“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
There has been so much added to the gospel over the years. People want something more than “just Jesus.” It seems like it might not be enough. There must be more. Maybe some rues to follow. Maybe some secret knowledge needed to be really spiritual. “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23.
Paul could have spoken about all of these things. He knew the law better than most. He certainly knew a lot about Greek philosophy and Roman mythology. He certainly could have made up some good rules. He could have made himself to be important. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
Paul’s only concern was to preach Jesus Christ crucified. His purpose was always to make sure the gospel rested solely on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Wisdom cannot be found in the many words of men. The wisdom of God is found only in Jesus.
Salvation is found only in Jesus. No religion of men or effort of any sort can save a man’s soul. Only Jesus. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Paul warned Timothy about all of the other things that would try to creep in. “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 1Timothy 1:4. “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:” 1 Timothy 6:20. The desire for something additional from man has always been a problem.
There are many “different” ideas about the “gospel.” Again, Paul warns about this in Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
Joseph Smith claimed an angel came and gave him the “correct” gospel. However, it is a “gospel” of works with a lot of supposedly new knowledge. It is exactly what Paul warned about. That is easy to see. But there are many in Christianity that also are preaching a “different gospel.”
If the gospel you are listening to is not about Jesus crucified and risen, it is another gospel. If it gets something from you, it is another gospel. The “gospel” is “good news.” My effort is not good news. My effort is iffy at best.
Paul helps us understand the true gospel which is: Jesus paid the price for our sins, Jesus lives in us, and Jesus sanctifies us. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20.
This removes all self righteousness and all self glorying. We cannot take credit for any part of our spiritual maturity. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14. It is all about Jesus, and it is all from Jesus. “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
We need to heed Paul and realize that we should be preaching Jesus, and Him crucified. We do not need additional worldly wisdom to guide us. We do not need special prophesies of our lives. We do not need secret revelations from the Bible. We only need Jesus. He is enough, because He is all and in all; the fulness of the Godhead.
To some, this will seem silly and weak. To others, it is not enough. But, for those that want to know God and have full fellowship with Him, it is enough. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1Corinthians 1:30.
Psalm 22 is a prophetic messianic Psalm referring to Jesus, and is descriptive of death by crucifixion, especially verse 16 which states, “…they pierced my hands and my feet.” Crucifixion did not ever exist at the time that this Psalm was written.
Jesus had to be born at a time in history when crucifixion was used for execution in order that He would be crucified and “hanged on a tree,” signifying that He was cursed and became sin for us. Paul tells us in Gal. 3:13: “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.”
Not only was the time of Jesus birth planned, but so was the time of His death. Jesus came into the world for the purpose of dying for our sins. The amount of time that He spent on this earth, up to and including the day and time of His death.
It had been planned by God that Jesus would die at the time of Passover and become the final Passover Lamb. He told His disciples as they ate the Passover supper that He was going to be betrayed and die, and that the wine and the bread represented His own blood and body. He knew that it was His time to die. After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas came and betrayed Him with a kiss, and they arrested Him and then crucified Him according to God’s time table.
He died on the cross at the time appointed by God, before evening, so that the soldiers would not have to break His legs. The Passover lamb was not allowed to have any of its bones broken, and so the Scripture was fulfilled regarding Jesus, who was the Lamb of God. We find this recorded in John 19:33-34, 36-37: “But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs, But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side…For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.”
Now I would like to discuss things from a medical standpoint. The cause of death from crucifixion is from asphyxiation (lack of oxygen), not from blood loss. So that means that Jesus did not shed His blood simply from the act of crucifixion.
A person being crucified eventually becomes so weak that he cannot hold himself up long enough with his legs to take a breath, and so he died from lack of oxygen to the brain. The soldiers would sometimes have to break the legs of the criminals to cause them to die sooner so that their bodies could be taken down off the cross in a timely manner.
How, then, did Jesus shed His blood if He died by suffocation? Jesus needed to be able to shed His blood in order to atone for our sins, as we read in Heb. 9:22: “and without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin].”
When a person dies, the heart stops beating, and the blood vessel’s collapse, causing the blood to back up into the heart and pool there. As a coroner I have had to obtain blood samples for postmortem toxicology, but since people don’t bleed after they die, how was that possible for me to do that? I would do that by inserting a long needle through the bottom part of the chest up into the main cavity of the heart, the left ventricle, and drawing out some of the blood that was there. So, God planned for the soldier to pierce Jesus’ heart with a spear, allowing all of His pooled blood to flow out. All of this was possible and happened because He died at the exact time that He did, according to God’s time clock, and did not need to have His legs broken. Thus, redemption was accomplished according to God’s purpose and according to His time.
When a cancer diagnosis comes, your life changes. The possibility of death is no longer a far-away abstraction, it’s real and very possible, and possibly imminent. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012, and it was stage 3, so I was in trouble. I had surgery to put a port in my chest for chemo, then surgery to remove the tumor and resect my colon, then a few weeks later, I started the 12 rounds of chemotherapy every other week for 6 months. I wasn’t afraid of dying, Jesus is my Saviour, I know I’m going to heaven. What I did fear was pain and suffering and worry for my family. So, I set out to try to get well from this cancer, and felt a sense of peace and positivity from the start that all would be well.
Chemo is poison. It kills the cancer cells along with healthy ones, and does awful things to many parts of the body. Still, I was grateful to be able to take the needed chemo. Every week I got weaker and the side effects worsened, but I made it through. By God’s grace and healing, I survived, along with the guidance of my Oncologist who was a man of faith, and the love, strength, & prayers from my family, my church, and co-workers. Then after all the chemo, I began the long recovery to my new normal self, after cancer.
It’s now been 13 years since my last chemo. To the medical world, I’m not “cured”, I’m in remission. I have had a great life these years after cancer. I do my check-ups and preventive care, and the Lord keeps blessing me with health and happiness. I used to be a workaholic; cancer changed my outlook. It made me realize my job wasn’t the only thing in my life and helped me re-evaluate priorities. When I was offered the chance to retire early, I jumped at it. I am grateful for these extra years I’ve been given and try to truly enjoy life, and I look for joy on a daily basis. It can be the beauty of a sunset, my doggie doing something cute, travelling to a new destination, beautiful music; little things that add joy and meaning if you take the time to let them. The Lord healed me and has given me these bonus years, and I’m grateful every day.
I encourage you also to look for joy each day.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
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A short meditation I hope will be a blessing. Our faith is being tested every day in every way. But God is faithful and by His grace we are faithful. Lord Bless!
