We must be Born Again

Dealing With Moral Virtues

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Wisdom’s Instructions on Moral Virtues

Book of Proverbs Chapter 18

We can say that virtue is acting according to the “Will of God” for our lives.

The Bible tells us that only fools walk outside the will of God!

Rom_12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1Jn_2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Each of us must come to understand what the will of the Lord is!

Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

We should come to an understanding that:

1) We should stand in awe of our Creator, who is wise, powerful, and loving.
2) We can entrust our entire lives to our Almighty God.
3) We can rejoice in the wonder of His salvation.
4) We can rest in peace while the world goes through turmoil after turmoil.
5) That God holds people accountable for their sin.
6) That God opposes the pride of mankind.

Man, in his pride, desires to run his own life and refuses to recognize that God is God of all creation, but He has a humble Spirit.

We must avoid having a sinful attitude.

We must understand that the Book of Proverbs declares that fools walk a path of death.

*Pro 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Pro 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Pro 18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

There are many interpretations of this verse, but the most accurate interpretation seems to be that people who think only of themselves, who are selfish and antisocial, are fools.

They are foolish because they have a great desire to live as they wish, but they will meddle in the affairs of all others.

We are to separate ourselves from the world: 2Co_6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

We are not to live a life like an isolationist, which is foolish behavior!

Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

We are social people, and we will not develop properly by self-discipline in solitude.

To depend upon us for all things is not beneficial, and it is not good, but to do this while we intermeddle in the business of all others is downright sinful.

Pro 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Pro 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

What is being obstinate? It is stubborn, having only your own opinion, your own purpose, your own resolutions.

Not yielding to reason nor in arguments. Having your own way at the expense of all others.

This fool has no desire to listen to what others have to say, as they have made up their minds that they are right and everyone else is wrong.

They are interested in only their own opinion.

They will not listen to the arguments of others.

They are so full of pride in themselves that they want to impress others with what they have to say.

These are not people who should be allowed to stay in the Church.

The Church is far better off without wicked people in the Church.

This is not to say that we should police all who come into the doors of the Church, but the Bible does say we will know them by their fruit.

One pastor said that these are blessed subtractions.

Wicked people may contribute to some organizations but not to the Church.

They bring contempt to the Church.
They bring ignominy or shame to the Church.
They bring reproaches or disgrace to the Church.

They will also bring this same damage to themselves and to their families, unless they repent.

It is the wisdom of God that will bring blessings.

*Pro 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Pro 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Pro 18:6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Pro 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

It is the mouths of those who fear the Lord that will edify the Church.

Pro 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Joh 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

In contrast, if that wicked person is allowed to stay in the Church, then there will be problems.

Pro 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

When we accept this person, we are showing partiality and not considering the right and wrong of it.

Anytime we show partiality to the wicked, we are wrongly judging the righteous man!

These wicked people may seem to be very wise in the Scriptures, but so was Satan.

Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

The Bible teaches us against such things.

Psa 82:2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

This wicked person may be the richest man in the congregation, but we are to act according to the Word of God.

These things have divided many Houses of Worship today.

The Bible says we are never to show partiality to the wicked, nor are we to speak against the righteous and the innocent.

Fools bring on most of their problems because they cannot control their speech.

In most cases, it is their quarreling over matters we consider evil that sets them apart from the Church.

Many churches today are accepting the testimony of certain movements when there is no repentance, which goes against the Word of God, when the Word of God is the foundation of the Church and not the words of man.

God calls for repentance!

Jhn_3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Jhn_3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1Pe_1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Many denominations are quarreling over these things today when the Lord Jesus says, “ye must be Born Again”.

When we throw the Lord Jesus out of the Church, we have no Church!

We are warned: A fool’s mouth ends in destruction!

Their senseless, uncontrolled words will be their downfall.

If they could keep their mouths shut, they might even fool the Church.

Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Talebearers or those who go around whispering about others also cause divisions in the Church.

We call it gossip, and it will destroy the reputation of the righteous man.

Spreading rumors inside the Church is an abomination to the One we come together to worship.

In fact, the reason we gather together is to worship the Living God!

Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

We must avoid selfish attitudes and sinful words that hinder our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and cause division in the Church.

We are to love one another and seek our security in the Lord, who is the foundation of the Church.

