A Letter: Your Life Read By All Men

Here is an interesting comparison which we find in 2 Corinthians of the New Testament scriptures.

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

We often hear a Christian’s life spoken of as an example and witness to unbelievers. And this is what the Christian life is, and it is to be a good example. Specifically, according to the apostle Paul, the Christian life is as a letter which is read by all men.

What does your letter say? What do men come to know and understand by observing your life? There are many who will never read the epistles (letters) of Paul and the other Apostles, but these same people will see your life.

And now let us see a quote from J.C. Ryle on this subject, from his book titled “Holiness” (Hebrews 12:14)

“I believe there is more harm done by unholy and inconsistent Christians than we are at all aware of. Such men are among Satan’s best allies. They pull down by their lives what ministers build with there lips. … They supply the children of this world with a never ending excuse for remaining as they are. “I cannot see the use of so much religion,” said an irreligious tradesman not long ago; “I observe that some of my customers are always talking about the gospel and faith and election and the blessed promises and so forth, and yet these very same people think nothing of cheating me …when they have the opportunity. Now, if religious persons can do such things, I do not see what good there is in religion.” I grieve to be obliged to write such things, but I fear that Christ’s name is too often blasphemed because of the lives of Christians. Let us take heed lest the blood of souls should be required at our hands. From murder of souls by inconsistency and loose walking, good Lord, deliver us! Oh, for the sake of others, if for no other reason, let us be holy!” - from ISBN# 9781611043433, page 5

Many can relate to this. Who has not heard unbelievers cite the wickedness of professed Christians as an excuse for they themselves to remain in sin?

In the last sentence quoted above we desire to be Holy for the sake of leading others to Christ. We desire to be Holy for the sake of God himself and the Love we have for Him. For by leading more men to Christ, God shall be glorified by more men. We must see that the second greatest commandment (Love thy neighbor) proceeds from the first (Love God) (Matthew 22:35-40). For many a man has claimed to act for the sake of man’s benefit, while spitting in the face of Almighty God (Eugenicists, Roman Catholics, Adolf Hitler and his Nazis, Transhumanism, and Genetically Modified Organisms come to mind). You cannot keep the second greatest commandment without properly keeping the first. Our utmost prayer being that we cause not any man to blaspheme our Saviour or to influence them contrary to the will of God.

Now it must be added that the epistle of our life does not fulfill our requirement to witness given by Mat 28:19-20 (Chick Tracts can help anyone do that).

Now let us notice 2 Corinthians 3:3, which serves to us as a proof given by the Apostle Paul that the prophecy written by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26 has been and is fulfilled in the saints, and by the Church of God, as this is to whom Paul is writing, which we see evidenced by his beginning to this letter in 2 Corinthians 1:1.

Now we see that it is by the Holy spirit and the heart of flesh we are given that we are able to live our lives as the epistle to men which Paul describes.

This Christian walk is also seen and related in many other ways to the events and circumstances described in Ezekiel chapter 36.

In Ezekiel 36:24 when Israel is gathered from the heathen unto their own land, this is as the Christian gathered from the Kingdom of this world (whom the prince of darkness rules (Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4) and brought into the Kingdom of God.

In Ezekiel 36:25 the Lord sprinkles clean water on Israel and declares that they shall be clean from filthiness, and all Idols. Does not this seem to relate to the baptism which we receive for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38)?

In Ezekiel 36:26 the cleaning of Ezekiel 36:25 is followed by the receiving of a new spirit and a heart of flesh. And what does this new spirit do? We see in Ezekiel 36:27 that it causes us to walk in the Lord’s statutes and to keep his judgments.

This new spirit here described is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, which leads us to do the will of God by bringing to our remembrance all things whatsoever he has taught us (John 14:26, Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:24, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10-13, 12:24).

In Ezekiel 36:28 we see Israel receiving the Land of Israel as was promised to them. To us as Christians this is as our inheriting of the Kingdom of God as is promised to those who are born again by believing in Christ the Saviour of the world, the only begotten Son of God (John 14:6, 3:1-36).

