joy and victory in all that comes to us in life.








Chapter 19
Epistle of Romans Continued


    The next chapter of Romans is the 9th chapter, which explains a few key pieces of wisdom concerning the election of Grace.  Paul teaches us that he has sorrow for the Israelite nation because to them was given the promises of God and they had continual service to Him for 1500 years, and also they are the nation of the prophets and kings and the holy Messiah.  But the key of this chapter is that Paul is saying that not all who are of the nation of Israel are the true Israelite people.  “That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” (Romans 9:8)  Paul is teaching that just because someone is an Israelite or Jew in the flesh does not mean they are God’s Children, but only those who are born again through Jesus Christ, which is figured by Isaac.  Also those who are of the House of Jacob are those who are elect even in the mother’s womb to be God’s Children.  Even before Jacob and Esau were born, it was said that Jacob was chosen to be the ruler, not by merit but by grace.  “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9:16)  Paul is also saying that those who use self-effort to serve God are not going to prosper as one who just humbles himself and puts himself into God’s keeping.  God wants people to use faith and grace and not works to serve Him.  God often chooses the weak things of the world to overthrow the mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
    Another piece of truth is how God creates a vessel of honour and also a vessel fit for destruction.  God often creates evil men in order to show forth His glory in the vessels of honour and mercy.  It is the wisdom of God that chooses to create good men and evil men, in order to glorify Himself in righteousness.  Paul also talks about how there is going to be an elect remnant of Israel whom God will call the children of God, when in times past, they were cast off by God through various captivities. (Hosea 1:10) The key theme of this chapter is the elect of Grace and faith, and how if anyone is going to be an elect vessel of honour they must be chosen by God, and not by any merit of their own.  Just because someone is an Israelite or Jew in the flesh does not make them God’s people, because in the new creation God will bring both Jew and Gentile into one Body of Christ.
    Romans 10 is a great chapter where Paul discusses the righteousness of faith verses the righteousness of the law.  Paul wrote, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).  Paul is saying that Christ Himself is our source of righteousness and not our own ability in keeping the law.  The Spirit of Christ is able to strengthen people in righteousness and holiness, and it doesn’t require our own efforts.  The Jews thought they were righteous by obeying the Law of Moses, but they forgot that all humanity was lost in a sinful condition, and needed the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Paul is saying that if people believe in their heart on the name of Jesus and confess Him with their mouth, they will be saved (Romans 10:9).  Romans 10:14-15 speaks of how important it is to have a messenger of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel, but that before anyone preaches they must be sent by God.  Many people desire to be used by God but they don’t often lay the ground work of preparation.  But Paul wrote, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  It’s important to know that faith comes through hearing the word of God, because those who abide in the word will have more confidence and faith in Him.  The last thing Paul says in this chapter is how God will use the Saints to provoke to jealousy those Jews who do not believe.   Unbelief has a terrible consequence, because they make no progress in God if they don’t have His favor.  Those who continue till the end will have an open show of blessings and favor from God, and it will be undeniable proof of His power.
    In Romans 11 Paul discusses how there will be an election of Grace, and how the Jews were blinded until the fullness of the Gentiles come into faith.  He said God wants to provoke the Jews to jealousy by those whom He personally chooses.  “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?” (Romans 11:15)  So Paul is saying the Jews were indeed cast away into doom after they rejected the Messiah, but there will soon be a day where they are received again by God and it will be a time of great joy, and resurrection life for their culture.  Paul is saying that Christ is the root of both the Jews, and Israelites and Gentiles, and if any man has Christ rooted in their heart, then they will be holy people also.  The next portion is how the Jews were cut off because of unbelief in Jesus Christ, and that we who are saved are standing by faith, but Paul does warn Christians that they too can be cut off as the Jews were if they do not continue in the faith.  It’s the same principal as marriage; to be married, one must continue faithful in their love relationship.  “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.” (Romans 11:22-23)  There are many Christians who believe they cannot be moved from their position, but Paul is clear that only those who are faithful and true will be rewarded and crowned with glory and honour.  He also said, if people forsake their unbelief and find Christ, they can be grafted back into their own olive tree.
    One thing that Paul mentioned a couple times is how Jesus Christ was a stumbling stone for many of the Jews and He was a precious Cornerstone for those who are elected vessels of mercy.  Paul is saying that the Gentiles have obtained salvation and mercy through the unbelief of the Jews.  The Gentiles are grafted in as wild olive branches, but the Jews were cut off as a nation because of their unbelief.  But he also taught that Gentiles can be cut off as well if they do not continue in faith toward Jesus Christ.  The enemy is always seeking apostate people to forsake the Lord, and become children of perdition.  “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Romans 11:28)  God wants all to depend on His mercy for salvation and continuation of life, and not by any means our own works.  That is one of the truths about Atonement, is being One with God through Jesus Christ.  It is only through our union with Christ that we prosper in life, and not because of our own goodness.


Chapter 20
Epistle of Romans Continued


    In Romans chapter 12, the Apostle Paul says to offer our bodies to God as a living sacrifice.  To serve God in hospitality and love for the Saints.  To not conform to the world but let our minds be renewed by the knowledge of God (Romans 12:2).  Everything Paul preached was renewal and regeneration by the power of Jesus Christ.  He also wanted every man to humble themselves and think soberly about themselves, and be of a lowly mind around men.  Pride can sneak into the Church as well as in the world, so people must remember the commandments concerning humility.  In Romans 12:17-18, he says, “Recompense no man evil for evil”, which many still do this, but it is the Christian manner to return good for evil.  It is the Christian Gospel to live in peace towards all men, and be of a temperate and calm demeanor.  It is not the way of Jesus Christ to seek to avenge oneself, but let God be the Judge in the last day.  It is God who does the work inside of us, we are just the vessel that is being made ready for Him to use.  Paul says, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10)  That is one thing God always wants is for people to be others-minded, and not self-centered.  People must celebrate other people and rejoice in others more than ourself.


“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” - Romans 12:18


“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” - Romans 12:19


    In Romans chapter 13, the Apostle Paul speaks of the Church of Jesus Christ being subject to the powers and principalities that be, whether in heaven or on earth, because these powers are ordained by God.  This chapter has been in question many times, as I do believe God would rather not that tyrants have power over the Saints, but the essence is that people must identify that people like the tax collectors, the police officers, the government officials; these people should be respected.  To resist them is to resist God’s authority on earth, even if they are corrupt people.  It’s okay to disagree with the systems that are in place, but people must follow God’s process when it comes to gaining power.  The principal of this Romans 13 Scripture, is that governing bodies should be punishing wrong-doers, and praising well-doers, so if this is not happening then you can rest assured the authority is illegitimate.  In Romans 13:9-10 the Apostle Paul is saying that all the commandments of Moses are briefly understood as “love your neighbor as yourself”.  Whatever does ill to your neighbor is called “sin”, but those who do good and love and honor the neighbor is one who fulfills the law.  Saints must “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, and not seek to fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Romans 13:14)  As we bear the Cross of Christ, the flesh is dethroned in our life, and we can serve in the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.


“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” - Romans 13:3-4


“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:8


    In Romans chapter 14, the Apostle Paul teaches the Grace doctrine on eating and drinking, and also holidays.  He says if any day is esteemed to be holy, people have a right to celebrate it.  And likewise they don’t have to celebrate it if they don’t want to.  Same goes for eating and drinking, Paul says all food is indeed pure, but if any esteemed something evil, it means their conscience is not fit to eat of it and be guiltless.  The Jews had many foods that were considered unclean, and there were many forbidden things in the Law, but in the New Testament, they were able to eat and drink anything if they have the faith of Jesus Christ.  This could apply to any type of earthly enjoyment, such as movies, or music, or food, or drink; people must follow their good conscience and not purposely offend other people through our food (or the things we enjoy in life).  Paul is saying those who eat and drink, do it by faith, and whatever is not of this faith will be sin to them. (Romans 14:23)  People must follow the will of God in having a clean conscience, and not do anything they are not comfortable with.


