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JOY

Boyce Mouton · 34 pages · 26,489 words

JOY JOY

The word “joy” is found 165 times in the King James Bible. Under the heading of “joy,” Young’s Analytical Concordance lists 9 different Hebrew words and 3 different Greek words. This basic “family” of words can be easily expanded by including joyous, joyful, joyfulness, etc.

Our reflections on this word can be greatly simplified by remembering that “joy” is considered in Scripture as “fruit of the Spirit.” “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23.)

Note that the word “fruit” is singular. The manifestations of the Spirit are so cohesive that they are considered as one.

The word “joy” in this passage is the Greek word “chara.” It refers to a joy and a delight that come from God. Man can make artificial fruit, but true fruit can only come from God. When you put an artificial apple in the ground it will be destroyed. When you put a real apple in the ground it will grow.

Paul wrote four letters from prison that are included in our Bible (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) All of these letters reflect his joy in the Lord. The Philippian letter, in particular, is known as a letter of rejoicing. The noun “chara” is found five times in this letter (1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1) and the verb “charein” is found eleven times (1:18,18; 2:17,17, 18,18, 28; 3:1; 4:4, 4, 10)

JOY is a fruit of the SPIRIT! It can never be experienced in the flesh. Having said this, let us reflect upon Ishmael, and Isaac.

ISHMAEL AND ISAAC ISHMAEL AND ISAAC

"Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants"

"Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants" (Gal. 4:24.)

(Gal. 4:24.)

"Allegory" is a Greek word. It comes from "allos," which means "other," and "agoreuo," which means to speak in an assembly. It was a teaching tool used by public speakers. A simple story, which was easy to remember, was used to illustrate a concept which was profound. Webster defines an allegory as a "description of one thing under the image of another." The Galatians were confused about their own relationship with law and grace. For this reason, Paul used an "allegory," to teach them the truth of God.

Ishmael and Isaac were half brothers. They had the same father, but different mothers. There were similar in many ways. Abraham begat both in his old age. God spoke to both mothers and prophesied about the future of their sons. Both were circumcised. Both became great nations. Both lived in the same part of the world. Both helped bury their father. Since both had the same father, it is quite possible that they were similar in appearance. We may also assume that both wore the same type of clothing, ate the same type of food, and had the same life style. If we saw them from a distance we might easily confuse one with the other.

They were, however, quite different. They were not only different, they were radically different. The word "radical" comes from the Latin "radix," which means "root." (This is the basis of our English word "radish," which is a root.) These brothers were radically different. They were as different as black and white, bitter and sweet, night and day.

Paul taught that these men, and their mothers, were allegories (Gal. 4:21-31.) They were like two different covenants, or two different approaches to God. One was carnal, and the other spiritual. One was after the flesh, and the other by promise. One produced bondage, and the other freedom. One was like an organization, and the other like an organism. One was characterized by "dead works," and the other by "service to a Living God" (Heb. 9:14.) One covenant represented Judaism, and the other Christianity.

Judaism and Christianity were also similar in many ways. Both Jews and Christians met each week and studied the Scriptures. Both had nothing to do with pagan idols. Both had high standards of moral conduct. Both emphasized the importance of prayer. Both had elders and deacons. Both were evangelistic. Both baptized by immersion. When seen from a distance, one might easily confuse one with the other.

Nevertheless, Judaism and Christianity were radically different. They could never be combined. To attempt to do so would be like putting new wine in old skins, or new cloth in an old garment. The old covenant, and the new covenant are irreconcilably different. The old covenant was written in stone. It was cold, rigid, inflexible, and without mercy. The new covenant is the opposite of the old. It is filled with warmth, flexibility, emotion, and compassion. It is not written in stone, or pieces of paper, it is written in the mind and heart of believers (Heb. 8:7-10.)

HAGAR AND ISHMAEL

Before considering Hagar, and her son, Ishmael, let us briefly review the promises of God. Among other things, God promised Abram that he would have a son.

! God made promises to Abram when he lived in Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2.)

! These promises were repeated when Abram lived in Haran (Gen. 12:1-4.)

! Some time later, after Lot was separated from him, the promises were again repeated to Abram (Gen. 13:14-18.)

! After Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek, the promises were repeated yet

again (Gen. 15:1- 21.)

! Abram believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness

(Gen. 15:6.)

Sarai, Abram's wife, apparently did not believe that these promises applied to her. She had been barren all of her life. She did not believe it was possible for her to have a child. Therefore, she encouraged Abram to have a child by Hagar, her Egyptian handmaid. Hagar conceived and gave birth to Ishmael (Gen. 16:1-16.)

It is important to note the carnal nature of this relationship. Nothing about it was spiritual, or supernatural. The original thought, in the mind of Sarai, was carnal. It did not come from God. The relationship that Abram had with Hagar was carnal. The birth of Ishmael was also carnal. Abram, as you

know, was not infertile. After the death of Sarah, he married Keturah and had six more children (Gen. 25:1-2.) The Old Covenant, allegorized by Hagar and Ishmael, was known as the "law

law

law of

of a carnal

carnal

carnal commandment" (Heb. 7:16.)

commandment" (Heb. 7:16.)

ISHMAEL WAS A "WILD MAN"

After Hagar conceived, the angel of the Lord told her that her son was to be named "Ishmael," because God had heard her affliction (Gen. 16:11.) The name Ishmael means "God hears." The angel further predicted that Ishmael would be a "wild man." The NIV translates it as "wild donkey of a man." The word refers to a beast that was stubborn and difficult to tame. Ishmael would be like this. He would be a continual source of controversy and division:

"And

"And he

he will

will

will be

be a wild

wild

wild man;

man;

man; his

his

his hand

hand

hand will

will

will be

be against

against

against every

every

every man,

man,

man, and

and

and every

every

every man's

man's

man's hand

hand

hand against

against

against him;

him;

him; and

and

and he

he shall

shall

shall dwell

dwell

dwell in

inin

in the

the

the presence

presence

presence of

of all

all

all his

his

his brethren" (Gen. 16:12.)

brethren" (Gen. 16:12.)

A brief review of Ishmael's life will help to understand his combative nature. For almost fourteen years he had every reason to believe he would inherit the wealth of his father. During this time, he was not only the firstborn son of Abram, he was the only son. He was also much loved by his father. As proof of this, when Abraham was informed that Sarah would have a son, he cried out to God: "O

"O that

that

that Ishmael

Ishmael

Ishmael might

might

might live

live

live before thee!" (Gen. 17:18.)

before thee!" (Gen. 17:18.)

before thee!" (Gen. 17:18.) Such, however, was not to be.

When Isaac was born, an incredible thing happened. Ishmael, the firstborn and beloved son of Abram, was driven out and disinherited. No wonder he was angry. He must have "cried out" to God for justice, as his mother did many years before. His cries to God would provide another insight into the reason he was called "Ishmael."

This is, of course, an allegory that helps us to understand the nature of law. The very essence of law is litigious and quarrelsome, just like Ishmael. That which is written in stone never changes. Our understanding, however, does change. Consequently, our understanding of law is in a constant state of flux. Human beings are seldom at the same level of knowledge and understanding. Sometimes we even abandon previous positions about which we once felt confident. This is one reason why the Old Law, written in stone, will always be controversial. Take, for example, the commandment to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Scholars have debated the meaning of these words for over three thousand five hundred years . . . and still do not agree. Legal judgments are quite often appealed, and legal libraries have hundreds of books. The very nature of law is litigious and quarrelsome, just like Ishmael.

Perhaps this is one reason God found fault with the old covenant (Heb. 8:8.) It was a constant source of controversy. It was harsh, like being in jail (Gal. 3:23.) Its commandments and ordinances were "carnal," (Heb. 7:16, 9:10.) In was "weak and beggarly," (Ga. 4:9.) Peter called it a "yoke . . . which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear" (Acts 15:10.) Those who based their relationship with God on the old covenant were like Ishmael. They were always crying out for a legal remedy. They were always ready for an argument or debate. Consequently, they were always divisive, and divided.

Carnal religion is still a source of controversy and division. Those involved in it are constantly

complaining and consistently critical . . . just like Ishmael.

SARAH AND ISAAC

Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael, God appeared again to Abram and renewed His promises. This time the promises were given in association with the covenant of circumcision, and the changing of names. Abram (exalted father) was given the name Abraham (father of multitudes.) Sarai (Jehovah is Prince) was given the name Sarah (princess.)

The very essence of Isaac's birth involved the supernatural. From the human point of view Sarah couldn't have a baby. It had ceased to be with her after the manner of women (Gen. 18:11.) She was "past age" (Heb. 11:11.) She had a dead womb (Rom. 4:19.) She had wanted to have a baby all of her married life, and had failed. The very idea that she could conceive, after menopause, was preposterous. This idea, as you know, did not come from man, it came from God.

The name Isaac means "laughter." Abraham laughed at the idea of his birth (Gen. 17:17,) and so did Sarah (Gen. 18:12,) Isaac also must have laughed when he inherited everything Ishmael had hoped for. The fact of Isaac's inheritance is explicitly stated in Scripture. When Abraham died, the Bible plainly states that Isaac received everything he had (Gen. 25:5.) The son of the bondwoman was not an heir with the son of the freewoman (Gal. 4:30.) This, as you know, is like Christianity. Our inheritance is like that of Isaac. It is both miraculous, and undeserved.

While Ishmael was arguing and complaining, Isaac was laughing. This is indeed a poignant allegory of the two covenants.

ISAAC TRANSCENDED LAW

It needs to be remembered that although Abram lived long before Moses, he still obeyed laws. God said: "Abraham

"Abraham

"Abraham obeyed

obeyed

obeyed my

my voice,

voice,

voice, and

and

and kept

kept

kept my

my charge,

charge,

charge, my

my commandments,

commandments,

commandments, my

my statutes,

statutes,

statutes, and my laws" (Gen. 26:5.)

and my laws" (Gen. 26:5.)

and my laws" (Gen. 26:5.) The Law of Moses, as you know, came four hundred and thirty years later (Gal. 3:17.)

The birth of Isaac, however, transcended law. There had never been a birth like his. The unique nature of his existence placed him outside the jurisdiction of the law of nature, the law of the Patriarchs, and the Law of Moses. There was no precedent for a legal judgment. The nature of Isaac was spiritual. It transcended the laws of earth.

In recent years our minds have been stretched by travel in outer space. Astronauts do not get speeding tickets. They operate outside the jurisdiction of earth. They travel in the heavens. Objects that are dropped on earth fall. Objects "dropped" in space merely float. Those "in the heavens" are operating in a different environment. They are beyond the limiting affects of the earth and its atmosphere. Isaac was like this. He too, was outside the realm of earthly law. No wonder he was so happy. Neither Ishmael, nor anyone else, could condemn, or disinherit him. He is like a beautiful allegory of Christianity. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37-39.) Paul stated it succinctly: "IfIfIfIf ye

ye be

be led

led

led of

of the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Gal. 5:18.)

the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Gal. 5:18.)

the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Gal. 5:18.) No wonder Christians are so happy!

APPLICATION OF THIS TRUTH BY THE APOSTLES

Abram and Sarai were so anxious to expedite the promises that they took matters into their own hands. They didn't "wait" upon the Lord, but ran ahead of Him. They quit trying to "transform" the world, and became "conformed" to it. Their approach was "carnal," not "spiritual." It seemed to work. It produced visible results, but it did not please God.

Paul dealt with the same problem in his day. Some lost sight of the spiritual nature of Christianity and became carnal. They "marketed" Jesus like a huckster. In fact, this is precisely what Paul accused them of. He wrote: "We

"We

"We are

are

are not

not

not as

as many,

many,

many, which

which

which corrupt

corrupt

corrupt the

the

the word

word

word of

of God

God

God . . . " (II

(II

(II Cor.

Cor.

Cor. 2:17.)

2:17.)

2:17.) He made a sharp distinction between his ministry and theirs. The word translated "corrupt" is "kapeleuo." It refers to a petty retailer, or huckster. They were hucksters, but Paul was not. Paul's approach to Christianity was spiritual. Hucksters will do almost anything to make a sale. Some preachers would do almost anything to "make" the church grow. Paul wouldn't!

The hucksters saw things from a human point of view. Paul didn't (II Cor. 5:16.) Since they had fleshly minds, they depended heavily upon fleshly letters, but Paul didn't (II Cor. 3:1.) They were consistently trying to impress men, but Paul wouldn't. He wrote to the Galatians that if he tried to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10.) Paul accused them of "walking

walking

walking in

inin

in craftiness"

craftiness"

craftiness" and "handling

"handling

"handling the

the

the word

word

word of

of God

God

God deceitfully"

deceitfully"

deceitfully" (II

(II

(II Cor.

Cor.

Cor. 4:2.)

4:2.)

4:2.) Paul's preaching was without deceit, uncleanness, or guile (I Thess. 2:3.)