*Pro 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Being slothful is being lazy, being idle, and it is destructive!

Those who are wise are people who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for life now and eternal life in the future.

This is a never-ending life of “Grace”.

Fools trust in themselves, some in their wealth, and others in this corrupt world.

I used to think our own government, no matter which party was in charge, would be far above corruption, but I now know this is not so after seeing the Democrats do everything they could to destroy are nation and our Republic.

Things are getting worse just as the Lord has said.

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

We can blame a lot of these problems on the Church because the Church has become weak and lazy, and slothful.

The Church has become a great waster of the work the Lord Jesus has done to save us!

Many in the Church purposely tear down rather than build and preserve the Gospel.

This is why God will first judge the Church before He judges the world.

God will separate the goats from the sheep in the House of God, and the goats know who they are, but the sheep have become far too docile to take a stand on the Lord Jesus and the Gospel.

We can trust that our Lord God knows what He is doing and run to Him for safety.

God is The Almighty God.
He is the great I Am Yahweh.
He is Jehovah.
He is the Lord God.
He is wonderful.
He is the everlasting Father.
He is the Prince of Peace.
He is our Counselor.
He is the High and Lofty One.
He is the Lord Our Righteousness.
He is Emmanuel.
He is the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning, and the End.
He is my Savior and Redeemer.
He is my Strong Tower of safety.
He is my Rock and Fortress.

Those who reject these things are fools.

*Pro 18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

There are not enough riches in this entire world that can save those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ from the wrath of my Heavenly Father.

The rich think that their wealth can save them from anything, and they are wrong when it comes to the wrath of God.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

To all others, the Holy Spirit says.

*Pro 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

The rest of the world seeks salvation in their own abilities.

That word haughty means proud and disdainful with contempt for all those who trust the Lord.

They are proud people who trust only in themselves.

In their own strength, in their own intelligence, in their own abilities.

As fools, they will not even be able to stand against the storms of this life, and it will break them.

Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

*Pro 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

We must first hear the whole story before we can speak to a matter.

Only a fool thinks he has all the answers!

This is being arrogant and putting yourself above others.

A wise man will wait until he has heard the whole story of the matter and then see if he can help in some way.

Only God and His Word have all the answers to life!

*Pro 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Our spirit can only sustain us if we live according to Christian principles.

Christian principles give us the strength to look past our troubles to our future, and this will make all our troubles bearable.

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Those who are deep into depression and despair are difficult to rescue.

*Pro 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

God has no respect for those who are ignorant except for the fact that He will send someone to tell the ignorant the truth so they can decide for themselves.

If a person desires to avoid harm to body, mind, and soul, then that person must acquire knowledge both in relation to things of this world, which are material, and seek spiritual things that are from Heaven.

Most of us who have tasted the wisdom of God are now trying to find out more.

We know we need to grow in wisdom, but it requires our faith, our belief in the truth of God!

Jas 1:5 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.
Jas 1:6 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.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

If we truly begin a search for wisdom, it will lead us to fear of the Lord, the place of true wisdom.

1) Our hearts must be dedicated to obtaining this knowledge.
2) Our ears are open to receive this great knowledge.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Our security can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ have nowhere else to turn for lifesaving knowledge!

They are open to all the destructive forces in this world, which is the domain of Satan.

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Only those who are filled with God the Holy Spirit is secure in this world and the world that is to come.

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

God has a purpose for everything we face in this life, every problem and every difficulty.

This does not mean He causes all our problems; that is what Satan does.

We must keep our focus on Heaven and not on our problems!

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

When we become too ashamed to ask for God’s help, we will suffer more than we could have.

Our Heavenly Father does much more than just listen to us; He will answer every prayer that reaches into Heaven.

We must live our lives in such a fashion as to make sure our prayers reach Heaven, and it begins when we have the “Fear of the Lord”.

We must never seek an unfair advantage over others, because God will not allow it.

We must seek that God’s righteousness is at work in us as we go about the business of serving the Lord!

God’s wisdom will affect our behavior toward others!

*Pro 18:16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Pro 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Pro 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

It is a proven fact that generosity and politeness have opened many doors.

There are two kinds of gifts, the gift of selfishness and the gift of kindness.

A man sometimes bestows a favor on another to get back something of a higher value. This gift is a bribe.