“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” - Romans 14:5


“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.  Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. - Romans 14:13-17


Chapter 21
The Epistle of 1 Corinthians


1. The Wisdom of God vs the Wisdom of the world. (Chapter 1 and Chapter 2)


    The first major theme of the book of 1 Corinthians is how God’s wisdom is better and greater than the wisdom of the world.  He teaches how the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, but only those who are born again by the Spirit are ones who comprehend spiritual things.  He teaches that a spiritual man can judge all things rightly, but he himself is not judged rightly by anyone. (1 Corinthians 2:15)  God will use His prophets and apostles to show forth His Life in the latter days, and as it is written by Isaiah, it will be a marvelous work and wonder before the world. (Isaiah 29:14)  No one will be able stand before the Saints at the day that the Ancient of Days is revealed and the manifestation of the Sons of God will burn like an oven.  The Wisdom of God will truly be the promoter of the Saints on earth, as they eat of Christ daily, they will learn patience and godliness.
    The main theme of the first chapter is the Cross of Christ, and how it is a foolish thing to many, but for those who believe it is the power of God.  The Greeks seek wisdom, and the Jews seek for a sign, but those who are elect of God accept the Cross as the wisdom and power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23)  Those in the world do not understand spiritual things, for as Paul says, the wisdom he preaches is the hidden wisdom of God, wisdom that was kept secret from ages past.  No man can know the things of God, only as they are born of the Spirit as God’s Offspring will they know the things of Jehovah.  Paul also taught that it is the weak and foolish things that God uses to confound and overthrow the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27).  What a revelation!  Except a man identify with the least of society, then they cannot truly be part of the greatest work God is doing.  Paul says, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption…” (1 Corinthians 1:30)  What a great saying of Paul, that Jesus Christ is our source of all spiritual blessings.  We must not forget this integral truth at how simple it is to find spiritual life; it is in Jesus Christ only!


2.  Judgement will be the Lord’s by Fire (Chapter 3 and Chapter 6)


    The second major theme of 1 Corinthians is how God is preparing the Temple of God through the ministry of the Saints, and how all of our work will be tried by fire.  As disciples of Christ, we are to sow the seed of the Word, and water the seed with prayer, and let God do the work of increase.  If this building work is good then it will be a Temple made of gold, silver and precious stones, whereas the wood, hay, and stubble will be burned up.  The precious truths of God’s Wisdom are likened to precious stones in the New Jerusalem.  It’s important to sow good seed into the work of God, and forsake the tares of idle and evil words that are destructive.  The Apostle Paul writes in chapter 6, that the Saints in the Church of Christ are the people who will judge the world, and judge angels, at the last day.  He is saying, we should not follow the pattern of this world, with its lawyers and worldly authorities, when it comes to dealing with members of Jesus Christ’s Body.  There must be a separating of the Kingdom of God and its Saints, from those who follow the world as unbelievers.  Paul is challenging the Saints to seek Wisdom and learning the knowledge of God in order to be effective judges in the Kingdom; it is a higher call than anything in the world, and those whom God chooses are going to rule and reign with Christ.


3.  What does Paul mean by Fornication? (Chapter 5 and Chapter 6)


    The third major theme of 1 Corinthians is concerning fornication.  This is one of the greatest mysteries is to know what is lawful or what is unlawful in matters of sexuality, but one thing is for sure, and it is that promiscuity is not something God approves of, simply because as Proverbs 5 says, a lot of strange women want to destroy a man of God, and a lot of evil men want to destroy women of God.  People must enquire a potential romantic partner to see if they are worthy and have the Spirit of Christ, because if they don’t, they are none of His. (Romans 8:9, Matthew 10:11) Anything that is contemptible in Moses’ Law is what Paul refers to as “old leaven”, which in this case, a certain man had his father’s wife and Paul commanded that such should be cast out of fellowship with the Saints.  If a marriage relationship is legitimate, it must be approved and ordained by God’s Spirit.  There is much more happiness in marriage if people are joined by the Lord.  
    In a deeper sense, fornication truly means any spiritual practice that is not faithful to Jesus Christ.  Since the Church is espoused to Christ as Husband, people must remember they must be faithful to Jesus Christ.  Fornication doesn’t always refer to sexual practices, many times it refers to spiritual devotion to Christ the Husband.  Fornication is any kind of unfaithfulness to God or Jesus Christ that causes people to stray from their faith in Him.  As Paul taught, “The body is not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body”. (1 Corinthians 6:13)  This should be enough evidence to prove that what Paul is teaching is not strictly sexual, but spiritual.  Fornication can also refer to idol worship, and allowing pollutants to dull our faith and love toward God.  That is why when a woman in the Old Testament was an adulterer, it was considered defilement.  But in the newness of Christ’s Salvation, we no longer trust in the flesh, but in the Spirit, for our sanctification. (Philippians 3:3)  The key is knowing that our bodies are the flesh of Christ, and people must remember that and not allow the world or any religious bodies to defile the Temple of God with their vain traditions.


4.  Marriage (Chapter 7)


    The fourth major theme of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s teaching on marriage.  In the Old Testament, many people had more than one wife if it was given by God, but Paul said, “let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)  Marriage is kind of a mystery that needs Holy Spirit revelation, because in the new creation people of God will walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, so people must know the truth.  As Paul said, if we have become dead with Christ, then a woman is at liberty to marry in the Lord and not the letter of the law. (1 Corinthians 7:39)  Our life is no longer after the flesh, but after the Spirit, so Paul taught that it is good to be unmarried when it comes to the dead letter of the law.  The law is not our source of righteous living, but only the faith of Jesus Christ.  If husbands and wives separate by permission for a season, they should walk as unmarried people, or else be reunited to their spouse; for they are loosed from the law of the husband in the salvation of Jesus Christ. (Romans 7:2)  In other words, Paul’s Gospel is not a gospel of legal bondage, but freedom in the Spirit, so long as people can contain themselves to doing God’s will.  Only what God gives as a spouse will have His blessing, and if men lust after women they are not justified.  Only the things that are in God’s will and word are legitimate.  Does God ever fail anyone?  Does He not know what is best for His Children?  Those who marry by the law will have trouble in the flesh, says Paul, but he would spare us. (1 Corinthians 7:28)  It’s important to take note of this warning and discover the meaning of new creation marriage.


5.  Paul’s work is free of charge and Israel’s folly (Chapter 9 and Chapter 10)


    The fifth theme of the book of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s mission to keep the Gospel free of charge.  He did not want to be a bad example of financial spending nor did he want people to pay money to receive ministry, because he knew many Pastors would abuse this principal if they were given the power.  Paul did teach just as the Israelites received offerings from God and ate them, in like manner, so should ministers of Christ eat and live by the Gospel work, but only if they are truly sent by God.  Paul admitted that those who sow the Gospel message should be the first ones to eat and enjoy the blessings, and those who sow spiritual things ought to reap material blessings also.  The difference is knowing that finances are a gift to the ministry and not a payment of debt.  Paul finished the chapter by saying we must become all things to all people, in order to win them to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)  Anyone who is called to minister must become a servant of all, both Jews and Gentiles, both bond and free, both religious and non-religious.  
    Also in chapter 10, Paul is warning people of God to remember the sufferings of the Israelites, and to remember to not repeat their folly of idol worship and turning away from God.  The things that happened to Israel, both good and bad, were for our learning.  Israel often murmured against Jehovah God in the wilderness, they committed fornication by turning from the LORD, they were a stiff-necked and hard-hearted people.  Yet God did suffer Himself to be their God from the time of Moses down through hundreds of years until the Messiah was born to bring fulfillment to the Law and the Prophets.  It is important to study the Old Testament and be familiar with the stories of Israel, because they are rich in hidden meaning and Holy Ghost inspiration.  God is always teaching the Church of Christ through the manifold happenings on earth, whether through Israel, or through world kingdoms, and often God shows people His ways through the stories of Scripture.


6.  The Nature of Love and the Resurrection Call (Chapter 13 and Chapter 15)


    The sixth theme of this book is the nature of Love and also the resurrection call.  This is Agape Love, which did not exist in the Old Testament, which is why Jesus calls it a “new commandment”. (John 13:34). Love that is selfless, infinite, unconditional from almighty God alone.  Paul describes what God’s Love is about in chapter 13, and how it truly is the “perfect thing” that is coming to humanity.  Whatever this chapter says about Love is what God expects to develop inside the heart of the Saints.  “Does not envy” and “does not vaunt itself” are good keys to know about love.  Whenever we are tempted to exalt the self we must remember it is not the nature of Love to do so.  Whenever we are envious or filled with strife, it is not the nature of Love.  We must grow and become the Love of God on earth, through our abiding in Christ.  Paul says it is childish to continue in prophecies, and knowledge and tongues, but once we grow into manhood or womanhood in Christ, we no longer do childish things.  Love truly is the more excellent way God has after we have gone through the growing process.  
    In chapter 15, Paul talks about the resurrection call of God, and how in Adam all men and women die, but in Christ we are all made alive, every man in his own order. (1 Corinthians 15:23)  It’s important to know that immortality and glory is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as His voice is heard, so shall men rise from death and be quickened for all time and eternity.  People must prepare themselves for the resurrection, and for those who already are enjoying the resurrection life, we must keep abiding in Christ through prayer and daily devotion.  As Jesus said, “He who believes on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.  And he who lives and believes in Me, shall never die” (John 11:25-26).  That is immortality, it is abiding in a love relationship with Jesus Christ, daily and till the end of time.