I was meditating on the phrase “from faith to faith” in Romans 1:17. When I look at the phrase “from faith to faith” I see the completeness and fullness of faith in our lives. The word “from” denotes origin, it looks back to the beginning. We begin our lives with faith. The word “to” indicates a point reached, it looks forward to the destination. We begin our lives by faith and end our lives by faith and in-between we live our lives by faith. Faith is the link between the beginning and the end and is also the foundation. Faith is the “persuasion, conviction, assurance, and reliance” we have in all the promises in the gospel. It is how we live our lives each day. We go from one degree of faith to another. We grow in faith. We go from faith in salvation to faith in sanctification.
Ryrie Bible: “from faith to faith.” Faith from start to finish.
John Phillips: “from faith to faith.” The righteousness of God is received by faith and reproduced by faith.
David Franklin: (Romans study) “from faith to faith.” From faithful God to faithful messengers. From faithful messengers to faithful listeners.
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We thank God for His unfailing love, sustaining grace and His countless mercies that have carried us thus far. Each new month is a fresh reminder of God’s faithfulness and His goodness. Let us make use of this opportunity to grow deeper in our walk with Him.
We live in a crucial time. All over the world, there is a drastic change in the climate. Many western countries experience severe heat waves never known in history. In India, because of the El-Nino effect, longer and more intense heat is prevailing in many States with deficit of rainfall. Besides, we hear increasing incident about violence, hatred, war, bloodshed. All these clearly are the signs that we are living in the last days. There is an important thing that we, as God’s people, need to do at this time - that is to pray. II Chronicles 7:14, the Lord said to Israel, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Let us humble ourselves as “a little child” in the sight of the Lord, seeking God’s favor. As Christians we should be models of God’s righteousness - “salt” and “light” for a sinful and hurting society. Let us take inventory of our own personal lives. As we humbly seek God in prayer, changes take place in our lives. Our prayer is that we may encourage you to trust the Lord wholeheartedly, remain steadfast in prayer and experience His abiding presence in every circumstance.
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Dear Sister, Just wanted to let you know how much your last letter meant to me. We were in II Corinthians 7 and I had been reading verse 6 “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”
I remember being a little “Cast Down” and was thinking I really need a “Titus.” At that moment, someone brought in the Church mail and there was your letter. Your letter was a great comfort to me.
I had to laugh at how good our God is. I guess you could say your letter was “The Coming Of Titus.” Praying for you all.
Every day there is a battle,
A struggle in my soul.
Spirit and flesh in conflict,
Fighting for control.
Sometimes I am so weary,
I long to see Your face.
To gaze upon Your glory.
To rest upon Your grace.
The days seem long and endless,
The battles never cease.
But when Your arm is my defense,
Then I have Your peace.
My flesh would like to rest in ease,
But conflict makes me fight.
To win the battle I must stand,
Depending on your Might.
Some days I’ve felt the fiery darts,
And fallen, wounded sore.
But Grace has picked me up again,
And Love my strength restored.
Debra Isenbletter
Springfield, Missouri
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
These verses that closeout chapter three tell us something we need to know about what Jesus can do for us and through us.
We often are trying so hard to do something for the Lord. Or maybe we are trying to become something we think is what God wants from us. This personal effort always results in something that falls short. Not because we had bad intentions, or are just too dumb to do it right.
We really need to come to the place where we recognize that anything worth anything in our lives is the result of God’s personal work in us. HE is able to do ABOVE all that we ask or think. Why are we so reluctant to let Him work in our lives. When we do, He will get the glory and we will be better off for it.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:1-7
Notice the “therefore.” It is telling us that what is coming is related to what just was written. How are we going to “walk worthy”? It is only because of Him that is “able to do exceeding abundantly above.” Paul begs believers to recognize that they can walk worthy because of the life of Christ. He empowers us.
Notice that the worthy walk includes “lowliness” and “meekness.” These two characteristics are not much desired in much of Christianity today. They are equated with weakness, and many believe that Christians should never be weak because the world will beat you down if you are weak.
Jesus taught us something different. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” Matthew 11:29. “Learn from me.” There is only fear of meekness if we think that the world has something we want. Jesus was clear that we have nothing in this word.
“Longsuffering” – “Bearing troubles patiently.” Also very contrary to the old creation. We do not like to suffer fools. We are too strong for that. However, this characteristic is throughout Paul’s epistles. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit. That means that it is not something you have to grit your teeth and learn to do. If you are yielding to the Holy Spirit, it will be worked in you.
“Forbearing one another” – Forbear means to hold up or to sustain. Are we willing to hold up our brother and sister? Do we feel like we need to just leave them to fend for themselves? This is not the love of Christ. Imagine if Jesus decided to just leave you to fend for yourself? If there is any spiritual maturity in your life, it is because of Jesus and it will lead you to care about your brother and sister.
“Endeavouring” – “Being diligent or quick.” This means that this is of utmost importance to us. “Keep” – “guard or watch.” This is NOT saying that we maintain the unity of the Spirit, but rather we are to be constantly on guard to recognize that unity. We often forget that Jesus is the key to unity and we want to create our own little group thing. I am not proposing that we should compromise doctrine for the sake of unity, but we must recognize that all believers are part of the body of Christ. There should be peace in the body of Christ.
Paul reminds us that there is only “ONE” body. Only “ONE” Lord, “ONE” God who is above all of us. None of us gets to claim we are something more or different than others. The same life is in every believer. We certainly realize that each individual has a personal responsibility and a personal relationship with Jesus, but together we are the body of Jesus. He is the head, not us.
Verse 7 reminds us that this spiritual life is an individual relationship. Jesus is dealing with each individual that comes to Him. The grace that you receive is not more or less than the grace I receive. We may sometimes view it as different, but the grace available to you is the same grace available to others.
The measure of grace is based on Jesus. He paid the price. He bought your redemption. The measure is not based on what I might have done, or not done. My sin did not require less grace than yours.
I am so glad grace is given according to His measure. We would want to restrict to some based on our idea of who deserves it. I cannot say that I have not received enough grace. I may not have allowed His grace in all of its fulness in my life, but it has certainly been made available to me. I pray that you are enjoying the fulness of God’s grace in your life. It is able to sanctify you completely and prepare you for His soon coming.
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” 2 Corinthians 6:1. “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.’ But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 13:17–18).
There are moments in life when we arrive at a crossroads—a place where important decisions must be made that will shape our future, whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk. In these pivotal times, Scripture teaches us not to rely on our own understanding but to seek God’s direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
The children of Israel experienced such a crossroads. In Numbers 20:14–22, Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, requesting passage through his land—a shorter and easier route—but permission was denied. Instead, they were led the longer way around by the Red Sea. Frustrated, the people spoke against God and Moses, questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to face hardship in the wilderness.
This account teaches us the importance of following the leading of the Spirit, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. God’s direction may not always align with human logic or what appears easiest, but His way leads to His best for our lives. Often, the flesh urges us toward the path that seems simpler or more convenient, tempting us to rely on our own strength and leave God out of the equation.