Bribery is the cause of much corruption in our world.

The true children of God will not offer bribes, nor will they accept them!

The gift of kindness is the true gift and is the real power.

It makes room for the giver in the heart of the receiver, and it bringeth him before truly great men. Great men recognize and honour the generous.

We may be able to use gifts here on this earth to help open doors, but we never need gifts to go before the Lord!

The door of access to our Heavenly Father is always open to His children!

We must be very careful when we hear something that seems bad about someone.

God’s children must hear both sides of each story.

The first one to plead their case usually seems right. When we hear from the first side, we often feel that the first one to plead their case seems right, and we are quick to take their side.

Our neighbor may come and judge us for our quick reaction without hearing the story from the other side.

Our judgment may be different once we have heard from the other side.

We may have to demand cross-examination of both parties before we can know the truth.

In the Bible, the casting of lots was used to find answers and make decisions, and they had every faith that God would be involved.

Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

As true believers, we should be able to settle disputes just as peacefully as they did; we supposedly have the mind of Christ and have the Holy Spirit living within us.

We should never turn to the world for help!

As we witness to the lost, it is important that we argue and defend the truth of the Scriptures before all whom we may face, giving exactly what God has said and the meaning of it.

As Christians, we are wise to do everything we can to prevent conflicts in the Church before they arise.

Once it has taken place and relationships are harmed, it will be hard for them to be restored.

People who are angered and hurt are difficult to win back.

These things divide churches if not solved before they get out of hand.

We see that to please God, we must make it clear that we cannot be bought; we are not for sale.
We must never take sides based on partial information.
We must handle differences of opinion according to the Scriptures.
We should do everything we can to live peaceably with others.

*Pro 18:20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

There is sometimes great power in the words that we say.

We need to think before we speak and try not to wound the spirits of those around us.

Some people indeed make their living speaking words, and most of them do not care what they say if it gets a laugh or causes some dispute.

They just laugh at those who do not think the way they do

It is far better to seek to encourage and build up people.

We are commanded to show respect for each other.

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

What we say comes from the heart, so impure words come from an impure heart.

Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Each of us is responsible for our own spiritual growth.

We are responsible for getting our children headed down the right path.

Pro_22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The families of our nation are failing in this command of God.

If we keep our minds focused upon the Lord, we will think right.

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There is certainly death in the power of the tongue, but there can also be life if we think before we speak.

The great example we have before us is the Word of Life, the Love Letter that God has given to us.

God just speaks, and things happen.

God does not speak bad things because it is out of His character and goes against His goodness, but He does not hesitate to tell us the truth of this world and the world that is to come.

*Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

When we find that wife that God designed for us, we know we have a good thing.

This is also pleasing to our Heavenly Father, and He will bless this marriage.

Unfortunately, not every wife is a good wife, and not every husband is a good husband.

To be honest, we will not know how to choose a good wife until we become children of God.

Besides salvation, the choosing of a good wife is one of the most important decisions we will make in this life.

What does God actually say: 2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

We should understand that God ordains each marriage for life, so we must be wise when we are searching for a wife.

1Co 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

1Co 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

These things go for the husband also.

If our marriage does not work out, we must be careful to observe the Word of God and allow God to decide if we need another wife or another husband.

God is very good at leading two people together and making it a blessing.

*Pro 18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

In the Bible, the poor are those because of circumstances beyond their control, cannot work to support themselves.

God has very little pity on those who can work but are too lazy to do so.

God has very little pity on those who cannot work because of sin.

Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Those whom God has allowed to become rich are to help those who are poor.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

How to use our resources is another thing we need the wisdom of God to do righteously.

*Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

We should understand that one true friend is far more valuable than many who just claim to be our friends.

The one who gave us our first cigarette was not our friend.
The one who gave us that drink of alcohol was not our friend.
The one who gave us drugs was not our friend.
The one who talked us into doing something foolish was not our friend.

A true friend will stick by you no matter the circumstances.

Even in this, we have the Lord Jesus Christ as our example because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who died in our place so we can live an eternal life.

Nothing can separate us from our Savior!

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God bless the Word of God that gives us such great wisdom from the only source of true wisdom.