Chapter 22
The Epistle of 2 Corinthians


1.  Consolation and Victory through Jesus Christ (Chapter 1 and Chapter 2)


    The Apostle Paul talks about the suffering and the consolation that comes through Jesus Christ.  It’s important to know that if we suffer for Christ, then we also have resurrection life in Him also.  He also said, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) Paul wanted the Corinthian Church of Christ to know that there is always victory in Jesus Christ through faith on Him.  Christ is the Seed of the Word of God, and as we walk in Him there is always death and resurrection happening through Christ dwelling in us.  God promises to give us a strong consolation if we escape the cares of this world and the lusts of the flesh, but we must be willing to follow God’s process and training as disciples of Jesus.  No one can go anywhere if they behave like Martha, only as they be as Mary and sit in communion with Jesus the Lord of Lords will they ever find the Source of Life.  The Source of Life is found in solitary communion with the Heavenly Father;  finding a place alone with God is the only way to find true Life and happiness.  


2.  Old Testament Glory vs New Testament Glory (Chapter 3 and Chapter 4)


    In the third chapter, Paul teaches the difference between the glory of the Old Covenant verses the glory of the New Covenant.  As the Old Covenant was written on stones and brought condemnation, so the New Covenant brings life by the Holy Spirit and the patient process of writing the word of God upon our hearts.  Also Paul referenced the face of Moses that shown with physical light, and that his glory faded away, whereas through Jesus Christ’s face He shines in the human heart the revelation of God, and it is a more excellent and eternal glory.  It is important to study the difference that Paul is showing between Moses and Jesus Christ.  Moses’ was an outward glory, whereas Jesus is an inner glory.  The Light that was revealed on the face of Moses was fading away, whereas the Light and glory that is upon Christ is everlasting and spiritual.  The Law of Moses was a ministry of death written on stone, but the ministry of the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus is a ministry of life and grace, and not condemnation.  We as Christians must count the flesh dead with Christ if we are to keep the faith.  Every day we must reckon ourselves dead to sin and the law of Moses, and alive in the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (as written by Romans 8:2).  It is this revelation of Jesus Christ in our heart that frees us from the law of sin and death, how amazing!  The world is perishing, lusts are perishing, and many are blinded, but those who truly believe the Gospel of Christ are alive forever.


3.  Clothed with Immortality and Sufferings Yielding Life (Chapter 5 and Chapter 6)


    In the fifth chapter, Paul explains how we have an earthen vessel, but inside of us is an eternal dwelling place of God if we are born of God.  Immortality is something that clothes the new creature in Christ as they continue growing in Him and abiding in Him.  Not everyone is ready for this, so that is why he said some people would be found naked.  Paul said it is better to be absent from the body and present with the Lord, but as we believe the Gospel and the promises of God, we can experience His Presence in and around us through faith on Him.  Paul also talked about how as our body or soul suffers with Christ, so shall the life of Jesus be made manifest in our mortal body.  In other words, our body and soul gains strength as it goes through God’s processes and disciplines of the Spirit.  Paul always wanted the Church of Christ to rejoice in afflictions, in infirmities and in weaknesses, in order for the power of Christ to be upon us. (2 Corinthians 12:9)  How great is God’s way!  We can never be defeated if we have resurrection life and immortality, for to live is Christ but to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)


4.  Giving Money into the Work of God and the Blessings Thereof (Chapter 8 and Chapter 9)


    In the eighth and ninth chapter, Paul is talking about the bounty of money given for the ministry, and how we sow into the work of God, or give to the necessity of the Saints, and how God will cause all grace to abound to the giver.  These are important Scriptures in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, because this is the process that God uses to show many great miracles.  As people give to the work of God they will undoubtedly be blessed for their deed and the unspeakable gift of charity.  As people give to God or to the poor, they will never lack according to Proverbs 28:27.  Paul wrote many words about the untold blessings of those who give to God or to the poor, simply because he wanted to convince people how true this principal is.  God responds to givers, he wants people to be rewarded for their sacrifices to Him.  You can’t do good and not be blessed as a reward.  All good deeds have a reward and all bad deeds have a reward, and God is the Arbiter of these blessings as He sees fit for us to receive them at any given time of need or want.  As the Psalmist wrote, “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want”. (Psalm 23:1)


5.  Doing Battle with God’s written Word and Fighting the Good Fight (Chapter 10 and Chapter 11)


    In the tenth chapter, Paul refers to how the weapons that Paul uses are not carnal or physical weapons, but they are spiritual weapons, such as the Word of God, the blood of Christ, the faith of Jesus Christ, the prayer of faith, and the word of our testimony.  All true Christians should seek to do battle with these things, and not physical weapons.  There is no weapon formed against us that shall prosper according to Isaiah 54:17, so we must remember to walk at liberty and without fear, but also remember to walk in faith-filled prayers.  Prayer is the weapon of men like Elijah and Moses, who with one prayer could shut the heavens, and cause fire to fall upon the ungodly (1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 1:10-12).  We must pray according to God’s will though, and not anything spurious or wrong.  The Apostle Paul taught Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life, and we must do this battle as Christians in order to stand up and commit themselves to winning the Prize. (1 Timothy 6:12)  How exactly will a Christian win the race if they don’t run and seek God daily and keep the vision till the end?  Do people really think God cannot bless them 100 fold above those who don’t obey Him?  There will be a vast difference between a righteous man and a wicked man, and it will be riches, wealth and happiness are with the righteous.  (See Psalm 112:1-4)


Chapter 23
The Epistle of Galatians


    The epistle of Galatians is a very important epistle of the Apostle Paul, and it describes the church of Galatia and how they decided to go back under law and seek to be justified by their fleshly works.  Paul goes on many renditions of how we as Christians are a free people who are not justified by the law or by works, but by the grace and faith of Jesus Christ.  At first, Paul tells the Galatians that they have believed in “another gospel”, which he says is no gospel at all.  If people do not preach the gospel of grace, then Paul is saying they will be accursed before God (Galatians 1:8-9).  If any man or angel teaches works as a means of salvation, or else law-keeping, they are accursed by their own law.  Paul also references himself as the Apostle of Uncircumcision and how Peter is the Apostle of Circumcision, but in this case, Paul rebuked Peter for being a hypocrite in one instance, separating himself from the Gentiles. (Galatians 2:11)  This is something that happens a lot among religious people, is they don’t want to be seen with sinners or people they deem unworthy, or maybe they just don’t want to lose their good reputation.  Peter represents the outwardly religious people, whereas Paul represents the true Church of Christ that embraces the Gentiles.
    The purpose of this epistle was to show that Abraham and His Seed are the Body of Christ, and they are not justified by the outward law of Moses, or any religious codes, but only by the Person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.  Jesus Christ is not a religious body, but a spiritual Body, joined together by common faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:10-11)  Yes, the Apostle Paul explains clearly why we are not justified by the Law in the sight of God, and it is because it is a performance-based work of the flesh, whereas those who live by faith in Christ it is God who wills and does the work by His indwelling Spirit. (Philippians 2:13) The Law of Moses was never meant to give life to the Israelites, it was only meant to show how sinful they were.  Christ dwelling in man and woman is an incorruptible life, and if any Christian is religious, they are quite ugly to God, so they must seek to put off their religious grave clothing if they want to be beautiful in His eyes as a Bride.


“And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” - Galatians 3:12-14


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


“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” - Galatians 5:4-6


    The basic essence of the Galatians epistle is freedom from the bondage of the Law of Moses.  At the time that Paul wrote this, it was a new doctrine, and he had hoped that people would accept it.  A lot of the epistle distinguishes between the Spirit and the flesh, such as the works of the flesh being sinful and the fruit of the Spirit being holy and good fruit (Galatians 5:22).  Also Paul expected the Galatians to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh, and not paying attention to months, days, years, but rather embrace the eternal life in Jesus Christ.  It doesn’t mean we don’t keep track of time, but Paul would rather have Christians embrace the timelessness of God’s Kingdom, and not follow every vain tradition of men.  Also the fifth chapter, Paul talks about how if anyone seeks to be justified by the law, they are fallen from Grace. (Galatians 5:4)  It is not our self-effort that impresses God, but our yieldedness to Christ who dwells within the believer.  As long as people dig deep in the Word, and lay the foundation of Christ in their heart, then they will be rooted and grounded in Him, and they will be one with God through Christ.  There are many religious people who want to make a show in the flesh, as Paul wrote in Galatians 6:12, but they are not ones that please God, and often they reject the ministry of the Spirit.  Religious people often do whatever it takes to avoid persecution from the general assembly of church-goers, whereas the true prophets and apostles of Christ have always been on the outside of such assemblies.