God does not think the way men think. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9.) In His infinite wisdom, God did not choose many wise men after the flesh. He deliberately overlooked those who were mighty, and noble. He chose those whom the world considered foolish, that He might put to shame the wise. He chose the "weak" to confound the "mighty." He chose that which was "base" and "despised." One reason He did so, was that no flesh would be able to glory in His presence (I Cor. 1:24-31.)

The original twelve apostles, as you know, were without human credentials. They had no money, power, or prestige. Many modern churches would consider them only qualified to do manual labor. God, however, saw them as foundational to the future of a new kind of kingdom. Paul was an exception. He had an excellent education, and many other fleshly things about which to glory. Instead of helping him, however, his human credentials were a hindrance. He wrote to the Philippians, "But

But

But what

what

what things

things

things were

were

were gain

gain

gain to

to me,

me,

me, those

those

those I counted

counted

counted loss

loss

loss for

for

for Christ"

Christ"

Christ" (Phil.

(Phil.

(Phil. 3:7.)

3:7.)

3:7.) Paul abandoned his earthly achievements like garbage that he might know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

Note his utter dependence upon the power of God:

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech,

speech,

speech, or

or of

of wisdom,

wisdom,

wisdom, declaring

declaring

declaring unto

unto

unto you

you

you the

the

the testimony

testimony

testimony of

of God.

God.

God. For I

For I

For I determined

determined

determined not

not

not to

to know

know

know any

any

any thing

thing

thing among

among

among you,

you,

you, save

save

save Jesus

Jesus

Jesus Christ,

Christ,

Christ, and

and

and him

him

him crucified.

crucified.

crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

trembling.

trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of

of man's

man's

man's wisdom, but

wisdom, but

wisdom, but in

inin

in the

the

the demonstration

demonstration

demonstration of

of the

the

the Spirit

Spirit

Spirit and

and

and of

of power:

power:

power: that

that

that your

your

your faith

faith

faith should

should

should not

not

not stand

stand

stand in

inin

in the

the

the wisdom

wisdom

wisdom of

of men,

men,

men, but

but

but in

inin

in the

the

the power

power

power of

of God"

God"

(II Cor. 2:1-5.) (II Cor. 2:1-5.) (II Cor. 2:1-5.) (II Cor. 2:1-5.)

In his second letter he would make the same confession with these words:

"Not

"Not that

that

that we

we are

are

are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of

sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of

sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God . . . " (II Cor.3:5.)

ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God . . . " (II Cor.3:5.)

Christianity, like Isaac, is utterly dependent upon God. There was no human law to which Isaac could appeal that he might receive the inheritance of his father. Human judges, and human lawyers, would not, and could not understand what happened.

AN INSTITUTION OR AN ORGANISM

The Old Covenant created an institution. It was, of course, a divine institution, created by God Himself. God did not do so, however, to glorify institutional religion. It was a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith! (Gal. 3:24)

Note the fleshly nature of Old Covenant religion. The qualifications for the high priest, for example, were fleshly qualifications. First, he had to come from the Tribe of Levi, and the family of Aaron. His spiritual depth, or maturity, was not a factor. Further, he could not have any "physical" blemish. Some of these "blemishes" are listed in Leviticus.

"For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not or whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not or whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not or whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach:

approach:

approach: a blind

blind

blind man,

man,

man, or

or a lame,

lame,

lame, or

or he

he that hath a flat nose, or any

that hath a flat nose, or any

that hath a flat nose, or any thing

thing

thing superflous.

superflous.

superflous. Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or crookbacked,

crookbacked,

crookbacked, or

or a dwarf,

dwarf,

dwarf, or that hath a

or that hath a

or that hath a blemish

blemish

blemish in

inin

in his

his

his eyes,

eyes,

eyes, or

or be

be scurvy,

scurvy,

scurvy, or

or scabbed,

scabbed,

scabbed, or

or hath

hath

hath his

his

his stones

stones

stones broken;

broken;

broken; NO

NO MAN

MAN

MAN THAT

THAT

THAT HATH

HATH

HATH A BLEMISH

BLEMISH

BLEMISH OF

OF THE

THE

THE SEED

SEED

SEED OF

OF AARON

AARON

AARON THE

THE

THE PRIEST

PRIEST

PRIEST SHALL

SHALL

SHALL COME

COME

COME NIGH

NIGH

NIGH TO

TO OFFER

OFFER

OFFER THE

THE

THE OFFERINGS OF THE LORD MADE BY FIRE: HE THAT HATH A OFFERINGS OF THE LORD MADE BY FIRE: HE THAT HATH A OFFERINGS OF THE LORD MADE BY FIRE: HE THAT HATH A OFFERINGS OF THE LORD MADE BY FIRE: HE THAT HATH A BLEMISH;

BLEMISH;

BLEMISH; HE

HE SHALL

SHALL

SHALL NOT

NOT

NOT COME

COME

COME NIGH

NIGH

NIGH TO

TO OFFER

OFFER

OFFER THE

THE

THE BREAD

BREAD

BREAD OF

OF HIS

HIS

HIS GOD" (Lev. 21:18-21.)

GOD" (Lev. 21:18-21.)

If a man met these physical qualifications, he could serve as high priest, even if he was spiritually corrupt. Caiaphas and Annas proved this in the time of Christ. Both were so spiritually debauched that they played an active role in the crucifixion of Christ. Yet, both served in the office of high priest. Even though their hearts were far from God, the Lord honored the office in which they served. Take, for example, the words of Caiaphas in John 11:50. In this passage Caiaphas said that "itititit isisisis expedient

expedient

expedient for

for

for us that one man

us that one man

us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."

should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."

John, the inspired apostle who recorded these words, then explained:

"And

"And this

this

this spake

spake

spake he

he not

not

not of

of himself:

himself:

himself: but

but

but being

being

being high

high

high priest

priest

priest that

that

that year,

year,

year, he

he prophesied

prophesied

prophesied that

that

that Jesus

Jesus

Jesus should

should

should die

die

die for

for

for that

that

that nation;

nation;

nation; and

and

and not

not

not fo

for that nation

r that nation

r that nation only,

only,

only, but

but

but that

that

that also

also

also he

he should

should

should gather

gather

gather together

together

together in

inin

in one

one

one the

the

the children

children

children of

of God

God

God that

that

that were scattered abroad" (John 11:51-52.)

were scattered abroad" (John 11:51-52.)

Institutional religion is still the same. Individuals with carnal credentials can serve in the institution, regardless of the condition of their heart.

Christianity, by contrast, is described in Scripture as a "body." It is not an "organization," it is an "organism." Every member of the body must be spiritually alive in order to function. To be "severed from Christ," is to no longer be a part of the body. It is to "fall from grace" (Gal. 5:4.)

Jesus used a similar analogy on the night before Calvary. He said:

"I"I"I"I am

am the

the

the vine,

vine,

vine, ye

ye are

are

are the

the

the branches:

branches:

branches: He that abideth in me, and I in

He that abideth in me, and I in

He that abideth in me, and I in him,

him,

him, the

the

the same

same

same bringeth

bringeth

bringeth forth

forth

forth much

much

much fruit:

fruit:

fruit: for

for

for without

without

without me

me ye

ye can

can

can do

do nothing.

nothing.

nothing. IfIfIfIf a man

man

man abide

abide

abide not

not

not in

inin

in me,

me,

me, he

he isisisis cast

cast

cast forth

forth

forth as

as a branch,

branch,

branch, and

and

and isisisis withered;

withered;

withered; and

and

and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they

men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they

men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are

are

are burned"

burned"

burned" (John

(John

(John 15:5-6.)

15:5-6.)

Man cannot produce "fruit." Only God can do that! Human laboratories can produce something that looks like fruit, and tastes like fruit, but it is not fruit. True fruit, produced by God, has life within it. Seeds from that fruit will grow if they are properly planted.

As in the case of Ishmael and Isaac, it is sometimes difficult to tell the carnal from the spiritual. Ananias and Sapphira, for example, looked like true Christians, but they were not. They were not joined to Christ, and henceforth could not produce fruit. In an institutional church they would never have been discovered. Outwardly, they appeared spiritual. Inwardly, however, their hearts were far from God. Consequently, they were condemned. Dead branches do not belong on a living tree.

"ESTABLISHING CHURCHES" OR "MAKING DISCIPLES"

There is a constant temptation for modern disciples to be like Ishmael. For example, many boast of going out to "establish churches." At the risk of sounding technical, Jesus did not command His disciples to "establish churches." He told them to "make disciples" (Matt. 28:18-20.) While these two concepts may seem similar, they are as different as Ishmael and Isaac. Man can make a carnal institution just as Abram could father a fleshly child. Only God, however, could bring Isaac into the world. In similar fashion, only Christ can create the living, spiritual Body, which is His Church. (As a point of interest, the Scriptures never refer to "members" of the "church," only "members" of the "body.")

Note these Scriptures. Jesus promised that He would build His church (Matt. 16:18.) Once created, He added to it those who were being saved (Acts 2:47.) It is explicitly stated that Jesus is the Head of His Body (Col. 1:18,) and that He is the Head of all things pertaining to the church (Eph. 1:22.) He is the one who sets people in positions of leadership in His Body, which is His church (I Cor. 12:28.) The church of Jesus Christ is not an organization, it is a living organism. Man can head up an organization, but only Jesus is the Head of His Church.

As in the case of Abram and Sarai, it is easy to run ahead of God. There is a perennial temptation to take matters into our own hands and make something happen. If we are paid Christian workers , the pressure to produce is even greater. Consequently, we need to be continually reminded about the spiritual nature of

Christianity. The church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual house, built of living stones (I Pet. 2:5.) We are cautioned to take heed how we build on Christ (I Cor.3:10.) Every man's work will be tried by fire to see if it is genuine (I Cor. 3:13.) In the final analysis, only God can give life. Only God can add members to His Body. One man can plant the seed, and another can water it, but only God can give the increase (I Cor. 3:7.)

Unconverted people can found organizations, and erect physical buildings. In fact, the largest and most ornate Temple to Jehovah was built by Herod the Great. This was the same cruel despot who tried to kill the baby Jesus. Herod began the temple in 19 B.C. and it was not completed until A.D. 64. Josephus described its grandeur in the most eloquent terms. Its polished marble reflected the sun with such brilliance that it was difficult to tell one from the other. The disciples came to Jesus "to show Him the buildings of the temple" (Matt. 24:1.) Jesus was not impressed. As a matter of fact, He warned them that the day was coming when that temple would be destroyed. He said: "There

There

There shall

shall

shall not

not

not be

be left

left

left here

here

here one stone

stone

stone upon

upon

upon another that shall not be thrown down."

another that shall not be thrown down."

The early Christians, by contrast, had nothing physical about which to boast. Like the salt of the earth they silently penetrated and preserved the ancient world. Like leaven hidden in three measures of meal, they relentlessly did their work until the whole was leavened. On December 29, 1967, speaking at the Hartford Forum, the late W. Carl Ketcherside described the spiritual work of the early church with these words:

"No earthly power could halt their triumphant processional. They invaded every part of the earth and penetrated every stratum of society. Eventually they toppled the tyrannical Caesars from their thrones and the cross which had been a badge of shame became the symbol of their conquest.

The heart pulsates more rapidly as one contemplates their fearless exploits on the frontiers of life, the eye grow moist and the vision become misty when one reads of the way in which they faced death. And admiration deepens and wonderment increases when it is realized that their magnificent accomplishments were achieved without any of the machinery deemed essential to promote and procure our own feeble successes.

The primitive liberation army had no buildings of its own. There were no cathedrals, no edifices, no suburban chapels with well-manicured lawns, stained-glass windows, or cushioned pews. They operated from the small homes of the members, from third-story walk- up halls, from caves and catacombs, and from dens in the earth.

They had no lighted signboards flashing forth their address, no printing presses and no newspapers. They could not distribute scripture portions, or pass out copies of the new testament. They could not give chapter and verse. There were no journals or tracts, no inspirational volumes, no religious libraries, no duplicated lesson sheets.

There were no television sets, no radio stations and no telephones with which to correlate arrangements. There were no cars, no buses, no trains, and no planes to link together the far-flung outposts of the empire.

They had no bank accounts, no budgets, no endowments, no investments, no

interest-bearing bonds or annuities. They established no institutions, chartered no organizations, and created no fraternal orders. They had no schools or colleges to train and polish their vanguard, no courses in hermeneutics or homiletics, no missionary societies to send them forth and sustain them, no conventions to draft resolutions to the Caesars or their procurators, no board of church extension, no council of agencies.

There were no promotional secretaries, no crusade directors, no headquarters on earth. They sought no prestige by parading before the world the politicians, professionals or actors within their number. There was no appeal to the pagan public through sensationalism, sophistication or fabrication . . . "

Comparing the early church with our own, someone quipped: "If they did what they did with what they had, think what we could do with what we have, if we had what they had."

As you know, the early church was seduced away from the simplicity that is in Christ. Eventually they abandoned their spiritual emphasis and became an institution with great wealth and property. They had gold, silver, and precious stones in abundance. They did business with the kings of the earth. Such opulence and wealth, however, were not assets. John, in the book of Revelation, described this kind of church as the great whore.