Yet Scripture reminds us that the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict. No matter our age or how long we have walked with the Lord, this struggle remains. If we walk according to the flesh, we become consumed with temporary, carnal things. But as Paul instructs in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Choosing to follow the Spirit—even when the path is longer or harder—keeps us aligned with God’s purpose and leads us exactly where He intends for us to be.
“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” II Corinthians 1:8
Paul had not wanted the saints to be ignorant concerning the trouble that came to him when he was in Asia. The word “trouble” means a narrow place that hems one in; especially when feeling there is no escape. There had been a time in Paul’s ministry where he had been forbidden by the Holy Ghost to go into Asia so Paul did not go at that time.
If Paul had gone to Asia when God had told him not to, he would not have had to face the opposition from Satan that we see mentioned here in verse 8. Paul eventually did go into Asia at the right time and it is at that time he was faced with “trouble.”
Just because our feet are going in the direction the Lord leads, does not mean there isn’t going to be opposition. Oftentimes opposition and trouble come because one IS walking the way the Lord leads. I want to share a few thoughts, all seem to deal with “feet.”
Jesus washes the disciples feet in John 13:1-17, remember it was before the cross. Peter did not want him to wash his feet and Jesus let him know it was necessary. Then Peter said, if that’s the case then wash all of me. Jesus let him know, he was already clean, only his feet needed cleansing.
Usually feet were washed after they got dirty. They were in the house and probably had them washed before they entered the house which, I believe, was the custom. Here Jesus washes Peter’s feet just before he went to the cross. Just before Peter denied him. Jesus was preparing him for what lay ahead.
We look at Peter’s denial of Jesus as a great failure. It wasn’t. That experience cause Peter to know that he could not put his trust in self; but he could trust Jesus. His focus afterwards, is off himself and on Jesus. That is victory.
We know, from scripture that we are cleansed through the washing of water by the word. It is the Word that cleans our feet. It is the Word that prepares us for what lay ahead. This portion of scripture is not about salvation. It is about our walk.
Verse 14, “If I then, your LORD and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
So, how is this done? We encourage or build each other up with the Word. We find Jesus and share Him.
I know, this is a very familiar story that most of us remember from Sunday School. It’s found in all four Gospels. The Lord impressed it upon me by the Holy Spirit. This account was a huge miracle. One definition of a miracle is “supernatural intervention by God in the ordinary course of nature.” Some say we don’t see miracles anymore. If you are a Born Again Christian, look in a mirror and you will see a miracle! All of us were sentenced to die because of sin …BUT GOD!! He intervened in the person of Jesus Christ and that was forever changed for All who believe in that finished work of Calvary.
We see in Verse 2 “a great multitude followed Jesus and in V. 3 that Jesus sat on the mountain with his disciples, separate from the multitude. I thought of those who take their place in the heavenly places in Christ by faith. Those who walk with Jesus daily, So, who am I listening to? Who am I spending time with? Am I following to be in the crowd, or am I following Jesus to be with Him?
In V. 4 we read the Passover was near. This is no coincidence because Jesus is the Substance of God’s Passover! Not only is HE the ONE who would be more than enough food for this multitude …HE is the ONE whose sacrifice would be More than enough to provide for eternal life to all who believe on Him.
V. 5, Jesus sees this great multitude approaching and I do not believe He was at all surprised. He asks Philip where bread could be purchased to feed them. Yet, He himself knew what He would do. I also believe He knew what Philip’s answer would be. Philip realized the futility of this suggestion. So why did Jesus ask Him? I think He wanted Philip to know HIS OWN ATTITUDE. God will allow us to peer into that mirror and see an attitude, opinion, or interpretation that does not reflect the viewpoint of one who is wholly dependent on Christ.
The 200 denarii equaled about a year’s wages and was probably all the money they had, but not enough to solve this problem. There was such a great need before them and their resources were so small. How often do we face an imposing obstacle or a serious trial and it seems to consume us so that our faith may dwindle and even unbelief begins to creep in. Unbelief leads to doubt and fear: fear of failing, of letting others down, even doubting that God will answer or supply the need.
Mary Bodie wrote, “Philip saw the crowd, not the Christ.” Do we sometimes see the need or the demand and not the Supply? We have all these questions, and HE is the answer! We are so limited and HE is not! A preacher once said, “Are you impressed with the need, or are you impressed with God?” When did so much of Christendom get to the point that Jesus is not enough?
V. 9, Andrew has made a discovery. We may not have enough money, but this boy has his lunch. So Andrew’s suggestion shows he has doubt as well. We have gone from spending all of our money for bread that won’t even begin to be enough …to having something on hand that may feed a family or two. Oh, my! Don’t we come up with some of the greatest ideas!
Isaiah 55:8 (NLT), the Lord says, “MY thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. My ways are far beyond anything you can imagine.” We simply cannot limit God to our understanding or expectations. The Word of God is not bound and God is not bound. My wife will say, “You can’t put God in a box.” The Lord wants to move in ways to inspire you, put you in awe, cause you to be grateful, joyful, and to trust and love Him even more.
V. 10, notice Jesus really doesn’t answer Andrew’s question, but He most certainly responds. He says, “have them sit down,” get in position to receive, to be ministered to. This tells us to submit, wait, and to acknowledge HIS power, HIS authority, HIS ability, and HIS headship as opposed to our own or anyone else! We are to be expecting even before we see anything happen. A friend of mine says “do the next thing.” God wants us to trust Him to deliver us, and He also wants us to trust Him each step of the way. Don’t ignore or disregard the process. It is often during that time we can receive the greatest blessing and revelation from the Lord.
V. 11, “Jesus took …and gave thanks …” He did not say “Well, I wish there was more, but if this is all you can come up with, let’s give it a try.” A great example of being thankful in little, not just in much. Now notice … It is in HIS hands.
We have gone from “that each may have a little” – V. 7, to “as much as they wanted” – V. 11. All were given opportunity to partake; regardless of race, religion, gender, age, education, or class of society. No discrimination here! (God is no respecter of persons). All are welcome at the table of Jesus.
So, what happened? Everything changed when it was put IN HIS HANDS. And it still does …think of the change that takes place when something, or someone, is placed in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In HIS hands …”a little” becomes “abundantly above all we could ask or think” …weakness becomes Strong in the power of HIS might …sickness turns into health …the impossible becomes possible “things that be not” become “things that are” …mourning turns into dancing …death becomes life, and life more abundant …a problem becomes a process as stumbling blocks become stepping stones and the most difficult experience brings the greatest revelations of truth!
Part 2 of “More Than Enough” will be in the next issue.
“For what so ever things were written afore time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:18
Jesus speaking, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” Psalm 13:5
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:6 and verse 10.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 8:8
To God be the Glory.