Chapters 24
The Epistle of Ephesians


    The epistle of Ephesians is another important writing of the Apostle Paul.  This could be considered the epistle of heavenly places in Christ, as Paul often wrote about how all spiritual blessings are given to us through Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).  This is also a good epistle that discusses being elected and predestined to salvation in Christ.  Just as Noah was fore-ordained, because God needed to continue his creation through him, so also the remnant Church that obeys the Lord is also fore-known by God in each generation.  Paul also discusses an important matter of forgiveness and how it is the divine act of forgiveness that causes the resurrection to begin, as he says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:4-6)  So the moment a person believes in their heart on Jesus Christ, and confesses with the mouth the truth of Jesus, they are now born of Him as a new creature.  That is an irreducible life of Christ that dwells in the heart and continues forever; that is the divine life of God that comes only through Jesus Christ and His miracle incarnation.
    Another important mystery Paul discusses in Ephesians is the joining together of Jew and Gentile, and how through Jesus Christ dying on the Cross, God is creating one new man in Him.  The hatred and enmity that the Law of Moses produced in the human heart is crucified and dead by the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary.  How powerful this event was!  Christ and His doctrine are one and the same, He is the living word of God, so people must remember that when they eat of His Life.  The Bride of Christ will be neither Jew or Gentile, but rather the Kingdom Saints gathered and united as one Body in the Spirit of God.  The Cross of Christ has nailed the written code of commandments to the Cross.  He has nailed both Jew and Gentile on the Cross, and has made peace between both and has brought forth one new spiritual Body in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:15)  Paul says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)  So right here, you have a very important Scripture of being builded together through the foundational Scriptures of the apostles and prophets of God in the Bible, and also Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone.  The purpose of this work is for the Body of Christ to be the Temple of God in the Spirit.


“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord…” - Ephesians 3:8-11


    So the Apostle Paul discusses the eternal purpose that is related to the manifold Wisdom of God in the above Scripture, and that the Church of Christ is the minister on earth of God’s wisdom, even the powers in heaven must respond to the Saints on earth who have power to bind and loose.  There are people in heaven, powers and principalities who are watching the affairs of the earth, and a lot of them do not have the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ nor do they all possess great wisdom, because many of these things are hidden in God for those who seek His face.  Also in chapter 3, Paul talks about the depth of the love of Christ, which is to know the fullness of God, especially between a husband and wife who are joined by the Lord.  The Greek word for “know” is Ginosko which is a romantic kind of love, between husband and wife.  This is also mentioned in chapter 5, where husbands and wives are joined by the Lord to be washed by the water of the Word of God.  A marriage should be blessed by the spirit of Grace and Truth and the overflowing fountain of God’s Love.  If people do not have this they are not experiencing the fullness of God and His salvation yet, it comes by following Christ till the end and keeping His word daily.
    In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, Paul describes many things that could be seen as attributes of a true Christian.  He wants the Church of Christ to walk worthy of their vocation in the Gospel of Christ.  He wants people to have meekness and humility, and forsake self-seeking and carnal emotions like wrath, envy and strife.  The Church must learn to put off the old man and his deeds, and put on the new man which is renewed in the knowledge of God.  (Ephesians 4:23-24)  The behavior of the new man in Christ Jesus is to be holy, good, unblameable, and unreproveable in the sight of God. (Colossians 1:22)  A lot of people teach that “we are all sinners” but that is NOT what God’s Word teaches, that is an excuse to continue in sin.  He wants people to repent and confess their sins, and be washed by their faith in the blood of Christ, and walk with a good conscience toward God by the Holy Ghost. (1 John 1:9)  No one should be allowing sin or evil to reign in their mortal body, but let the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus reign in our heart and soul. (Romans 8:2).  Paul does not want the Church to walk after the Gentiles who follow vanity and evil works and mental blindness, but rather come away and be with Christ and learn to eat the bread of life and treasure up the Holy Ghost.  We must be kind to one another, and tender and forgiving to those who are in Christ, but also seek to reprove and rebuke those who are in error, but with gentleness.


Chapter 25
The Epistles of Philippians, Colossians and Titus


Philippians


    The epistle of the Philippians is a great writing of the Apostle Paul, in which Paul praises the Philippians for their obedience and their acceptance of Grace and charity towards the Apostles.  In the fourth chapter, Paul told the Philippians about how richly God will provide for them, because of their giving nature. (Philippians 4:19)  In other words, when we give to the cause of Kingdom Ministry, we are laying up fruit to our account, and God will provide for us abundantly as Paul wrote.  Also Paul wrote in the third chapter, about how he has forsaken all things, and counts them as dung, in order to win Christ. (Philippians 3:8)  Paul wanted to run the race in his testimony and life, and WIN the Lord Jesus Christ as a Prize.  The calling of God in Christ is the Prize of the Saints, and it is an eternal calling of God to grow and increase the Kingdom, and through the Apostle Paul, he laid a great ground work for future generations.  “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…” (Philippians 3:9-10)  In this particular passage, Paul did not want to be found with self-righteousness before the throne of God.  He wanted to always hold before him the righteousness of faith by grace, and suffer with Christ in order to work out his own salvation by conforming to His death.  And he also says in the same chapter, to seek to walk forward in perfection, and forget the darkness of the past.  Paul wants people to look to the future with hope and joy of God’s great glory and Light.
    In the 1st chapter Paul talks about some of his sufferings, and that to live is Christ and to die is gain, that by walking in Christ Jesus is his true life and joy, and Paul identified Christ as his source of life and happiness, whether in life or death. (Philippians 1:20-21)  Also Paul said whether in pretense or in truth, no matter what, he is happy that Christ is preached. (Philippians 1:18)  This is a gracious statement of Paul, because many people truly preach Christ and do not have any real understanding of the Gospel, but they are justified just by knowing the name of the Savior of the world.  Whether it be Catholic, or Protestant, or LDS, or Pentecostal, or Baptist, people must know that Jesus Christ is preached as the Savior of the world.  Not one group of Saints is yet perfect, so it’s important not to exclude people from the Body of Christ who indeed are true believers in Him.  Inasmuch as God’s people are founded on the rock of the Gospel and holy Scripture, they will be sanctified as His true church.  The last thing is that Paul in chapter 2, talked a lot about being of one mind and one Spirit in Jesus Christ.


“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” - Philippians 2:1-4


“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:9-11


Colossians


    In the 1st chapter of Colossians, Paul goes on a rendition of teaching the Church of Christ about what God expects of them, in learning the knowledge of God, by receiving the Grace of God, and growing in all wisdom and spiritual understanding and being strengthened with His glorious power. (Colossians 1:9)  We can do all of this by asking for more of the Holy Spirit and being filled with more of Him and less of our self.  Also Paul talks about how we the Saints have already received an inheritance and have already been translated in the Kingdom of the Son, but our mission is the keep the faith, keep moving forward, and grow to the place of abundant life and blessing. (Colossians 1:12-13)  Also Paul talks about how Christ is the Head of not only the Church of Christ but also the Head of all principalities and powers that exist.  That through His death on the Cross, the world was reconciled to God, and that through His blood there is forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14).  The purpose is to make men perfect and holy through their continuance in faith toward Christ.  Through abiding in Christ, we are walking in the immortal walk with God.  The principal of immortality is achieved through abiding and living in Christ, and continuing in faith till the end.  As Jesus said, “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” ( John 11:26)
    In the 2nd chapter of Colossians, Paul is teaching that in the Father and in Christ is all the riches of wisdom and knowledge.  He also talks a lot about not falling for the vain traditions of men, and not being spoiled by the philosophies of the world, which are not true.  The Apostle Paul wanted the Church of Christ to be a free people, and not bound by men’s religious notions, or their hypocrisy, nor by the world and its philosophies, but by the Word of the Living God which abides forever.  “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)  This a good saying of Paul because he is teaching the necessity of Christ being formed and rooted in the human heart and soul.  Christ is the incorruptible and irreducible Seed of Almighty God, and through Him, we can live a new and glorious life.  No one can possess divine life or the divine nature outside of confession of the truth of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. (John 1:12-13)  Also Paul mentions the “circumcision of Christ” in this chapter, being the death to the old man on the Cross, being the means by which we are dead to the world and its rudiments, and we now live in heavenly places in Christ.
    In the 3rd chapter of Colossians, Paul talks about being a risen and resurrected being by Jesus Christ, and that we must seek those things that are above if we are indeed risen with Him.  Paul stated that Christ is our life if we are born of God and we must prepare ourselves to meet the Lord at His coming, and the only way to do this is be sanctified by the Truth of God.  Also Paul talks about putting off the old man, and mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and putting on the new man, which is holy and pure, loving, merciful, kind-hearted, and forgiving.  Basically, Paul is saying to put on the Christ Life and be a partaker of the divine nature.  He wants people to abide in Christ, and abide in learning His Word every day, and abide in prayer every day.  If people want to be a champion spirit, they must do these things every day and make progress toward ever-increasing wealth and glory.  “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)  Lastly, Paul wants people to do all things in the name of Jesus, and always be giving thanks.  Let the grace of God guide us into fulfilling all these things, as Paul’s Gospel was to bring fulfillment to the word of God, and the reason is because of Grace.  Grace is the divine ability to keep God’s work till the end.