PERSECUTION

"But as then he that was

"But as then he that was born

born

born after

after

after the

the

the flesh

flesh

flesh persecuted

persecuted

persecuted him that was born after

him that was born after

him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now" (Gal. 4:29.)

the Spirit, even so it is now" (Gal. 4:29.)

It is interesting to note that just as Ishmael tried to destroy Isaac, institutional religion sought to perpetuate its power by persecution. This was true in Old Testament times, as well as in the days of Christ and His apostles. Jesus said that the wise men and prophets were consistently persecuted by the religious leaders of their day.

"Wherefore,

"Wherefore, behold,

behold,

behold, I send

send

send unto

unto

unto you prophets,

prophets,

prophets, and

and

and wise

wise

wise men,

men,

men, and

and

and scribes:

scribes:

scribes: and

and

and some

some

some of

of them

them

them ye

ye shall

shall

shall kill

kill

kill and

and

and crucify,

crucify,

crucify, and

and

and some

some

some of

of them

them

them shall

shall

shall ye

ye scourge

scourge

scourge in

inin

in your

your

your synagogues,

synagogues,

synagogues, and

and

and persecute

persecute

persecute them

them

them from

from

from city

city

city to

to city:

city:

city: That

That

That upon

upon

upon you

you

you may

may

may come

come

come all

all

all the

the

the righteous

righteous

righteous blood

blood

blood shed

shed

shed upon

upon

upon the

the

the earth,

earth,

earth, from

from

from the

the

the blood

blood

blood of

of righteous

righteous

righteous Abel

Abel

Abel unto

unto

unto the

the

the blood

blood

blood of

of Zacharias

Zacharias

Zacharias son

son

son of

of Barachar

Barachar

Baracharias,

as,

as, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:34-36.)

whom ye slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:34-36.)

This was also true in the time of Jesus. He sent out His disciples like sheep in the midst of wolves. He warned that those who put them to death would think they were doing God service (John 16:2.) Jesus, as you know, was not persecuted by political leaders like Pilate and Herod. He was persecuted by the proponents of institutional religion. Pilate wanted to let him go, but the Jews answered: "We

We have

have

have a law,

law,

law, and

and

and by

by our

our

our law He ought to die" (John 19:7.)

law He ought to die" (John 19:7.)

This was also true throughout the Apostolic Age. Stephen was not stoned by political leaders, but religious ones. Saul, the persecutor, became Paul the persecuted. As such, he understood the thinking of those who tried to kill him. He reminded Timothy of the persecution and afflictions he received in Antioch,

Iconium, and Lystra, and then declared: "Yea,

"Yea,

"Yea, and

and

and all

all

all that

that

that will

will

will live

live

live godly

godly

godly in

inin

in Christ

Christ

Christ Jesus

Jesus

Jesus shall

shall

shall suffer

suffer

suffer persecution"

persecution"

persecution" (II

(II

(II Tim.

Tim.

Tim. 3:12.)

3:12.)

3:12.) Eventually, the great whore was drunk with the blood of the saints (Rev. 17:6.)

BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM

Jesus warned of religious leaders who were like wolves in sheep's clothing. Without His guidance, it would be difficult to tell the good leaders from the bad. Jesus, however, made it simple. He taught that the true nature of religious teachers is not determined by how they look, or what they say. It is discerned by what they produce. Jesus said you would know them by their fruits.

Ishmael and Isaac may have looked alike, but they produced different fruit. Ishmael produced division. God predicted that his hand would be against every man, and every man's hand would be against him (Gen. 16:12.) The NIV confirms this prophecy by stating that the descendants of Ishmael "lived in hostility

"lived in hostility

"lived in hostility toward

toward

toward all

all

all their

their

their brothers"

brothers"

brothers" (Gen. 25:18.)

(Gen. 25:18.)

(Gen. 25:18.) The descendants of Isaac had a different future. God promised that wherever they went, they would be a blessing. Whoever blessed them would be blessed, and whoever cursed them would be cursed. Eventually, though Isaac, all the world would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3.)

It is sometimes difficult to tell the nature of a tree by its leaves, or the grain of its wood. It is easy, however, to tell a tree by its fruit. Men do not gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. In this regard it is easy to tell Ishmael from Isaac. One produced controversy and division, while the other produced a blessing.

Paul wrote that the works of the flesh were "manifest," or "obvious." They included such things as "hatred,

"hatred,

"hatred, variance,

variance,

variance, emulations,

emulations,

emulations, wrath,

wrath,

wrath, strife,

strife,

strife, seditions,

seditions,

seditions, heresies,

heresies,

heresies, envyings

envyings

envyings . . ."."."." (Gal.

(Gal.

(Gal. 5:20-

5:20-

5:20- 21.)

21.)

21.) God does not create bitter envying and jealousy. "This

This

This wisdom

wisdom

wisdom descendeth

descendeth

descendeth not

not

not from

from

from above,

above,

above, but

but

but isisisis earthly,

earthly,

earthly, sensual,

sensual,

sensual, devilish.

devilish.

devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (Ja. 3:14-16.)

every evil work" (Ja. 3:14-16.)

Christian work, by contrast, is known by: "love,

"love,

"love, joy,

joy,

joy, peace,

peace,

peace, longsuffering,

longsuffering,

longsuffering, gentleness,

gentleness,

gentleness, goodness,

goodness,

goodness, faith,

faith,

faith, meekness,

meekness,

meekness, temper

temper

temperance:" (Gal. 5:22-23.) "The wisdom that is from

ance:" (Gal. 5:22-23.) "The wisdom that is from

ance:" (Gal. 5:22-23.) "The wisdom that is from above

above

above isisisis first

first

first pur

pur

pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and e, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and e, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and e, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good

good

good fruits,

fruits,

fruits, without

without

without part

part

partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is

iality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is

iality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (Ja. 4:17-18.)

sown in peace of them that make peace" (Ja. 4:17-18.)

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Our relationship with God is ultimately and inevitably personal.

"The soul that sinneth, it

"The soul that sinneth, it shall

shall

shall die.

die.

die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the

the

the iniquity

iniquity

iniquity of

of th

the son . . . " (Ez. 18:20.)

e son . . . " (Ez. 18:20.)

e son . . . " (Ez. 18:20.) When we stand before God, we will all be judged as individuals.

The church at Thyatira, for example, was a bad church. They allowed the woman, Jezebel, to teach and to seduce the servants of God to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols (Rev. 2:20.) Not everyone at Thyatira, however, was condemned. They were all judged as individuals. The Lord said: "And

"And

"And unto

unto

unto the

the

the rest

rest

rest in

inin

in Thyatira,

Thyatira,

Thyatira, as

as many

many

many as

as have

have

have not

not

not this

this

this do

doctrine, and which have not

ctrine, and which have not

known

known the

the

the depths

depths

depths of

of Satan,

Satan,

Satan, as

as they

they

they speak;

speak;

speak; I will

will

will put

put

put upon

upon

upon you

you

you none

none

none other

other

other burden,

burden,

burden, but

but

but that

that

that which ye have already hold fast till I come" (Rev. 2:24-25.)

which ye have already hold fast till I come" (Rev. 2:24-25.)

It doesn't matter what anyone else does, or does not do. You can be saved and have a wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. You can lay up treasures in heaven and enjoy the prospects of eternal reward. Your work, however, will be more spiritually productive and effective, if you are like Isaac instead of Ishmael!

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

In Old Testament times, people were forced to be good by fear. Consider this severe attempt at coercion in the days of Asa:

"And

"And they

they

they entered

entered

entered into

into

into a cov

cov

covenant

nant

nant to

to seek

seek

seek the

the

the Lord

Lord

Lord God

God

God of

of their

their

their fathers

fathers

fathers with

with

with all

all

all their

their

their heart

heart

heart and

and

and with

with

with all

all

all their

their

their soul;

soul;

soul; that

that

that whosoever

whosoever

whosoever would

would

would not

not

not seek

seek

seek the

the

the Lord

Lord

Lord God

God

God of

of Israel

Israel

Israel should

should

should be

be put

put

put to

to death,

death,

death, whether

whether

whether small

small

small or

or great,

great,

great, whether man or woman . . . (II Chron. 15:12-13.)

whether man or woman . . . (II Chron. 15:12-13.)

The Law, as you know, was a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith. The Law was not designed to make men good, it was designed to make men guilty.

"Now

"Now we

we know

know

know that

that

that what

what

what things

things

things soever

soever

soever the

the

the law

law

law saith,

saith,

saith, itititit saith

saith

saith to

to them

them

them who

who

who are

are

are under

under

under the

the

the law:

law:

law: that

that

that every

every

every mouth

mouth

mouth might

might

might be stopped, and all the

be stopped, and all the

be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God (Rom. 3:19.)

world may become guilty before God (Rom. 3:19.)

The Law was not an end in itself, it was a means to an end. It was designed by God to prepare us for a revolutionary concept which had been kept secret since the foundation of the world. Jesus spoke about this to Nicodemus.

"Jesus

"Jesus answered

answered

answered and

and

and said

said

said unto

unto

unto him,

him,

him, Verily,

Verily,

Verily, verily,

verily,

verily, I say unto thee,

say unto thee,

say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3.)

3:3.)

Nicodemus was a religious man, and a ruler of the Jews. Nevertheless, he had no comprehension of the kingdom of God. Jesus told him that he had to be born again in order to see it.

The kingdom of God was in his presence, but he could not see it! The solution for Nicodemus was not more education, or better manuscripts. He needed to be born again. He needed a new kind of life.

"To know," in the Biblical sense, means to become intimate with so that a new life is produced. The Scriptures teach: "And

And

And Adam

Adam

Adam knew

knew

knew Eve

Eve

Eve his

his

his wife;

wife;

wife; and

and

and she

she

she conceived

conceived

conceived and

and

and bare

bare

bare Cain

Cain

Cain . . . " (Gen. 4:1.)

(Gen. 4:1.)

(Gen. 4:1.) A physical seed, planted in a physical womb, produced physical life.

To "know" Jesus also produces new life. When a spiritual seed is placed in a spiritual womb, a spiritual life is produced. This is what it means to be "born again," or "born from above." When we seek after God with

our whole heart, we are candidates for a wonderful new life.

Everyone is familiar with the fact that seeds grow when they are planted in the proper environment. We plant bare grain, but God gives it a body as it pleases Him. The miracle of physical life, produced by a corruptible seed, pales into insignificance when compared with eternal life produced by an incorruptible seed. Consider these Scriptures:

"Of

"Of his

his

his own

own

own will

will

will begat

begat

begat he

he us

us with

with

with the

the

the word

word

word of

of truth,

truth,

truth, that

that

that we

we should

should

should be

be a kind

kind

kind of

of firstfruits

firstfruits

firstfruits of

of his

his

his creatures

creatures

creatures . . . wherefore

wherefore

wherefore lay

lay

lay apart

apart

apart all

all

all fifififilthiness and

lthiness and

lthiness and superfluity

superfluity

superfluity of

of naughtiness,

naughtiness,

naughtiness, and

and

and receive

receive

receive with

with

with meekness

meekness

meekness the

the

the engrafted

engrafted

engrafted word

word

word which is able to save your souls (Ja. 1:18-21.)

which is able to save your souls (Ja. 1:18-21.)

"Being

"Being born

born

born again,

again,

again, not

not

not of

of corruptible

corruptible

corruptible seed,

seed,

seed, but

but

but of

of incorruptible,

incorruptible,

incorruptible, by

by the

the

the word

word

word of God which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Pet. 2:23.)

of God which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Pet. 2:23.)

"Therefore

"Therefore ifififif any

any

any man

man

man be

be in

inin

in Christ,

Christ,

Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old

he is a new creature (creation): old

he is a new creature (creation): old things

things

things are

are

are passed

passed

passed away:

away:

away: behold

behold

behold all

all

all things

things

things are

are

are become

become

become new"

new"

new" (II Cor. 5:17.)

(II Cor. 5:17.)

THERE ARE TWO CREATIONS

The Bible describes two different creations. One is "physical," and the other is "spiritual." One can be seen with human eyes, but the other can only be seen by faith.

The Greek verb "poieo" is found 565 times in the N.T. Scriptures. It means to "make, or do." The noun form of this word, "poiema," is found only twice in the Bible. It is the basis of our English word "poem."

The first use of "poiema" is in Rom. 1:20, where it is translated as "made" in the King James Version.

"For

"For the

the

the invisible

invisible

invisible things

things

things of

of hi

hihi

him from the creation of the world are clearly

m from the creation of the world are clearly

m from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE . . . "

seen, being understood by the things that are MADE . . . "

The physical creation is like a gigantic poem. It communicates something to man of God's eternal power and nature. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork. The clockwork of the heavens, and the rhyme and meter of earth, are like a beautiful poem from God. Nicodemus could see the physical creation of God.

The only other use of "poiema" in the Scriptures is in Eph. 2:10, where it is translated as "workmanship."