Amen

The Challenge to the People of God

/ Bobby Mayfield / 1 Comment

Joshua’s Challenge to Israel

Book of Joshua Chapter 24

Last week we saw that Israel finally had rest from war.

Not all of Canaan Land was conquered, because many in Israel got lazy and forgot what God had promised them.

This is something we must never do; we must never forget the promises God has made to us.

We must never forget what the Lord Jesus Christ has promised to us!

We must never forget that the Lord Jesus Christ died to fulfill the promises He had made to His own Father.

One of the reasons we were created in the image of God, is so that we are free to choose our own destiny.

All the days of Jesus upon this earth He had the ability to choose, and He always chose righteousness!

Why do we suffer so much in this world? It is mainly because of the choices we make in this life.

God gave us the inerrant Word of God so we would know the truth!

This world we live in gives us nothing but lies.

God equips us so we can make the right choices!

Most of our problems come because of the choices Adam and Eve made in the Garden of Eden.

We saw what God did because of those bad choices and we brag all the time about our God does not ever change.

We need to remember how God dealt with disobedience because He certainly does not change.

What did the Lord Jesus teach us?

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, “he will keep my words”: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Jesus also said no one can serve two masters. We can have only one Master!

God knows how much we love Him “by our obedience to His Word”!

He is the same today as He was back then!

Like Caleb, Joshua had fully followed the Lord.

Joshua had in his possession the five Books of Moses at this time and his last will for the children of Israel was for them to keep the Word of God in their heart and be obedient to it.

Jos 23:6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;
Jos 23:7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
Jos 23:8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Joshua knew then, what we know today. It would take a lot of courage to take a stand upon the Word of God!

Joshua had reached the end of his life and he knew it, but he had a special message for the children of Israel.

Jos 23:14 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.
Jos 23:15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

We have a great Pastor here at Gethsemane and when we remember, we know that He spends a lot of time teaching us this same message that Joshua had taught to Israel.

Israel means the people of God.

The Church is made up of the people of God!

How did Joshua go about his final message to Israel?

*Jos 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

We had better get it in our heads, that when we come into the House of God, we are presenting ourselves before God and we have come to worship Him.

God had an important message for the children of Israel, and He has an important message for us every time we gather together.

Every person who was in a leadership position in any of the tribes of Israel were especially called to this message and it was important as all the Word of God is important.

Shechem itself was a prominent place to gather because it was the place where God had made certain promises to Abraham and these that gathered to Joshua were a fulfillment of some of those promises.

Joshua was totally convinced that God had done exactly as He said He would, and these that gathered with him should also be convinced of the same.

From the beginning of Israel’s history, it had been Jehovah who had directed their path and it was their own choices that had caused them to stumble along that pathway and it is the same for us today.

When God presents choices to us, He is requesting for us to decide!

These children of Israel were eyewitnesses to the evil wickedness and immorality that was the land of Canaan.

These children of Israel were eyewitnesses to the idolatry of the many false gods in the land of Canaan.

These children of Israel were also eyewitnesses to the power of God, because in almost every battle they were outnumbered and were not equipped as well as their enemies.

They had Jehovah.

The Chaldean worshipped their false gods.
The Egyptians worshipped their false gods.
The Amorites worshipped their false gods.

They had seen that Jehovah was the most powerful God, but also the most loving and gracious God. Those false gods had no power at all.

It would seem that the choice of who to serve would be an easy one and it is, when we take the time to study the Word of God and hear the truth of His Word!

For Joshua, his mind was made up.

For Joshua, his way was clear.

*Jos 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.
Jos 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

We should understand that it is the Lord who is speaking here by the Holy Spirit.

Since God had called Abraham out of what is now called Iraq, He had His hands upon this family that had grown into this nation of Israel.

Israel means the people of God.

It was the Jehovah of the Old Testament the same person as the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament who had done all these things.

It is only Jehovah who can save and deliver His people.

It is Jehovah who is the Redeemer!

The History of Israel is the story of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ is that “Promised Seed” told to Abraham.

Israel did not win one battle, because the Lord fought all their battles, and the Lord cannot be defeated!

The crossing of the River Jordan is the symbol of “New Life”!

The New Life of each one that accepts the truth of the Living God!

What had God told Abraham?

Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
Gen 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

The world had better realize that these words are still in effect for Israel today!