Titus


    The epistle of Titus is a smaller epistle of Paul but it nonetheless has some very important sayings.  Paul describes the holy manner in which a Bishop should walk in Christ and that people like this should be used to silence the gainsayers and the mouths of vain talkers.  Also one of my favorite scriptures is, “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:15-16)  This saying of Paul is important, as many Christians and religious people often are the first people to condemn and find fault, so people must understand that all things are indeed pure to those who possess pure and believing hearts.  Nothing is often pure in the minds of unbelieving religious people.  Paul is saying many profess to know God, they claim they are His people, but they are disobedient and faithless people.  A good test is usage of money, if people give to the poor and needy, and remember what Scripture says about that, then they should be blessed in that area of life.  If people refuse to obey the charity doctrine, then they are hypocrites and not legitimate children of God.
    In the 2nd chapter, Paul discusses the importance of faithfulness to Christ and being good and obedient men and women.  Who do we obey?  We obey first and foremost the Spirit of the Lord.  No one needs to obey an unjust or unrighteous head, that is why Christ is the ultimate Head people must remember.  One of the repetitive themes of the epistle of Titus is good works.  Those who are faithful in Christ should have sound doctrine, and sound speech, humility, and also good works.  We aren’t justified by good works, but they are definitely proof of the faith of Christ and also we are greatly rewarded for obedience.  The reason few Christians are blessed on earth is because FEW are actually obedient.  Many Christians care more about the world and the things of the flesh, than they do the Lord and His boundless wealth.  The Lord Jesus Christ will remove people from His Church who do not glorify Him and who do not believe and obey Him.  “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)  The reason Jesus came to earth was to REDEEM US from all iniquity, and to make us white and pure by our faith in Him.  People must remember Elijah and Elisha, who both did miracles very often, and these are things God still wants to do on earth.  Good works are anything that help other people; not everyone is an Elijah or Elisha, but we must obey and do good at the level we are grown at.


“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” - Titus 3:5-8


Chapter 26
The Epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians


1 Thessalonians


    The epistle of the Thessalonians is an admonition of the Apostle Paul over this Church of Christ, and how he has encouraged them in the faith, and how as ministers of Jesus Christ they have behaved holy and blameless among them, how they did not covet their gold and silver, and how they have had a pure desire to help build the Body of Christ.  Paul says, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost…” (1 Thessalonians 1:6)  Paul did not hide the fact that there would be afflictions for the Saints, but they must also remember there is JOY in the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost is what guides the Christian faith on earth, into an ever-increasing glory, to the point where it is no longer men, but the Children of God that is established in the earth.  Also as it says in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, the Church received the Apostle’s testimony not as the words of men, but as the testimony of God, and as the words of God.  Paul also discusses the contrary men of the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus Christ, and also their own prophets, and as Paul wrote, they are contrary to all men. (1 Thessalonians 2:15)  Their religious nature is always going to be a contrary nature, and that is why they are a unique people, whom God must still deal with in order for them to be saved in these latter days.  Paul also wrote, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19)  He wrote that his joy and hope and crown is for the Church of Christ to be a radiant and beautiful assembly at the time Jesus Christ arrives on earth.  If people are not glorious and radiant people then all the work of salvation and ministry is in vain, we must be on fire for Jesus Christ the Bridegroom, we must learn and ask the Holy Spirit for revelation in order to reign in life.


“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:  To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13


    Above is a good word of the Lord, that the key is growing in love for the brethren, and for all men, that we be an unblameable people of God.  The Sons of God ought to be a holy and harmless people for the glory of God, and the only way this will happen is following in the written Word until the finished work is done, and also asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.  Not everyone is willing and obedient to do the will of God, so people must remember that it is God’s will, not our own will, that we must follow.  It is in God’s will that the blessing of our fondest dreams exists.  A lot of people in religious assemblies simply don’t know God in a personal way, so they are blinded to the goodness of His character, they are still trying to please God with their own ways.  Many would be heart broken to find out their life is one of self-seeking and disobedience to His voice, because anyone who truly follows the Lord will be blessed 100 fold for their sacrifices.
    In the 4th chapter, Paul goes on a rendition about fornication, as being the only forbidden thing for Saints in order to set them apart and make them sanctified and holy.  Paul is not saying sexual relations are bad, he is saying people must join and separate the flesh of Christ unto God, and not be joining to the world or its false systems of religion and ideology.  Often times, the flesh of Christ is related to His doctrine, because He is the “Word made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), so people must remember to be separated unto Christ as the Bridegroom, and learning His doctrine and growing in faithfulness.  Fornication is any type of infidelity toward Christ, or any type of unfaithfulness to Jesus Christ, it is not talking about mere sexual relations.  Although if people are joined to a spouse in the Lord, they must follow the Spirit and not their own lust.  Lust is crucified in Christ, and people must walk in holiness, and also as Paul taught, not to cheat anyone out of knowing this truth.  We must not cheat people, or brethren, out of understanding this plain gospel of Christ.  God is glorified when men repent and walk in Him, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did.
    In the 5th chapter, Paul goes on a rendition of the final hour when Christ appears, that He will come as a Thief in the night.  He calls the children of God the Light and children of the Day time and not the night or darkness.  This basically means the children of God are to walk in spiritual light and understanding, and not in the darkness of the carnal mind or flesh mind.  There are many Christians who have fallen asleep spiritually and they simply do not understand the doctrine of Christ, because they have laid it down as a thing of unimportance.  As long as people of God are born of Him, and grow in wisdom and knowledge and understanding, they will be ready for Jesus Christ to appear, and they must also put off the old man and his deeds and lusts.  “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)  This is not talking about literal drunkenness, this is talking about spiritual drunkenness, when and if someone forsakes their calling in Christ, they often fall asleep and don’t remember His commandments.  We must not let this happen if we are the Light of the world.


2 Thessalonians


     In chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the Church of Christ to stand fast in their tribulations, which are helping them to grow in experience for the Kingdom of God.  Often times God has to chasten the Church of God in order to bring His grace and salvation upon their humble hearts.  If someone truly keeps the Lord’s word they will never suffer evil (Proverbs 12:21, Proverbs 19:23), but obedience is often a difficult thing at first for new Christians.  We must follow God’s process that He leads us through which is for His own glory.  Also in this chapter, Paul talks about when Christ appears from heaven, He will take vengeance on the ungodliness on earth, and many will be damned with everlasting destruction.  These are very express words Paul uses to describe the brightness of Christ’s coming, in which no wicked person can stand before Him.  People must prepare, and whiten their garments through faith in the blood of Christ and adherence to His truth.  God wants His Saints and His Bride to be glorious and appealing to all, so that is the work we must do, just as Esther prepared for being married by beauticians, so we must do before we meet the King of Kings.
    In chapter 2 of this epistle, Paul talks about the coming of the Antichrist, which is the man of sin spoken in Daniel and Revelation, and he talks about how God will send the world a strong delusion that they might be damned; every person who denied the truth of Jesus Christ will have to face this damnation.  What Paul didn’t say, is God will give people a chance to repent through the preaching of Elijah, as written by the prophets, anyone who doesn’t hear His voice in the latter days will be cut off from the Church of Christ. (See Acts 3:21-23, Acts 13:41) Only those who walk in the Spirit, and obey His commandments, will be gathered with the Saints in Zion.  But the Apostle Paul wanted to cast fear in the Saints by teaching of the Antichrist, as being the one who exalts himself above all, and there is a break out of world war also at this time, and violence and corruption.  But for those who obey the Gospel and fight the fight of faith, will not suffer this damnation.  Only those who ignored the call of the Spirit of God and did not fear Him, and were not written in the Book of Life, these are the ones who suffer eternal damnation.  Paul also says, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:  Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)  Paul says we are called to obtain the glory of Christ, which is quite an astounding thing.  Many people assume Jesus is going to be the only famous person in heaven, but the truth is, anyone who grows into His likeness will bear His glory also, and there are not many people willing to follow this path of discipleship.  As Jesus said, those who are His disciples that finish their walk, will be perfect as He is. (Luke 6:40)
    In the 3rd chapter, Paul goes on a rendition about how the Lord is faithful and will deliver us from evil, but also that anyone who is not a laborer in the Gospel must be avoided.  If anyone is unwilling to seek the Lord and keep His commandments, and fear Him, they should be avoided.  A lot of people have thought this is talking about working a job, but it’s not.  It’s talking about walking in the Lord and His Spirit, and being a servant of Christ.  Those who labor in the world are laboring for the wind, and for their own living, but those who labor in God, and study to show themselves approved, will have a much better reward, but only if they abide faithful till the end.  It is true, there are different duties for each member of God’s House, but He always expects people to seek His Wisdom and be promoted into higher places of experience and fullness.  If people do not treasure God’s Wisdom, they will never make progress in this life.  If they do not seek His face, they will never prosper in life, they will always be left to their own devices.