In Ezekiel 36:31 Israel shall remember their evil ways and loath themselves for their sins and abominations. This is the same response Christians have as they bring to remembrance and view in their minds eye the life they formerly lived. Even as they live the Christian life they will view themselves this way, at least to a point (Isaiah 64:6, Romans chapter 7). For we will not be perfect while we yet live in the flesh, so we wisely view ourselves humbly as nothing, and unworthy of Gods Grace. For while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Yet we live not as defeated, but as overcomers, striving to win the race that we may inherit incorruption, when we depart for heaven putting off this body of corruption (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:50, 1 John 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1).

Now I end this comparison with Ezekiel 36:32 and Ezekiel 36:36. In these verses God declares to Israel that they will not be blessed because they have merited it, for they deserve nothing but destruction because of their iniquities (vs.32). Rather God does what he does because He is Sovereign, and so that all men see that He alone is God and that He alone is Glorified (vs. 36). This also is the case with us as followers of Christ. For we are chosen recipients of Grace from the beginning, elected to Salvation for the purpose of God, that He may be Glorified, for only He is worthy of praise and honor. It is only for His purpose that he has called us from darkness into the marvelous light. Had he not called us and filled us it would be impossible for us to do any good thing whatsoever (2 Timothy 1:9-10, Hebrews 13:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 13:18, 15:16-19, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 1:4-12, Romans 8:28, etcetera).

For God…Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: - 2 Timothy 1:9-10

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. - Psalm 40:1-8

Josiah And Jehoiakim: A Righteous King And His Wicked Son

In 2 Chronicles we read of Josiah and how the prophet Jeremiah and the singers lamented for him.

“And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.” - 2 Chronicles 35:25

Written in what Lamentations?

Some say this refers to Lamentations 4:20 and some say this refers to a book which is no longer extant. Below is Lamentations 4:20 which is clearly speaking of Josiah, as we will see when we realize who Josiah was, and the peace the Lord granted to the Kingdom of Judah for the sake of Josiah’s righteous acts (which showed Josiah’s Faith).

“The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.” - Lamentations 4:20

If this verse refers to King Josiah, which I believe it does, why is he called “anointed” and what does it mean by “of whom we said under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.”

We can find out much about King Josiah in 2 Kings chapter 22 and 23. First, in 2 Kings 22:1-2 we find that Josiah began to reign when he was only 8 years old and he “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” 1 Timothy 4:12 comes to mind when we consider young Josiah and his example.

King David: A Man After God's Own Heart

To really understand why Josiah is considered “righteous enough” to be called “anointed” let us look to David in whose footsteps Josiah followed.

Of King David we read that he was a man after God’s own heart. Why? Because he did the will of God. See Acts 13:22. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 we see that Saul disobeyed God and Saul’s disobedience cost him his kingship. The prophet Samuel, under God’s direction went looking to anoint one to be King who would obey God. The Lord said unto Samuel “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Finally Samuel found David the youngest son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” See 1 Samuel 16:7-13.

In both Ezekiel 37:24-25 and Jeremiah 30:8-9 we see a future time described when David will again reign and be the King of the people Israel. The people under this future rule of David are described in these verses as being cleansed, saved, freed from bondage, obedient to God’s teachings, and as having one shepherd. Jesus Christ is that one shepherd (John 10:1-16) The Shepherd of Jews and Gentiles (John 10:16, Hebrews 2:9).

Now when these verses were written, the flesh of the literal person of King David was rotted in the grave. But Christ came in the flesh as a descendant of David, and as the Son of God, and the creator and Saviour of the world (Matthew 1:1-25, John 1:1-14). So then, in these verses the prophets are describing the future reign of Christ, which has now come to pass (at least partially) as Christ rules over spiritual Israel (which is comprised of both believing Jews and Gentiles (Romans 2:28-29)).

Now look at this. Of Josiah we read; “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” - 2 Kings 23:25

In essence Josiah kept the first and greatest commandment as we can see by the words of Christ in the gospel of Mark.

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” - Mark 12:29-30

What did King Josiah do to be described in this manner?

First, when he heard the words of the Law he realized the sins of Israel.

What was Josiah’s response to sin?

1. He recognized it for what it was by being much grieved, rending his cloths and saying “great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us.” (2 Kings 22:11-13)

2. He shared the truth with others, by having the Law read aloud in the presence of “all the inhabitants of Jerusalem … the priests… the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 23:1-3)

3. He set to work destroying the wickedness that was in the kingdom.

“Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - 2 Kings 23:24

Specifically;

- He destroyed the idols (the vessels made for the worship of Baal and the other false gods (demons)) by burning them into a pile of ashes (2 Kings 23:4,6).