Curse them if you dare, but doing so will bring to you the wrath of God just as He says!

That Promised Seed is also then the Messiah!

Act 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
Act 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

That Promised Seed is also to all the descendants of “Faith”, that “faith” in the truth of God!

Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

The Promised Land then refers to the home of these descendants of faith!

Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

The Bible is not so hard to understand when we understand the reality of the truth of God!

*Jos 24:13 And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.

It might be a stretch, but the Holy Spirit just described part Heaven in this verse.

Heaven is the Land that the Lord has built.
The New Jerusalem is a city that the Lord has built.
We will dwell in this place that God has built for us and there will be no sin.

The Promised Land was the great hope of most of these whose parents and some of their elders who were once slaves.

The Promised Land of Heaven is the great hope of all those who were once slaves to this Satan controlled world of sin, but now have their names written down in Heaven’s Book of Life.

The Israelite were pilgrims and sojourners until they inherited the promised land.

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The Christians are pilgrims and sojourners in this sin filled world until the Lord returns to take us home and He will return.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

We must understand the inheritance of the Promised Land is conditional just as it was to these Israelites.

They could not receive the Promised Land unless they believed in Jehovah and obeyed His commands.

This thing has not changed for the Christian!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Joh_14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Joh_15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

How are we to respond to the truth of God?

*Jos 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

While we have the breath of life in our lungs, we must make a choice!

This is the same message Joshua gave to Israel.

The Israelites back then and the Israelite of today still have this same message.

The lost sinner and the Christian have this same choice to make!

The greatest of all choices we can make in this life, “is to choose the Lord Jesus Christ”.

This is not prophecy; this is just the truth!

To fear the Lord is to honor and respect His truth.

This a reverent fear of the Lord but we had better keep in mind that it was the Lord who is also our Creator and the Giver and the Taker of life!

We need to be “in awe” of the truth of our God Jehovah!

When we present the “Gospel”, the “Good News” to those who do not believe, we are trying to explain to them the importance of making the right choice.

We need good leaders like Joshua to give them the same message!

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, so today is always the best day to give yourself to the Lord!

When we choose to serve the Lord, it must come with sincerity!

*Jos 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
Jos 24:17 For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:
Jos 24:18 And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God

God does forbid that we forsake Him. If we forsake the Lord our God, then we are serving Satan.

Mat_6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

What is the greatest problem in our world today? People have chosen to forsake God and to serve the Devil!

These foolish people who keep shoving evolution down our throats just because they hate God, will soon reap the rewards of their lies unless they repent and change their wicked ways.

Man-made climate change is a joke! We are just in the last days, and this is just another sign of that truth.

Joshua gave the truth to these Israelites in just a few words.

These people had witnessed the power of God.

These people had witnessed the great signs of our Creator.

These people were eyewitnesses to the fact that God Himself will fight for His people and His enemies are powerless to defend against Him.

These people were also witnesses to the fact that we will reap what we sow!

Joshua had already made his choice and he had made this choice as a young man and had not forsaken the Lord.

Knowing the truth, these Israelites came to the right conclusion.

It was the Lord who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt.

It was the Lord who had shown them such great signs.

It was the Lord who had preserved them in the wilderness.

It was the Lord who had removed the Amorites.

These children of Israel were just along for the ride to see if they could learn of their Savior.

They recommitted themselves to the Lord.

As Christians, being like the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be committed to serve the Lord.

It is a lifetime commitment and there is no retirement, but the benefits are Heavenly.

1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

When we answer the Lord and have made our choice, we must be clear on what that means.

*Jos 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Jos 24:20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

We must be sincere in our confession of faith!

There is no room for being in the middle. One foot in the Church and the other foot in the world!

A decision must be made! If we do not decide, then we have chosen death by default.

Deu_30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

There is no allowance for putting this decision off.

When you face the Lord in judgment, you cannot tell the Lord you were about to make the right decision just before your death.

The commandments of the Lord will prolong our days because we will be living right.

God has established the laws of life and a person who is obedient to the Lord will feel far less guilt, far less pressure, far less tension and far less stress.

It is these things that are the greatest enemy of a happy life!

1Ki 3:14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

The results of disobedience are terrible!

If we just look at our world today, we can see the ravages of sin all around us.

