We are looking into the gift of Prophesy as the greater of GOD's gifts given to redeemed humanity as a means of helping him reach his final destination as GOD's restored sons. That is right restored sons not both male and female as these two are actually one being in Christ. Just as the Hebrew name for GOD means. This name is Elohim and it is in three persons they being Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And as we have already seen the Holy Spirit is the "fe" male portion of our trinity, or that portion of man taken from him as seen in Genesis 2:21-22, which came about because of what GOD saw and understood in verse 18. And what he already knew and spoke in chapter 1:26-27. Okay, lets get into our study of 1Corinthians 14:13-19 to see what we can glean from within it.
1Corinthians 14:13-19 "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach(G2727) others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (KJV)
1Corinthians 14:13-19 "Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct(G2727) others, than ten thousand words in a tongue." (ESV)
1Corinthians 14:13-19 "Do not even attempt to speak in tongues in the congregation if you are unable to also unfold and explain the meaning of what was said! Why pray in tongues without understanding? Then there is no point in it (except your own edification and learning of the secret things of GOD revealed to you and you only). Even in worship the two go hand in hand: I will pray with the spirit and continue with understanding; I will worship GOD in spiritual songs and then conclude by singing with inspired understanding! (Remember Paul's introduction to the spiritual gifts in chapter 12:11, "Spiritual manifestations are supernatural, yet often very natural. Just because it is spirit dimension does not mean that you cannot understand what GOD's Spirit is saying to you." Paul's passion is to make all men see what GOD saw when Jesus died and was raised; the spiritual gifts are not to add confusion but clarity to the gospel.[The revelation of Christ restored or awaken within humanity's form.] ) If all you do is speak blessings in tongues, how can anyone else in the same room, especially those who are completely ignorant of spiritual things, feel included and in agreement with what you are saying? There is nothing wrong with your thanksgiving as such; it is just a pity that you should exclude someone in your immediate audience. Am I against speaking in tongues? Not at all! I am so grateful to GOD that I speak in tongues; I do so perhaps more than all of you! But when we gather together I would rather speak five words with my understanding in order to inspire someone with mutual [1,G2727]resonance than waste a thousand words in tongues! (The word, [1,G2727 from G2596 and G2279] katecheo, is where the word catechism [indoctrinate] come from(G2596), kata, means downward, into the circumcised ear, and (G2279) echo, to hold or echo; thus, to resonate. Resonance instructs truth and defeats debate.)
My prayer is that all who fine our blog and stay with us will be enlightened by GOD in his voice as he resonance his words within them. Until the next time, the LORD willing, when we shall see what instructions Paul leaves for the church in our next visit. May the LORD increase his voice within you as his indoctrination of revelation continues.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 14:6; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
WE are now ready for the rest of chapter 14 of 1Corinthians for another eye
opener, especially after the revelation of our circumcision of the hearts, spiritual eyes
and ears, that our soul is now restored to the Christ life within each
individual. In what is called the image and likeness of GOD. What else lays in store? For the Lord Jesus said, that when she would come she would do the works of restoration of the things lost to humanity in the fall, or the blindness of heart that had taken hold of man, in the lie of mans religion, for it was he that said to, "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees."
Oh, for the love training and discipline of a mother! Who acts like a mother hen.
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak(G2071 G2980) into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." (KJV)
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking(G2071 G2980) into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church." (ESV)
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Imagine how confusing it would be if I visited you and all that I would do is impress you with my spirituality's, by speaking of the revelation knowledge for the benefit of the whole church. So please do not speak in tongues in the church unless you can also interpret what you have just said. Any musical instrument like a flute or guitar would irritate the audience if all it did was repeating indistinct sounds without any melody. Play music that everyone will appreciate! (The Greek word for harp (G2788) is kithara.) If the bugle gives an uncertain sound, the soldiers will miss the moment to prepare themselves to advance in battle! (Do you realize the importance of what I am saying? Do not misinterpret strategic instructions for personal edification.) Make every word count in order to bring maximum benefit to your audience; [1,(G2071 G2980)]weigh your words then you will not be wasting your breath! (The words [1,G2071 G2980]eusemos logos translates as a well marked word.) In nature every voice vibrates with meaning; even animal and bird sounds are distinct and significant. There is no point in having a conversation with someone if you do not understand one another's language. Let me make it very clear, while speaking in tongues has its personal benefits, do not make it the thing everyone wants to do! Then you miss the whole point of spiritual gifts! What is the value if a million peole can speak in tongues but they are completely incapable of bringing a word of inspired instruction? Tongues are most certainly not a mark of spirituality! The greater blessing is not in getting the blessing but in being the blessing to others!" (The Mirror)
I hope that we are learning the important things for life. Next time more on tongues and if the LORD is willing more revelation of him. Until than may you and yours learn the use of tongues in your study time and prayer time.
Oh, for the love training and discipline of a mother! Who acts like a mother hen.
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak(G2071 G2980) into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." (KJV)
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking(G2071 G2980) into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church." (ESV)
1Corinthians 14:6-12 "Imagine how confusing it would be if I visited you and all that I would do is impress you with my spirituality's, by speaking of the revelation knowledge for the benefit of the whole church. So please do not speak in tongues in the church unless you can also interpret what you have just said. Any musical instrument like a flute or guitar would irritate the audience if all it did was repeating indistinct sounds without any melody. Play music that everyone will appreciate! (The Greek word for harp (G2788) is kithara.) If the bugle gives an uncertain sound, the soldiers will miss the moment to prepare themselves to advance in battle! (Do you realize the importance of what I am saying? Do not misinterpret strategic instructions for personal edification.) Make every word count in order to bring maximum benefit to your audience; [1,(G2071 G2980)]weigh your words then you will not be wasting your breath! (The words [1,G2071 G2980]eusemos logos translates as a well marked word.) In nature every voice vibrates with meaning; even animal and bird sounds are distinct and significant. There is no point in having a conversation with someone if you do not understand one another's language. Let me make it very clear, while speaking in tongues has its personal benefits, do not make it the thing everyone wants to do! Then you miss the whole point of spiritual gifts! What is the value if a million peole can speak in tongues but they are completely incapable of bringing a word of inspired instruction? Tongues are most certainly not a mark of spirituality! The greater blessing is not in getting the blessing but in being the blessing to others!" (The Mirror)
I hope that we are learning the important things for life. Next time more on tongues and if the LORD is willing more revelation of him. Until than may you and yours learn the use of tongues in your study time and prayer time.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 14:1; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We just completed a look into the power of Agape and how it works the works of faith within those who have the revelation of their Redemption within them. And are now ready to look into chapter 14 of 1Corinthians for another eye opener, especially after the circumcision of the hearts, spiritual eyes and ears, of the soul are restored to the Christ life within each individual. In what is called the image and likeness of GOD.
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual(G4152) gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." (KJV)
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual(G4152) gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up." (ESV)
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Agape is GOD's only agenda! Be love driven in your pursuit of spiritual gifts; love awakens your most earnest desire to speak with [1]inspired revelation. (The best way to pursue love and spiritual gifts is to realize how pursued you are by Love! The word, [1] pneumatikos, is from (G4151) meaning pneuma, from (G5594) means psuchō, forcible respiration, and (G109) aēr, to inspire, and back again to (G4154) pneō, to breath and then phaino which we saw means to bring forth into the light, cause to shine, shed light; translates as enlightened speech. In the Greek writings, a prophet is an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things. In the context of Scripture, Jesus was such a person for he was both the theme as well as the completeness of the prophetic word. The prophetic foretelling of the OT pointed and spoke of Christ. [Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39]
In the NT the prophetic has its reference in the finished work of the cross more so than in the prediction of that future event. The Prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be ours searched and inquired about this salvation; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. [1Peter 1:10-11]
Hebrews 1:1-4, "Throughout [1, G3819] ancient times GOD spoke in many fragments and glimpses of prophetic thought to our fathers. Now, this entire conversation has [2,G2078] finally dawned in sonship. Suddenly what seemed to be an ancient language, falls fresh and new like the dew on tender grass! He is the sum total of every utterance of GOD in conversation within us. He is whom the Prophets pointed to and we are his immediate audience!" ( The word [1,G3819] palai, means, of old, ancient; and is from (G3825) palin through the idea of oscillatory repetition or retrocession; anew, afresh. Look at Deuteronomy 32:1-2, 18, "Give ear, Oh heavens, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as the gentle rain upon the tender grass, and as the showers upon the herb...You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, and you forgot the GOD who gave you birth." Like in James 1:24, "we have forgotten what manner of people we are - we have forgotten the face of our birth!" (The word, [2,G2078] eschatos means extreme; last in time or in space; the uttermost part, the final conclusion.Sonship revealed and redeemed defines eschatology!)