"For

"For we

we are

are

are His

His

His WORKMANSHIP,

WORKMANSHIP,

WORKMANSHIP, created

created

created in

inin

in Christ

Christ

Christ Jesus

Jesus

Jesus unto

unto

unto good

good

good works,

works,

works, which God hath before ordained that we would walk in them."

which God hath before ordained that we would walk in them."

The spiritual creation of God is also like a poem. Nicodumus could not see this creation until he was born again.

The physical creation is wonderful. Our vast universe is not only filled with billions of blazing suns, there are also millions of miniature miracles on display. The God who created the galaxies, is also the God who made the atom. He makes snowflakes and flowers, as well as planets and stars.

The spiritual creation is just as real as the physical, and perhaps even more complex and elaborate. This is the kingdom which Nicodemus could not see until he was born again. In association with spiritual reality Paul wrote:

"But

"But the

the

the natural

natural

natural man

man

man receiveth not the things of the Sprit of God: for they

receiveth not the things of the Sprit of God: for they

receiveth not the things of the Sprit of God: for they are

are

are foolishness

foolishness

foolishness unto

unto

unto him:

him:

him: neither can he know them, because they are

neither can he know them, because they are

neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14.)

spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14.)

You must be born again in order to see the Kingdom of God.

It is easy to illustrate the reality of that which is unseen. At this very moment, we are all surrounded by literally thousands of unseen impulses. These impulses are filled with unlimited images and information. A simple transistor radio will enable us to tune in some of them. A portable TV will reveal the presence of others. A short wave radio can bring information from afar. A cellular phone can provide contact with others. The proper satellite equipment makes available even more sources of information. All of these unseen inpulses are not only surrounding us, they are moving through us. They are filled with unlimited sources of information, but we must have the proper equipment in order to receive them.

When you are born again, you are a new creation. Old things pass away and everything becomes new. As a new creature, you have spiritual ability and insight that you never had before.

CONFORMATION, OR TRANSFORMATION

The Scriptures teach that we are not to be "conformed

"conformed

"conformed to

to this

this

this world,

world,

world, but

but

but transformed

transformed

transformed by

by the

the

the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2.)

renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2.)

renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2.) The Bible word "transformed" comes from the Greek word "metamorphoo." This is basically the same as our English word "metamorphosis." The conversion experience is like a metamorphosis. It is like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The miracle of metamorphosis enables the same creature to become different. The caterpillar cannot float on the evening breeze and sip nectar from flowers. No matter how hard the caterpillar tries, it can never migrate from Canada to Mexico. Once the caterpillar is transformed, however, it is natural to fly. Once the caterpillar has gone through the metamorphosis, it instinctively and intuitively knows how to migrate thousands of miles. Those caterpillars which do not change, will be frozen to death. Those who do, can enjoy the balmy breezes of the South.

Ezekiel saw the miracle of conversion centuries before it became a reality. He wrote:

"A new

new

new heart

heart

heart also

also

also will

will

will I give

give

give you,

you,

you, and

and

and a new

new

new spirit

spirit

spirit will

will

will I put

put

put within

within

within you:

you:

you: and

and

and I will

will

will take

take

take away

away

away the

the

the stony

stony

stony heart

heart

heart out

out

out of

of your

your

your flesh,

flesh,

flesh, and

and

and I will

will

will give

give

give you

you

you an

an heart

heart

heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27.) statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27.) statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27.) statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27.)

Paul wrote about this "metamorphosis" in II Cor. 3:. In this beautiful passage he explained that he did

not need letters of commendation. The transformed lives of his converts validated his message. Christians really are different.

Paul wrote:

"But

"But we

we all,

all,

all, with

with

with open

open

open face

face

face beholding

beholding

beholding as

as in

inin

in a glass

glass

glass the

the

the glory

glory

glory of

of the

the

the Lord,

Lord,

Lord, are

are

are changed

changed

changed (metamorphosis)

(metamorphosis)

(metamorphosis) into

into

into the

the

the same

same

same image

image

image from

from

from glory

glory

glory to

to glory

glory

glory even

even

even as

as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18.)

by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18.)

TWO COVENANTS

The Old Covenant was Ten Commandments. It was written by the finger of God when he took His people by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. This covenant had to be taught to, and forced upon the children of Israel.

Because people are invariably at different stages of growth and development, the Old Covenant was always a source of debate and controversy. For example, the Jewish scholars never did agree on what it meant to "remember the sabbath and keep it holy." They were debating this when Jesus was alive, and they are still debating it today. For this reason the Old Covenant was represented by the allegory of Hagar and Ishmael (see Gal. 4:19-31.) Ishmael was a "wild

wild

wild man;

man;

man; his

his

his hand

hand

hand will

will

will be

be against

against

against every

every

every man,

man,

man, and every

every

every man's

man's

man's hand

hand

hand against

against

against him

him

him . . ." (Gen. 16:12.)

. . ." (Gen. 16:12.)

. . ." (Gen. 16:12.) This was the nature of the Old Covenant, and men were forced to conform to external law by threat of punishment. It did not work. It had an appearance of wisdom, but was of no value in suppressing the indulgence of the flesh (Col. 2:23.)

The new covenant is not written in stone. It is written in the minds and hearts of converted people. It is not a carnal covenant, it is spiritual. The New Covenant becomes a reality when God removes our heart of stone, and replaces it with a heart of flesh. God promised to put His own Spirit within us, and to cause us to walk in His ways. The pressure to live the Christian life does not come from without, but from within. We are not conformed, but transformed.

Consider again these inspired words:

"For

"For ifififif that

that

that firs

firs

first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have t covenant had been faultless, then should no place have t covenant had been faultless, then should no place have t covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

been sought for the second.

been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold the

the

the days

days

days come,

come,

come, saith

saith

saith the

the

the Lord,

Lord,

Lord, when

when

when I will make a new covenant with the

will make a new covenant with the

will make a new covenant with the house

house

house of

of Israel

Israel

Israel and

and

and with

with

with the

the

the house

house

house of

of Judah:

Judah:

Judah: Not according to the covenant

Not according to the covenant

Not according to the covenant that

that

that I made

made

made with

with

with their

their

their fathers

fathers

fathers in

inin

in the

the

the day when I took them by the hand to

ay when I took them by the hand to

ay when I took them by the hand to lead

lead

lead them

them

them out

out

out of

of the

the

the land

land

land of

of Egypt;

Egypt;

Egypt; because

because

because they

they

they continued

continued

continued no

not in my

t in my

t in my covenant,

covenant,

covenant, and

and

and I regarded

regarded

regarded them

them

them not,

not,

not, saith

saith

saith the

the

the Lord.

Lord.

Lord. For this is the covenant

For this is the covenant

For this is the covenant that

that

that I will

will

will make

make

make with

with

with the

the

the house

house

house of

of Israel

Israel

Israel after

after

after those

those

those days,

days,

days, saith

saith

saith the

the

the Lord; I

Lord; I

Lord; I will

will

will put

put

put my

my laws

laws

laws into

into

into their

their

their mind,

mind,

mind, and

and

and write

write

write them

them

them in

inin

in their

their

their hearts:

hearts:

hearts: and

and

and I will

will

will be

be to

to them

them

them a God,

God,

God, and

and

and they

they

they shall

shall

shall be

be to

to me

me a people:

people:

people: And they shall not teach

And they shall not teach

And they shall not teach every

every

every man

man

man his

his

his neighbor,

neighbor,

neighbor, and

and

and every

every

every man

man

man his

his

his brother,

brother,

brother, saying

saying

saying Know

Know

Know the

the

the Lord:

Lord:

Lord: for

for

for all

all

all shall

shall

shall know

know

know me

me , from

from

from the

the

the least

least

least to

to the

the

the greatest.

greatest.

greatest. Fro I will be merciful

Fro I will be merciful

Fro I will be merciful to

to their

their

their unrighteousness,

unrighteousness,

unrighteousness, and

and

and their

their

their sins

sins

sins and

and

and their

their

their iniquities

iniquities

iniquities will

will

will I remember

remember

no more . . . " (Heb. 8:7-12.) no more . . . " (Heb. 8:7-12.) no more . . . " (Heb. 8:7-12.) no more . . . " (Heb. 8:7-12.)

FATHER AND SON

When we are born again, we become the children of God. We are the product of His seed. Paul wrote:

"For

"For we

we are

are

are all

all

all the

the

the children

children

children of

of God

God

God by

by faith

faith

faith in

inin

in Christ

Christ

Christ Jesus.

Jesus.

Jesus. For as many of

For as many of

For as many of you

you

you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27.) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27.) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27.) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27.)

"For

"For as

as many

many

many as

as are

are

are led

led

led by

by the

the

the Spirit

Spirit

Spirit of

of God, they are the sons of God

od, they are the sons of God

od, they are the sons of God (Rom. 8:14.)

(Rom. 8:14.)

As we grow in grace and knowledge we become more like God. John wrote:

"Whosoever

"Whosoever isisisis born

born

born of

of God

God

God doth

doth

doth not

not

not commit

commit

commit sin;

sin;

sin; for

for

for his

his

his seed

seed

seed remaineth

remaineth

remaineth in

inin

in him;

him;

him; and

and

and he

he cannot

cannot

cannot sin,

sin,

sin, because

because

because he

he isisisis born

born

born of

of God.

God.

God. In this the children of

In this the children of

In this the children of God

God

God are

are

are manifest,

manifest,

manifest, and

and

and the

the

the children

children

children of

of the

the

the dev

dev

devil: whosoever doeth not

il: whosoever doeth not

il: whosoever doeth not righteousness

righteousness

righteousness isisisis not

not

not of

of God,

God,

God, neither

neither

neither he

he that

that

that loveth

loveth

loveth not his brother (I

not his brother (I

not his brother (I John

John

John 3:9-10.)

3:9-10.)

Those who are "born again," have received the "seed," or "sperm," of God. As His seed grows within us, we become more, and more like Him. One of the many blessings of our new life in Christ, is that somehow, we will follow Jesus, but will not follow a stranger (John 10:5.)

HOW CAN WE BE BORN AGAIN?

The subject of conversion is hotly debated in the religious world. How sad! Many people attempt to avoid total surrender by church shopping. One woman selected a particular denomination, because, she said: "They had the best deal on salvation of any church in town." This is, of course, an insult to God. You only find God when you search for Him with your whole heart. Salvation involves drawing near to God, not trying to avoid Him. Ananias and Sapphira tried to trifle with God and died in the process (Acts 5:1-11.) As we have said before, we can only be born again when we are willing to make a total surrender and commitment to God.

Even physical life is a miracle beyond the understanding of mortal man. Solomon wrote:

"As

"As thou

thou

thou knowest

knowest

knowest not

not

not what

what

what isisisis the

the

the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do

way of the spirit, nor how the bones do

way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow

grow

grow in

inin

in the

the

the womb of her that is with child, even so thou knowest not the

omb of her that is with child, even so thou knowest not the

omb of her that is with child, even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all" (Eccl. 11:5.)

works of God who maketh all" (Eccl. 11:5.)

The mystery of physical life should not be taken lightly. The Psalmist marveled at the majesty of his own conception and wrote:

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's "For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's "For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's "For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvello

marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My us are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My us are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My us are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance

substance

substance was

was

was not

not

not hid

hid

hid from

from

from thee,

thee,

thee, when

when

when I was

was

was made

made

made in

inin

in secret,

secret,

secret, and

and

and curiously

curiously

curiously wrought

wrought

wrought in

inin

in the

the

the lowest

lowest

lowest parts

parts

parts of

of the

the

the earth.

earth.

earth. Thine eyes did see my substance,

Thine eyes did see my substance,

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet

yet

yet being

being

being unperfect;

unperfect;

unperfect; and

and

and in

inin

in thy

thy

thy book

book

book all

all

all my

my members

members

members were

were

were written

written

written . . . " (Ps.

(Ps.

(Ps. 139:13-16.)

139:13-16.)

Even with all the advances of medical science a great many men are impotent, and thousands of women are barren. The gift of physical life is only God's to give. No man, or group of men, has ever created a single living thing. The miracle of life can only come from God.

Spiritual life is even more wonderful than physical life. Certainly it transcends the slogans and shibboleths of denominations created by men. It is life's most desirable and important experience. Please do not approach being born again in a nonchalant and indifferent way.

Beware of anyone who reduces salvation to only one thing. Obviously, the new birth involves the Father, but not the Father "only." The Son and Holy Spirit also have a part to play in salvation. Christianity involves angels. They are described as: "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who are the heirs of salvation" (Heb. 1:14.) Angels rejoice every time a sinner repents (Lk. 15:10.) Angels ministered to Jesus, and yet He was tempted in all points like as we are (Heb. 4:15.) Angels only, however, cannot save anybody. The Word of God is able to save us (Ja. 1:21,) but not the Word of God "only." Man also has a part to play. The Word of God has to be received. Christ is our Savior, but He does not save anyone against their own will. Christ also has to be received. The total resources of heaven and earth are marshaled to make it possible for every person to share the miracle of salvation.