- He “put down” the idolatrous priests who burnt incense to false gods (Baal, demons, the host of heaven) (2 Kings 23:5)).

- He broke down the house of the sodomites (2 Kings 23:7).

- He stopped the offering of children by fire to Molech (2 Kings 23:10).

- He broke down alters, high places, groves, and images which were used and made to worship the false gods of other nations (2 Kings 23:11-15).

- He slew the priests of the false gods (2 Kings 23:20).

We can read below how the Lord promised to let the kingdom of Judah dwell peacefully while King Josiah reigned. And that the land would not be destroyed until after Josiah died, so that Josiah would not see all the evil that God would bring upon Judah for its sins.

“But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.” - 2 Kings 22:18-20

This also brings to mind the verse in Isaiah in which we read how sometimes the Lord lets the righteous perish so that they may not experience the evils which are to come in this world.

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. - Isaiah 57:1

After Josiah died his son Jehoahaz was made king in his stead. And Jehoahaz “did which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” See 2 Kings 23:30-32.

But Jehoahaz was taken away by Pharaohnechoh to Egypt where he died, and Pharaohnechoh made “Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim.” (2 Kings 23:34) But Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight.

Jehoiakim's Wickedness

In fact, Jehoiakim was so wicked, that the LORD had something specific to say of him which he spoke through the prophet Jeremiah.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory! He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed. I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.” - Jeremiah 22:18-22

Do Not Be Deceived: God Is Not Mocked

In this post on the righteous and the wicked king, we can learn much from their examples. We saw why the righteous king was righteous, and why the wicked was wicked.

1. They were either righteous or wicked based on how God judged them (hence, in the eyes of the Lord) They were not righteous or wicked based on their own reasoning or awareness, but by the Word of God (2 Kings 22:13, John 12:48)

2. In the portions of scripture we looked at we can see that they were judged by their actions, by their obedience, or disobedience to the will of God. They did what they did because of their faith in and fear of God (or lack of faith in and lack of fear of God). And we saw them both get their just reward (Isaiah 3:11)(also see 1 Peter 1:17).

In these days, our reward/punishment may only partially come in this life, as we see exampled by the many wicked men that prosper for a time (Psalm 37:1-2).

But, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:7-10

Two Kinds of Fear: The Fear Of The Lord Casts Out Fear

There are two kinds of fear. We can see that with the fear of the Lord comes life, confidence, salvation, deliverance, plenty, the perfecting of holiness, the protection of us by angles, wisdom, and doubtlessly that is not all. (See the verses at the end)

We are commanded not to be fearful of those who can harm the body, but rather to fear God. (Matthew 10:28, 1 Peter 2:17, Revelation 21:8)

This idea of fearing the Lord is misunderstood by many. The only way to understand it is to read what the Holy Scriptures have to say about it.

It appears that the more we know of God and his attributes such as his Holiness, Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Immutability, Sovereignty, Justice, Mercy, Faithfulness and so on the more we fear him. Fearing God also leads to humility (because we see ourselves for who we are), and Love toward God, because we see how much he has done for us despite our foolishness, stubbornness, and evil desires (our depravity). Both the fear and love of God lead us to obey him. Is not this also what 1 John 2:4 is saying, that as we know God we obey him? Knowing him leads us to both fear and love him which leads us to obey him.

Part of this fear is an awe of how great and marvelous God is. It is a result of understanding a mere shadow of his mighty power, of getting a small glimpse of how his ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9, Psalm 33:8)

And yet in all his greatness he is not so far removed from us that he does not care for us, but rather he even cares much for the birds as we can see in Deuteronomy 22:6. If he cares this much for the birds imagine how much more he cares for us. After all he sent his only begotten Son to die for us that we may be saved! His Only Son to be the propitiation for our sins! (1 John 4:10) And as Jesus himself said in Matthew 6:26, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

In John 14:15 Jesus says “If you Love me, keep my commandments.” This is followed later in verse 21 with “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” This is also similar to that said in 1 John 5:3, 1 John 2:5 and 1 Corinthians 8:3.