Hebrews 1:2, "In sonship, GOD declares the Incarnate Word to be the heir of all things. He is, after all, the author of the ages. We have our beginning and our being in him."(Son-ship endorses heir-ship! Look at Hebrews 6:16-18)
Hebrews 1:3, "Jesus is the crescendo of GOD's conversation with his humanity; he gives it context and content to the authentic thought. Everything that GOD has in mind for humanity is voiced in him. Jesus is GOD's language. He is the radiant and flawless expression of the person and [1, G3191]intent of GOD. He mirrors GOD's true [2]character and exhibited his every attribute in human form [our very image and likeness now seen, made visible]. He is the incarnate voice of GOD in revealing and redeeming our son-ship and innocence [in his righteousness]. This voice is the dynamic that sustains the entire cosmos. He is the force of the universe upholding everything that exists as the executive authority of GOD, enthroned in the boundless measure of his majesty. ( "Having accomplished purification of sins, he sat down..." His Throne is proof of humanity's redeemed innocence!
More that two thousand years ago the conversation that had begun before time was recorded ---- sustained in fragments of thought throughout the ages, whispered in prophetic language, chiseled in stone and inscribed in human conscience and memory---became a man. Beyond the tablet of stone, the papyrus scroll or parchment roll, human life has become the articulate voice of GOD. The name of Jesus defines his mission. As Savior of the world he truly redeemed the image and likeness of the invisible GOD and made his apparent agin in huamn form, as in a mirror.
The word, [1, G3191] doxa is from (G1380) dokeo, opinion or intent defines the glory of GOD. The word (G5481), charakter, is from (G5482) charax - to engrave - translated 'mark of the beast' in the book of Revelation. Either the character of the Father or the character of the fallen mind will influence our actions because it is what engages our thoughts (forehead).
Like in Isaiah 55:8-11, "Your thoughts are not my thoughts; therefore your ways are not my ways....but my word will incarnate, and saturate earth ( that is our flesh) just like the rain and the snow cancel the distance between heave and earth, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth! It shall not return void but prosper in my purpose!")
The purpose of the prophetic, just like with every other ministry gift, is to encourage and edify the church with the success of the cross as its reference. in the instance recorded in Acts 11 where Agabus and his team foretold the famine that was to come, the new believers from Antioch immediately saw this as a brilliant strategy of the Holy Spirit to prepare provision for their Jewish friends in Judea. Antioch was the first community of believers to be called "Christians," and they were non-Jewish; this might have caused distance between them and the Jewish church but here was their opportunity to take the initiative to break down any such barriers! "When your enemy is hungry, feed him! [Romans 12:20]
Some modern day prophetic ministries have brought confusion rather than clarity and freedom by a wrong emphasis on the prophetic! Many sincere believers became addicted to the "prophetic" and began to attach more value to yet another future prediction that what they saw in the completed work of Christ! This became a snare and made the "prophetic" a type of Christian fortune telling! While knowledge about future happenings is exciting and also can be strategic, if it does not celebrate the finished work of Christ as its point of reference it becomes a distraction.
The most profound future information pales in significance in the light of what already happened to humanity in Christ! Religion thrives on two lies, distance and delay; Jesus cancelled both. Every possible definition of distance was cancelled on the cross. "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; every crooked place shall be made straight and every rough place smooth!" [Isaiah 40:4] Every excuse that anyone could have to feel separated from GOD was deleted in Christ.
The hour that was to come has come; Jesus is the fullness of time! GOD can never get any closer to humanity that what he already did in the incarnation. GOD cannot say more to the human race than what he did in Jesus.)
For the one who speaks in a strange tongue speaks intimate spirit mysteries between him and GOD but no one else can understand him. But those who prophesy inspire their audience constructively and comfort them with [1,G3874 from G3870]companionship and [2,G3889]instruction. (The word, [1,G3870] parakalev; to accompany; to affiliate; to associate; is from (G3844 and G2564) para, a preposition indicating close proximity, a thing proceeding from a sphere of influence, with a suggestion of union of place of residence, to have sprung from its author and giver, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection, and (G2564) kaleo, to identify by name, to surname. Instruction is translated from [2, G3889 is from G3888] paramutheo, which is from (G3844) para and (G3454) muthos, from (G3453) mueo, meaning to teach with narratives.) While speaking in tongues is primarily for personal edification, prophetic instruction inspires the church. I am happy for all of you to speak in tongues, but I desire even more that each one of you will also speak revelation knowledge for the benefit of the whole church. So please do not speak in tongues in the church unless you can also interpret what you have just said." (The Mirror)
Boy, that was a real load of information for our consideration! Until next time the LORD willing, when we shall pick this back up. May the LORDS words sink in!
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual(G4152) gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." (KJV)
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual(G4152) gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up." (ESV)
1Corinthians 14:1-5 "Agape is GOD's only agenda! Be love driven in your pursuit of spiritual gifts; love awakens your most earnest desire to speak with [1]inspired revelation. (The best way to pursue love and spiritual gifts is to realize how pursued you are by Love! The word, [1] pneumatikos, is from (G4151) meaning pneuma, from (G5594) means psuchō, forcible respiration, and (G109) aēr, to inspire, and back again to (G4154) pneō, to breath and then phaino which we saw means to bring forth into the light, cause to shine, shed light; translates as enlightened speech. In the Greek writings, a prophet is an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things. In the context of Scripture, Jesus was such a person for he was both the theme as well as the completeness of the prophetic word. The prophetic foretelling of the OT pointed and spoke of Christ. [Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39]
In the NT the prophetic has its reference in the finished work of the cross more so than in the prediction of that future event. The Prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be ours searched and inquired about this salvation; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. [1Peter 1:10-11]
Hebrews 1:1-4, "Throughout [1, G3819] ancient times GOD spoke in many fragments and glimpses of prophetic thought to our fathers. Now, this entire conversation has [2,G2078] finally dawned in sonship. Suddenly what seemed to be an ancient language, falls fresh and new like the dew on tender grass! He is the sum total of every utterance of GOD in conversation within us. He is whom the Prophets pointed to and we are his immediate audience!" ( The word [1,G3819] palai, means, of old, ancient; and is from (G3825) palin through the idea of oscillatory repetition or retrocession; anew, afresh. Look at Deuteronomy 32:1-2, 18, "Give ear, Oh heavens, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as the gentle rain upon the tender grass, and as the showers upon the herb...You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, and you forgot the GOD who gave you birth." Like in James 1:24, "we have forgotten what manner of people we are - we have forgotten the face of our birth!" (The word, [2,G2078] eschatos means extreme; last in time or in space; the uttermost part, the final conclusion.Sonship revealed and redeemed defines eschatology!)
Hebrews 1:2, "In sonship, GOD declares the Incarnate Word to be the heir of all things. He is, after all, the author of the ages. We have our beginning and our being in him."(Son-ship endorses heir-ship! Look at Hebrews 6:16-18)
Hebrews 1:3, "Jesus is the crescendo of GOD's conversation with his humanity; he gives it context and content to the authentic thought. Everything that GOD has in mind for humanity is voiced in him. Jesus is GOD's language. He is the radiant and flawless expression of the person and [1, G3191]intent of GOD. He mirrors GOD's true [2]character and exhibited his every attribute in human form [our very image and likeness now seen, made visible]. He is the incarnate voice of GOD in revealing and redeeming our son-ship and innocence [in his righteousness]. This voice is the dynamic that sustains the entire cosmos. He is the force of the universe upholding everything that exists as the executive authority of GOD, enthroned in the boundless measure of his majesty. ( "Having accomplished purification of sins, he sat down..." His Throne is proof of humanity's redeemed innocence!
More that two thousand years ago the conversation that had begun before time was recorded ---- sustained in fragments of thought throughout the ages, whispered in prophetic language, chiseled in stone and inscribed in human conscience and memory---became a man. Beyond the tablet of stone, the papyrus scroll or parchment roll, human life has become the articulate voice of GOD. The name of Jesus defines his mission. As Savior of the world he truly redeemed the image and likeness of the invisible GOD and made his apparent agin in huamn form, as in a mirror.
The word, [1, G3191] doxa is from (G1380) dokeo, opinion or intent defines the glory of GOD. The word (G5481), charakter, is from (G5482) charax - to engrave - translated 'mark of the beast' in the book of Revelation. Either the character of the Father or the character of the fallen mind will influence our actions because it is what engages our thoughts (forehead).