"For

"For all

all

all things

things

things are

are

are your's;

your's;

your's; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world,

world,

world, or

or life,

life,

life, or

or death,

death,

death, or

or things

things

things present,

present,

present, or

or things

things

things to

to come;

come;

come; all

all

all are

are

are your's;

your's;

your's; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's" (I Cor. 3:21-23.)

and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's" (I Cor. 3:21-23.)

Faith is essential to our salvation, but we are not saved by faith "only" (James 2:24.) Confession obviously has some part to play. "For

"For

"For with

with

with the

the

the heart

heart

heart man

man

man believeth

believeth

believeth unto

unto

unto righteousness,

righteousness,

righteousness, and

and

and with

with

with the mouth confession

the mouth confession

the mouth confession isisisis made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10.)

made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10.)

made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10.) "Only," confessing, however, is not enough. Every Christian knows that repentance is not an option. We repent, or we perish, but we cannot be saved by repentance "only." We are to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38.) Peter wrote that we are saved by baptism (I Pet. 3:21," but not by baptism "only." Holiness is also essential to salvation. We are to follow after peace and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:14.) etc.

At the same time we are guarding against the error of adding "only," to the word of God, we must also guard against another error. There are ditches on both sides of the road. Salvation must not be pictured as so difficult that no one can attain it. Exactly the reverse it true. Salvation is available for anyone who will seek the Lord with his whole heart. Remember the story of the prodical son. As he was coming home, the Father ran to meet him. The Father commanded that he be adorned and prepared for a position of honor. When we come to Christ, He gives us power. This power operating within us enables us to do "exceeding

exceeding

exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20.)

abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20.)

THE CONVERSION OF THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS

Don Umphreys wrote the book: THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS. It is about the late Clyde Thompson. Clyde was a preacher's kid gone bad. He murdered his first two victims in 1928. He laughed hysterically when he was convicted and sentenced to death. His execution number was 83. Each time a prisoner was put to death, every other prisoner was moved one cell closer to the death chamber. They called the electric chair, "Old Sparky." After an execution the hallway would be filled with the horrible stench of burning flesh and hair. Clyde's date with death was commuted by Gov. Sterling just seven hours before his execution.

His meanness became legendary. The Ft. Worth Star Telegram accumulated a file with fifty stories about him. His first attempted escape came in 1932. He was caught and placed in a grueling work detail. The torture only made him meaner.

His reputation for toughness was a source of constant trouble. Guards felt that they had to try and intimidate him. They didn't! Once a guard didn't like his attitude and threatened to shoot him. Clyde responded by cursing the guard and throwing a hoe at him. Then he ripped open his shirt, popping the buttons, and dared the guard to shoot him in the heart. He didn't!

Clyde was stripped and placed in the hole. His hands were manacled behind his back and his feet were chained. To make the torture more severe, his feet were drawn backward and padlocked to the hand cuffs. Then he was left in the darkness with no way to protect himself from hungry bugs and mosquitoes. The experience only made him meaner.

In 1933 he tried to escape again. One convict was killed in the attempt. Clyde's hat was shot off, but he was unscratched. Afterward, however, he was severely beaten by a guard and suffered numerous injuries including several broken ribs. The man who ratted on him was Tommy Ries. Clyde gave him a death sentence far more quick and certain than the State of Texas would impose. In short order, he murdered Tommy with a home made knife smuggled out of the prison blacksmith shop.

Clyde's reputation for meanness was enhanced because he once took a "caning" without uttering a sound. He was stripped naked and held down by four guards. The fifth guard beat him with a leather "bat" about thirty inches long. After quietly taking twenty-one strokes, Clyde got up and asked someone to give him a light for his cigarette.

On May 29, 1935 a prisoner named Everett Melvin tried to force him to perform a homosexual act. Clyde killed him. When the guards came, he said to the Captain: "Well, Cap, it looks like I'm in trouble again."

In 1937 he tried again to escape. This time three men were killed and Clyde was wounded in the shoulder.

Finally, Clyde was placed in isolation in a concrete morgue. The walls were two feet thick. There were six concrete slabs for coffins. The only ventilation, and source of light, were two small holes opposite the steel door. They were about three inches in diameter and six feet apart. His toilet was a five-gallon bucket. He ate with his hands because he was not trusted with eating utensils. Weeks later a twelve-inch hole was cut in the steel door to provide more light.

From the morbid isolation of that morgue, Clyde asked for a Bible. He always assumed it was full of contradictions, but upon studying it, he found otherwise. There was only enough light to read for five hours a day. He made notes upon the wall and sought diligently to understand the Scriptures. The more he read, the more his faith grew. Ultimately he gave himself to Christ. Soon he was winning other inmates to Christ. His morgue became a meeting place for believers. Over the course of many years the reality of his conversion could not be denied. The "new" Clyde Thompson was as different from the old as a butterfly is from a caterpillar.

Clyde was pardoned by Gov. John Connally in 1963. To the day of his death, July 2, 1979, Clyde continued to serve Christ and confound the skeptics. His amazing conversion provides a convincing commentary on statement of Scripture: "If

"If

"If any

any

any man

man

man be

be in

inin

in Christ,

Christ,

Christ, he

he isisisis a new creature" (II Cor.

new creature" (II Cor.

new creature" (II Cor. 5:17.)

5:17.)

"O the

the

the depth

depth

depth of

of the

the

the riches

riches

riches both

both

both of

of the

the

the wisdom

wisdom

wisdom and

and

and knowledge

knowledge

knowledge of

of God!

God!

God! How

How

How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom. 11:33)

11:33)

FOLLOW ME FOLLOW ME

How vividly I recall a trip our family took to New York some years ago. Our second son, David, had been in Norway as an A.F.S. student. We were to pick him up at the airport in New York City. To save money, we borrowed a camper to go on the back of a pick up. The camper was equipped with a propane stove. I didn't realize that carrying propane would prevent us from using any of the tunnels. More than once we were forced to back along the side of a busy highway and seek an alternate route. After many diversions, we finally found a parkway that would take us directly to the airport. We were only a few miles from our destination when everyone started honking at us. Only then did I discover that campers were not allowed on this particular highway.

Another visit to a strange city was much more pleasant. By prior arrangement, a local resident met me at the edge of town. It was a simple matter to follow him to the place where I was supposed to be. I didn't have to worry about anything. All I had to do was follow my guide.

"Follow Me!" was the principal command which Jesus gave to His disciples.

Jesus obtained His first disciples at Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. John identified Jesus as the "Lamb of God," and two of his disciples heard him speak, and "they

"they

"they followed

followed

followed Jesus"

Jesus"

Jesus" (John

(John

(John 1:37.)

1:37.)

"The

"The day

day

day following

following

following Jesus

Jesus

Jesus would

would

would go

go forth

forth

forth into

into

into Galilee,

Galilee,

Galilee, and

and

and findeth

findeth

findeth Philip,

Philip,

Philip, and

and

and saith

saith

saith unto him, follow me" (John 1:45.)

unto him, follow me" (John 1:45.)

"And

"And Jesus,

Jesus,

Jesus, walking

walking

walking by

by the

the

the sea

sea

sea of

of Galilee,

Galilee,

Galilee, saw

saw

saw two

two

two brethren,

brethren,

brethren, Simon

Simon

Simon called

called

called Peter,

Peter,

Peter, and

and

and Andrew

Andrew

Andrew his

his

his brother,

brother,

brother, casting

casting

casting a net

net

net into the sea: for they were fishers.

into the sea: for they were fishers.

into the sea: for they were fishers. And

And

And he

he saith

saith

saith unto

unto

unto them,

them,

them, Follow

Follow me,

me,

me, and

and

and I will

will

will make

make

make you

you

you fishers

fishers

fishers of

of men.

men.

men. And they straightway left their

And they straightway left their

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him" (Matt. 4:18-19.)

nets, and followed him" (Matt. 4:18-19.)

"And

"And as

as Jesus

Jesus

Jesus pas

pas

passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting

sed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting

sed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at

at the

the

the receipt

receipt

receipt of

of custom: and he saith unto him, follow me.

custom: and he saith unto him, follow me.

custom: and he saith unto him, follow me. And he arose and followed

And he arose and followed

And he arose and followed him" (Matt. 9:9.)

him" (Matt. 9:9.)

"Then said Jesus unto His

"Then said Jesus unto His disciples,

disciples,

disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny

if any man will come after me, let him deny

if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24.)

himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24.)

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27.) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27.) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27.) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27.)

"If any man serve me, let him follow me

"If any man serve me, let him follow me . . . " (John 12:26.)

. . . " (John 12:26.)

Etc.

The Greek word "akoloutheo" is used 77 times in the Gospels of following Christ, and only once otherwise. The single exception is found in Mark 14:13. In this passage, Jesus sent two of His disciples into Jerusalem to make provisions for the Passover. Note, that he did not give them an address, or a map, he gave them a guide to follow:

"And

"And he

he sendeth

sendeth

sendeth forth

forth

forth two

two

two of

of his

his

his disciples,

disciples,

disciples, and

and

and saith

saith

saith unto

unto

unto them,

them,

them, Go

Go ye

ye into

into

into the

the

the city,

city,

city, and

and

and there

there

there shall

shall

shall meet

meet

meet you

you

you a man

man

man bearing

bearing

bearing a pitcher

pitcher

pitcher of

of water:

water:

water: follow

follow him.

him.

him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The

The

The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the aster saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the aster saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the aster saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?" (Mark 14:13-14)

passover with my disciples?" (Mark 14:13-14)

It is much easier to follow someone, than to follow directions. A man carrying a pitcher of water would be easy to find, for this normally was considered as women's work. Once discovered, it would be a simple matter for the disciples to follow him to the appropriate place.

There was something refreshing and simple about the words of Jesus. He spoke differently than did the scribes. Traditional Jewish thought was filled with confusion and complexity. In Rabbinic Judaism the Talmid (student,) gave himself to the whole of Jewish tradition. He sought to analyze both the oral and written Torah. He also tried to understand the traditions of the fathers, which included the Mishnah, Midrdash, Halachah, and Haggadah.

Jesus cut through the fog and confusion of rabbinical thought and simply said: "FOLLOW ME!" "FOLLOW ME!" "FOLLOW ME!" "FOLLOW ME!"

BOTH EASY AND HARD

Following Jesus was both easy and hard. It was easy from the standpoint that all they had to do was keep him in sight. It was hard because it required self denial.

In order to follow Jesus, the disciples had to "deny themselves." Peter, for example, was a fisherman. He also had a family. He undoubtedly had a hobby, or something which he did for recreation. Following Jesus required that he place the Lord's will before his own.

Peter once said:

"Lo,

"Lo, we

we have

have

have left

left

left all,

all,

all, and

and

and followed

followed

followed thee.

thee.

thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say

And he said unto them, Verily I say

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto

unto

unto you,

you,

you, There

There

There isisisis no

no man

man

man that

that

that hath

hath

hath left

left

left house,

house,

house, or

or parents,

parents,

parents, or

or brethren,

brethren,

brethren, or

or wife,

wife,

wife, or

or child

child

children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive ren, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive ren, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive ren, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold

manifold

manifold more

THE NEED FOR DISCIPLINE

The word "disciple," and the word "discipline," are linguistically associated. To be a disciple, is to be disciplined.

Jesus is the perfect example of discipline. His entire public ministry lasted but three short years. On the cross He announced, "It is finished!" He had completed the work God gave Him to do. Nothing had been neglected, or forgotten. Every prophecy had been fulfilled and every minute detail had been accomplished to perfection. He was always on schedule, and on time. He never was lazy or irresponsible. He always had time for solitude and prayer. He was never indifferent and lackadaisical.

Those who followed Jesus had to be disciplined too in order to stay with Him. Those who could not stand the regimen, fell by the way side. His steps were so ordered by the Lord that no one followed Him by accident. Following Jesus required a deliberate decision, and a life of diligence, discipline, and self denial.

RELEASE FROM RITUAL

Ritualism was an integral part of Jewish worship. There were three major feasts which the devout Jew was required to attend. There were specific rituals for each feast. The common people were not allowed to conduct these ceremonies. The Tribe of Levi was set apart for this purpose. Those who deviated from the divine liturgy, died in the process. Nadab and Abihu, for example, offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. "And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and

"And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and

"And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2.)

they died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2.)

Uzzah also died for disregarding the protocol of God. The Ark of the Covenant was never to be touched by man. It was to be carried on staves by Levites who were properly clothed and sanctified. Uzzah disregarded the instructions of God and placed the ark on an ox cart. When the oxen stumbled, the ark was about to fall, and Uzzah dared to touch it. The anger of the Lord was kindled against him, and he died. This remarkable story is found in II Sam. 6:, and I Chron. 13:. I Chron. 15:13 explains that this happened because they did not seek God "after the due order."

The Jews were not the only ones who sought God through rituals. A. H. Newman, writes in his Manual of Church History, Vol. 1, p. 29:

"Religion with the Romans was never a matter of feeling, always a matter of form. The security of divine favor was thought to depend upon the exactitude with which all ceremonies were performed and all prayers uttered. The slightest mistake in word or gesture rendered the entire proceedings ineffective. The same rite was sometimes repeated thirty or even fifty times because of slight defects in utterance or manipulation."