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3
Martha Wainright
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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 6:1-4
It is our normal human nature to want to be accepted by others, and many times we are willing to put on a mask that is not our normal self. We can act in ways that make people think we are something that we are not. The old nature, that we all have, likes to act religious because it means that we do not have to recognize our failure before God. It is certainly possible to look like we are “spiritual,” when our heart is not right.
God is always dealing with our attitudes. He is not fooled by our outward actions even if they appear to be good. God is not in the business of making people that can put on a front and do things to be seen of others. He is in the business of changing our hearts to be like Him. The Christian life has never been about performance, but about change.
God has always looked at man’s heart and sees what others do not. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:10. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Everything we do is known by God, and He is the one that will reward accordingly. We are not talking about our salvation when we talk about rewards. We will receive a reward according to our deeds. However, those deeds should be done as unto the Lord and not to impress people. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
When we are doing something for the Lord, it should be done as unto the Lord without considering whether others see us and recognize our efforts. While it is generally true that our actions are the effect of what is in our heart, we are certainly capable of doing things with the sole purpose of making others think something about us that is not really true. The real question is whether we really want to please God or man.
This is what Paul says about his intentions. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (ESV) Every action should be in the attitude of pleasing God. This does not mean that we will act perfectly all the time. It is, however an attitude of heart that needs to pervade our life.
Many understand and agree that our salvation is by grace alone, but then they want to turn to performance for the rest of their spiritual growth. God has never desired “performance” from us. He desires only surrender. It is far harder to surrender all of our life to Jesus than to try to do something on our own.
Jesus makes it very clear in John 15 that we can do nothing apart from Him. He is speaking there about bearing fruit. Performance is not fruit, it is self effort. What Jesus does in us when we are truly abiding in Him, is a real change in our hear attitude. He is making us more and more like Him. This is what Paul means when he says we are being changed from glory to glory.
God’s people will find so much rest and spiritual growth when they begin to realize that Jesus wants to complete their sanctification if they will let Him. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6. “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:” Psalm 138:8a. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24. “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.” Hebrews 12:2. “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:10
Please consider that you are not expected to perform something that is defined by someone else in order to be spiritual. If you will yield your heart and life to Jesus, He will work a change in your life that you cannot on your own. I am so amazed at what He has changed in my life. I can really see many changes in my attitudes in my heart.
I saw this quote somewhere, and I think it is correct. “Nobody wakes up one day and decides to lock Jesus out. They just build something that works without Him.”
Leprosy, in the Bible, is a spiritual picture, or type, of sin. At that time, it was considered incurable, but now it is treatable. I would like to discuss the physical disease of leprosy and then give the spiritual comparison and meaning of it.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is a slow growing bacterial infection affecting the skin, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, testicles and peripheral nerves. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacteria that is similar to the one that causes tuberculosis.
The first symptom that appears is patches of skin on the body that look like a rash, but there is no itching. One of the most marked manifestations of the disease is the loss of the ability to feel temperature or pain in the affected areas. This is due to the destruction of the nerves, which can lead to atrophy and bone damage and autoamputation of the fingers and toes. Leprosy is very disfiguring and can lead to paralysis of the hands and feet. The patients unknowingly burn or injure themselves, and then the wound becomes infected. Death was usually due to infected sores.
So, how is leprosy like sin? Sin, like leprosy, destroys a person a little at a time, and they do not feel it or realize it. As leprosy progresses, it affects the appearance, the speech, the ability to walk, and the ability to bear fruit. Untreated, it leads to death. Likewise spiritually, when we yield to the sinful old creation it affects our talk, our walk, and our outward appearance and causes us to become unfruitful.
The leper was considered “unclean” according to the Old Testament Law and had to be separated from the other people in a place outside the city. Sin, likewise, separates us from fellowship with God. Leviticus, chapters 13 and 14, give the regulations regarding the plague of leprosy and even how it was diagnosed.
In Lev. 13:45 the leper was commanded that he was to “...put a covering upon his upper lip and shall cry, unclean, unclean.” In other words, he was to put a covering over his mouth. This law was to prevent the spread of the disease to other people. It is interesting to me that no one at that time knew how leprosy was transmitted. We now know that it is spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
In the spiritual sense, just like the leper, the Christian who is yielding to the flesh instead of walking in the spirit, is unclean. But according to I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is the only cure for spiritual leprosy.
Leprosy is spread by prolonged close contact with someone who is infected, not by casual contact with them. And so it is with sin. The more time that we spend in an unwholesome environment, or the more time that we spend with unbelievers, the more likely that it will begin to affect us. Jesus occasionally ate with sinners and ministered to them, but He did not associate with any of their activities. We are commanded in II Cor. 6:17 to come out from among them and be separate.
In II Kings 5 we read the story of Naaman who was captain of the host of the king of Syria. Verse one describes him as “a great man … and honorable … he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.” Naaman was a great man, but he was unclean, just like all of us who have sinned. He sought the prophet Elisha for healing. Elisha sent a messenger to him to tell him to go and wash in the river Jordan seven times, and he would be clean.
Naaman was angry and refused to obey at first because Jordan was a dirty river. He finally swallowed his pride, and v. 14 tells us that “... he went down and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
The river Jordan is a spiritual picture of our death and resurrection with Christ, and the number seven is God’s number of completeness (on the seventh day, creation was complete). The dirty river water of Jordan had no healing power, and it was not what cleansed Naaman. It took faith and complete obedience to the command to “wash and be clean.” He had to dip in the water seven times, not just two or three.
To have victory over sin, we must submerge our souls completely in the murky waters of the death of Christ and be raised up with Him as a new creation, as Paul testifies in Gal. 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
I want to start by saying how thankful I was to grow up in the family I did. I’m thankful that I’ve was raised by a wonderful mom and dad who taught me so much in life and about the Lord and about the Grace of God. Also, I had a wonderful and ornery brother I enjoyed growing up with. I really enjoyed going to church and going to fellowship meetings and also to camp. It was fun for me.
I really can’t complain about my life. I love people that I have gotten to know over my life time. I was a single person for a long time and then, the Lord brought me a wonderful man to whom I have really enjoyed being married. I am so happy that my Dad got to perform our wedding. We went back to our honeymoon spot in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and when we stepped back into Thorn Crown Chapel, I broke down in tears as it brought the memory of our wedding back to surface.
In 1997 my husband David was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Then, several years later I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It seems like most of my life was medicine free and hospital free and I had pretty good health.
Last year David had to have half of his thyroid removed. That wasn’t easy and his recovery was rough. Two years ago I had to go to the emergency room and found out that I had blockage in my kidneys. Two years later, on the 9th through the 13th of March of this year, I was in the hospital. Before that, I had gone to my doctor’s and ended up having a lot of shortness of breath. That Monday they hooked me up to an E.K.G. and said I was in A-Fib .and told me I was going to have to go to the Hospital. I chose St. Theresa because the heart doctor that was there was from my doctor’s office.