You take abortion, Aids, Monkey Pox, STDs, the Queer lifestyle, and put them in one category and it is all the same sin, fornication with fleshly lusts.

None of these things are mentioned when they are teaching sex education to our children.

Now they teach our children that you cannot know now if you are a boy or a girl until you get older.

We should trash the whole education system and start over or instruct our kids at home.

How can we justify paying teachers to corrupt our children!

The truth is, God blesses those who are obedient to Him!

God is a jealous God because God is Holy!

God will not overlook sin!
God will not forgive rebellion if those who are His turn to false gods.
God is unapproachable to all those who carry the weight of sin, and they will be destroyed unless they repent!

Once we have prayed the sinner’s prayer and the Holy Spirit moves in, we are witnesses to ourselves of the truth of God!

Psa 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

Every true Christian understands that there is coming a day of final judgment when this world will end, and every human being will stand before God to be judged.

Every person who has turned away from the Living God, who engages in idolatry and false worship, will be condemned to eternal separation from God.

Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

We can miss this judgment only if we give ourselves to the Lord while we are yet living!

Rom_8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

This is that choice that we must make while we are living.

This is the choice that Joshua was giving to Israel and comes by faith to both peoples, the Israelites, and the Gentiles.

Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Our jealous and holy God never changes!

And the answer from the people was:

*Jos 24:21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
Jos 24:22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
Jos 24:23 Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

We must all realize that the Lord will hold us accountable for the decisions we make.

The Bible is our Book of Truth, and we have no excuse for not being obedient to God.

There is no darkness in God and once the Light of Jesus Christ have blessed us, we should not be in darkness but in the Light of Christ.

These things begin with repentance:

We must put away the strange gods of this world!

Anything we put in the place of the Lord Jesus Christ has then become a strange god!

If we worship anything but the Lord Jesus Christ, we are worshipping a fable!

They could not hide these things from Joshua, how could they expect to hide these things from Jehovah?

If we have a Bible in our possession, then we know what Joshua is talking about here.

If these things are commanded in the Old Testament by the Divine Word of God, why would we ever think it would be different in today’s world where there so many more distractions that Satan has caused to happen.

Anything that can take our heart away from serving the Lord is idolatry and false worship and punishable by death, the death that is a eternal separation from our Holy God!

We all have things to put away that we use to deny our love for God!

We cannot serve the Lord if we have embraced sin in any way!

The modern Church has aloud to much filth of sin into the doors of the Church taking away the holiness of the Church.

Do not get me wrong, we are to embrace all who enter the doors of the Church, but repentance is still the key to salvation.

Those who are truly saved will then repent of their old lifestyle and be Born Again into the family of God.

This will not happen overnight!

The modern Church has forgotten these words of Jesus Christ.

Joh_3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Joh_3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

We cannot ignore the Word of God!

We must incline our heart unto the Lord our God!

Why do most people reject Christianity? Because they would have to give up their sin and they are too fond of their sin to give it up.

*Jos 24:24 And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.
Jos 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

Many today reject the fact that praying the sinner’s prayer is making a covenant with God, but it is!

Joshua wrote these things down and put them in the Word of God so these Israelites could not go back on their word by saying they did not understand.

Joshua then made a physical memorial so when these people who made this covenant with the Lord passed by it would bring them back to remember this day.

Today the Holy Spirit moves in when we pray the sinners pray.

He does not move into our souls just because we said a few words.

The Holy Spirit moves in when He knows these words came from a pure heart and He then becomes our memorial to the truth of God.

Our body is not yet saved so we will battle the truth of God and the falseness of the world all our remaining days.

The Holy Spirit will use His own power if we begin to stray.

If you can sin and do not have this conflict within you, then you do not have the Holy Spirit within you and you are not saved.

In other words you cannot continue in sin without feeling the admonishment of the Holy Spirit!

This is not a battle of your good side and your bad side.

This is a battle of righteousness!

Joshua loved this people, but Joshua was old and tired, and he wanted to spend his last days with his family serving the Lord.

Now Israel will begin the period called Judges.

Amen

Our Lives Will Be Changed By Jesus

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

Understanding Our Heritage

Book of 1 Peter Chapter 2:1-10

In our previous lesson we learned that we must be “Born Again” to be in the family of God. God writes the name of all His children in what God calls the Lamb’s Book of Life and we must be “Born Again” to have our names written in this book!