The Romans worshiped by ritual in their temples throughout the world. The Samaritans worshiped by ritual on Mount Gerizim. The Jews worshiped by ritual in Jerusalem. Jesus, however, ushered in a new concept of worship. He told the Samaritan woman:

"Woman,

"Woman, believe

believe

believe me, the hour cometh, and now is, when ye shall

me, the hour cometh, and now is, when ye shall

me, the hour cometh, and now is, when ye shall neither

neither

neither in

inin

in this

this

this mountain,

mountain,

mountain, nor

nor

nor yet

yet

yet at

at Jerusalem,

Jerusalem,

Jerusalem, worship

worship

worship the

the

the Father

Father

Father . . . But

But

But the

the

the hour

hour

hour cometh

cometh

cometh and

and

and now

now

now is,

is,

is, when

when

when the

the

the true

true

true worshipe

worshipe

worshipers shall worship the Father in

rs shall worship the Father in

rs shall worship the Father in spirit

spirit

spirit and

and

and in

inin

in truth:

truth:

truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit:

spirit:

spirit: and

and

and they

they

they that

that

that worship

worship

worship him

him

him must

must

must worship

worship

worship him

him

him in

inin

in spirit

spirit

spirit an

and in truth"

d in truth"

d in truth" (John 4:21-24.)

(John 4:21-24.)

This revolution in worship would not be compatible with religion of the world, not even with Judaism. To try and combine Christianity with Judaism would be like putting new cloth in an old garment, or new wine in old skins.

New Testament worship involves an absence of ritual. Matthew records a number of times when Jesus was worshiped. Each example was spontaneous, and without a ritual of any kind.

! The wise men worshiped Him with gifts (Matt. 2:11.)

! A certain ruler with a sick child worshiped Him (Matt. 9:18.) ! The disciples worshiped Him in a boat (Matt. 14:33.)

! A Canaanite woman followed Him and worshiped (Matt. 15:25.)

! Women held Him by the feet and worshiped (Matt. 28:9.) ! The disciples worshiped Him on a mountain (Matt. 28:17.)

These examples are typical of other references to worship in the Gospels. New Testament worship is characterized by an absence of ritual.

NO RITUALS FOR HEALING

Jesus healed thousands of people in the course of His ministry. Consider this account:

"And

"And Jesus

Jesus

Jesus went

went

went about

about

about all

all

all Galilee,

Galilee,

Galilee, teachin

teachin

teaching in their synagogues, and

g in their synagogues, and

g in their synagogues, and preaching

reaching

reaching the

the

the gospel

gospel

gospel of

of the

the

the kingdom,

kingdom,

kingdom, and

and

and healing

healing

healing all

all

all manner

manner

manner of

of sic

sic

sickness

kness

kness and

and

and all

all

all manner

manner

manner of

of disease

disease

disease among

among

among th

the people. And his fame went

e people. And his fame went

e people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken

taken

taken with

with

with divers

divers

divers diseases

diseases

diseases and

and

and torments,

torments,

torments, and

and

and those

those

those which

which

which were

were

were possessed

possessed

possessed wi

with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; th devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; th devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; th devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and

and

and he

he healed

healed

healed them.

them.

them. And there followed him great multitudes of people And there followed him great multitudes of people And there followed him great multitudes of people And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from

from Galilee, and from

from Galilee, and from Decapolis,

Decapolis,

Decapolis, and

and

and from

from

from Jerusalem,

Jerusalem,

Jerusalem, and

and

and from Judaea,

from Judaea,

from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan (Matt. 4:23-25.)

and from beyond Jordan (Matt. 4:23-25.)

Matthew records these healings without providing any specifics. We do not know "how," Jesus healed these infirmities.

When the Scriptures do provide details, however, it seems that Jesus treated every sick person differently. Take, for example, the healing of blind people. We have at least three instances recorded when Jesus healed blind people, and each healing was different.

Mark records the healing of a blind man near Bethsaida (Mk. 8:22-26.) First, Jesus took him by the hand and led him out of town. Perhaps He did this because Bethsaida was a citadel of unbelief (see Matt. 11:21.) Even the miracle working power of Jesus was affected by drenching doubt and pessimism (see Mk. 6:5-6.) Then Jesus spat on the blind man's eyes and touched him. The man, however, still could not see clearly. He saw men as trees walking. When Jesus touched him a second time, he saw clearly.

John records that Jesus healed a man born blind (see John 9:1-38.) This time Jesus did not spit in the blind man's eyes, He spat on the ground. Jesus then made clay of the spittle and anointed the eyes of the blind man. Finally, He commanded the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. When he did, he was healed.

The third case of blindness to be cured was that of Bartimaeus (see Mk. 10:46-52.) In this instance, it seems that Jesus had no physical contact with the blind man. He asked Bartimaeus what he wanted. He replied that he wanted to receive his sight. Jesus replied: "Go

Go thy

thy

thy way;

way;

way; thy

thy

thy faith

faith

faith hath

hath

hath made

made

made thee

thee

thee whole, and immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way."

whole, and immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way."

There apparently was no formula, or ritual, for the healing of blindness. When the disciples encountered this problem, they had to seek God's present guidance to determine their course of action. They

discovered that every experience, and every individual, was unique. They had to be spontaneous and trust in God to guide them, just as Jesus did.

The Bible does not give formulas, or rituals, for healing.

INTERRUPTIONS

The training of the twelve involved a great many interruptions. For example, as Jesus was teaching at a home in Capernaum, four men made a hole in the roof and lowered a paralyzed man into His presence (Mk. 2:1-12.) The Gospel writers tell us more about the "interruption," than the "lesson." Perhaps the interruption was the lesson. Jesus was teaching His disciples that all things are working together for those who love and are called according to His purpose. Since God knows the future, there are no real interruptions with Him. What great news! With God as our Guide, everything that happens becomes an occasion of praise.

Consider these "interruptions":

! As Jesus was going to raise Jairus's daughter, He was interrupted by a woman with an issue of blood who touched the hem of His garment (Matt. 9:20.)

! His sleep in a boat was interrupted by a storm (Matt. 8:24.)

! His trip to Gadara was interrupted by demoniacs (Matt. 8:28.)

! A Canaanite woman with a sick daughter interrupted Him (Matt. 15:22.)

! His meal in the home of Simon the Pharisee was interrupted by a woman of the streets. She washed His feet with tears and wiped them with the hair of her head (Lk. 7:36-50.)

! His journey to Jerusalem was interrupted by Blind Bartimaeus (Mk. 10:46-52.)

! His meal in the home of Simon the Leper was interrupted by a woman who put very precious ointment upon His head (Matt. 26:6-13.)

! Etc.

These examples could easily be multiplied. Everything that happened to Jesus became an open door to preach and teach. Every circumstance, and every "interruption," no matter how bad it seemed at the time, turned out to be something good. This even includes the cross. We now know that through death, Jesus destroyed him that had the power of death, that is the devil.

As we read the Acts, and the Epistles, we see that the Apostles of Jesus also had victory in every circumstance. No matter what happened to them, it always turned out to be something good. Truly, all things do work together for the good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28.)

When we are busy with our own plans, we may resent interruptions of any kind. It is fair to ask,

however, did the work of God interrupt Moses taking care of the sheep, or did Moses taking care of the sheep interrupt the work of God?

IMITATORS OF GOD

The Scriptures teach in Ephesians 5:1, that we are to be imitators of God as dear children. The Greek word translated as "imitators," is "mimetes," from which we get out English word "mimic." It is always used in a good sense. Almost everything we learn in life, we learn by imitating someone else. The ultimate challenge, of course, is to be an imitator of God.

Michael Griffiths wrote about this in his book, THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS (p. 35.)

"It is possible to be overfamiliar with great truths: but this really is an absolutely devastating one, a totally mindboggling concept that takes the breath away. We scruffy, frail mortals, whose hair and teeth fall out, who look in our mirrors to see the lines, creases and blotches marking out inevitable progress towards senility and decay; we empty, shallow, morally bankrupt people, totally impoverished in spirit, self doubting, 'non events,' are to be remade in a godlike mold, into the image of Christ, glowing with glory and divine vitality. It is a glorious doctrine which is rarely presented to nonChristians: if it were made more of in evangelism people would begin to see what God is doing for people in the world he has created, and come stampeding into the Christian family. 'Eternal Life' seems a relatively feeble concept by comparison, even though it is saying the same thing in other, less contemporary words."

A HELPER

Many of us find it difficult to function without help. We are good workers, but need help and guidance. Even college graduates often need help. Sometimes this help comes from old notes taken in the classroom. Other times we face some new challenge, or problem, which the professors never told us about. In times like these we need someone with more wisdom and experience to guide us through our difficulties.

Jesus promised both kinds of help to His disciples. First, He promised that the Holy Spirit would "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26.) "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26.) "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26.) "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26.)

Second, the Holy Spirit would come to them as a Companion. He would not only help them remember lessons from the past, He would also help them with new information for the present and the future (see John 16:13.) The Bible word which Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit is "paraklesis." It is a compound of two words, "para" beside, and "kaleo" to call. The Holy Spirit would be like someone called by their side to help.

But the Holy Spirit would even do much more than this. He would not only be a "Helper," working beside them, He would be a source of energy and wisdom from within. One Bible word used to describe this power is "dumanis." It is the basis of our English word "dynamo." The Holy Spirit is a perennial source of energy and strength.

CHRIST IN YOU

In Old Testament times, God is represented as separate from man. When Moses, for example, was in the presence of God, his face would glow. When he left the presence of God, the glory, would fade (II Cor. 3:13.)

The Tabernacle anticipated a transition to the New Testament. It featured a portable altar. As far as I know, this was the first such altar in the world. Man no longer had to go great distances to worship. The Tabernacle was in their midst. God was dwelling in the midst of His people.

The genius of the New Covenant, however, is far more wonderful than this. Now, God does not dwell in the midst of a nation, he dwells personally in every believer. Now, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19.) Now, the glory of God need never fade from our face. Now, we don't have to go to a special place to worship. Now, we can worship God wherever we are, for true worship is in spirit and in truth. This message is so radical and revolutionary that no eye had seen it, no ear had heard it, and it had never entered into the heart of man (I Cor.2:9.) Angels desired to look into this matter but were not permitted to do so (I Pet.2:12.) The principalities and powers in heavenly places observe with amazement the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10.)

Jesus alluded to our perennial source of power in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well:

"Whosoever

"Whosoever drinketh

drinketh

drinketh of

of this

this

this water

water

water shall

shall

shall thirst

thirst

thirst again:

again:

again: Bu

But whosoever drinketh

t whosoever drinketh

t whosoever drinketh of

of the

the

the water

water

water that

that

that I shall

shall

shall give

give

give him,

him,

him, shall

shall

shall never

never

never thirst;

thirst;

thirst; but

but

but the

the

the water

water

water that

that

that I shall

shall

shall give

give

give him

him

him shall

shall

shall be

be in

inin

in him

him

him a well

well

well of

of water

water

water springing

springing

springing up

up into

into

into everlasting

everlasting

everlasting life"

life"

life" (John 4:13-14.)

(John 4:13-14.)

Later, He spoke about it again at the Feast of Tabernacles:

"He

"He that

that

that be

believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall lieveth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall lieveth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall lieveth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers

flow rivers

flow rivers of

of living

living

living water.

water.

water. (But this spake he of teh Spirit, which they that

(But this spake he of teh Spirit, which they that

(But this spake he of teh Spirit, which they that believe

believe

believe on

on him

him

him should

should

should receive:

receive:

receive: for

for

for the

the

the Ho

Holy Ghost was not yet given;

ly Ghost was not yet given;

ly Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)" (John 7:38-39.)

because that Jesus was not yet glorified)" (John 7:38-39.)

"Christ in you," is not a peripheral issue. This is the hope of Glory (Col. 1:27.) This is the way that God provides us with Eternal Life.

PREPARING A PLACE

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus promised His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them. The Greek word used to describe this place is "mone." It is only found two times in the Bible. In John 14:2 it is translated in the KJV as "mansions." In John 14:23 it is translated as "abode." In the first instance Jesus promised to prepare a place for us. In the second, we are to prepare a place for Him. The Scriptures teach that if we love Jesus, we will keep His words, and He and the Father will come and make their "abode" with us. They will dwell in our hearts by faith.

When we prepare a place for human guests, we clean the house and try to make a good impression.

We cram clutter into the closet and sweep things under the rug. This is NOT the way to prepare a place for God.