Like in Isaiah 55:8-11, "Your thoughts are not my thoughts; therefore your ways are not my ways....but my word will incarnate, and saturate earth ( that is our flesh) just like the rain and the snow cancel the distance between heave and earth, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth! It shall not return void but prosper in my purpose!")
The purpose of the prophetic, just like with every other ministry gift, is to encourage and edify the church with the success of the cross as its reference. in the instance recorded in Acts 11 where Agabus and his team foretold the famine that was to come, the new believers from Antioch immediately saw this as a brilliant strategy of the Holy Spirit to prepare provision for their Jewish friends in Judea. Antioch was the first community of believers to be called "Christians," and they were non-Jewish; this might have caused distance between them and the Jewish church but here was their opportunity to take the initiative to break down any such barriers! "When your enemy is hungry, feed him! [Romans 12:20]
Some modern day prophetic ministries have brought confusion rather than clarity and freedom by a wrong emphasis on the prophetic! Many sincere believers became addicted to the "prophetic" and began to attach more value to yet another future prediction that what they saw in the completed work of Christ! This became a snare and made the "prophetic" a type of Christian fortune telling! While knowledge about future happenings is exciting and also can be strategic, if it does not celebrate the finished work of Christ as its point of reference it becomes a distraction.
The most profound future information pales in significance in the light of what already happened to humanity in Christ! Religion thrives on two lies, distance and delay; Jesus cancelled both. Every possible definition of distance was cancelled on the cross. "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; every crooked place shall be made straight and every rough place smooth!" [Isaiah 40:4] Every excuse that anyone could have to feel separated from GOD was deleted in Christ.
The hour that was to come has come; Jesus is the fullness of time! GOD can never get any closer to humanity that what he already did in the incarnation. GOD cannot say more to the human race than what he did in Jesus.)
For the one who speaks in a strange tongue speaks intimate spirit mysteries between him and GOD but no one else can understand him. But those who prophesy inspire their audience constructively and comfort them with [1,G3874 from G3870]companionship and [2,G3889]instruction. (The word, [1,G3870] parakalev; to accompany; to affiliate; to associate; is from (G3844 and G2564) para, a preposition indicating close proximity, a thing proceeding from a sphere of influence, with a suggestion of union of place of residence, to have sprung from its author and giver, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection, and (G2564) kaleo, to identify by name, to surname. Instruction is translated from [2, G3889 is from G3888] paramutheo, which is from (G3844) para and (G3454) muthos, from (G3453) mueo, meaning to teach with narratives.) While speaking in tongues is primarily for personal edification, prophetic instruction inspires the church. I am happy for all of you to speak in tongues, but I desire even more that each one of you will also speak revelation knowledge for the benefit of the whole church. So please do not speak in tongues in the church unless you can also interpret what you have just said." (The Mirror)
Boy, that was a real load of information for our consideration! Until next time the LORD willing, when we shall pick this back up. May the LORDS words sink in!
Saturday, April 27, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 13:8; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are learning the secret that helps and allows faith to work. Without which all we have is our own strength of trust. Why and how is it the man in his natural form has the ability to love? He does so in three of four forms, mind a feel good state, philio, erotica and agape. It was agape that was lost in the exchange of identity's in the garden.
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Charity never faileth(G1601): but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child(G3516), I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now(G737) we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now(G3570) I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (KJV)
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Love never ends(G1601). As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child(3516), I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now(G737) we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now(G3570) I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (ESV)
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Love never loses its altitude! (The word (G1601 from G1537 and G4098), ekpipto, means (G4098) to lose height, to stop soaring.) Prophecies will cease. (Just like when a placenta is discarded after a baby's birth.) Tongues will pause. (In order for that which was spoken in shadow-language to be fully interpreted and made fully known.) The quest for knowledge will be inappropriate when perfection is grasped. What we perceived in prophetic glimpses is now concluded in completeness! When I was an [1,G3516)]infant I spoke infant gibberish with the mind of an infant; my reasoning also was typically that of an infant; how it all changes when I become a grown-up! I am an infant no more! (The word, [1,G3516 and G2031] nepios, means without any command of speech.) There was a time of [1,G737]suspense, when everything we saw was merely mirrored in the prophetic word, like in an enigma; but then (when I became an adult in the revelation of Christ) I gaze face-to-face that I may know me, even as I haves been known! (The word, [1, G737 from G142] arti, comes from[G142] airo, meaning to keep in suspense. "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb!" [Jeremiah 1:5] ) [1,G3570]Now persuasion and every pleasurable [2]expectation is [3]completed in agape. (Here, in agape, my soul remembers who I am! Psalm 23 ) Faith, hope and love are in [3]seamless union. Agape is the superlative of everything faith and [2]hope always knew to be true about me! Love defines my [3]eternal moment! (Where the word, [1,G3570 is from G3568] nuni, means now (G3568) nun, at this very moment, arti, [verse 12, G737] means until now, a time of suspense; [2] elpis, means hope, pleasant expectation; and [3] meno, means to continue to be present. To continue in a seamless union.)
We have just walked through the mine field of what agape love is and how it is acquired as our active love. Next time we shall, the LORD willing look at Prophecy as a superior gift. Until then may the LORD increase his agape within you and yours.
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Charity never faileth(G1601): but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child(G3516), I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now(G737) we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now(G3570) I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (KJV)
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Love never ends(G1601). As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child(3516), I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now(G737) we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now(G3570) I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (ESV)
1Corinthians 13:8-13 "Love never loses its altitude! (The word (G1601 from G1537 and G4098), ekpipto, means (G4098) to lose height, to stop soaring.) Prophecies will cease. (Just like when a placenta is discarded after a baby's birth.) Tongues will pause. (In order for that which was spoken in shadow-language to be fully interpreted and made fully known.) The quest for knowledge will be inappropriate when perfection is grasped. What we perceived in prophetic glimpses is now concluded in completeness! When I was an [1,G3516)]infant I spoke infant gibberish with the mind of an infant; my reasoning also was typically that of an infant; how it all changes when I become a grown-up! I am an infant no more! (The word, [1,G3516 and G2031] nepios, means without any command of speech.) There was a time of [1,G737]suspense, when everything we saw was merely mirrored in the prophetic word, like in an enigma; but then (when I became an adult in the revelation of Christ) I gaze face-to-face that I may know me, even as I haves been known! (The word, [1, G737 from G142] arti, comes from[G142] airo, meaning to keep in suspense. "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb!" [Jeremiah 1:5] ) [1,G3570]Now persuasion and every pleasurable [2]expectation is [3]completed in agape. (Here, in agape, my soul remembers who I am! Psalm 23 ) Faith, hope and love are in [3]seamless union. Agape is the superlative of everything faith and [2]hope always knew to be true about me! Love defines my [3]eternal moment! (Where the word, [1,G3570 is from G3568] nuni, means now (G3568) nun, at this very moment, arti, [verse 12, G737] means until now, a time of suspense; [2] elpis, means hope, pleasant expectation; and [3] meno, means to continue to be present. To continue in a seamless union.)
We have just walked through the mine field of what agape love is and how it is acquired as our active love. Next time we shall, the LORD willing look at Prophecy as a superior gift. Until then may the LORD increase his agape within you and yours.
Friday, April 26, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 13:4; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are about to learn the secret power of Agape, that Love has in making faith work. And GOD's power (law) in it, as it is his Love, within the redeemed person that works, the hidden wonders by the law of Love. Especially in that person who is working out their own salvation by learning of the Lord Jesus, Matthew 11:29's hidden question. It is this kind of Love that the world sorrily needs these days.
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked(G3947), thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (KJV)
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way(G3947); it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (ESV)
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is large in being passionate about life and relentlessly patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others with kindness. Love is completely content and strives for nothing. Love has no desire to make others feel inferior and has no need to sing its own praises. Love is predictable and does not behave out of (GOD'S) character. Love is not ambitious. Love is not [1,G3947]spiteful and gets no mileage out of another's mistakes; it bears no record of wrongs! (The word, [1, G3947 from G3844 and a derivative of G3691] paroxuno, translates to spiteful, it has no sharp edges. The word (G3844), para, means near, and (G3691) oxus, means keen, or sharp.) Love sees no joy in injustice. Love's delight is in everything that truth celebrates. Love is a fortress where everyone feels protected rather than exposed! Love's persuasion is persistent! Love believes. Love never loses hope and always remains constant in contradiction." (The Mirror)
Next time, the LORD willing we shall close this look at Love, GOD"S charter. Until then may the LORD increase his Love within you and yours.