When I was done with the E.K.G., David said he was feeling funny. He thought his blood sugars were dropping they checked his blood sugar and got him something to eat his blood sugar was doing fairly good. When I came back to the room, after I went to the bathroom David was talking but I didn’t understand what he said and then his hands started shaking and his body started convulsing and he started to fall forward I grabbed his body and held him back and yelled for help. When they came in the nurse tried to do what she could and David blacked out again.
When he came to they started to check his blood pressure, and blood sugar again and pulse, and oxygen. More than half the staff was in the room taking care of David. I moved to the hallway to give them room to work on David. We ended up at the same Hospital Emergency room.
I got out of the hospital on the 13th and have been at home recovering with watching my sodium closely and taking blood pressure and checking pulse taking lots of medications. I Thank the Lord for His love and care over me. My prognosis sounds positive if I make big changes for my health. I thank the LORD JESUS FOR HIS LOVE.
They also had to reset my heart beat on April 22, which was David’s and my anniversary. I stayed at St. Francis overnight. Since then it has taken me a while to recover. I had a life vest that I have worn since the 13th of March, that monitored my heart and could act as a defibrillator if necessary.
We had made some serious changes since I was released from the hospital with our sodium intake and making big changes but just took a step further. I do believe that God put that in my head to do that and watching our food closer has also paid off because when I went to the doctor last Monday I had an echocardiogram and this last Friday, 26th of June was my followup with my Heart doctor. He pointed at the battery pack that was part of the life vest and said you can get rid of that thing. He also lowered my medications. and said my heart was almost back to normal.
I love our gracious Lord how wonderful and faithful he is to take care of his children. God blessed us with all of you and your prayers. Thank you Lord for our spiritual family that has been praying for us all the way through this journey, and for God’s wonderful healing. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
(Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name he has done great things Bless his holy Name bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is with in me bless his Holy name!)
I Come Broken, Lord, with no place left to go.
I come broken, Lord, with nothing left to show
For a wasted life of sin and shame. I come broken Lord,
For You are my only hope. Yes, I’ve wasted my life on sin and frivolity; for a sinful life was the only life for me.
Now I know the folly of the sinful life I’ve lived,
so, I come broken, Lord, full of sin and sickness please
please won’t You take me in?
I’ve had no friends nor family to walk my road with me;
So, now I walk this lonely road with one last chance for me.
As I walk the lonely road, torn, tattered and filthy,
so full of sin and shame, I have come almost to roads end;
hoping that you will accept me and take me in.
For there is no place left to go, so I come to You, Lord, please won’t You take me in?
As I near the end of the road I have walked, so full of sin and shame, I look ahead and see a solitary figure, standing, looking back at me.
It is You, O Lord, I see, looking back at me;
It is You I see, with arms held open wide, and the love I see shining from Your eyes, I know is meant for only me.
You call my name and say, “I love you, Paul, please come and live with Me? That you have wasted your life is plain for all to see; Yet only I alone can redeem you, if you will come and live for Me. A life poured out in service, leading others unto Me,
a life redeemed, and lived in liberty.”
I am not perfect, it is plain for all to see, yet Jesus loved me, saved me, that I might live my life for Him, in perfect liberty.
A soul in distress,
cries out with grief.
Seeking an answer,
desiring relieve.
The Word goes forth,
Touching that soul.
Pointing to Jesus,
making it whole.
A healing takes place,
For all to see.
For a soul once bound,
Is now set free!
The name of Jesus!
His cross! His grave!
His resurrection!
A soul is saved!
Debra Isenbletter
Springfield, Missouri
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:12-19
Last month we ended considering God’s purpose and work to put on display, through the church, His great wisdom for all to see. Verse 11 ends with “eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This leads to our start here; “In whom.” We now know that Paul is here referring to Jesus.
We are being reminded that our access to the Father is through Jesus. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;” Hebrews 10:19-20 Also read Ephesians 2:18, John 14:6 and Romans 5:2. There is no other access, and this access made available to us is a precious privilege.
Coming into God’s presence with confidence is never about being rude or demanding as some want to do. The confidence is about understanding that on our own merits, we could not survive in God’s presence. You can read in Leviticus 16 how specific it was for Aaron to enter into the Holiest which is where God’s presence dwelt among Israel. God was teaching about the Holiness of His presence. This is why Hebrews 10:22 encourages us to “draw near” in “full assurance of faith.” Fully assured that we are accepted in His presence. Ephesians 1:6.
God has always intended that humans would be in fellowship with Him. This is exactly why He made a way for us. He is not just “tolerating” us in His presence, we are eagerly invited to have fellowship with Him.
Paul is not preaching the gospel out of some expectation of applause or acceptance by people, but because he knows the importance and truly wants us to know what God has revealed to him. This is why he tells the saints to not be discouraged by his tribulations. He is not discouraged.
Even in his tribulations, he is able to pray for the saints that will listen to him. This is his second prayer in this letter. I have always been impressed with Paul’s prayers as I think they clearly show us how we ought to pray for each other. When we read these prayers, we should take away some understanding as to what God wants for us.
Consider what Paul prays for here. It is not their health. It is not their wealth. It is not even for their safety in light of persecution. It is for strength in the inner man. It is for them to be rooted and grounded in love. He prays for spiritual things because they are more important. What is the value of worldly things if the spiritual is neglected.
“Strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” This is not our own strength. Paul is not trying to be a motivational speaker. He wants us to realize that we need the strength from the Holy Spirit for our spiritual life. If we just try to “muscle” through on our own, we will fail.
“That ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” The most important thing we need to understand is the love of Christ. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus ties all of the law to love. Paul tells us that it is briefly comprehended in this; “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” John tells us that; “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” And also; “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20
All of our understanding of God needs to be in relation to His great love. Jesus first loved us and gave Himself for us. For God so loved the world that He gave His beloved Son. Paul prays for these saints (and us) that we might comprehend; not just the basic love, but the breadth and length and depth and height. There is much more to the love of Christ than just knowing that He died for us.
Those that go on in the race for the prize of the high calling in Christ are going to realize there is much more to learn about Jesus every day. They will experience a deeper companionship with Jesus and His love will change them from the inside.
“That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” I wrote a complete article on this in the May 2026 Glorious Gospel. You can read that if you have a copy, or online at www.gloriousgospel.org.
I feel certain that these prayers of Paul should give us a great example of what we should pray for, both for ourselves and for others. I do not want to discourage in any way saints praying for their health and finances and wisdom and all of those things, but Paul helps us understand the more important things.