As soon as our name is written down, we find that Satan has become our enemy and it will not always be easy to be a child of God!

We will be perfect in the eyes of God because when He sees us, He sees His Son.

We will be an enemy to the world and there some lessons we need to learn very quickly!

That word “wherefore” means, for this reason.

“Wherefore” because we have been “Born Again” there are some things we must do.

*****1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

We must lay aside some things!

**Malice: Malice means that you are determined to get revenge upon your enemies or at least cause them problems, but since you are a child of God, you must let your Father in Heaven take care of all your problems including this one!

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

**All guile: Guile is being cunning and deceitful. These are some of the traits of Satan and Satan is our enemy. We certainly are not to be anything like him. To be involved in the traits guile will cause you to lose the blessings of God!

Psa_32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

**Hypocrisies: Spiritual hypocrisy is acting in any way that goes against the Word of God but claiming to be on God’s side.

Luk 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Leaven as used in this Scripture, is the thing that caused the Pharisees to be hypocrites. Leaven represents sin in most all of the Bible.

**All evil speaking: the word evil means wicked immorality, going against the pure Word of God.

These are some of the first things that we are to repent of, and we can learn all these things from the Word of God.

If we cannot lay aside these things, we will never be counted good enough to enter into Heaven’s gates!

I can just imagine that pearly gate will be so mirror like that we can see our new selves before we come face to face with the Lord of Glory.

We must have a desire to learn about our God and He has given us the Word of God to do so!

Again God cautions us that as “babes in Christ” we need some help to understand the Word of God, but the more we stay in the Word of God, we will grow and no longer be a “Babe”!

The Word of God is that Spiritual milk we need every day for the rest of our lives to become a mature child of God!

It is by the “Grace” of God that we are saved and the “Grace of God” that we will grow until we come useful to the Lord!

*****1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

To be “Born Again” into the family of God, begins to show us just how the “Grace” of God works in our lives!

We must also understand that God intends for us to grow in His knowledge.

We cannot have the wisdom of the Lord until we have the knowledge of the Lord!

You see God wants us to know all about Him! God does not hide anything about His character!

God did not have to reveal Himself to us at all!

We have to have food and water to make our physical bodies grow and most all babies need milk and food from baby foods.

The milk of the Gospel are the basics thoughts.

God took off His heavenly garments and came to this earth to pay our sin debt we could not pay.

We are sinners at birth, and we need a Savior and that Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh.

It is the work that Jesus did that we could not do, that has reconciled us to God.

After we have tasted the “grace” of God it becomes time to grow in the Word of God!

1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Psa 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

God laid aside His majesty to come to this earth to provide a means for our salvation!

*****1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

God came to us in a body of flesh (a living stone)(The Lord Jesus Christ). The Lord Jesus was rejected by His own people.

Remember Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary a descendant of Nathan a son of King David.

The Father of Jesus was the Holy Ghost! Jesus had no earthly father until He was adopted (accepted) by Joseph who was a descendant of Solomon the son of King David.

Then prophecy was fulfilled.

Jesus was born a Jew, so His people would be the Jews the tribe of Judah.

Make no mistake, Jesus the Messiah, in the flesh was a Jew and was rejected by these foolish people at the time and that generation perished in 70 A.D. at the hands of the Roman General Titus, who hated the Jewish people.

Rome was that Empire of iron and clay that was broken into what is the Europe of today

Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces

Not so long a time after this God brought to Rome to its knees because clay feet are so easily broken!

At salvation, we become the living stones who make up the Church, a spiritual house when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who can then offer up Spiritual sacrifices accepted by Jesus Christ our Savior, our King, our Master, our God!

Heb_12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

What are our Spiritual Sacrifices?

We must offer up our souls, our bodies, all out thoughts, all our words and all our actions.

It may take some time, but these are the things that God requires of us!

It is at this time we become a part of the Scriptures!

*****1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Confounded means a lot of things but “dismayed” is the meaning of this passage adding maybe “perplexed”!

Jesus, the Messiah is and was that chief corner stone.

He is elect because He is God the Father’s chosen Messiah!

Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Isa 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Isa 42:5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
Isa 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Isa 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isa 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
Isa 49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Sion (Zion) of course is Jerusalem. The City of peace!