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked(G3947), thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (KJV)
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way(G3947); it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (ESV)
1Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is large in being passionate about life and relentlessly patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others with kindness. Love is completely content and strives for nothing. Love has no desire to make others feel inferior and has no need to sing its own praises. Love is predictable and does not behave out of (GOD'S) character. Love is not ambitious. Love is not [1,G3947]spiteful and gets no mileage out of another's mistakes; it bears no record of wrongs! (The word, [1, G3947 from G3844 and a derivative of G3691] paroxuno, translates to spiteful, it has no sharp edges. The word (G3844), para, means near, and (G3691) oxus, means keen, or sharp.) Love sees no joy in injustice. Love's delight is in everything that truth celebrates. Love is a fortress where everyone feels protected rather than exposed! Love's persuasion is persistent! Love believes. Love never loses hope and always remains constant in contradiction." (The Mirror)
Next time, the LORD willing we shall close this look at Love, GOD"S charter. Until then may the LORD increase his Love within you and yours.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 12:27; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are now at the end of chapter 12 and shortly will be in the Love chapter of 1Corinthians 13.
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in (G1537) particular (G3313). And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps (G484), governments(G2941), diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity(G26), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it (G1537 with G3313). And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping (G484), administrating(G2941), and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love(G26), I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "You are the Body of Christ; individually as much as you are his body corporately. Everyone of you mirrors him. [1, G1537]He defines your [2, G3313]form. The individual member does not give context to the body; the body gives context to the member. ("Members in particular" or individually comes from [1, G1537] ek, a preposition that always denotes origin and [2, G3313] meros, which means a part or portion of.) Wherever GOD places you in the body is to co-compliment the full function of the Ekklesia. The seemingly most prominent and visible gifts are the apostolic, then the prophetic, the teachers, the workers of miracles, those gifted with healing various diseases. Then there are those who can fulfill any role required of them for the moment; they are the ones who can [1,G484]stand in full support to assist any of the other gifts! The administrators are gifted to [2]manage the various functions of the Ekklesia with great skill. Then there are those gifted in languages. (The word, [1, G484 from G482] antilepsis, means to lay hold of together; the word, [2, G2941] kubernesis comes from kubernao, which is Latin for "to steer." No one is more important than the other! An apostle is not a title! To be "apostolic" simply explains that you are gifted with a specific function, which includes your commiision to poineer new frontiers as well as to take leadership initiative with wisdom and passion. A gift can never be mistaken with reward! Your gift does not define you; so don't let people call Mr. Prophet! [See Ephesians 4:11]
What GOD now has in us is gift wrapped to the world; some are commissioned to pioneer; others are gifted prophetically; some gifted as announcers of good news; some are Shepherds with a real gift to care and nurture, and others have a gift to ignite instruction through revelation knowledge.
Each expression of his gift is to fully equip and enable the Saints for the work of the ministry so that they may mutually contribute in their specific function to give definition to the visible body of Christ [Ephesians 4:12].) Everyone is not an apostle, or a Prophet, or a teacher, or a miracle worker! (Your gift does not exalt you above anyone else; it is clear then that there can be neither competition nor any ground for boasting. The gifts do not compete with each other; instead each gift compliment the other.) All are not specifically gifted as healers. All do not necessarily speak in tongues. Are all equally accurate in their interpretation of what was said in a foreign tongue? (The point is not how gifted you are in yourself, but how effective you are to equip others to discover themselves in the full stature of Christ.) While you are keen to discover which are your favorite gifts, allow me to introduce you to the summum bonum of life. This transcends all! (summum bonum - the highest good - Latin.) Speaking in tongues is not the point; "[1,G26] Love is. It is neither Angelic eloquence, nor the mastery of human language that persuades. It doesn't matter how poetic, prophetic, or profound I may sound; my conversation is reduced to the hollow noise of clanging brass cymbals if love's echo is absent. (The Greek word for the love of GOD is [1, G26 from G25 compare to H5689] agope which is from the word(G25), agoo, meaning to lead like a Shepherd guides his sheep, and pao, which means to rest (Genesis 2:1-3), i.e. "he leads me besides still waters." By the waters of reflection my soul remembers who I am [Psalm 23]. GOD's rest is established upon his image and likeness redeemed in us. Thus, to encounter agape is to remember who I am. Jesus the Savior of humanity rescued GOD's image and likeness in human form. The grace of GOD shines as bright as day making the salvation of humanity undeniably visible [Titus 2:11].) I could predict the future in detail and have a word of knowledge for everyone. I could possess amazing faith, and prove it by moving mountains! It doesn't make me any more important than anyone else. Love is who you are! You are not defined by your gift or deeds. (Love gives context to faith. Moving mountains is not the point, love is.) Love is not about defending a point of view; even if i am prepared to give away everything I have and die a martyr's death; love does not have tp prove itself by acts of supreme devotion or self sacrifice!" (The Mirror)
Until next time when we shall, the LORD willing, pick back up here in the Love chapter.
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in (G1537) particular (G3313). And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps (G484), governments(G2941), diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity(G26), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it (G1537 with G3313). And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping (G484), administrating(G2941), and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love(G26), I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:27-13:3 "You are the Body of Christ; individually as much as you are his body corporately. Everyone of you mirrors him. [1, G1537]He defines your [2, G3313]form. The individual member does not give context to the body; the body gives context to the member. ("Members in particular" or individually comes from [1, G1537] ek, a preposition that always denotes origin and [2, G3313] meros, which means a part or portion of.) Wherever GOD places you in the body is to co-compliment the full function of the Ekklesia. The seemingly most prominent and visible gifts are the apostolic, then the prophetic, the teachers, the workers of miracles, those gifted with healing various diseases. Then there are those who can fulfill any role required of them for the moment; they are the ones who can [1,G484]stand in full support to assist any of the other gifts! The administrators are gifted to [2]manage the various functions of the Ekklesia with great skill. Then there are those gifted in languages. (The word, [1, G484 from G482] antilepsis, means to lay hold of together; the word, [2, G2941] kubernesis comes from kubernao, which is Latin for "to steer." No one is more important than the other! An apostle is not a title! To be "apostolic" simply explains that you are gifted with a specific function, which includes your commiision to poineer new frontiers as well as to take leadership initiative with wisdom and passion. A gift can never be mistaken with reward! Your gift does not define you; so don't let people call Mr. Prophet! [See Ephesians 4:11]
What GOD now has in us is gift wrapped to the world; some are commissioned to pioneer; others are gifted prophetically; some gifted as announcers of good news; some are Shepherds with a real gift to care and nurture, and others have a gift to ignite instruction through revelation knowledge.
Each expression of his gift is to fully equip and enable the Saints for the work of the ministry so that they may mutually contribute in their specific function to give definition to the visible body of Christ [Ephesians 4:12].) Everyone is not an apostle, or a Prophet, or a teacher, or a miracle worker! (Your gift does not exalt you above anyone else; it is clear then that there can be neither competition nor any ground for boasting. The gifts do not compete with each other; instead each gift compliment the other.) All are not specifically gifted as healers. All do not necessarily speak in tongues. Are all equally accurate in their interpretation of what was said in a foreign tongue? (The point is not how gifted you are in yourself, but how effective you are to equip others to discover themselves in the full stature of Christ.) While you are keen to discover which are your favorite gifts, allow me to introduce you to the summum bonum of life. This transcends all! (summum bonum - the highest good - Latin.) Speaking in tongues is not the point; "[1,G26] Love is. It is neither Angelic eloquence, nor the mastery of human language that persuades. It doesn't matter how poetic, prophetic, or profound I may sound; my conversation is reduced to the hollow noise of clanging brass cymbals if love's echo is absent. (The Greek word for the love of GOD is [1, G26 from G25 compare to H5689] agope which is from the word(G25), agoo, meaning to lead like a Shepherd guides his sheep, and pao, which means to rest (Genesis 2:1-3), i.e. "he leads me besides still waters." By the waters of reflection my soul remembers who I am [Psalm 23]. GOD's rest is established upon his image and likeness redeemed in us. Thus, to encounter agape is to remember who I am. Jesus the Savior of humanity rescued GOD's image and likeness in human form. The grace of GOD shines as bright as day making the salvation of humanity undeniably visible [Titus 2:11].) I could predict the future in detail and have a word of knowledge for everyone. I could possess amazing faith, and prove it by moving mountains! It doesn't make me any more important than anyone else. Love is who you are! You are not defined by your gift or deeds. (Love gives context to faith. Moving mountains is not the point, love is.) Love is not about defending a point of view; even if i am prepared to give away everything I have and die a martyr's death; love does not have tp prove itself by acts of supreme devotion or self sacrifice!" (The Mirror)
Until next time when we shall, the LORD willing, pick back up here in the Love chapter.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 12:13; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are currently looking into the Spiritual Gifts given to the body of the church, that are so given for profit all. Lets see what we can glean from what Paul says herein.