In order to know, fear, love and obey God we must acquaint ourselves with him. How do we do that? In Job 22:21-23 we see that we are to lay up his words in our heart. If we lay up his words in our heart goodness shall come to us, and iniquity shall be far from us.

Acquaint thyself with the Almighty!


“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." - Proverbs 14:26-27

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” - Psalm 34:4-9

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” - 2 Corinthians 7:1

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:6

“In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” - Psalm 56:4

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:28

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” - Revelation 15:4

For more on fear see Romans 3:15-18, Psalm 33:18-22, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 86:11, Psalm 96:9, Psalm 27:1, Luke 12:4-5, Leviticus 19:14, Leviticus 25:17, Proverbs 1:7, Ephesians 5:21, and etcetera.

See the Hymn "Amazing Grace"

We Know the Commands: The Witness Against Us

Moses received from God all of the law and the commandments and Moses made it all known to the Israelites. Now the commands were written down, in books, and in stone, and spoken unto the Israelites on many occasions. (see Deuteronomy 27:8, Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Exodus 24:7).

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

We cannot say “I did not know.” We cannot pretend to seek what God wants from us as if we do not know.

The scriptures are plain and clear. We have Bibles to read and yet we don’t know what God has commanded because we do not read our Bibles.

Christ has taught us. The Apostles have taught us. Their words are written for us to read, for us to believe, for us to obey.

As the Law of Moses was written as a witness against the Israelites, so are the words of Christ and the Apostles and the Prophets written as a witness against us (Deuteronomy 31:24-30, John 1:7-23, John 3:11, John 15:27, John 18:37, Acts 1:20-26, Acts 4:33, Acts 23:11, Revelation 20:4).

It is as if the words of Christ and the apostles are crying out to us. "You profess to be a Christian? THEN KNOW MY WORDS!" But Christ and the Apostles are not only a witness against those who profess to know him. They are also a witness against all men. For "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (see John 3:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:18-22

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” - Psalm 89:7

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” - Psalm 89:13-16

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” - Psalm 89:18

Take Time to be Holy: Hunger and Thirst Before the Door is Closed

Take time to be Holy?

That is a tough charge in the society in which we live. We are constantly driven to do this and that. Productivity is good but for what end (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)? But our very being we are to offer as a sacrifice to the Living God (Romans 12:1-2). For we are even a Holy Priesthood, chosen by God to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).

We are taught to take time to be Holy. God says “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy” (Leviticus 20:7, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Leviticus 11:44-45). If commanded by God, this cannot be an impossible feat. For man himself it is certainly and most indubitably impossible. But with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23).

Certainly, we cannot expect to be Holy without allotting time for it. Every pursuit requires effort, yielding to God is our task, which we, by the prompting and continued influence of the Holy Spirit are lead to do.

For man does not only live by food, but he lives by the very word that precedes from the mouth of the LORD (see Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).

That is why we may Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, and we Shall Be Filled (Matthew 5:6)!

If we hunger and thirst, we shall seek and find (Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9), then we shall be filled. When we are filled with righteousness are we not Holy?

In Psalm 1:1-6 we see that “the righteous” has “his delight in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

When we are able we should “seek the Lord while he may be found“, and “call upon him while he is near” (see Isaiah 55:6-7). We do not know when our opportunity to call upon the Lord may be taken from us, if we wait it may be too late. For we know not when our time on earth will end, and we must seek the Lord while we are able lest our heart be hardened. Lest we are hardened by pride, such as happened to king Nebuchadnezzar, until he learned the lesson that “the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will” (Daniel 5:18-22).

In Proverbs 1:24-31 we see the reward (not a reward for good) of those who hate knowledge and did not fear the Lord. They did not listen to reproof, but despised it, they refused to listen and had no regard. When calamity and fear comes upon them they will “eat the fruit of their own way.” It will be too late to repent. “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.”

In Matthew 25:1-13 we see how the five wise virgins were prepared and the five foolish virgins were unprepared. And for the foolish it was too late. For the door was shut and the foolish virgins said “Lord, Lord, open to us.” “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” So we must always be ready for we know not when Christ shall come again. If we wait until he comes to prepare, it will be too late.



“Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 28:14

See the Hymn "Take time To Be Holy"

The Forgotten Commandment? Seek The Lord

Many have forgotten that we are commanded to Seek the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:11 and Psalm 105:4).