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.” Mt. 26:26. It is interesting to notice what Jesus did with the bread, which represented His body, as they were sharing this meal. What a fellowship! This memorial is to keep us aware, of what he bare, that we might enjoy our blood-bought share. I Pet. 2:24; I Cor. 10:16.
“HE TOOK BREAD”
He took that body from his Father’s hand, in perfect submission. God had provided that He dwell or live therein for a while. Heb. 10:5-10,14. A body prepared for Him especially as a vehicle in which to do all the Father’s will. I am persuaded that Jesus took it willingly. He accepted the physical being without quibbling, why hast thou made me thus? This human form was a necessity for his entrance into the world to be the redeemer of humanity. We also think of this event as “the word made flesh.” This body in which He lived was completely dependant upon His Father for his care.
We think of Mary who gave birth to and nourished Jesus, looking at Him as a mother would. We don’t know how much she understood of the prophecies concerning Him, but it must have been a great trial of her faith to see Him suffering there on the cross. We think of another Mary anointing His body for His burial. The care given by Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus preparing His body for burial. I believe God saw to it.
“HE BLESSED IT”
Oh, would not a body be blessed wherein Jesus lived for about thirty-three years? Wherein Jesus did nor knew no sin. He did far more than “take it” or accept it. We get a sense from synonyms given from the Greek…” to speak well of in praise and thanksgiving to attribute as belonging to God, to consecrate for use unto God’s glory.
Many put too much importance on our physical well-being. Some even equate such with spirituality. WRONG! Some of the most spiritual saints I have known suffered severely in body. Others fail to realize the proper importance God gives to the care of these bodies. There are those who abuse, misuse, neglect, and even reject them. Let us remember that by faith we are temples of the living God. We well appreciate the fact that they are a needed “house” to live in for a while, while we prepare for eternity. God cares about these earthen vessels enough to place the Christ life treasure within. He commanded the light of the glorious gospel to shine therein.
When we yield to Him He makes us vessels unto honor, meet for the Master’s use. These vessels in which there is to be manifested the life of Christ, and even to magnify Him. II Cor. 4:10; Phil. 1:20. I Cor. 6:15 says that our bodies are members of Christ. Don’t we glorify God in these physical bodies? II Cor. 6:18-20. Paul said “I keep under my body,” It is so needful to submit ourselves unto the control of the new life, and the Holy Spirit.
To me it is so sad and dangerous that so many saints allow their bodies to be boss in their life. Daily choices, and even spiritual decisions are being determined by physical conditions. Lord help us overcome wherever we are, content in whatever state we are in. Rom. 12:1-3. It is our privilege to present ourselves a living sacrifice. Has He promised that the Spirit shall quicken these bodies? Are we earnestly awaiting the Redemption of our bodies? OH GLORY, THESE WILL BE CHANGED IN A TWINKLING OF AN EYE. I Cor. 15:51-52. We shall soon be fashioned like unto His glorious body when He comes. Phil. 3:20-21. Who can estimate how blessed these bodies have been to have the life of the Son of God move in.
“HE BRAKE IT”
Or presented it for the breaking
The Greek synonym has the thought… “to break off, bust asunder, crack apart.” We read that not a bone of Him was broken. It is indicated by Scripture that His heart burst, water and blood flowed together out of His pierced side. His bones were out of joint.
We think of His marvelous walk, His wonderful words, His amazing works. As He talked and walked He taught, even illustrated His messages, with miraculous examples concerning the truth of His ultimate purpose for being here. He healed those oppressed of the devil, He made the lame to walk, the dumb to talk, deaf to hear, He fed the multitude, He stilled the storms. But He had a definite path, a sure destiny. The things mentioned before was not His whole mission for being here, not the total purpose. He was here for the breaking, and giving. Had He returned to heaven right after His transfiguration on the mount, where would we be?
The Scripture gives us memorials of several things broken, and teaches us of how God can use the broken things. We think of the alabaster box broken, in order that the fragrance could flow out and fill the house. Gideon’s men with their pitchers, which had to be broken to allow the lamps within to shine out for victory.
“HE GAVE IT”
Isa. 50:4-7, Fortells the giving of His body. Read Eph. 5:1-2; Gal. 2:20. But let us consider John 6:47-58. In verse 51, He speaks of Himself as the living bread come down from heaven, and refers to it as His flesh which He will give for the life of the world. Thank God! The bread of life can be also our daily bread. He is our sacrifice but also our satisfying portion. We will one day wear what we have been eating today.
“TAKE EAT”
He so graciously says “take eat. What shall we eat? What shall we wear? Physically it seems that some of us think that we wear much more than we eat. How do we eat or take in the bread of life? Are we not privileged to be partakers of His life? What type of life do we have by faith? He is HOLY, PURE, UNDEFILED, AND ALIVE FOR EVERMORE. We may enjoy from Him all the nourishment and satisfaction we need. V. 55. He seems to express here how we “eat” or take into our life the word of life. Verse 47: “He that believeth,” as we believe we are taking Him into our lives. Verse 56: tells us to “dwell in Him.” Speaking of our “living by Him.” Col. 3:4 speaks of Christ who is our life, Gal. 2:20 we live by His faith.
Consider what He has done to present us gloriously complete. Col. 1:21-23, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith…”
His part, “I give,” He asks of us, “take, eat.”
Psalm 119:45 “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” There is a connection between liberty and God’s precepts. The Hebrew word liberty means “wide, roomy, space.” This freedom to live as God meant us to live comes only from seeking His precepts. Precepts means “command” and it signifies THE WORD OF GOD. He gives us His commands for us to follow. Instead of being in a tight, restricted area with no room to breathe, we learn to follow God’s precepts. Then we can enjoy the “wide, spacious room” God gives us.
Our most important relationship is with God, more than political relationships we have with local, state and national government. This is not more important than our relationship with God. John Adams, one of our founding fathers and the 2nd President of our country wrote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. He firmly believed that a free, constitutional republic would only work if its citizens retained high moral standards. When John Adams said “religious” he meant the Christian religion, not just any religion. Our founding fathers came from a Christian culture.
Even with the best idea of government, if people aren’t able to control themselves, that form of government can’t last. Politicians may “pledge” to support the constitution and even mouth the words, “so help me, God,” but it means nothing if the heart is wicked and deceitful. I would rather preach the Gospel than to try to teach the philosophy and ideals of any political party. Only the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can change our hearts and minds for a better life now and for eternity. The biggest problem we have is not political but spiritual. Who do we serve and worship? Only Jesus can change our hearts from DIRTY to CLEAN, from WICKED TO HOLY, and from DEATH to LIFE. Only Jesus! The Old Testament was God’s instructions to His people, Israel. They didn’t have to wonder what God wanted because He spelled out for them. But the only way this benefited them was by humbly receiving and obeying.