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "The many members of the same body do not divide the oneness of the individual. The various gifts and workings of the Spirit of Christ find a beautiful similitude taken from the mutual dependence of the numerous parts of the human body. All the parts unite harmoniously into one whole. The Spirit of Christ is one Spirit; although their workings in each one of us may seem different there is no distraction from their oneness in us. For in one spirit we are all immersed into one Body; Jew and Gentile alike, whether we were slave or free is no longer relevant, we are all saturated in one Spirit (our original state of Genesis 1:26-27, and 2:7, 21-24). We are drinking from the same fountain.
The individual member and its function do not define the body; the body gives context to the individual member. Your specific gifting does not define you; Christ defines you! The different members co-compliment each other. The hand is not a more valid member of the body that the foot. How silly it would be for the foot to feel inferior to the hand simply because it does not look the same! They fulfill completely different roles but are equally part of the same body. Should the ear say, "Because I am not the eye I am not part of the body;" does that mean that the ear is right? If the body was just one huge eye, then everything would be silent; if it was all ears, then how could it smell the fragrance of flowers! GOD engineers every individual part of the body according to his deliberate design! (The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both. [Psalm 20:12]) Our individual significance only finds context in relationship to others! The sum total of the members equals one body. The eye perceives and the hand touches; they do not compete for importance. The head will never make the feet feel inferior! In the body there is no sense of, "I am positioned higher than you and therefore i do not need you!" The members are not rated in importance with how visible and prominent they seem to be. The less visible parts are indispensable; it is impossible for the body to function without them. Those members that seem to be of lesser visible value deserve the greater and more personal care. There is so much more to a person than a pretty face! GOD so structures the body that every single part is equally valued; the less visible parts are often treated with even greater honor and more specific care. Because of the delicate interdependence of the various parts of the body it is natural that no schism can be tolerated; instead every member considers the other with affectionate care. It is impossible for one part of the body to suffer injury without the rest of the body being immediately alerted to it; the pain of the one is the pain of all. In the same way the complete person is honored, not just the fingers that skillfully play the harp. Everyone is equally included in the same joy. ( This parallel explains perfectly humanity's inclusion in the honor of Christ's death and the glory of his resurrection, one has died for all, therefore all died! [2Corinthians 5:14-17]) (The Mirror)
There is the explanation of how the Body is to operate and function. The LORD willing we shall finish this chapter next time. Until then may the LORD reveal more of his revelation to you.
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:12-13, 14-26 "The many members of the same body do not divide the oneness of the individual. The various gifts and workings of the Spirit of Christ find a beautiful similitude taken from the mutual dependence of the numerous parts of the human body. All the parts unite harmoniously into one whole. The Spirit of Christ is one Spirit; although their workings in each one of us may seem different there is no distraction from their oneness in us. For in one spirit we are all immersed into one Body; Jew and Gentile alike, whether we were slave or free is no longer relevant, we are all saturated in one Spirit (our original state of Genesis 1:26-27, and 2:7, 21-24). We are drinking from the same fountain.
The individual member and its function do not define the body; the body gives context to the individual member. Your specific gifting does not define you; Christ defines you! The different members co-compliment each other. The hand is not a more valid member of the body that the foot. How silly it would be for the foot to feel inferior to the hand simply because it does not look the same! They fulfill completely different roles but are equally part of the same body. Should the ear say, "Because I am not the eye I am not part of the body;" does that mean that the ear is right? If the body was just one huge eye, then everything would be silent; if it was all ears, then how could it smell the fragrance of flowers! GOD engineers every individual part of the body according to his deliberate design! (The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both. [Psalm 20:12]) Our individual significance only finds context in relationship to others! The sum total of the members equals one body. The eye perceives and the hand touches; they do not compete for importance. The head will never make the feet feel inferior! In the body there is no sense of, "I am positioned higher than you and therefore i do not need you!" The members are not rated in importance with how visible and prominent they seem to be. The less visible parts are indispensable; it is impossible for the body to function without them. Those members that seem to be of lesser visible value deserve the greater and more personal care. There is so much more to a person than a pretty face! GOD so structures the body that every single part is equally valued; the less visible parts are often treated with even greater honor and more specific care. Because of the delicate interdependence of the various parts of the body it is natural that no schism can be tolerated; instead every member considers the other with affectionate care. It is impossible for one part of the body to suffer injury without the rest of the body being immediately alerted to it; the pain of the one is the pain of all. In the same way the complete person is honored, not just the fingers that skillfully play the harp. Everyone is equally included in the same joy. ( This parallel explains perfectly humanity's inclusion in the honor of Christ's death and the glory of his resurrection, one has died for all, therefore all died! [2Corinthians 5:14-17]) (The Mirror)
There is the explanation of how the Body is to operate and function. The LORD willing we shall finish this chapter next time. Until then may the LORD reveal more of his revelation to you.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 12:1; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
At the end of chapter 11 we touched upon the value restored within our vessel, here in chapter 12 Paul calls this value of GOD's gift Spiritual Gifts, then he goes on to explain them, it is these that have caused some confusion in today's religious churches and many of them have split because of this; And for this very reason! Not only churches but whole fractions of denominations of the denominations under religious spiritual delusion. Then he enters on there being One Body wherein these gifts are in operation for the edification, training and gifting of the whole church.
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit (G4851) withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (G4851). For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Spiritual manifestations are supernatural, yet often very natural. Just because it is spirit dimension does not mean that you cannot understand what GOD's Spirit is saying to you. Remember how, when you were still practicing pagan worship, you got carries away by dead and dumb idols into doing many weird things. (Then you were snared by voiceless idols, now you are empowered by the voice GOD finds in ordinary people who amplify what he spoke and speaks to humanity in Christ.) The Holy Spirit will never distract from Jesus or prompt anyone to dishonor Christ; the Holy Spirit will always magnify Jesus! ( Look at John 16:13-14, "'But when she is come, the Spirit of Truth, she will take you by the hand and guide you into the path of all truth. She will not draw attention to herself but will communicate and unveil everything she hears and discerns from a heavenly perspective about the things that are about to happen within you. The Holy Spirit will endorse my opinion of you by taking that which is mine and interpreting it in you.'" If we get through to Hebrews, in the Mirror, there is a commentary there dealing with the Hebrew word [H3707] of, Rauch, i.e. Spirit, that it is in the feminine gender of usage.)
There may be different manifestations of the grace gifts but they will not confuse, since the same Spirit is speaking. Also ministries may appear to be different in their function but the same LORD endorses his purpose and management in everyone. We might be doing things differently but we are drawing from the same source. GOD energizes each and everyone for their particular purpose. Every expression of the Spirit is given to bring that which GOD accomplished in Christ [1, G4851]into full focus. (The word, [1, G4851] sumphero, means to co-bear, bring together.) To one is given a word that clears the air and wisdom prevails; to another a word of knowledge, where something that could not be known in any other way comes to light! The same spirit is the source. Yet another person is inspired with a gift of faith in the same Spirit and another with gifts of healing of specific diseases in the same Spirit. And to another the working of mighty acts of miracles, and to another enlightened speech (prophecy); to another the ability to discern the difference between GOD's Spirit and a foreign spirit; to someone else the ability to communicate in many different languages; another has a gift to interpret these languages. All these various gifts are inspired by the same Spirit who individually works in every person as the Holy Spirit desires. (look also at 1Corinians 14:1) (The Mirror)
The LORD willing we shall next look at the body. Until then may the LORD the Spirit within you increase your understand of all things now being spiritual.
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit (G4851) withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." (KJV)
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (G4851). For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." (ESV)
1Corinthians 12:1-3, 4-11 "Spiritual manifestations are supernatural, yet often very natural. Just because it is spirit dimension does not mean that you cannot understand what GOD's Spirit is saying to you. Remember how, when you were still practicing pagan worship, you got carries away by dead and dumb idols into doing many weird things. (Then you were snared by voiceless idols, now you are empowered by the voice GOD finds in ordinary people who amplify what he spoke and speaks to humanity in Christ.) The Holy Spirit will never distract from Jesus or prompt anyone to dishonor Christ; the Holy Spirit will always magnify Jesus! ( Look at John 16:13-14, "'But when she is come, the Spirit of Truth, she will take you by the hand and guide you into the path of all truth. She will not draw attention to herself but will communicate and unveil everything she hears and discerns from a heavenly perspective about the things that are about to happen within you. The Holy Spirit will endorse my opinion of you by taking that which is mine and interpreting it in you.'" If we get through to Hebrews, in the Mirror, there is a commentary there dealing with the Hebrew word [H3707] of, Rauch, i.e. Spirit, that it is in the feminine gender of usage.)