Besides the fact that he commands us to do it, why should we seek him?

So that we may “be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:3), so that our heart shall live (Psalm 69:32), so that we may “understand all” (Proverbs 28:5).

Who does not seek God? The wicked, because of pride will not seek God (Psalm 10:4).

Why did King Rehoboam do evil? “Because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:13-14).

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” - Hosea 10:12

The Promises?

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” - Deuteronomy 4:29

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33 (What things? See Matthew 6:25-33)




I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

And Then Shall They Fast

“And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bride chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” - Luke 5:33-35 (Also see Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:20)

Jesus said that after he is taken away that his disciples shall fast. Are you his disciple? If you trust him for salvation, if you believe on him, if he is your Lord and Saviour then you are his disciple.

Notice we are not told when to fast, or how often, but we are told how.

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:16-18

When we are right with God we will fast sometimes, but when and how often is up to how the Holy Spirit leads us. But we must remember the words of Jesus “and then shall they fast.” Then is the period of time in which we now live.

But for what cause would we fast? In the Holy Bible fasting is done in mourning, to repent, to seek mercy from God, to dispel evil spirits, to stay the judgment of God, to humble ones self before the Lord, to beseech God for deliverance, or an answer, or for a solution to a problem, and for many other similar reasons.

See Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, Joel 2:12, Matthew 17: 18-21 (Mark 9:29), Acts 13:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, 1 Samuel 31:13, 2 Samuel 1:12, 2 Samuel 12:16-22, Esther 4:3, Psalm 35:13, Psalm 69:10, Isaiah 58:1-11.

“Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?” - Zechariah 7:5-6

“ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” -Colossians 3:23 (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)

For more "How to fast" information see the links below.

http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting/index.htm

http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/fastingbasics.php

http://www.allaboutgod.com/biblical-fasting.htm

Don’t get pricked by the needle!

At the farm where I sometimes work we have a syringe to which a needle is attached which is used to give oxytocin injections to certain cows. There is one fellow who used to work there who appeared to think outside the box a bit more than others. One day he said “Here” as he threw to me the syringe with the attached needle. I was attempting to catch it, but at the last moment I stepped back and withdrew my hands because I thought that if I caught it I would surely prick my hand. He was pleased that I did not attempt to catch it at all costs. Because of course I did not have to catch it, though at first I assumed I did, but before it was too late I realized I did not. He said that the last person he threw it to caught it and got pricked. (Perhaps he should not be throwing needles at people, but the point was made).

I share this because in many ways we will be in a dangerous situation if we make assumptions or if we believe everything we hear. This story was not really a dangerous situation. But if we consider its parts; the needle, the thrower, the message of “Here” and the assumption that we must catch it, and us, and our reaction, and the results of our action. We could imagine the needle as sin (which leads unto death) and its thrower as Satan and the message and its accompanying assumption as the doctrines of men. Then also there is us; that is, each one of us and our reaction, and the results. So this could be compared to Satan deceiving men so that they work for him by spreading messages which leads others to sin, and we who are deceived by these messages sin (catch the needle) and receive death (Hell) as the consequence of believing (being deceived by) Satan. The reason we “catch the needle” is because we believe the lie that we must catch it. I guess I’d better give an example. One false doctrine taught by men (who believe Satan) is that any true thing cannot offend many “Christians.” Some actually believe (make-believe) that if a particular teaching is judgmental to many who call themselves Christians that that particular teaching is a lie. This of course is a logical fallacy, appealing to the common misconception that “if everyone else is doing it, it must be alright” The danger is that if the Bible teaches a thing which many who call themselves Christians do not believe, than we assume that we do not have to believe it either, so we don’t believe it. In doing this we deny the scripture, and its words condemn us because we don’t yield to it. And this brings us to another common lie; that God would not be so cruel as to deny us life simply because we were believing other Christians (rather than the word of God). We’ll here is a news flash; WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE ? Remember that we deserve nothing but Hell and God Loves us so much. Cannot we lay down our pride and selfishness for just a moment to seek him? Where the scriptures written is vain? Is the word of God for naught? So now you know what I mean when I say Don’t get pricked by the needle!