Chapter 27
The Epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy


    1 Timothy


    The epistle of Timothy is Paul’s writing to his beloved son in the faith of Jesus Christ.  Paul tells Timothy many commandments that can be taken as doctrine for the Church of Christ, and he starts by saying the “end” of the commandment, or law, is charity from a pure heart, good and lasting faith, and a good conscience. (1 Timothy 1:5)  This is a great saying of Paul, because he preached that there IS an end of the law, and it is Christ Himself dwelling within us.  What the Law could not do, the living Person of Jesus Christ DID, by coming to save humanity from their bondage to sin and death.  Paul also continues by saying his own salvation is a pattern for all who are lost from Christ, and in chapter 2, he says, “God will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)  A lot of Christians do not believe this, but God has a plan of salvation for all men, and for them to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  He wanted people to pray for kings and those in authority, so we can have peace in our land.  Quietness and restfulness is something God values for His creatures, and believing the Gospel is a first step to that peace.  Paul also painted a picture of a holy and beautiful woman of God, not religiously chaste, but spiritually pure and obedient to God and the Lord.  Women must learn in subjection to their head, just as men must learn in subjection to his Head; this is the fellowship of romantic mystery between husbands and wives, in the Spirit and not the letter, to have great experiences of love and intimacy, but also learning the eternal Truth.  Men also should not be overbearing or practicing any wrong doctrine, but letting Christ dwell in their heart as the Lord.
    In the 3rd chapter, Paul gives the word of God on bishops and deacons.  Basically, they must be of a good character, having grown into the ways of Christ.  A lot of people misunderstand holiness, they imagine some outward form of holiness or dress, but the truth is, bishops and deacons of Jesus Christ must be obedient to the Spirit and good word of God.  It takes time to develop a godly character, and remember, if bishops and deacons are faithful in their calling, God will promote them if they are faithful and just.  The most important one is not being given to filthy lucre, which is money that is earned through deceit.  It’s not wrong to receive money for living expenses as a servant of God, but people must make sure they are working and serving Christ faithfully.  We do not follow the letter of the law, we follow the Spirit of God, but regardless of how people imagine a bishop or deacon, the key is obedience to Jesus Christ as Head.  
    In the 4th chapter, Paul talks about how many people will be confused at the Gospel message in the latter days, how people will depart from the faith, because often the revelation of Christ is a mystery.  Paul is teaching that all creatures of God, including humans, are good, but they need the ministry of the word of God and the prayer life in the Spirit of God.  This ministry is to bring all men to the light of the knowledge of God, so it’s important that before people are used in ministry, they must be chosen and sent by the Spirit of God.  There are many self-sent pastors and preachers, and people must know how to discern who serves God and who doesn’t.  Paul also talks about the importance of studying the Scriptures, how if people are serious disciples, they ought to give themselves wholly to study and prayer, that their profiting should appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)
    In the 5th chapter, Paul gives Timothy some commandments on widows, and other commandments also.  When it comes to widows, people obviously must do what they can to relieve them, but people must remember what Paul said.  A legitimate widow is one who suffers and prays to God, not one who lives in pleasure and rebellion.  Not every widow is a true suffering person, according to Paul, so he commands the Church that widows must be at least 60 years old to be counted in the number, and also have kept the faith of Jesus Christ.  This may sound a little legalistic, but it’s important to separate those who are really widows who need ministry, prayer and support.  The young widows Paul teaches to marry, to guide the house, and to keep the faith of Jesus Christ in their heart.  Basically, this is Paul’s wisdom on order in the Church.  A wife is a guide in the household, so it’s a beautiful thing.  Paul also gives words on those who are Elders in the Church, how those who labor in the Word should be honored double, and those who are sinning should be rebuked.  
    In the 6th chapter, Paul gives words on how if any be a servant in the world, they should honour their master or their boss, and remember to represent Christ’s name in all we do.  Also masters or bosses who believe the Gospel must remember to do righteously also.  Paul tells Timothy how important it is to abide in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how those who refuse this, they are full of strife and debate on many things, and are often perverse minds who only seek for money.  Paul wanted the Church to be content with their godliness and the things they already possess, and how being clothed and fed is the most important thing, simply because all the wealth in the world cannot save people, but it can distract those who aren’t ready for it.  He said those who are willed to be rich fall into temptations and snares, and their faith is damaged often, but rather Paul wanted Timothy to seek the Lord and let God provide lavishly instead of us ourselves.  A man of God is not his own provider, God must be our provider.  As disciples we don’t need to labor for perishable or corruptible things, nor do we lay up treasure on earth, but rather we labor in the Gospel until we reign as kings (see Romans 5:17).


2 Timothy


    The epistle of 2 Timothy is Paul’s 2nd message to Timothy, and it starts out by Paul speaking about how he has truly kept the faith as the forefathers kept the faith.  Paul was indeed faithful to the call of God, and he teaches Timothy that he is a good witness of Christ because he grew up learning the Scriptures from his grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice.  How precious it is when mothers teach their children the words of God, the fear of God, the grace of God?  That should be the qualifying factor to be a bride or a mother in Christ’s Kingdom, they must fear the Lord and follow the words of Grace and Truth.  Chastity does not mean religious, it means obedient to the Spirit, it means lowly and obedient to Christ.  Paul also admonished Timothy to stir up the Gift of the Holy Spirit and to make sure people know that it is the Holy Spirit who is able to perform all the works in us.  “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)  The words that Paul was writing were for the Bride of Christ, or the Branch of the Lord, in hopes that he would keep them in his heart against the day of Christ.  Obviously Paul wasn’t committing them to Jesus or the Holy Spirit, simply because they already know the Truth.  
    In the 2nd chapter, the Apostle Paul commanded Timothy to take the part of a soldier of Jesus Christ, enduring any hardness that he must, and not to partake in the affairs of this life, nor be entangled with the world, but be sanctified to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is something that any true disciple of Jesus must follow is sanctification.  There will always be people in the world to attend to the world, but there are FEW who are like Timothy who are children of God who are sanctified unto the Master’s use.  And Paul taught Timothy that in a great house there are vessels of gold and silver and also vessels of earth and wood, but he would rather have Timothy be a vessel of gold, and same for any child of God who is called to serve Him.  Also Paul warned Timothy to study and show himself approved, and be separated unto the word of God and good sound and understood doctrine, and not the vain and profane babbling of rebellious men.  Paul had a high standard for Timothy, and the standard is always the name of Jesus Christ that we bear.
    In the 3rd chapter, Paul talks about how there are perilous times coming to the Church and the world, so people must prepare to stand against that day.  He says there are some Churches who have a form of godliness but deny the power of God, and they must be avoided in fellowship until they come out of Babylon, which is the counterfeit religious system.  He also teaches how there are some who are “ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).  I’ve seen this many times, there are some who are not full overcomers and they are always in a state of learning but they never make any progress, due to lack of dedication and lack of repentance.  Jesus is just a religious profession to them, because they never truly receive the blessings of God.  Paul admonishes Timothy to continue in the Scriptures, and how those who are godly will have to face persecution at times.  God says, through Frances J. Roberts, that persecution is not something to stumble over, but to show how God is the Champion of the Saints. (Make Haste My Beloved - “The Echo of God’s Heartbeat”)  Lastly, Paul says that the Scriptures are inspired of God, that they are good for doctrine and reproof, but also to make the man of God to be perfect.  People must know that perfection comes through studying and praying always in the Spirit, and letting God do His redemptive work in our vessel.
    In the 4th chapter, Paul finishes his writing to Timothy, continuing to admonish him to preach the word of God, to keep the faith and soundness of the Lord, and to do the work of an evangelist.  Paul tells him that he is ready to be offered, and that even though all men have forsaken him, God has been faithful to deliver him from all trials in his life. (2 Timothy 4:17-18)  Paul seems to have it on his mind about false teachers who do not give sound doctrine, and that is a warning for the Church of Jesus Christ, that we must be good stewards of the word of God, and not share things unless the Spirit in us does the work.  As long as people are working without the Holy Spirit unction, then it is the work of men, and not God.


Chapter 28
The Epistle of Hebrews


Christ is the Son and the Heir of all things (Chapter 1 and Chapter 2)


    The 1st theme of the epistle of Hebrews, Paul refers to Christ as the prophetic voice of the New Covenant, and that He, as the Son, is the Chief Heir of all things.  His sufferings on the Cross is what perfected the Son but also those who are sons and daughters born by His Seed, so we must always remember the Lord Jesus as the Redeemer, and we are the redeemed sons.  Also Paul compared Jesus to the ministry of angels, and how Jesus through being a Son is worthy of more glory and honour than angels, because of His inheritance.  Angels are those who serve the Children of God, as ministering spirits.  Also Paul says how Jesus died on the Cross as a human in order to destroy the devil, and through the resurrection power, we as humans no longer need to fear death. (Hebrews 2:14)  Many still fear death, but it is due to their ignorance of the Gospel.  Paul declares Jesus Christ as the High Priest who made intercession for the sins of all, by sacrificing Himself as a sin offering.  Being an heir of all things means being the co-owner with God and Christ, and those who grow into full stature are heirs also.  The inheritance is received by him who is born again and who grows fully, and an heir of God is also the Lord of all. (Galatians 4:1)


Enduring till the End into the Promised Land (Chapter 3 and Chapter 4)


    The 2nd theme in the epistle of Hebrews, Paul discusses how we are the House of God but only if we endure steadfast till the end.  He says this 3 times in Hebrews, so it is important to know that only those who abide faithful in their calling will be crowned and rewarded by God.  Also Paul warns people to continue through the wilderness experience, and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, and strive and labour to enter the promised land, in which we find true rest from our own labors.  This is the place where we find rest in God forever, having laboured in the word of God and the Grace of God, we will find rest.  We must not separate this labour from the principal of Grace; as Paul wrote, only through an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will any man reign in life (see Romans 5:17).  Also Paul wrote that those who grow into full stature and full age of Christ are the ones who can discern good and evil.  Those who don’t know the difference between right and wrong are babes in Christ still and they need to wait more upon God and grow by sitting at His feet.