There may be different manifestations of the grace gifts but they will not confuse, since the same Spirit is speaking. Also ministries may appear to be different in their function but the same LORD endorses his purpose and management in everyone. We might be doing things differently but we are drawing from the same source. GOD energizes each and everyone for their particular purpose. Every expression of the Spirit is given to bring that which GOD accomplished in Christ [1, G4851]into full focus. (The word, [1, G4851] sumphero, means to co-bear, bring together.) To one is given a word that clears the air and wisdom prevails; to another a word of knowledge, where something that could not be known in any other way comes to light! The same spirit is the source. Yet another person is inspired with a gift of faith in the same Spirit and another with gifts of healing of specific diseases in the same Spirit. And to another the working of mighty acts of miracles, and to another enlightened speech (prophecy); to another the ability to discern the difference between GOD's Spirit and a foreign spirit; to someone else the ability to communicate in many different languages; another has a gift to interpret these languages. All these various gifts are inspired by the same Spirit who individually works in every person as the Holy Spirit desires. (look also at 1Corinians 14:1) (The Mirror)
The LORD willing we shall next look at the body. Until then may the LORD the Spirit within you increase your understand of all things now being spiritual.
Monday, April 22, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 11:27; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Lets just cut to the chase and get right into our study matter. We are looking at the LORD's Supper with fresh eyes.
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. " (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "So whoever does not value the meaning of the bread and the wine, keep themselves in condemnation. To see oneself associated in Christ's death and declared Innocent in his blood is the only worthy manner in which to examine one's own life in the context of the New Covenant meal. (Self examination according to the Old Covenant, .ie. Deuteronomy 28 is no longer relevant. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are holding to the faith, test yourselves, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is within you! [2Corinthians 13:5] ) Anyone who partakes of this meal in an indifferent manner, either because of religious sentiment or merely being blase about the meaning of this meal, eats and drinks judgment upon themselves (again)! The human body of Jesus represents the judgment of every single human life; to fail to acknowledge this is to deliberately exclude yourself from the blessing of the New Covenant. (Isaiah 53:3-8, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by GOD, and afflicted. But he was wounded by our transgressions, he was bruised by our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken by the transgression of my people? [RSV] No one can afford to underestimate what happened to us on the Cross! To discern the LORD's Body is to grasp what GOD's faith saw when Jesus died! ) This is the reason why so many of you are suffering unnecessarily with weaknesses and illnesses, and many have already died. By judging that we are indeed co=died in his death we are free from any kind of judgment! (John 5:22, "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." [RSV] John 12:31-33, "Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all judgment to myself." He said this to show by what death he was to die." ) By discerning the broken body of Christ we can only conclude that he suffered our brokenness and distortion. This is the instruction of the LORD; what foolishness it would be to continue to place yourself and the rest of the world under judgment when Jesus already took all judgment upon himself!
So when you come together to eat the covenant meal, embrace one another with utmost courtesy; there is no point in getting together to see who can eat or drink the most! Eat at home if you are hungry; why turn a celebration into condemnation? (Our feast celebrates the success of the cross and has noting in common with a pagan banquet!
The prophetic picture of the table was most significant! The priests had to daily place fresh bread on the table in the sanctuary. It was called Showbread [H3899 and H6440 from H6437], lechemhaPanim, literally: "Face-bread; Bread of the Presence." The Hebrew word for presence means face to face! While Jesus spoke to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus in Luke 24, they did not recognize him, even though their hearts ignited within while he was pointing to himself in Scripture, explaining the prophetic promise of humanity's redemption, from Moses through the Psalms and the Prophets. In Luke's interview, he pressed them for the details; he wanted to know exactly at what point in their meeting with [the risen] Jesus they recognized him in person! He writes in verse 28-31, "So they drew near to the village to which they were going and Jesus appeared to be going further..." [Wow! Should Jesus not at this point have given them an opportunity to make a commitment or at least say a "sinners prayer?" Not even the best Rabbi could take them any further!] "But they constrained him, saying, "Sir, stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them."
"And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight." Instead of disappointment, a great excitement arrested their hearts and they took off in the night desiring to tell the others back in Jerusalem! Nothing mobilizes one more than realizing the relevance of the revelation of the incarnation! They knew that Jesus could no longer be any more present in his person than what he is present in the Word incarnate in us!" The moment we discover Jesus in Scripture as in a mirror, our hearts ignite and our very next meal becomes a celebration of the incarnation [taken place within us]! "Every time you eat and drink, remember me!" Every meal celebrates the temple! Your body is GOD's address on planet earth! He does not dwell in buildings made by human hands. You will never again need to employ your willpower to diet and get into shape! Willpower is the language of the Law! Love and value-consciousness ignites belief! The revelation of this truth sets us free to be free indeed! The days of fast food and junk-food are over! The Table is sacred and celebrates your body as the sanctuary of our redeemed life, the life of our authentic design! Sitting around the table is a feast of friendship and delightful conversation. Eat food that blesses the temple! Most diseases are diet-related! Study nutrition! We have this treasure in earthen vessels! The vessel takes its value from the treasure within it!) (The Mirror)
Until next time may our LORD show you and yours his wonders.
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. " (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:27-32, 33-34 "So whoever does not value the meaning of the bread and the wine, keep themselves in condemnation. To see oneself associated in Christ's death and declared Innocent in his blood is the only worthy manner in which to examine one's own life in the context of the New Covenant meal. (Self examination according to the Old Covenant, .ie. Deuteronomy 28 is no longer relevant. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are holding to the faith, test yourselves, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is within you! [2Corinthians 13:5] ) Anyone who partakes of this meal in an indifferent manner, either because of religious sentiment or merely being blase about the meaning of this meal, eats and drinks judgment upon themselves (again)! The human body of Jesus represents the judgment of every single human life; to fail to acknowledge this is to deliberately exclude yourself from the blessing of the New Covenant. (Isaiah 53:3-8, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by GOD, and afflicted. But he was wounded by our transgressions, he was bruised by our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken by the transgression of my people? [RSV] No one can afford to underestimate what happened to us on the Cross! To discern the LORD's Body is to grasp what GOD's faith saw when Jesus died! ) This is the reason why so many of you are suffering unnecessarily with weaknesses and illnesses, and many have already died. By judging that we are indeed co=died in his death we are free from any kind of judgment! (John 5:22, "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." [RSV] John 12:31-33, "Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all judgment to myself." He said this to show by what death he was to die." ) By discerning the broken body of Christ we can only conclude that he suffered our brokenness and distortion. This is the instruction of the LORD; what foolishness it would be to continue to place yourself and the rest of the world under judgment when Jesus already took all judgment upon himself!
So when you come together to eat the covenant meal, embrace one another with utmost courtesy; there is no point in getting together to see who can eat or drink the most! Eat at home if you are hungry; why turn a celebration into condemnation? (Our feast celebrates the success of the cross and has noting in common with a pagan banquet!
The prophetic picture of the table was most significant! The priests had to daily place fresh bread on the table in the sanctuary. It was called Showbread [H3899 and H6440 from H6437], lechemhaPanim, literally: "Face-bread; Bread of the Presence." The Hebrew word for presence means face to face! While Jesus spoke to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus in Luke 24, they did not recognize him, even though their hearts ignited within while he was pointing to himself in Scripture, explaining the prophetic promise of humanity's redemption, from Moses through the Psalms and the Prophets. In Luke's interview, he pressed them for the details; he wanted to know exactly at what point in their meeting with [the risen] Jesus they recognized him in person! He writes in verse 28-31, "So they drew near to the village to which they were going and Jesus appeared to be going further..." [Wow! Should Jesus not at this point have given them an opportunity to make a commitment or at least say a "sinners prayer?" Not even the best Rabbi could take them any further!] "But they constrained him, saying, "Sir, stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them."
