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Friday, January 31, 2014

Introduction to the Commands, Teachings, and Life of Jesus Christ


The Reason Why we Study and Teach

Christ’s Commands and Teachings

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Matt 28:16-20 (KJV)

 

    As we begin this study of the Commands and Teachings of Jesus, we need to bear in mind that Jesus said, not only to Go (evangelism) but to stay long enough to teach (disciple) those who come to Christ through our witness of the Gospel. This took as little as a year or less with Paul at times in his missionary journeys. However, we must also remember that obedience to the Lord’s commands is evidence of our love or lack of love for Him. Jesus said,

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 (KJV)

 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

1 Timothy 6:19-21


Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 

    O Timothy, charging them to do good works and give generously will lay up for them a good store to come later. They will be better prepared for what life will be like in Heaven and most importantly, they will lay hold on eternal life if they have fought the fight, stayed faithful to their Savior and known the Lord.

 

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

    Now the quiet ending, O Timothy, the beloved spiritual son of Paul—keep that which is committed to thy trust. Avoid profane and vain babblings. Avoid and pay no attention to oppositions of science falsely so called—sociology, psychology, evolution, astrology and so forth. Some have erred concerning the faith in these areas…. The Grace of God be with thee. Amen.

      Paul’s short little prayer and exhortation here in the last verse is of great importance to us dear readers, so much is contained in it. Like Timothy, we need to keep that which is committed to our trust. Avoid profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called. Some have erred in these areas though they profess Faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

1 Tim 6:19-21 (KJV)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

1 Timothy 6:17-18


Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

    In light of all that, of the amazing and awesome and only God, command others (in confidence) who are rich in this world (on this earth) that they be not prideful and highminded and that they not place their trust in their uncertain and perishing riches. But charge them, yea extol them to place their trust in the living God! The God who gives us all things richly to enjoy! God gives us so many different kinds of food to enjoy. He gives us land, animals, jobs, businesses, families and possessions to enjoy! God gives us emotions and feelings to enjoy! God even gives us sex to enjoy in marriage! All these things need to be guarded by balance; however, for our God is good and not an evil king who let us ruin ourselves by being ruled by our own lusts. No, the possessions, beauties of this world, food, and relationships all have a proper place. Emotions and feelings, while good, also have their place and must not be idolized. And sex, it is a good thing, but God has created it within the bonds of marriage alone to be enjoyed passionately and exuberantly!

    O young Timothy, charge them to do good so that they will be rich in good works and ready and able to distribute to the needs of others. That they may give and not hoard; that they may be free and not in bondage. O charge them to be willing to communicate, to talk, to preach, to love, to listen, to embrace, to walk alongside!

    1 Tim 6:17-18 (KJV)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Watch Out for Those Who are Given to Change


Watch Out for Those Who are Given to Change

My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Proverbs 24:21-22 (KJV)

     It is very dangerous to surround oneself with those who are given to change: that is those who love change, change things constantly, and are fickle. This is not referring to necessary changes we must make in our lives and work to survive and manage efficiently, but on changing for the sake of change. There are people who simply go one way and then the next: they change so much that they are never consistent or constant in anything; they have no stability.

     Fear the Lord and do not meddle with these people! Know that God’s warning is warning enough and heed it. For their calamity will arise suddenly. They will eventually be ruined! Businesses that constantly change and have not stability are doomed to destruction. They may “succeed” for a while, but their end is sure. Why should be ruined along with those who are given to change because of your associations with them? Run! Be alert and do not go near them.

       In the institution of the American church today, constant change is going on: change to be more relevant, to get more people to come in, to be more attractive to the world. Beware, these “environments of change” will lead to calamity. The Church of Jesus Christ is about Faith in the Lord and Love for the Brethren. It is not wrong to have some ministries and such, but when our focus is so much on our buildings, programs, and appearance, instead of on the Lord, WE WILL FALL! The Scripture puts it clearly:

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Psalms 127:1-2 (KJV)

many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matt 24:11-14 (KJV)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Matt 24:24 (KJV)

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matt 25:6-13 (KJV)

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV)

 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness

2 Peter 2:14-15 (KJV)

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

2 Peter 2:20-21 (KJV)

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:17-35 (KJV)

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Rev 2:4-5 (KJV)

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Rev 2:10 (KJV)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

Rev 2:14-17 (KJV)

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Rev 2:20-23 (KJV)

 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev 3:2-6 (KJV)

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev 3:10-13 (KJV)

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Rev 3:16-19 (KJV)

1 Timothy 6:15-16


Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

 

  Remember as part of your charge that God in his own time shall show honor toward whom He shows honor and judgment to whom he shows judgment. God is the blessed God. O how many times Scripture tells us to bless the Lord! He is the only Potentate, King of kings, and Lord of lords, He is the ruler of all!