The Scriptures teach that God wants to honor those who have a humble and contrite heart. The Hebrew word for "contrite," is "dakka." It comes from the root word which means to "crumble" or be "crushed." God is Omniscient. He knows everything. He sees everything which we have hidden in the closet or swept under the rug. He loves us in spite of our sin and does not want us to be hypocritical. He prefers for us to receive Him, just the way we are. Note these words of Isaiah 57:15:

"For

"For thus

thus

thus saith

saith

saith the

the

the high

high

high and

and

and lofty

lofty

lofty One

One

One that

that

that inhabiteth

inhabiteth

inhabiteth eternity,

eternity,

eternity, whose

whose

whose name

name

name isisisis Holy;

Holy;

Holy; I dwell

dwell

dwell in

inin

in the

the

the high

high

high and

and

and holy

holy

holy place

place

place with

with

with him

him

him also

also

also that

that

that isisisis of

of a contrite

contrite

contrite and

and

and humble

humble

humble spirit,

spirit,

spirit, to

to revive

revive

revive the

the

the spirit

spirit

spirit of

of the

the

the humble,

humble,

humble, and

and

and to

to revive

revive

revive the

the

the heart

heart

heart of the contrite man."

of the contrite man."

The Lord offered a beautiful invitation to the lukewarm church in Laodicea. They thought they were rich, and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. God knew that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. In spite of their pitiful condition, Jesus still yearned to make his "abode" with them. He said:

"Behold,

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open

open

open the

the

the door,

door,

door, I will

will

will come

come

come in

inin

in to

to him,

him,

him, and

and

and will

will

will sup

sup

sup with

with

with him,

him,

him, and

and

and he

he with

with

with me"

me"

me" (Rev. 3:20.)

(Rev. 3:20.)

W. CARL KETCHERSIDE

The late W. Carl Ketcherside was born in a crude miner's cabin on May 10, 1908. He was a gifted child. He was promoted to the second grade in only two weeks, and to the third by Christmas. He was permitted to borrow only four books from the travelling library. In four days he read each book two times and eagerly awaited the next arrival of the library. Later in life he averaged reading a book a day for seven years.

Carl began preaching at the age of twelve and remained a popular speaker until the time of his death in 1989. He authored 34 books and was the subject of two Master Theses and three Doctoral Dissertations.

One reason for such interest in his life was the dramatic change which came over him in 1951. Up to that point in time, he was a partisan leader of a narrow faction. Afterward, he became a recognized champion for the cause of Christian unity.

The scene was Belfast, North Ireland. God used that place of bitter fighting to break through the sectarian barrier on Carl's heart. For the first time he saw his ministry through the eyes of Jesus. He had been a "piece maker," and not a "peace maker." The Holy Spirit brought to his mind the invitation of Christ to the church in Laodicea. Suddenly he realized that this invitation was not for alien sinners, but lukewarm Christians. Though Carl had been preaching for more than forty years, he saw himself as spiritually desolate and miserable. His Penniel came that night as he knelt on the stone floor of an unheated church house. A deep snow was on the ground outside. For more than an hour he agonzied in prayer while the persistent Christ continued to knock. Finally, he could stand it no longer. He opened his heart to Jesus, and Jesus did exactly

what He said He would do.

Carl described his life as a "Pilgrimage of Joy." Late in life he sold his home and moved into an apartment in the inner city of St. Louis. He died while working with the "least of these our brethren." Who can doubt that the finale of his life came because he was following Jesus. A short time before his death he wrote these poignant words:

"The crying need of our age is for men filled with the Spirit of god, men who dare to break with tradition, and if need be, die for the vision which they have cherished, until now it nourishes them. The call of God is borne upon every whispering breeze to those who have been enslaved by partisan positions, fettered by fears of reprisal, shacked by bigotry and littleness. The world will not be won to the Christ of a national ideal, to a white man's God, a denominational dogma, or a parochial creed.

Jesus is not the shepherd of a sect but of the whole flock of God. He is not the Lord of a faction but of the whole church of the redeemed ones. A concept which embraces anything less than the ultimate unity of all who believe in Him as one mighty army, is too meager to match his prayer, and will be self-defeating. There is no power in the universe by which we can reduce the body of Christ into a faction or expand any faction into the body of Christ.

We reject the spurious proposal that we must remain apart and at sword's points until we have argued every action of every faction, debated every detail of every dogma, and reached conformity on every conclusion of every complaint among us. This is the sectarian way. It is the way of prolonged strife and drawn out dissension. We are not called to feud to the death but to find the life that is in Christ Jesus. Our peace is not in a program, a proposition, or a platform. It is in a person. 'He is our peace who hath made both one.' The way to have unity is to unite, not to have a debate. We cannot argue ourselves into agreement nor debate ourselves out of division! In all of our decades of debate we have not overthrown or eliminated a single sect, but we have created a great many new ones!

Let us resolve to make way for the Spirit and we will find the path of peace. The Spirit of God will not divide the family of God. It is men who are devoid of the Spirit who set up divisions. If we will allow the Spirit to have his way with us, we will be united in the way with Him. We must cease getting in the Spirit's way, and start walking in the way of the Spirit."

F. B. Meyer offers this wise counsel to those who want to be led by the Spirit.

"Never act in panic, nor allow man to dictate to you; calm yourself and be still; force yourself into the quiet of your closet until the pulse beats normally and the scare has ceased to disturb. When you are most eager to act is the time when you will make the most pitiable mistakes. Do not say in your heart what you will or will not do, but wait upon God until he makes known His way. So long as that way is hidden, ist is clear that there is not need of action, and that He accounts Himself responsible for all the results of keeping you where you are."

LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT LED BY THE SPIRIT

For many years I have reflected upon "discipleship". It seemed that Jesus came from heaven to select a small group of disciples and pour His life into them. I assumed that this was a pattern for His Apostles, as well as for me. I knew that some of the biggest churches in the world were built upon small discipleship groups. Yet, for some reason, I did not feel comfortable with any model with which I was familiar.

As I studied the book of Acts I was unable to find small discipleship groups established by Peter and the other Apostles. The direction of my study was producing more questions than answers.

A college professor in physics has offered some salient advice in problem solving. "If your reasoning," he said, "makes things more complicated, you are going in the wrong direction."

In the last few years I have changed the direction of my thinking. Now, discipleship seems so simple that it is almost frightening. I am now convinced that the concept which Jesus gave to His Apostles is so rudimentary and uncomplicated that it can be replicated in any life and any society.

Jesus did not give us a map and expect us to find our own way. He came to be our Guide, and promised that He would never leave us or forsake us.

Here are a few thoughts for your prayerful consideration.

IN THE GOSPELS IN THE GOSPELS IN THE GOSPELS IN THE GOSPELS

! In the Gr. Commission of Matthew's Gospel there is only one imperative. It is to "make disciples." The Greek word is "mathateusate," which is the 2nd pers. pl. aor. 1, imper. act. of "matheuo." Going, baptizing, and teaching, may have the force of commands, but they are written as participles.

! The Disciples were to teach their students to observe all of the things which Jesus commanded them. They were to replicate His life and follow His example. He promised to be with them in this endeavor until the end of the world.

! The primary command of Jesus to His disciples was "Follow Me!" The verb "to follow" occurs approximately 80 times in the Gospels and almost exclusively describes the relationship between Jesus and His companions. Vine states: "It is used 77 times in the Gospels, of following Christ, and only once otherwise, Mk. 14:13."

! The Greek word for "disciple" is "mathetes". It comes from "manthano" which means "to learn", and is the basis of our English word "math". The Dict. of N.T. Theology states that the noun "mathetes" occurs 264 times in the N.T. (Exclusively in the Gospels and Acts)

! It is interesting that the Disciples, who were commanded to "make disciples", never used the word "disciple" in their epistles. A similar word "manthano," which means "to learn" is found 25 times in the N.T. Scriptures (only six times in the Gospels, and once in Acts).

! The Disciples of Jesus had been raised to observe rituals. With Jesus they maintained a relationship. Jesus seemed to avoid rituals. When He healed the blind, for example, He did it differently every time. Once He spat in the blind man's eyes, another time He spat on the ground, another time He did not spit at all.

! In the absence of rituals the Disciples learned spontaneity and trust. Upon one occasion Jesus sent them forth with no provisions. At another time He promised them that without human planning God would give them special words and wisdom. They came to trust and depend upon Jesus for guidance.

! Jesus led His Disciples many places where they would never have gone without Him. He led them into Gentile territory, through Samaria, to Judea to raise Lazarus, and to Jerusalem where He was to suffer and die. Discipleship meant following Jesus regardless of the cost.

! In the Upper Room, Jesus shocked His Disciples by announcing that He was going where they could not follow. He promised, however, that He would not leave them as orphans. He would return and continue to guide them. In the flesh He could only be one place at a time. As a Spirit He could be with all His Disciples simultaneously.

! After His resurrection He warned the Disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. They were not to proceed on their own. They were basically to continue the same type of ministry which they had already been involved in for the past three years. Though He was ascending into heaven, they would not be abandoned. His Holy Spirit would come to provide them with guidance and power (Acts 1:4-8).

IN THE BOOK OF ACTS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

! The Gospels only tell what Jesus "began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1) The book of Acts records what Jesus continued "to do and teach" by means of His Holy Spirit. Guidance from heaven is evident in virtually every chapter. The Disciples began "to follow" Jesus during His earthly ministry. Now they continued "to follow" the leading of His Spirit.

! Jesus called His Disciples to be "fishers of men" after a miraculous catch of fish. Against human strategy and wisdom, Jesus commanded them to launch out into the deep. His guidance enabled them to catch many fish. Their boats were filled to overflowing. The same type of supernatural guidance would also enable them to catch men.

! The same Spirit that guided Paul to the big cities, guided Philip to leave a big city (see acts 8:) The same Spirit that led Paul to teach three years in Ephesus, caught away Philip from the Ethopian eunuch so that he could not teach him. The same Spirit that delivered Peter from prison allowed James to be beheaded in prison (Acts 12:). The Holy Spirit guided different men to do different things, at different times. We are to follow His leading, even when we do not understand it.

! It was the Holy Spirit that separated Barnabas and Saul to their work (Acts 13:) It was the Holy Spirit that pointed out Timothy to Paul (Acts 16: and I Tim. 1:18). It was the Holy Spirit that prevented Paul from entering Asia and Bithynia, and ultimately led him to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).

! Guidance in the book of Acts came in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes it was from a passage of Scripture (Acts 4:25-26). Sometimes it was by common sense (Acts 6:2). By angels (Acts 8:26). By circumstances (Acts 9:23-26). By direct revelation or visions (Acts 10:10-16). By the urging of friends (Acts 19:31). In each instance, however, it is safe to say that our Sovereign God was in control.

IN THE EPISTLES IN THE EPISTLES IN THE EPISTLES IN THE EPISTLES

! The Apostles not only depended upon guidance from God, they taught their converts to do the same. Jesus

taught them: "My

"My

"My sheep

sheep

sheep hear

hear

hear my

my voice,

voice,

voice, and

and

and I know

know

know them,

them,

them, and

and

and they

they

they follow

follow me"

me"

me" (John

(John

(John 10:27.)

10:27.)

10:27.) At the same time He promised: "A

"A stranger

stranger

stranger they

they

they will

will

will not

not

not follow"

follow"

follow" (vs.

(vs.

(vs. 5.)

5.)

5.) As Jesus commanded in the Gr. Commission, they continued to teach their disciples what He had taught them.

! Paul wrote to the Romans: "For

For

For as

as many

many

many as

as are

are

are led

led

led by

by the

the

the Spirit

Spirit

Spirit of

of God,

God,

God, they

they

they are

are

are the

the

the sons

sons

sons of God" (Rom. 8:14.)

of God" (Rom. 8:14.)

of God" (Rom. 8:14.) This guidance was not just for the Apostles, but for all of God's children.

! To the Corinthians: "But

But

But the

the

the natural man receiveth not the things of

natural man receiveth not the things of

natural man receiveth not the things of the

the

the Spirit

Spirit

Spirit of

of God:

God:

God: for

for

for they

they

they are

are

are foolishness

foolishness

foolishness unto

unto

unto him;

him;

him; neither

neither

neither can

can

can he

he know

know

know them,

them,

them, because

because

because they

they

they are spiritually

re spiritually

re spiritually judged" (I Cor. 2:14.)

judged" (I Cor. 2:14.)

! To the Philippians: "IfIfIfIf in

inin

in anything

anything

anything ye

ye be

be otherwise

otherwise

otherwise minded,

minded,

minded, God

God

God shall

shall

shall reveal

reveal

reveal even

even

even this

this

this unto

unto

unto you" (Phi. 3:15.)

you" (Phi. 3:15.)

you" (Phi. 3:15.) Apparently, God would help the Philippians with some sort of special revelation and understanding.

! To the Colossians: "And

And

And let

let

let the

the

the peace

peace

peace of

of Christ

Christ

Christ rule

rule

rule in

inin

in your

your

your hearts"

hearts"

hearts" (Col.

(Col.

(Col. 3:15.)

3:15.)

3:15.) The word "rule" is "brabeuo" which means to act as an umpire. It seems that when a child of God is doing something God does not want them to do, God takes away their peace.

! To the Thessalonians: "When

When

When ye

ye re

received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye

ceived the word of God which ye heard of us, ye

ceived the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received

received

received itititit not

not

not as

as the

the

the word

word

word of

of man,

man,

man, but

but

but as

as itititit isisisis in

inin

in truth,

truth,

truth, the

the

the word

word

word of

of God,

God,

God, which

which

which effectually

effectually

effectually worketh

worketh

worketh in

inin

in you

you

you that believe" (I Thess. 2:13.)

hat believe" (I Thess. 2:13.)

hat believe" (I Thess. 2:13.) Somehow, God's word somehow "works" in the believer.