"And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight." Instead of disappointment, a great excitement arrested their hearts and they took off in the night desiring to tell the others back in Jerusalem! Nothing mobilizes one more than realizing the relevance of the revelation of the incarnation! They knew that Jesus could no longer be any more present in his person than what he is present in the Word incarnate in us!" The moment we discover Jesus in Scripture as in a mirror, our hearts ignite and our very next meal becomes a celebration of the incarnation [taken place within us]! "Every time you eat and drink, remember me!" Every meal celebrates the temple! Your body is GOD's address on planet earth! He does not dwell in buildings made by human hands. You will never again need to employ your willpower to diet and get into shape! Willpower is the language of the Law! Love and value-consciousness ignites belief! The revelation of this truth sets us free to be free indeed! The days of fast food and junk-food are over! The Table is sacred and celebrates your body as the sanctuary of our redeemed life, the life of our authentic design! Sitting around the table is a feast of friendship and delightful conversation. Eat food that blesses the temple! Most diseases are diet-related! Study nutrition! We have this treasure in earthen vessels! The vessel takes its value from the treasure within it!) (The Mirror)
Until next time may our LORD show you and yours his wonders.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 11:23; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold
In our last visit Paul was scolding his Corinthian followers for their bad behavior before the LORD. Now he gets into the meat of the LORD's Supper as our Passover meal. Lets see what we can learn from his discourse and how we can apply this knowledge to our own everyday behavior and life. I may break this up into two posts.
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken (G2983) for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till (G891) he come." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "'This is my body which is for you (G2983). Do this in remembrance of me.'" In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until (G891) he comes." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "Let me remind you then what we are actually celebrating in our fellowship meal: The night in which the Lord Jesus was betrayed, he took bread and gave thanks; breaking the bread into portions, he said, "'[1(G2983)]Realize your association with my death, every time you eat, remember my body (is your humanity) that was broken for you!'" (Meaning [1, G2983] take, grasp, lambamo, to take what is one's own, to get hold of, to associate with one's self.) He did exactly the same with the cup after supper and said, "'This cup holds the wine of the New Covenant in my blood; you celebrate me every time you drink with this understanding. (From now on our meals are meaningful. We celebrate the fact that the incarnation reveals our redemption; the promise became a person.
He redeemed our original value, identity, and innocence; he died our death and defines the life we now live. He fulfills the theme of Scripture: the suffering of the Messiah and the subsequent glory! [1Peter 1:10-11] ) Your every meal makes the [1, G891]mandate of his [2, G2064]coming relevant and communicates the meaning of the New Covenant. (Whether you eat or drink, you are declaring your joint inclusion in his death and resurrection, confirming your redeemed innocence. Some translations read, "until I come...." The word translated until is, [1, G891] achri, and it is from (G206 from its base of G188) akmen, which means extremity, conclusion, the present time; Jesus is the conclusion of prophetic time! The word [2, G2064] erchomai, to come is in the Aorist Subjunction Mood form of, elthe, which meaning is similar to the Optative expressing a wish. The Mood of the Greek verb expresses the mode in which the idea of the verb in employed. Thus, we are communicating the desire to have all people realize the meaning of the New Covenant. Look at 2Peter 1:19, "For us the appearing of the Messiah in no longer a future promise for it is a fulfilled reality. Now it is your turn to have more than a second-hand, hear-say testimony. Take my word as one would take a lamp at night; the day is about to dawn for you in your own understanding. When the Morning Star appears, you no longer need a lamp; this will happen shortly on the horizon of your own hearts." ) (The Mirror)
Until next time may the LORD bring to pass our own acceptance of his revelation.
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken (G2983) for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till (G891) he come." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "'This is my body which is for you (G2983). Do this in remembrance of me.'" In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until (G891) he comes." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:23-26 "Let me remind you then what we are actually celebrating in our fellowship meal: The night in which the Lord Jesus was betrayed, he took bread and gave thanks; breaking the bread into portions, he said, "'[1(G2983)]Realize your association with my death, every time you eat, remember my body (is your humanity) that was broken for you!'" (Meaning [1, G2983] take, grasp, lambamo, to take what is one's own, to get hold of, to associate with one's self.) He did exactly the same with the cup after supper and said, "'This cup holds the wine of the New Covenant in my blood; you celebrate me every time you drink with this understanding. (From now on our meals are meaningful. We celebrate the fact that the incarnation reveals our redemption; the promise became a person.
He redeemed our original value, identity, and innocence; he died our death and defines the life we now live. He fulfills the theme of Scripture: the suffering of the Messiah and the subsequent glory! [1Peter 1:10-11] ) Your every meal makes the [1, G891]mandate of his [2, G2064]coming relevant and communicates the meaning of the New Covenant. (Whether you eat or drink, you are declaring your joint inclusion in his death and resurrection, confirming your redeemed innocence. Some translations read, "until I come...." The word translated until is, [1, G891] achri, and it is from (G206 from its base of G188) akmen, which means extremity, conclusion, the present time; Jesus is the conclusion of prophetic time! The word [2, G2064] erchomai, to come is in the Aorist Subjunction Mood form of, elthe, which meaning is similar to the Optative expressing a wish. The Mood of the Greek verb expresses the mode in which the idea of the verb in employed. Thus, we are communicating the desire to have all people realize the meaning of the New Covenant. Look at 2Peter 1:19, "For us the appearing of the Messiah in no longer a future promise for it is a fulfilled reality. Now it is your turn to have more than a second-hand, hear-say testimony. Take my word as one would take a lamp at night; the day is about to dawn for you in your own understanding. When the Morning Star appears, you no longer need a lamp; this will happen shortly on the horizon of your own hearts." ) (The Mirror)
Until next time may the LORD bring to pass our own acceptance of his revelation.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in the 1Corinthians 11:17; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold
In our last visit I left verse 17 out of the subject matter as it says that Paul was not happy with the way this church brutalized its assembling. So I will now pick it up as the lead in, what he states next. Remember that he revealed a religious tradition that is now debunked, with the judgment of the cross having taken place, which set all free from the bondage's of religion!
1Corinthians 11:17-22 "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:17-22 "But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:18-22 "My priority concern is that you are divided into different and distracting opinions when you gather as a church. Our focus is the nitty-gritty essence of the gospel. I believe in oneness not division. The only advantage of any controversy is that the authentic becomes even more apparent in you. What I heard is most disturbing: when you get together for a fellowship meal, instead of celebrating what the LORD's communion introduced, some behave like gluttons while others are starving; then there are those who get wasted on wine. If you want to over indulge then do so in the privacy of your own homes! Why despise the assembly and insult the poor in the process! This is most disgusting! I am disappointed in you." (The Mirror)
From here on Paul explains the LORD's Supper. Which we shall do the LORD willing. Until then may he increase our understanding of his light, in us all.
1Corinthians 11:17-22 "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:17-22 "But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:18-22 "My priority concern is that you are divided into different and distracting opinions when you gather as a church. Our focus is the nitty-gritty essence of the gospel. I believe in oneness not division. The only advantage of any controversy is that the authentic becomes even more apparent in you. What I heard is most disturbing: when you get together for a fellowship meal, instead of celebrating what the LORD's communion introduced, some behave like gluttons while others are starving; then there are those who get wasted on wine. If you want to over indulge then do so in the privacy of your own homes! Why despise the assembly and insult the poor in the process! This is most disgusting! I am disappointed in you." (The Mirror)
From here on Paul explains the LORD's Supper. Which we shall do the LORD willing. Until then may he increase our understanding of his light, in us all.
Friday, April 19, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in the 1Corinthians 11:2; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
What is the "Christian Order;" In each of my study Bibles title this chapter? It has all most the same heading which is unusual to say the least. A more fitting heading could be that of "head covering." And how does this fit into the scenario of the Gospel message of Christ redeemed, restored within our being as in the beginning? And why did Paul include a discourse on the LORD's Supper here? Or maybe it is the intended target of his thoughts all along. Which means that the translators may have messed up. Lets see shall we.
1Corinthians 11:2-16 "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered(G3860) them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:2-16, 17 "Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered (G3860) them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:2-16 "I commend you for [1(G3860)] giving such attention to detail concerning the heart of the gospel that I communicate. (The word, [1, G3860 from G3844 and G1325] paradidomi, comes from (G3844) para, a preposition that indicates close proximity, sphere of influence, and the word, (G1325) didomi, means to give to someone what already belongs to them.)
11:3-16 ( I skipped these verses since they are certainly not in the context of the gospel that Paul proclaimed. Paul understood that when Jesus died, all died; he therefore no longer knew people from a mere human point of view [look at 2Corinthians 5:14-16]. He declares in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." I had no liberty to translate these verses. These thoughts seem to have been added somehow by some church father to justify the tradition of the day where women had to show their submission to their husbands by wearing a head covering. (The Mirror)
I have visited a Jewish and Messianic Jewish churches where believers where the women not only sat apart from their men but also wore head cover as it was their tradition to do so.
Okay, until next time, the LORD willing, we shall pick up at verse 17. Until then may the LORD increase your learning of him.