Psalm 119:133 “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” The writer asked the Lord to order his life with the Word. This is the only way to escape from the domination of iniquity. If we don’t make God our priority, then someone else or something else will fill that void in our heart. That may seem to be alright for a while, but no one can ultimately give us the love, peace, and joy that God gives in relationship with Him. Many people think that civil or political freedom is the ultimate, being able to “say what you want.” But just because we have the right to express our opinion doesn’t mean our opinion is right! We can be enslaved in our own wrong thinking, not knowing how bound up we are. But Jesus tells us the way to be FREE, and to know TRUE FREEDOM. John 8:31-32, Jesus said to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We must first believe in Jesus and then continue to know Him on a personal level. What about those who quote His Word but don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus? They may know some things ABOUT God, but they don’t really KNOW God. We must open our heart to God’s way of salvation, which is Jesus Himself. The New Testament is so much more glorious than the Old Testament because Jesus took on a body of flesh and blood, and He fulfilled the requirements of the Law as a man. Jesus did what we could not do. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Jesus is our connection between knowing the truth and being free. Jesus paid the price for our Salvation and the price was His blood. He died in our place so that we don’t have to die. Not only that, He has given to us His RIGHTEOUSNESS. In Christ we are a New Creation and we are ACCEPTED in the Beloved (we are always welcome at God’s throne).
God meant for us to continue in Jesus, the Word of God, and to be His DISCIPLES (learners). CONTINUE, according to Strong’s Concordance, is to stay, abide, dwell, remain, or to stand. To be MADE FREE means to be liberated. From what do we need to be made FREE? from the sin that hinders our relationship with God. Salvation is a gift, but to FOLLOW Jesus will cost us something. Our desire to follow Jesus will be tested, but thank God we are learning we have the most FREEDOM when we look to Jesus and DEPEND upon Him!
A longer title of this article could be, “True Freedom Comes from Declaring Our Dependence upon God.” Think of what the Thirteen American Colonies did when they declared their INDEPENDENCE. How dare they separate themselves from and enter into certain war with one of the greatest empires in the world? We know what our founding fathers were thinking because it is written in The Declaration of Independence. They weren’t being “rebellious children” of their parent country but they declared their dependence upon God! They put themselves in the hands of the God who rules over the affairs of all people and nations. Right from the first paragraph of The Declaration of Independence, the colonists plead their right “to dissolve the political bands” which connected them with Great Britain and that they have the right “to assume the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them …”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness …” It is important to realize that our rights come from God, not from any earthly government; government was meant to protect those rights, not to arbitrarily decide who has rights or who has “more rights” than others. Most of The Declaration of Independence is a record of the abuses that King George III inflicted upon these colonists. the relationship between them and their “mother country” was so impossible, they appealed to Heaven.
The last paragraph mentions God two different times: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States … with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Our founding Fathers called God, “the Supreme Judge of the world” because the Court of Heaven is higher than any court in the whole world. In other words, they declared their DEPENDENCE on God while declaring their independence from Great Britain.
I wouldn’t say that every American colonist was a Christian, but most of them were and they lived and breathed a CHRISTIAN CULTURE. They prayed and read His Word. How do we know that the American Colonists put their trust in God? When they were in a terrible pinch, They asked God for help PUBLICLY, and they also thanked God PUBLICLY when their prayers were answered.
Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” When we don’t have the faith or when we feel shaky in our faith, LOOK TO JESUS, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Jesus learned obedience by the things that He suffered. He trusted the Father and did everything according to the Father’s will. Jesus gave up His rights of being God and put His trust in the Father. After His death, Jesus was glorified and given “a name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). We are learning to DEPEND upon God through Jesus our Savior, more than we did yesterday. May we allow ourselves to be “fully persuaded” as Abraham was with God (Rom. 4:21) and may we know and experience the full, victorious life that comes from being DEPENDANT upon Jesus our Savior!
I’m happy with Jesus alone,
I’m happy with Jesus alone;
I’m rich in my Savior, as rich as can be;
And happy with Jesus alone.
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” John 20:19
This seems to be the outstanding theme of Jesus’ activities during the 40 days after his resurrection. In one way or another He is always seen in the midst of His disciples, or other believers. Paul mentions that He was seen by over 500. 1 Corinthians 15:6.
Jesus has always been in the midst or middle of all of God’s plans for man, for time and eternity. “Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;” Proverbs 8:30. All through man’s history, Jesus has been in the midst, but even more so and in a greater way after the resurrection and the completion of man’s redemption. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Colossians 1:16
After his resurrection, Jesus performed no miracles for the multitudes; He is seen mainly in the presence of his disciples. He made a promise while ministering to them. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 This promise is also for us. It applies to all believers since Jesus’ resurrection.
In the Old Testament we find Him as well. It should not be thought that Jesus suddenly appears in the New Testament and was absent in the Old simply because His incarnation as a man happens in the New Testament.
Consider the account in Daniel of the three Hebrew children that were thrown into the fire. “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellers, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.” Dan 3:24-26.
In the midst of their fiery trial, Jesus stood with them. He is not afraid to stand with us today in the midst of our fiery trial. We just need to be willing to see Him there.
Today, we find Jesus in the midst of His church. He is walking among the candlesticks as the judge. “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Revelation 1:12-15.
We find Him judging His church in the second and third chapters of Revelation. We need not be afraid of Jesus judging His church, as He is preparing those that are allowing Him. Jesus “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:25-26. Notice that He is preparing His bride out of the church by the Word.
The Word of God is exactly how Jesus is in our midst today. The Word is how He is working in the life of any believer that wants to be prepared for that bridal company.
And finally, we see Jesus in the midst in heaven. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” Revelation 5:6 “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:16-17.
Jesus will be in the midst for eternity. We will be worshiping Him for eternity. Those that find Him in the midst today will not regret allowing Him to prepare them with the Word of God. My encouragement to you is to put Jesus in the midst (center) of your life today and every day.
Number six on the list of things which we have been instructed by Paul to think upon is “whatsoever things are of good report.” “Good report” means “reputable, well spoken of.” Today many people search the internet for answers to their questions, but unfortunately not all of the websites are reputable or reliable sources of information. However, there is one source that is 100% reliable and reputable, and that is the inspired Word of God. It is the “good report.”
In Acts 6:1-6 we read that the disciples needed help to serve the people, so in v. 12 we find that they chose seven “men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” to appoint over the matter. If our desire is to be of service to the Lord, then we also should be of honest, or “good report,” because we are representatives of Christ Himself.
Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with good reports of many Old Testament believers who walked by faith and overcame obstacles. However, some of those who were considered heroes of faith, such as Samson, David, Abraham and Rahab, had done some things that were not of good report. That is because those men and women in this chapter were just ordinary people like you and I who stumbled and made mistakes. Why weren’t their mistakes listed along with their accomplishments? That is because the writer wished to proclaim only those deeds that were done by faith, only those things that were of “good report,” which he clarifies in v. 39: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith…” And so, it is the things of “good report.” which we are encouraged by Paul to meditate upon when we look upon others or even upon ourselves.