Christ the Majestic Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Chapter 5 through Chapter 8)


    The 3rd theme of the epistle of Hebrews, Paul discusses Jesus Christ as being the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.  The Law of Moses had mortals as priests of the Levite Priesthood and the tabernacle of service to God, but this was only a type and shadow of the work of Christ.  The only reason Christ was born was to be a High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant, through His death and resurrection.  This was all based on the justice of God the Father in order for Him to be a just God and punish sin in the Person of His Son.  In Hebrews 6, Paul discusses how by two immutable things (a promise of God and a sworn oath), God will give a strong consolation and reward to those who flee for refuge in Him, and this is the promise of God’s blessing and multiplying the Seed of Christ.  Abraham was a type of this blessing, but he died not having received the true promise of God. (Hebrews 11:39)  The Bride of Christ among the Gentiles will be the first partaker of this promised blessing of Abraham.  Also it is written, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)  This is a good saying of Paul, because it shows that the intention of Jesus Christ is to “save mankind to the uttermost” for those who come unto God through Him.  This requires submission to Christ and willingness to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  


Christ the Offering of the Law of Moses (Chapter 9 and Chapter 10)


    The 4th theme of the epistle of Hebrews, Paul discusses Christ as the final sacrifice of the Law of Moses, and how His blood was shed for the remission of sins and to purify our conscience in the sight of God.  When people are born of the Spirit, they ought to feel the joy of this freedom from sin, but they must still do battle in the written word of God in order to be victorious against Satanic forces.  Also through the flesh of Christ there is a way into the Holiest Place of God’s Temple, which was not accessible before He came into the world.  Our fellowship with God and other Saints is based on the death of Christ as a sin offering for our salvation.  How important was this work of God!  The Marriage of the Lamb is only possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ; the resurrection bodies are only glorified by the work of Christ on Calvary.  We must never forget this work, but be thankful when we enjoy the fruit of salvation.


Christ the Substance of Faith and the Chastening of the Father (Chapter 11 through Chapter 13)


    The 5th theme of the epistle of Hebrews, is how faith brings the best fruit, and also how chastening brings forth good fruit.  If God chastens His sons, it is for their benefit, so they can partake of His holiness.  Holiness is not a feeling or an outward appearance, it is a heart that is sensitive to God and obeys the Gospel.  Paul lists many great men of faith and how it was by their faith that they pleased God and overcame their trials, and without faith it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11:6).  Christ is the Substance of our faith, and the works of God are the evidence of the unseen.  Christ living in the human heart is the Faith of God, and through Him nothing is impossible!  If people are being dealt with by God, it is because He loves them and wants them to be more beautiful in His sight.  Man is God’s image and glory, so people must remember, all things He does is for His own glory.  It is important to note that there are many illegitimate children of God and those are the ones who do not know the Father and His discipline.  If Jesus had to learn obedience through discipline, then we must also learn obedience.  
    In chapter 13, Paul says, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed is undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4), which means, the Lord and His Church is married together by the bond of the Holy Spirit as one Body.  Those who are unfaithful to Christ are those who are fornicators and adulterers that God will judge.  Also Paul says that our hearts are to be established by grace, and not the works of the Law of Moses, and that we eat of the Lord while they are serving the tabernacle in their fleshly service.  You can’t be justified by both law and grace, and in this case Paul is saying that only the Gospel of Grace is the justification for humanity.  “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)  Lastly, Paul admonishes the Church of Christ to come outside the camp and suffer His reproach, and to sing praises or else give the fruit of thanksgiving.  People must remember, thanksgiving is a form of praise to God, and we must learn to thank God for all good things in our life, and He will increase us.


Chapter 29
The Epistles of James, and 1 and 2 Peter


James


    The epistle of James is a great admonition in the New Testament Scripture.  There are many precious words of God in this epistle, such as how patience is what brings perfection, and also how we need to count it all joy when we suffer.  We will receive a crown of life if we endure till the end, according to James.  One of the most important Scriptures is James 1:5-6 which says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”  According to Scripture, there is no higher spiritual pursuit other than Wisdom, so that is why it is important for all men to seek her as God’s highest gift.  With wisdom comes riches, honour, romantic intimacy, that cannot be found outside of God.  People must learn to seek her as gold and silver, as written by Solomon (Proverbs 2:4).  James is a great epistle to keep in memory by the power of the Spirit, and also asking Him for the meaning of anything that is not understood.
    Another interesting thing in the epistle of James chapter 2 is the teaching of how faith without works is dead.  For some who read Paul’s writings, they might not think this makes sense, but it is inspired by God and is true.  If people have faith they are expected to obey the faith of Christ.  Good works are proof of good faith, so when God commands us and we understand it plainly, we are expected to obey the Scripture.  In the 3rd chapter, James discusses how a perfect man is known by His good conversation, in other words, not offending in word.  It’s tough for a babe to do this, but as people grow into the stature of Christ and bear His image, then they will have an obedient heart and mouth.  Some people are reactive people and they respond with evil emotions, but for those who have been tempered by God will have a better tongue to speak with.  James wrote that we should be blessing men and not cursing them, and that we should not be double tongued people.  The work that God has done in our heart must be evidenced in our mouth and our works.  Also any type of envy and strife is an old creation sinful behavior and must be brought to the Cross.  Envy and strife is what unbelievers do when they doubt the Gospel.
    In chapter 4, James discusses how many are allowing the lust of the flesh to guide their life, and not the control of the Spirit.  God would give people more and more blessings to the degree that they can handle them and enjoy them.  Also he says not to be friends with the world, but follow the Spirit of God and the Truth of Jesus Christ, which is much bigger than anyone on this world can know.  A lot of people want to please men or please the world, but when they do that they are denying Jesus Christ the Lord.  None of the world’s beliefs should take precedence over the Gospel which sets us free.  James says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).  We do this by speaking the written word of God and declaring the word with faith, and it will win the victory.  Lastly James in chapter 5 rebukes the rich men of the world who have hoarded their riches and their riches have become corrupted, because instead of being used to help the poor, much of the world’s wealth just sits their in a bank being unused, therefore it is corrupted according to James.  James talks about those who are afflicted must pray and those who are merry must learn to express their thanksgiving to God with praise music.  Also if there are any sick, they must call upon the elders of the Church of Christ to pray the prayer of faith.  God is looking for FAITH on earth, and as people pray with faith, their prayers are heard.  As they walk in lowly obedience, their prayers are more effective.


1 and 2 Peter


    The Apostle Peter has 2 epistles which contain 8 total chapters, and a lot of these things are well understood by most Christians by now, but there are a few themes in these Scriptures that are repeated, and it would be good to discuss them.


1. Holy Conversation


    Several times in this book Peter uses the word “conversation” and this is a thing that mature Christians ought to walk in, which is holiness.  Our conversation, the words of our mouth, ought to be that of blessing and not cursing others.  As Children of Almighty God, we must walk in a newness of life and grace in our tongues, and we must grow beyond the youthful lusts of the those who are still babes in Christ.  The Apostle Peter is sometimes hard to understand, but for those who know the Gospel of Grace, people must know that we are the Saints who follow the Grace of Christ, and not the letter of the law.  Every word of our mouth should have grace and salt upon it.  We must forsake a mouth that curses others, but rather blesses and does the will of the Father.


2.  Suffering for Righteousness


    Often the Apostle Peter writes about suffering for the cause of righteousness, and how the glory of God rests upon a suffering Christian.  Just as Joseph in the book of Genesis, he suffered because he was righteous and obedient to God, but this often precedes greater glory.  The Light of the righteous is always offensive to those who are in the darkness, so often they are targets of the devil’s fiery darts.  As we lift up our shield of faith, we are protected pretty well though.  As Jesus said, “great is your reward in heaven” for those who endure afflictions for their righteous living. (Matthew 5:12)


3.  Wives Will Convince Men


    In 1 Peter chapter 3, Peter goes on a rendition about how if some men are not convinced by the word of God, then they may be convinced by the holiness and beauty of the redeemed women of God, who are also the wives in the Kingdom.  Peter is not referring to religiously chaste women, but spiritually pure and meek women, as Sarah was unto Abraham.  Many men desire to take Sarah as a wife because of her exceeding beauty, but she was fit for only a faithful believer like Abraham.  People must be sure not to have unequal fellowship with unbelievers, but be loosed in the Spirit to follow God’s high calling in Christ.  If any true child of God desire fellowship with a man or woman, they must inquire if they are worthy, as Jesus said (Matthew 10:11).  The world is full of snakes and evil-doers, so people must follow righteous living if they are the Light of Christ.