*****1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

You see, I not only believe my Lord is precious, I know He is precious, or He would never have accepted me into His family.

He did not get much when He first got me!

Much like the Israelite, I spent my 40 years in the wilderness of the world and the Lord endured me until He brought me into His family!

A loving and powerful God opens His arms to all who will believe and accept Him, yet so few do.

The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin of unbelief which shows disobedience, and in the end will bring the wrath of God.

God promises those who love Him will never see His wrath!!!!!

Jesus Christ is the appointed foundation stone of all creation, yet He is the foundation stone of our lives and the foundation stone of the Church.

What’s wrong with this world?

They want nothing to do with this Stone (Christ Jesus)
They do not think that this “Stone” will fit into their plans.
They do not think this “Stone” will suit what they are building.
They do not think this “Stone” is worth the price they would have to pay.

The “Stone” of eternal life is rejected because, even though His price is free, He still costs too much for the unbeliever to change!

In rejecting this world, which can only offer the promises of failure, we can learn the important things which are life and life eternal.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

In reality, Jesus Christ is the living breathing wisdom of God!

The Bible says: “but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it”

There is no life without Jesus Christ!

You see, if you cannot make peace with the Living Stone of Jesus, then that Living Stone you will stumble over. This Stone will then become the Stone of Offence and He will roll over you!

All those people who disregard the Triune God, reject that Jesus is God in the flesh will find their beliefs are false and they are foolish!

The biggest problem the world has today is the world thinks it is wise and the people of God are from an Era that has long since pasted.

This is opposite from the truth!!!!!

Again the Lord has already said what He was going to do with all unbelievers, and this is the truth of those who reject my Savior!

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

But what of the believer?

*****1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

What does a chosen generation do?

Those who build their lives upon the “Rock of the Lord” Jesus Christ!

If we cannot give our lives to the Lord, for His use, we have not given God the thing He wants the most !!!!!!!

When we agree with Jesus Christ, we all become a new people, who are special to the Lord! It is just that simple !!!!!

God loves the people who love His Son!

To be a Christian, means we are a very special people in the eyes of God!

That word “chosen” means that the Church is now God’s new people.

The “Born Again” chosen children of God somewhat like the chosen people of Israel in that generation of Abraham whom God will return to deal with after the “Rapture” of the Church.

The Church is to be a “royal priesthood”!

When we invite Jesus to come in our hearts we become “royal priests” to King Jesus!

There are men who are called to be Pastors and Priests and other titles, but every child of God is to be a “royal priest” to King Jesus!

We have instant access into the throne room of God!

We also have access to God no matter where He is at, because He is everywhere at the same time.

There is never a time we cannot reach out to God in thought but more in prayer!

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

If we could gather ourselves together with all the Saints of God, we would become a Holy Nation!

You see, God is building Himself a Holy Nation

To be Holy is to be different from this world!!!!!!

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

If you wonder why the world hates the Christian, it is because not only are we the “Chosen People of God”, Royal Priests, but we are a little bit peculiar in fact, most of us are a whole lot peculiar which means, we are God’s own possession, in fact His special possessions!

You know the world hates that we say this but that does not make it any less true!

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

In the beginning God said, “let there be light” and we are that special, particular, peculiar, and purchased creation that are to shine like the stars! Created twice to die once, who are called out of darkness into that “Light” which is the Lord Jesus Christ!

1) The Light of His truth:

Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2) The Light of His favor:

Psa 4:6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

3) The Light of His holiness:

Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

You see when we were lost in this evil and wicked world, we were nobodies who yielded to the Devil every time he called, but now after the Light of Jesus has shined upon us, we are the people of God!

Maybe the most important feeling we can have is that we know these things are true!

1Jn_5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

You see, we are become the people of God through and by the Lord Jesus Christ!

We now have the Light of life. Not just any life but “Eternal Life”!

OH, for the love and the grace of God that He would give to all who will call upon Him in “repentance” and “faith”.

The world would say there is no god, but the world has made themselves to be little gods just as Satan has taught them!

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

God has given us “free will” to choose.

We can choose the good of Jesus, or we can choose the evil of the Devil.

Hint! I read the back of the Book and the Devil loses!

Why not get on the “Winning Side”?

Amen

Let us all pray