Part of the solution is that we need to be able to think out side the box. (in the sense that we are unconformed to the world and only conformed to Christ (Romans 8:29, 12:2)) God does not confine himself to working inside a box (neither indeed can he). Likewise, it is impossible for us to put God in a box. (By in a box I mean restricting who God is in opposition to what the scriptures teach, we do this by believing lies, any lie we believe gives us a false picture of reality, and lies are taught everywhere, we can only renew our minds and look to God to teach us) When we do put God in a box then God becomes god. Then he is no longer the God of the Prophets and Apostles, no longer the God of the Holy scriptures, no longer the God of reality. Then he becomes a god of our imagination who cannot save us, nor empower us, nor ultimately do any thing for us except inflate our bent to sin.

“With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury. And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down. For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.” 2 - Samuel 22:26-34

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

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” - Isaiah 40:8

And Jesus Said;

“And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” -Luke 8:21

“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” -Luke 11:28

What Does the Scripture Say ?

This is the question we need to ask and apply to every aspect of our lives.


There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - Pro 16:25

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. - Deu 12:32

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for onecutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. - Jer 10:2-4

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? - Gal 4:8-16

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. - Mark 7:6-13

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, - Col 2:14-20

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Proverbs 3:1-7

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (We cannot improve upon “perfect” by adding to the scriptures).

What do these verses tell us?

We cannot merely do what seems right. We are to be separate from the world and we are not to follow the traditions of men nor the vain ways of the heathen. Nor are we to pattern Christian worship after the ways that the heathen worship their gods. We are to only do and believe what the Bible instructs us to do and believe. How can this fact be applied today to Christianity? How has the world pervaded the church?

We must believe and obey the scriptures, renewing our minds (Psalm 51:10) and receiving instruction (Proverbs 1:7, 8:33, 9:9, 10:17, 13:18, 15:32) . Or else we may be like that man in James 1:20-27 who is a hearer of the word and not a doer. He sees himself as in a mirror but then goes his way and immediately forgets his appearance. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” - James 1:22

Poem by Candle Light

This post moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2010/08/poem-by-candle-light.html

Salvation by Grace through Faith

This is very basic information, but I still will say it for it seems to be understood by so few (which is quite scary).

For a Christian their salvation, unlike the “salvation” of other religions is not something they can earn, but it is a gift of God only. Salvation is a gift of God by Grace through Faith (a). When one accepts Christ, repents and acknowledges they are forgiven and saved only through Christ and his shed blood, then they will desire to serve God (b). A Christian is not saved by the works he does, nor by the commandments he keeps. For no flesh can please God (c) However, if a man confesses Christ with his mouth, but does not live as Christ commands, doing the Father’s will…then that man’s confession is meaningless. This is what the scriptures teach. (g)

For we must test the spirits (d), working out our salvation with fear and trembling (e), and having knowledge of the scriptures so that we can know who God and Christ are, and what they require from us. This is necessary in order that we are not worshipping a false god who is merely a figment of our imagination, and thereby deceiving ourselves, and possibly perishing for lack of knowledge (f).

a. (Ephesians 2:8) b. (Philippians 2:13) c. (Romans 8:8) d. (1 John 4:1) e. (Philippians 2:12) f. (Hosea 4:6) g. (Matthew 7:17-23, Luke 6:46, 13:25)

The Most Important Thing

For my first post I will be sure to cover the Most Important thing. So that anyone who reads this will be aware of the most important thing. What is the most important thing you ask?

It is the spiritual.

The spiritual dimensions in Life are those which last, for that which is seen is made of that which is unseen (Heb. 11:3). That which the Physical (things that we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands) is made of does not last. So why get all caught up with the physical when it will shortly pass away?

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Cor 4:18

Not only is the spiritual important-but it is important in regards to our personal spirituality. We personally have to act. Are You Right With God? Where will you spend eternity? How will you spend eternity?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” –Gal. 5:6

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Gal. 5:25

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” – Romans 8:1-14

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” –Acts 2:38

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” –John 3:15-21

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Eph. 2:8

“For until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that naught is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; no, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity.” -John Calvin ( Jean Cauvin)

“Let us pray that the Holy Spirit be ever at our side and that he never abandon us.” - St. Basil the Great

Let us Read and Believe the Holy Bible. Amen.