4.  False Prophets Will Deceive


    In chapter 2 of 2 Peter, the Apostle goes on a rendition about false teachers and how they will be among the Church and how they will make merchandise of Christian people.  A lot of false pastors are known for their avarice and excess living in luxuries.  It’s not wrong to collect offerings and eat of the material goods, but often the Gospel is abused by people who are not living right with God, and some of these pastors don’t even have any financial accountability.  As Jesus said, the best thing to look at is the fruit of the ministry.  Are they preaching good words of Grace and Truth?  Are they giving and establishing the cause of the poor?  Are they teaching the principals of Christ?


5.  Words of Remembrance


    The Apostle Peter often referred to stirring up the remembrance of the Saints.  This is a good thing to do is remind each other of God’s promises in the Scriptures.  The entirety of the Holy Scriptures can be referred to as the bread of remembrance, in terms of remembering the mighty works of God on earth, and so it is good to teach people to remember the things of the Scripture from the beginning to the end.  It’s also good to pray more and more in the Spirit and get the mind of Christ working in us, so that we can comprehend the deep things of God.




Chapter 30
The Epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John


    The book of 1 John is a great epistle for doing battle against the lies of the enemy.  A lot of the sayings in the book of 1 John are very concise statements that are like nails being driven into solid wood.  The book of 1 John is good to determine if someone is walking in the Light or in darkness.  If they hate their brother in Christ then John says they walk in darkness (1 John 2:9).  If they love and support their brother in Christ then they are walking in the light.  It’s as simple as that, if we believe in Christ and keep the faith of Him, then we are born of Him and overcome all things (see 1 John 5:4-5).  John also writes that if any obey not the commandments of God, then they do not know God.  “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:4-6)  John was always a preacher and teacher of OBEDIENCE.  Obedience is the only thing that God truly requires of the Saints, and it takes growing in the knowledge of God and the Grace of Christ.  The more Light of knowledge one has, the more obedience is required of them, but John also wrote that His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
    One important saying of John is when he commands the Church of Christ to “love not the world” (John 2:15).  A lot of people may think John is referring to the physical world, but if you read the Greek language, the word for world is “kosmos”.  Kosmos is the system of the world that is currently hostile toward God, with its lust, greed and foolishness.  A Christian can enjoy the pure and good produce of the earth, or sports or movies in moderation, but they must not allow their heart to conform itself to the pattern of the fallen world belief system, which is contrary to the Gospel of Christ.  We true Christians are risen with Christ to live in holiness and beauty, and not allow the world to sneak into our heart with its erroneous doctrines.  It is this system of the world that has committed fornication with the religious harlot of Revelation and has killed and murdered the Saints who are blameless people.  Any man or woman who denies Jesus Christ is following this Beast system which sets itself up against the knowledge of Christ and God, and must be reckoned dead with Christ, as Paul wrote also (Galatians 6:14).  The lust of the world is crucified by the Cross of Christ, so we who are the circumcision of Christ are not of the world, we are citizens of heaven.


“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5


“Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” - 1 John 2:8


“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - 1 John 2:27


“In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” - John 3:10


“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” - 1 John 3:24


“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” -1 John 4:2-3


    Here above are some of those concise statements of Scripture given by the Apostle John, and they will greatly help discern those who are God’s people and those who are not.  Just because someone says they are a Christian does not mean they truly know God, only those who do righteousness are called righteous in God’s eyes.  His Spirit dwelling in us is proof that we are His Children, and those who keep His words and commandments are those who truly fear God and know Him.  The anointing that dwells in the heart, which is the oil of the Holy Spirit, is what helps us grow and learn the doctrine of Christ.  As John also said, “Whosoever transgresseth, 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 1:9)  We must not be deceived by anyone who claims to be a Christian yet they do not reverence the doctrine of Christ.  Christ and His doctrine are one and the same, so He expects people to love, obey, and walk in humility and honour towards others, especially those who have faith.  The “new commandment” that John wrote about is a reference to the Holy Ghost anointing, which is the Promise of the Father, in which we can see with the eyes of the Spirit.  The Spirit makes all things new, where as the written Word is the old commandment that we have known in our heart and mind.  The reason it says “new commandment” is because it was never in the Old Testament, and neither was the love of Christ.  These spiritual goods in the New Covenant are better promises than anything previously, and the faith that Jesus brought to humanity brings an unlimited power with it.
    The last part of this book is about how John is a preacher of the Love of God.  He wanted people to know that God’s Love is now perfectly available for those who follow Christ and keep His Word in their heart by the power of the Spirit.  As he says, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)  Those who are God’s Children are those who are born of water and the Spirit, and they are vessels of God’s glory on earth.  John wanted the Church of Christ to walk in Love and obedience to Christ, and have the intimacy of God in their lives.  “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)  John wrote that as we love one another, we are abiding in God who is Love.  As husbands and wives love each other, they are abiding in God; so long as they are walking in the Spirit and not the flesh, they will be happier.  Lastly, John wrote, “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” (1 John 5:18)  What a great promise to cling to, that we who are born of God have an incorruptible life in us, and as we continue to grow, it will be manifested that we are the Sons and Daughters of God.  The devil has no power to touch the Children of God, and if they keep themselves and abide faithful, they will be crowned with the crown of glory!


List of Amazing Christian Books and Authors


    This is a list of authors and books that have profited me in the Christian faith very much over the years.  A lot of Christian books have common messages of Gospel truth, but these authors all have unique and necessary messages for the Church of Jesus Christ, the Remnant people of God.  


— Frances J. Roberts has five books of prophetic words.  They are: 1.  Come Away My Beloved, 2.  Make Hast My Beloved, 3.  On the Highroad to Surrender, 4.  Progress of Another Pilgrim  5.  Dialogues with God.  I recommend having all five of these books in your library, because they are powerful messages filled with the Spirit and wisdom and prophecy.


— Mike Murdock has hundreds of books of the Wisdom and anointed teachings of God.  His Church is called “The Wisdom Center”, and I have profited a lot from his ministry.  He is a lover of God’s Wisdom and has a lot of anointed books at his store, and a lot of good music too.  I can safely recommend his books because I’ve read many of them and they all blessed me.


—  Smith Wigglesworth has many good books.  Smith was a Pentecostal prophet of God who had a great power of the Spirit to do miracles.  I recommend all of his books, or as many as you can find, because they will amaze you at some of the “greater works” that were done through his ministry.  Not many people had the gift of healing like Smith; thousands were healed by the power of God that was in him.  His understanding of Grace and the Holy Spirit will greatly bless people.


— Rosalie Willis Storment has many good books.  I recommend her books, as she is one of the few modern people who has as good of prophecies as Frances J. Roberts, and Frances even put a forward in one of her books.  Her books “Walking on with Jesus” and also “Walking with Jesus” are some of the most powerful books I’ve ever read, and they are precious words of grace and truth that the Children of God need.


— Watchman Nee has many great books.  I am not saying I understand every word he says, but those who have the Spirit in them will profit from his books.  His books, in essence, have a great teaching of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Grace.  I especially recommend, “The Spiritual Man” as a great book that helped me.  Also “Song of Songs” is a great book with great spiritual insight about the Bride of Christ.


— Andrew Murray has many classic Christian writings and they really give a good explanation of the need to empty oneself and be filled with the Spirit.  He teaches to abide in Christ and I recommend Andrew Murray books in increasing your spiritual life and understanding.


— Joseph Prince is a great preacher of the Gospel of Grace.  He really understands many mysteries of God as revealed by the Holy Ghost.  I can gladly recommend his book “Destined to Reign” and others of his, because he really knows that Grace and Faith are the effortless way to success.


— Walter Anderson has many great letters and teachings.  They are not yet published as of 2019, but they are some of the best writings I’ve ever read on grace and wisdom, and they will be published for people in the Remnant Church soon.


— Grace and Glory Bible College - Mary Bodie and A.S. Copley both have incredible teachings on the types and shadows in the Bible.  They have profited my faith in Christ greatly over the years, giving spiritual substance and spiritual understanding to the written Word.  All their teachings are on their website www.gracegod.net


— Prophet Russell Walden- I have greatly enjoyed his daily prophetic word on “Father’s Heart Ministry” website.  I’ve enjoyed his books, they have helped me a lot.
 




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