 

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

 

     God alone is immortal! He dwells in a light which not man can approach. If you see God on this earth, you’re dead! He is so beautiful, so awesome, so terrible! God’s power and honor and glory are everlasting! And seal all this with an Amen as a song, a prayer, a blessing of the Name of the Lord!

1 Tim 6:15-16 (KJV)

Monday, January 27, 2014

1 Timothy 6:12-13


Fight the good fight of faith,

 

   Fight the good fight, dear Christian soldier! Run the race. Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). Wholeheartedly depend on the Lord and abide in Christ for only in His vine can you be satisfied and strengthened to stand in the evil day.

 

 lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

     After fighting the good fight, lay hold, obtain, receive the prize of your run after your Lord Jesus Christ: eternal life. We were called to eternal, everlasting, abundant life in Christ—a relationship with Him!—and we have professed the good profession of repentance and redemption and regeneration in Jesus Christ before many witnesses.

 

 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession

 

     Today and tomorrow we look at the God who Paul charges Timothy in light of. Then we will look at the charge itself. The charge is in the sight of God—God sees all and knows all that we do: even the secret sins in the darkest of places and we would do well to remember that. God quickens—He enlivens and sustains everything: sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies, every animal, every human, every creature, every cell, every molecule and atom and electron! Before Jesus Christ who stood before Pilate as a witness and testified a true confession of Faith, we are charged, commanded, and to be attentive.

1 Tim 6:12-13 (KJV)

Sunday, January 26, 2014

1 Timothy 6:10-11


For the love of money is the root of all evil:

 

   Not having money, but loving it is the root of all evil. As I’ve heard it said you can have $1 million dollars or $1 and you are in trouble either way if you love money. But if you don’t love money, you can be content with whatever the Lord has given you. This isn’t to say that financial savvy, wisdom, or making money is evil for God’s Word says much about earning money, managing wealth and debt. But the love of money—that is the root of evil that devours a heart and life of a man.

 

which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

    There have been people, yea there still are! That have coveted—that is greedily and lustfully desired—money. Because of that heart disposition, they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Massive debt, securities, anxieties, stress, insomnia, health disorders, confusion, mental anguish, and other such sorrows of placing one’s heart upon riches.

   

   

True riches from the Lord are not sorrowful (a burden).

 

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Prov 10:22 (KJV)

 

 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

    But thou, O godly reader and O pastor, flee these hollow and dangerous things. Instead, set your heart upon righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness; in short, set your love upon the Lord and His character.

1 Tim 6:10-11 (KJV)

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Is is Right to Obey to the Last Letter, It is Wrong to Neglect Love and Justice

The Following comes from FMM's Advice for Young Ministers Website at: https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/gaurd-your-heart-against-what-jesus-taught-about-pariseeism


Gaurd your Heart against what Jesus taught about Pariseeism

LESSON 1
But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 11:41-42 (KJV)

It is Right to Obey to the Last Letter, It is Wrong to Neglect Love and Justice
 
     The Pharisees’ error was not that they obeyed to the letter in tithing their smallest garden herbs. No, there error was that they neglected God’s judgment and love. They were hypocrites who loved themselves and created rules and followed teachers who said what their own itching ears wanted to hear. They followed the traditions of rabbis (of men) rather than God. In short, they justified their disobedience by creating a “way” that justified their actions, decisions, and lifestyle. They claimed holiness, but were far from holy.
      Little is said anymore about holiness and obeying even the least of the commands of the Word of God, yet Jesus said:
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:19 (KJV)
      But right after Jesus says that, the next verse in fact, he addresses the issue of phariseeism:
 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:20 (KJV)
 
      Earlier on Jesus said:
 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matt 5:17-18 (KJV)
      Jesus is not saying to not obey the Word of God because he brought us grace through His death. No, Jesus is saying be faithful to the very last detail, but don’t neglect justice and the love of God. Keep your heart from phariseeism. Be attentive to the Lord and discerning by the Holy Spirit of God which raised Christ from the dead and lives within Christ’s disciples to see the love of God in people. Don’t discount the passionate heart of the new Christian who loves Christ and yet does not yet know His commands. Love the person and take time to teach them what Jesus taught (that = discipleship, Matt 28:19-20). Yet, also do not neglect justice. Paul taught very clearly that disorderly believers (2 Thess 3:6, 1 Cor 5) should be put out from the church if they did not repent after following Christ’s three time teaching (Matthew 18:15-35). Now, we are to forgive all men as Christ did; however, we are to hate the deeds of evil and to act justly as far as depends on us (Ex 18:21-23). Love God and do justice as well as being faithfully obedient in the littlest details.
 