The seventh thing listed by Paul for us to focus upon is “if there be any virtue.” “Virtue” in this verse refers to “moral excellence,” or “being pleasing to God.” This, of course, speaks of Christ who was without sin and was pleasing to His Father. After Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by John, we read in Matt. 3:17 that there came a voice from heaven saying, “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. We also, as Christians should endeavor to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
In Prov. 31:10-31 we find a description of the virtuous woman. It starts out with v. 10 which exclaims, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Then in v. 31 it summarizes her description by stating, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” She is a picture, or type, of the bride of Christ. As we think upon these verses we may wonder how that could ever be said of us if we are to be in the bridial company. How could we ever attain unto such a standard as that? It is by reason of the fact that the virtuous character of the bride is actually the life of Christ in her, and not her own. We have nothing in ourselves of which to boast, for all of the glory belongs to Him. The more that we meditate upon Him, the more like Him that we become.
The 8th and final thing which Paul mentions for us to think upon is “if there be any praise.” The Hebrew word for “praise” is “halal,” which means “to commend, to shine, to celebrate, to give glory.” The word “Hallelujah,” meaning “praise the Lord,” is derived from this word.
Ps. 150 is a psalm of praise and is a perfect example of what we are to meditate upon. I would like to highlight the first two verses: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in the sanctuary: Praise Him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts; Praise him according to his excellent greatness.” No one is excluded from praising the Lord, for v. 6 closes with these words: “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”
In summary, all of the things which Paul has instructed us to think upon, (those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue and praise), paint a picture of Christ, our Beloved Bridegroom. As we meditate upon Him and His Word, we are changed into His image from glory to glory and prepared to reign with Him as His Bride.
My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
O may Thy will be mine;
Into Thy hand of love
I would my all resign.
Through sorrow, or through joy,
Conduct me as Thine own;
And help me still to say,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
My Jesus as Thou wilt;
Though seen through many a tear,
Let not my star of hope
Grow dim or disappear.
Since Thou on earth hast wept
And sorrowed oft alone,
If I must weep with Thee,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
My Jesus, as Thou wilt!
All shall be well for me;
Each changing future scene
I gladly trust with Thee.
Straight to my home above
I travel calmly on,
And sing, in life or death,
My Lord, Thy will be done.
Martha A. Wainright
Kansas City, Missouri
My Testimony
Looking forward to the light-house titled Glorious Gospel. Oh, the truth of God is working in us (Philippians 1:6) to draw us unto Jesus and inclose us into the secret place (Psalm 91:1) of dependence on His Love, Grace, Mercy, and Help by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 30:10, “Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.”
To send Martha a greeting:
Martha Wainright
Tiffany Springs Rehap
9191 N. Ambassador Dr.
Kansas City, MO 64154
There are days when trials –
Seem to loom ahead.
Fears and doubts assail me
Filling me with dread.
Though my heart may tremble –
In a little while,
Jesus stands beside me
And I begin to smile.
Promises He has made –
Banish all my fears,
It is His gentle Hand
That wipes away my tears.
“Never will I leave thee” –
He whispers to my heart.
I stand upon the promise
He never will depart.
Debra Isenbletter Pastor
Christian Assembly
Springfield, Missouri
“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: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” Ephesians 3:1-7
It is very important to understand that Paul was chosen to deliver the message of God’s grace, especially to the Gentiles. So many are failing to understand that God had always intended to bring the Gentiles in to His family, but it was not openly presented to His ancient people Israel. Some still want to tell us that only Israel is a partaker of what Jesus did.
Others, want to take Israel completely out with a teaching that Gentiles now replace Israel in God’s future plans. A simple reading of Romans 11 will clear this up easily. God still has plans for His people Israel, but now, we are in an age of grace where Gentiles are being brought in.
The method for entry is the same for Gentiles today as it is for Jews. It is all through God’s grace extended through Jesus and His completed sacrifice on the cross. This “mystery” (a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding) was shown to Paul. Remember that Paul was well educated in the Law and Prophets. If anyone would have reason to think this was incorrect, it would have been Paul. Maybe this is why Jesus chose Paul to present this “mystery.”
The idea that Gentiles could also be God’s people was very foreign to the Jews. There are hints of this in the Old Testament, but it was not fully revealed before the book of Acts where God makes it plain that He will bring in the Gentiles to also be His people. Acts 11:18. This is not a sudden change in God’s mind. He always intended to bring people from all nations into His family.
We saw this already in chapter 2 of Ephesians. Paul explains that we are both (Jew and Gentile) brought together in one body. There is no difference in God’s view of a Jew that is saved through faith in Jesus or a Gentile that is saved through faith in Jesus. Here Paul refers to us as fellow heirs and of the same body.
“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
Paul reminds us that the gospel (good news) is exactly what he has been telling us. That Jesus is gathering from every nation those that will trust in Him by faith. It is God’s grace that brings us the gospel, and God’s grace that chose Paul and enabled him to bring us this good news.
It may be because this was a “mystery” in the Old Testament, that so many today fail to understand it. Many are still trying to fuse believers today into Israel and putting them under bondage to a law that was given to show that even having the written law of God did not enable Israel to be righteous.
What God had planned from before the foundation of the world was to bring all things together in Jesus and that group of people called the “church” (called out ones) would demonstrate that only God’s grace could accomplish such a thing.
This is not just intended for the world to see and marvel, but even “principalities and powers in heavenly places.” God’s wisdom through His grace accomplished something that no human or “principality or power in heavenly places” could accomplish.
I feel that it is extremely important to recognize this work that God is accomplishing through us. Failure to understand this will lead to a failure to yield our lives to God’s working. He is not creating a religion. He is not creating self righteous people. He is not creating a “Christian” nation. He is creating a display of His wisdom He is creating a people (individuals) who make up the body of Christ (the church), who will bring Him glory for eternity.
To some, this may seem like a silly thing. They want recognition for their accomplishments. They want to feel like they did better than others. They want to think that eternity is going to give them some recognition. However, I think that realizing that God is taking a failed human person and creating something that brings glory to the eternal, self existent, all righteous God, should be nothing short of amazing and glorious.
For those that think that the law and Israel was the fulness of God’s plan, they are missing out on the even more glorious part of God’s plan. This is not something that God thought of after Israel failed to keep His law and failed to be faithful to Him. It was always His plan. God is not yet done with Israel, but this time is something glorious.
I love this letter to the Ephesians. It lays out so simply and clearly God’s overall plan and helps us understand what our part of that plan is.