! While the Holy Spirit has gifted some as teachers, God teaches some things to His children directly: "But

But

But as

as touching

touching

touching brotherly

brotherly

brotherly love

love

love ye

ye need

need

need not

not

not that

that

that I write

write

write unto

unto

unto you:

you:

you: for

for

for ye

ye yourselves

yourselves

yourselves are

are

are taught

taught

taught of God to love one another" (I Thess. 4:9.)

of God to love one another" (I Thess. 4:9.)

! Guidance can come from the Scriptures when the word of God has "free course" in our lives: "Finally,

Finally,

Finally, brethren,

brethren,

brethren, pray

pray

pray for

for

for us,

us,

us, that

that

that the

the

the word

word

word of

of the

the

the Lord may have free course and be glorified,

ord may have free course and be glorified,

ord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you" (II Thess. 3:1.)

even as it is with you" (II Thess. 3:1.)

! John wrote: "But ye have

But ye have

But ye have an

an unction

unction

unction from

from

from the

the

the Holy

Holy

Holy one,

one,

one, and

and

and ye

ye know

know

know all

all

all things"

things"

things" (I(I(I(I John

John

John 2:20).

2:20).

2:20). "But

But

But the

the

the anointing

anointing

anointing which

which

which ye

ye have

have

have received

received

received of

of him

him

him abideth

abideth

abideth in

inin

in you,

you,

you, and

and

and ye

ye need

need

need not

not

not that

that

that any

any

any man

man

man teach

teach

teach you:

you:

you: but

but

but as

as the

the

the same

same

same anointing

anointing

anointing teacheth

teacheth

teacheth you

you

you of

of all

all

all things

things

things . . ."."."." (I(I(I(I John

John

John 2:27).

2:27).

THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH

! The Kingdom of God does not come with observation. It is within us (Lk. 17:20-21). You have to be "born again" in order to see it (John 3:3).

! The Greek noun "poema" (the basis of our English word "poem") occurs but two times in the Scriptures. It is used in Rom. 1:20 to refer to the physical universe which God created. It is used in Eph. 2:10 to refer to the spiritual universe which God created.

! God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace (I Cor. 14:33). The physical creation is a "universe" and not a "multiverse". Our universe reflects harmony and design. It is like a poem. The spiritual workmanship of God also reflects harmony and design. It is also like a poem.

! Unregenerate man is in rebellion against God. His "heart is deceitful above all things and

"heart is deceitful above all things and

"heart is deceitful above all things and desperately

desperately

desperately wicked"

wicked"

wicked" (Jer.

(Jer.

(Jer. 17:9).

17:9).

17:9). His conduct is predictable. Moses observed that Israel rebelled during his life, and would be worse after his death (Deut. 31:27). He was right.

! Regenerate man is not rebellious. Ezekiel predicted: "A new

new

new heart

heart

heart also

also

also will

will

will I give

give

give you,

you,

you, and

and

and a new

new

new spirit

spirit

spirit will

will

will I put

put

put within

within

within you:

you:

you: and

and

and I will

will

will take

take

take away

away

away the

the

the stony

stony

stony heart

heart

heart out

out

out of

of your

your

your flesh,

flesh,

flesh, and

and

and I will

will

will give

give

give you

you

you a heart

heart

heart of

of flesh.

flesh.

flesh. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27).

statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them" (Ez. 36:26-27).

! Note that the letters to Christians are filled with optimism that: "He

He which

which

which hath

hath

hath begun

begun

begun a good

good

good work

work

work in

inin

in you

you

you will

will

will perform

perform

perform itititit until

until

until the

the

the day

day

day of

of Jesus

Jesus

Jesus Christ"

Christ"

Christ" (Phil

(Phil

(Phil 1:6).

1:6).

1:6). See also I Cor. 1:8; Col. 1:22; I Thess. 3:13; 5:9; 5:23-24; II Thess. 3:3-4; Gal 5:10; Phil. 3:3; etc.

! Even though regenerate man struggles with the remnant of his sinful nature (Rom. 7:) the outcome is predictable so that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). He that is within us is greater than he that is in the world.

LEARNING FROM THE BEASTS LEARNING FROM THE BEASTS LEARNING FROM THE BEASTS LEARNING FROM THE BEASTS

! Job said: "But

But

But ask

ask

ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air,

now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air,

now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and

and

and they

they

they shall

shall

shall tell

tell

tell thee"

thee"

thee" (Job

(Job

(Job 12:7).

12:7).

12:7). There are lessons which we can learn from the lower creatures of earth which can be extrapolated into the world of spiritual things.

! Salmon are spawned in fresh water, spend their lives in salt water, and somehow instinctively are guided to the place of their birth that they may lay eggs and die. They overcome incredible obstacles, swim upstream and even jump waterfalls.

! Scientists have experimented with many types of birds (such as the albatross and homing pigeons). They have deliberately tried to get them lost. Yet, somehow these creatures are guided over hundreds and even thousands of miles to the place where they began.

! Many creatures migrate on land, in the sea, and also in the heavens. Some birds travel 22,000 miles from the Artic, to Antarctica each year without getting lost. If God can guide such inferior beings there is little doubt that He can also guide us.

! Ants are among the most numerous creatures on earth. There are 8,800 known species of ants and someone has estimated that they number ten million billion. This would far exceed the number of all mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians combined. Solomon said: "Go

Go to

to the

the

the ant

ant

ant thou

thou

thou sluggard;

sluggard;

sluggard; consider

consider

consider her

her

her ways,

ways,

ways, and

and

and be

be wise:

wise:

wise: Which

Which

Which having

having

having no

no guide,

guide,

guide, overseer,

overseer,

overseer, or

or ruler,

ruler,

ruler, provideth

provideth

provideth her

her

her meat

meat

meat in

inin

in the

the

the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" (Prov. 6:6-8).

summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" (Prov. 6:6-8).

! It is not necessary to organize an ant hill. God has already taken care of that. Is it possible that God is also guiding, and orchestrating, the members of His Body upon the earth?

! We are "new creations" in Christ Jesus. Old things are passed away, and all things are new. We have gone through a metamorphosis so that our "natural" desires have been replaced by the presence of His Spirit. The caterpillar crawls along munching leaves. The butterfly soars in the heavens and sips nectar.

Christians have gone through a metamorphosis.

SOME OBVIOUS EXAMPLES SOME OBVIOUS EXAMPLES SOME OBVIOUS EXAMPLES SOME OBVIOUS EXAMPLES

! Jesus is the Head of His Body the Church. By One Spirit we were all baptized into that One Body (I Cor.12:13). The various members of His Body are compared to a foot, hand, eye, or ear, etc. It is unthinkable that the Head of the Body would not have communication with, and control over, the members of the Body. As members of His Body, we should take directions from the Head rather than imitate one another.

! Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. He has enrolled us as His soldiers. It is unthinkable that our Commander in Chief cannot contact and supply His troops. One reason the recent Gulf War was ended so quickly is that Sadaam Hussein lost the ability to communicate with and supply his troops. This will never happen to the Sovereign of the Universe!

! Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep by name. He calls them, and they know His voice. They somehow intuitively know not to follow strangers. It is unthinkable that the Good Shepherd cannot guide and direct His sheep.

! God is the Father of His family. His children have received His "seed", and are destined to display His nature. Jesus taught us to ask our Father for whatever we need, and promised that He would hear and respond. We know that the sons of God are led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).

! There are many other examples in Scripture: husband - wife, King - subject, Master - slave, Vine - branches, etc. Each of these examples pre-supposes a relationship which is constant and vital. It is unthinkable that Jesus cannot communicate with, guide, and supply His people.

! In James 1: God has promised wisdom to those who ask in faith. The first requisite to receive this wisdom is to lack it. We must come to God in utter humility and seek the treasure of His divine wisdom and understand. Then we must ask in faith, nothing doubting. Those who doubt will not receive anything from the Lord.

THE NECESSITY OF DILIGENCE THE NECESSITY OF DILIGENCE THE NECESSITY OF DILIGENCE THE NECESSITY OF DILIGENCE

! The Scriptures admonish us to walk "circumspectly". This literally means "like an acrobat". Lazy and slothful people are in danger of falling.

! Other Scriptural illustrations and analogies emphasize the need for diligence. For example: We are like athletes, soldiers, pilgrims, stewards, sheep in the midst of wolves, etc.

! We need to be diligent to test and confirm whatever guidance we receive for there are many false prophets which have gone out into the world. The devil is a deceiver who transforms himself into an angel of light.

! We must be careful to maintain a conscience which is sensitive to His leading. Anything which we cannot do with confidence, we cannot do, for: "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23).

"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23).

! The use of our spiritual faculties or "senses," will help us develop the ability to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14.)

! We are not to be like the horse and the mule which have no understanding, but we are to be so sensitive to the leading of God that He can guide us with His eye (Ps. 32:8.)

WHAT THE FATHER IS DOING WHAT THE FATHER IS DOING WHAT THE FATHER IS DOING WHAT THE FATHER IS DOING

! Jesus said: "The

The

The Son

Son

Son can

can

can do

do nothing

nothing

nothing of

of himself,

himself,

himself, but

but

but what

what

what he

he seeth

seeth

seeth the

the

the Father

Father

Father do;

do;

do; for

for

for what

what

what things

things

things soever

soever

soever he

he doeth,

doeth,

doeth, these

these

these also

also

also doeth

doeth

doeth the

the

the Son

Son

Son likewise"

likewise"

likewise" (John

(John

(John 5:19.)

5:19.)

5:19.) Jesus did not have His own agenda, He came to do the will of God. His knowledge of what God was doing, enabled Him to participate in it.

! God is doing some great things today. We have witnessed the collapse of atheistic communism in the U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe. These countries are so open to the Gospel that Bibles and preachers are even welcome in their public schools.

! Revival has also broken out in China. Some have estimated that there may be more evangelical Christians in China than in any other country on earth.

! God is also opening other great doors of evangelism and opportunity all over the world.

! This is not a time to establish our own program and agenda. It is a time to prayerfully seek guidance from God. The apostles toiled all night long and caught no fish. With a little guidance they had great success.

WHAT ABOUT HIM? WHAT ABOUT HIM? WHAT ABOUT HIM? WHAT ABOUT HIM?

! When Jesus told Peter how he was going to die, Peter beckoned to John and said: "Lord,

Lord,

Lord, and

and

and what

what

what shall

shall

shall this

this

this man

man

man do?"

do?"

do?" (John

(John

(John 21:21)

21:21)

21:21) Jesus told Peter that it was none of his business. Each of us is only responsible for following the leading of God in our own lives.

! Scripture warns us about measuring ourselves by ourselves, and comparing ourselves among ourselves (II Cor. 10:12.) What someone else does, or does not do, is not our primary concern. To their own master they will stand or fall. Our primary responsibility is to discover and follow the leading of God in our own lives.

! It is a common thing for Christians to imitate each other. This is especially true of young preachers emulating the lives of older preachers who are considered to be successful. While God "may" be leading in such an endeavor, it is important to remember that he may be a hand in the Body and you may be a foot. Regardless of what anyone else does, or does not do, we need to follow the leading of God in our own lives.

! It is altogether possible that God has sent us some gifted teacher, or "angel unaware" to change the direction of our lives. When we do change, however, it is important that we do so to please God and not men. If we try to please men we cannot be servants of Christ (Gal. 1:10.)

! Jeremiah said: "O Lord,

Lord,

Lord, I know

know

know that

that

that the

the

the way

way

way of

of man

man

man isisisis not

not

not in

inin

in himself:

himself:

himself: itititit isisisis not

not

not in

inin

in man

man

man that

that

that walketh

walketh

walketh to

to direct

direct

direct his

his

his steps"

steps"

steps" (Jer.

(Jer.

(Jer. 10

10:23.)

:23.)

:23.) Solomon said: "Trust

Trust

Trust in

inin

in the

the

the Lord

Lord

Lord with

with

with all

all

all thine

thine

thine heart;

heart;

heart; and

and

and lean

lean

lean not

not

not unto

unto

unto thine

thine

thine own

own

own understanding.

understanding.

understanding. In all of thy ways acknowledge him,

In all of thy ways acknowledge him,

In all of thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5-6.)

and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5-6.)

He does not lead me year by year

nor even day by day

But step by step my path unfolds, My Lord directs my way. Tomorrow's plans I do not know, I only know this minute. But He will say, "This is the way, By faith now walk ye in it." And I am glad that it is so, Today's enough to bear. And when tomorrow comes. His grace is always there. What need to worry then, or fret? The God who gave His Son, Holds all my moments in His hand, And gives them one by one. (author unknown)

Lord! Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil! As John, the beloved disciple wrote:”These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (I John 1:4.)

”These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (I John 1:4.)

Boyce Mouton