LIVE UP TO WHAT THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD THAT YOU HAVE ATTAINED
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Phil 3:15-16 (KJV)

Friday, January 24, 2014

1 Timothy 6:8-9


And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 

    Let us be content, dear ones, with food and clothing. For our basic needs are warmth and protection for our bodies and food to nourish them. For these things our Lord provides (Matt 6). We are more important than the grass of the field and the animals of the earth!

 

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 

    Those that will, that desire, that strive to simply be rich fall into a temptation and a snare. Their souls will find no true peace or pleasure in the ladder to it and once it is attained, they will not be able to sleep for fear of losing it and happiness will flee despite the mounds of gold and houses full of treasures they may obtain. Truly the pursuit of riches leads to foolish and hurtful lusts that drown their masters into destruction and perdition. Let us be content with the basics and joyfully thankful with anything the Lord entrusts us with above that.

1 Tim 6:8-9 (KJV)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

1 Timothy 6:6-7


But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

     Godliness is godliness. It is nothing else. It is not measured by gain or achievement, but by being with God, loving God first and foremost and, out of a relationship with God, becoming like Him in our lifestyle, mannerism, and love. Therefore, let us be content, for no amount of achievement makes us more godly. When we have godliness with contentment there is great gain: peace!

 

 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 

    It is important for us to remember that we brought nothing into this world. We came alone from our Mother’s womb. We grew up helpless and had to have our every need provided for by others. When we die, what makes us think that we can take anything with us? We brought nothing into this world and we can certainly carry nothing out with us. Only we can leave, and most assuredly every last one of us shall.

1 Tim 6:6-7 (KJV)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Faithful Men


Faithful Men

 

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim 2:2-3 (KJV)

 

    We need Biblical Men, yes. But we really need Faithful men. Men who will be faithful to God, their Faith, their families, their countries. The Lord has really been impressing upon me the importance of faithfulness this past year. As I was beginning a mentorship group with a few old friends and a few other guys that I knew semi-well this past year as the Lord led me, I kept asking the Lord for a name to call the group. “Young Men’s Mentorship group” didn’t fit even though we started with it. But God did bring a name: Faithful Men. Right now this burden is being worked out (Faith has action attached) with 9 young men.  I have had been reminded by the Holy Spirit about the power of words. There is a reason why I call each of these young men Faithful Men. In the future, I believe they will be, but right now, it is time to roll up their sleeves, learn, apply, face some challenges, and become strong and dependent on the Lord; not glorying in their own strength like young men naturally do (Proverbs 20:29). My encouragement for all men out there is that God would make you faithful men! O how we need them in our country! Personally, my burden is that I must be involved in making my voice heard in the political scene of this country—I sign petitions, follow Christian action groups, and spread the word that I can. In the spiritual mire of the nation—I keep encouraging people to seek the Lord and try to invest, as the Holy Spirit leads and directs, in the lives of those around me that God (not me) wants me to influence. Most of the time that group is small. I can preach to a thousand, but I can personally love one at a time. But I am limited and the few Faithful Men standing in our nation will not endure forever—Men, we need you to be a faithful man and stand in the gap alongside your Brothers in Christ.

     Women reading, I ask that you would pray for the men of this country. Pray for your husbands, fathers, sons, and (for those unmarried) your future husbands or sons that they would be Faithful Men: Faithful to God and bold because of their strength comes from a dependent relationship on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, the Same spirit you raised Christ from the dead  and dwells in Believers.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Virtuous Women


Virtuous Women

(A developing Ministry of FMM for young ladies….website coming in 2014)

 

 

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Prov 31:10-11 (KJV)

    From what I’ve seen, there are probably more young ladies out their living a virtuous life in their younger years than young men; yet there is a only a remnant of each that serve God when they are young (Ecc 11:9-10). My encouragement and prayer for you, women, is that this coming year, that the Lord would show you by the Truth of His Word and that the still, small voice of His Holy Spirit what His will is for your life. God actually has a lot to say about you! Some say that women are looked down on in the Bible—nothing could be further from the Truth! Yes, women have a different role and characteristics than men, that is what makes them women and nothing is wrong with being comfortable with those differences; however, God never teaches that a woman is not a person or equally as valuable to Him as a man. May you be women of graceful character and virtue as the woman is Proverbs 31 and elsewhere in The Book is display: a woman of virtue whose husband can safely trust in her.

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