1Corinthians 11:2-16 "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered(G3860) them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." (KJV)
1Corinthians 11:2-16, 17 "Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered (G3860) them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God." (ESV)
1Corinthians 11:2-16 "I commend you for [1(G3860)] giving such attention to detail concerning the heart of the gospel that I communicate. (The word, [1, G3860 from G3844 and G1325] paradidomi, comes from (G3844) para, a preposition that indicates close proximity, sphere of influence, and the word, (G1325) didomi, means to give to someone what already belongs to them.)
11:3-16 ( I skipped these verses since they are certainly not in the context of the gospel that Paul proclaimed. Paul understood that when Jesus died, all died; he therefore no longer knew people from a mere human point of view [look at 2Corinthians 5:14-16]. He declares in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." I had no liberty to translate these verses. These thoughts seem to have been added somehow by some church father to justify the tradition of the day where women had to show their submission to their husbands by wearing a head covering. (The Mirror)
I have visited a Jewish and Messianic Jewish churches where believers where the women not only sat apart from their men but also wore head cover as it was their tradition to do so.
Okay, until next time, the LORD willing, we shall pick up at verse 17. Until then may the LORD increase your learning of him.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 10:23; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
This morning early I was a wakened by the thought of a word, the word is the old Hebrew, Hallelujah, which is a word of great joy. But in the message it was that we are all part and parcel of Jah (G1510 or the old Hebrew H1961 with the root of H1933, which means to breath). But when I looked for it in my Hebrew/Greek study Bible it was not there. So I looked elsewhere and found this: Rev 19:1-2 "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia (G239 from the imperative of H1984 and H3050); Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." What you may ask has this to do with what and where you are now? Lets see by looking, is my response, 1Corinthians 10:23 is where we begin. Which carry's the heading of, "Do All to the Glory of God."
1Corinthians 10:23-30 "All things are lawful (G1832) for me, but all things are not expedient (G4851): all things are lawful for me, but all things edify (G3618) not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake (Psalm 24:1, 50:12): "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?" (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:23-30 "All things are lawful (G1832)," but not all things are helpful (G4851). "All things are lawful," but not all things build up (G3618). Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For (Psalm 24:1, 50:12) "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" (ESV)
1Corithians 10:23-30 "Everything is [1, G1832]endorsed in I am! Everything originates and [2, G4851]concludes in I am. Now that the prophetic picture is completed in Christ, Jewish rituals can no longer be [3, G3618]accommodated under the same roof. Christ is the relevance, not the historic rituals. (Everything begins in "I am." This comes from the Greek, (G1832) exesti, from [1] exousia, which is (G1537 and G1510) ek+eimi. The word ek always denotes origin and eimi, "I am." This word is often translated as "authority," or in this case, "endorsed;" traditional translations read, everything is "lawful." The word, [2, G4851] sumphero, means to bear together, to conclude. The image and likeness of GOD revealed and redeemed in human form is the substance of the prophetic picture. The word, [3, G3618] oikodome, comes from (G3624) oikos, and means dwelling or family and (G1430) dome, means roof. Paul is urging the church to find their fellowship in the revelation of Christ and not in a mixture of Jewish and pagan religious rituals! And yet this is exactly we have today!) Even though i am free in my own persuasion, I do not pursue my freedom at someone else's expense! So even though we might feel perfectly justified in our own convictions, let each one of us consider how to benefit one another instead. (The good news of what happened to every single person in Christ is all that matters!) Do not think twice about eating meat bought from the local market; why bother to ask questions about whether or not it was used in sacrifice at a Jewish or heathen temple. Such questions are completely irrelevant! To continue to live in a right or wrong consciousness is to injure yourself and that of others. In Psalm 24:1, David declares categorically that the earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof. (That should settle your conscience once and for all about diet debates! In humanity's mind an animal is sacrificed to a demon or deity of choice but the Creator owns everything anyway and he needs no one's permission to endorse his ownership, neither is he influenced by what a person believes.) Should you get a personal invitation to a banquet hosted by unbelievers and you desire to go, then be at liberty to eat whatever they prepare. Please do not embarrass them or yourself by asking sensitive questions about whether the food was sacrificed to an idol or not! Leave your religious sentiment behind and enjoy the feast! However if someone specifically mentions to you that the meat was indeed sacrificed to idols, then for that person's conscience sake rather refrain from eating the item in question in order to avoid giving the impression that you approve of idol worship. No, I am not compromising my freedom by being sensitive to someone else's conscience! ("But, except for these special cases, I am not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I am going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said." ---The Message) Grace set the pace in my conscience, not people's suspicions or their scrutiny, Every meal to me is a celebration of what grace reveals. (The Mirror)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory (G1391)of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory (G1391) of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "Live your life overwhelmed by GOD's [1, G1391] opinion of you! Your eating and drinking is certainly a constant reminder that you are his glory. Every meal proclaims this fact, that life of your design is redeemed again in Christ; salute life! ([1, G1391] Glory, doxa, is from (G1380) dokeo, meaning a good opinion.) So live your life in freedom and wisdom. Thus the Jews, the Gentiles and the church will all witness the attraction of your life without taking any offense. I am so persuaded about every person's inclusion in Christ that I desire to be everything I need to be in order to win everyone's understanding of their own union with Christ; my mission is to be exactly what is required of me in every possible situation to waken every kind of person, whoever they are, to own their salvation! I have no other agenda. Mirror me as I mirror Christ. (Jesus is not an example for us but of us!) (The Mirror)
Okay, so I ran over, I just could not resist! Next time the LORD willing we shall continue in chapter 11 of 1Corinthians. Until then may he who IS, bless and prosper you and yours in the knowledge of him.
1Corinthians 10:23-30 "All things are lawful (G1832) for me, but all things are not expedient (G4851): all things are lawful for me, but all things edify (G3618) not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake (Psalm 24:1, 50:12): "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?" (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:23-30 "All things are lawful (G1832)," but not all things are helpful (G4851). "All things are lawful," but not all things build up (G3618). Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For (Psalm 24:1, 50:12) "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?" (ESV)
1Corithians 10:23-30 "Everything is [1, G1832]endorsed in I am! Everything originates and [2, G4851]concludes in I am. Now that the prophetic picture is completed in Christ, Jewish rituals can no longer be [3, G3618]accommodated under the same roof. Christ is the relevance, not the historic rituals. (Everything begins in "I am." This comes from the Greek, (G1832) exesti, from [1] exousia, which is (G1537 and G1510) ek+eimi. The word ek always denotes origin and eimi, "I am." This word is often translated as "authority," or in this case, "endorsed;" traditional translations read, everything is "lawful." The word, [2, G4851] sumphero, means to bear together, to conclude. The image and likeness of GOD revealed and redeemed in human form is the substance of the prophetic picture. The word, [3, G3618] oikodome, comes from (G3624) oikos, and means dwelling or family and (G1430) dome, means roof. Paul is urging the church to find their fellowship in the revelation of Christ and not in a mixture of Jewish and pagan religious rituals! And yet this is exactly we have today!) Even though i am free in my own persuasion, I do not pursue my freedom at someone else's expense! So even though we might feel perfectly justified in our own convictions, let each one of us consider how to benefit one another instead. (The good news of what happened to every single person in Christ is all that matters!) Do not think twice about eating meat bought from the local market; why bother to ask questions about whether or not it was used in sacrifice at a Jewish or heathen temple. Such questions are completely irrelevant! To continue to live in a right or wrong consciousness is to injure yourself and that of others. In Psalm 24:1, David declares categorically that the earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof. (That should settle your conscience once and for all about diet debates! In humanity's mind an animal is sacrificed to a demon or deity of choice but the Creator owns everything anyway and he needs no one's permission to endorse his ownership, neither is he influenced by what a person believes.) Should you get a personal invitation to a banquet hosted by unbelievers and you desire to go, then be at liberty to eat whatever they prepare. Please do not embarrass them or yourself by asking sensitive questions about whether the food was sacrificed to an idol or not! Leave your religious sentiment behind and enjoy the feast! However if someone specifically mentions to you that the meat was indeed sacrificed to idols, then for that person's conscience sake rather refrain from eating the item in question in order to avoid giving the impression that you approve of idol worship. No, I am not compromising my freedom by being sensitive to someone else's conscience! ("But, except for these special cases, I am not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I am going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said." ---The Message) Grace set the pace in my conscience, not people's suspicions or their scrutiny, Every meal to me is a celebration of what grace reveals. (The Mirror)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory (G1391)of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory (G1391) of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:31-11:1 "Live your life overwhelmed by GOD's [1, G1391] opinion of you! Your eating and drinking is certainly a constant reminder that you are his glory. Every meal proclaims this fact, that life of your design is redeemed again in Christ; salute life! ([1, G1391] Glory, doxa, is from (G1380) dokeo, meaning a good opinion.) So live your life in freedom and wisdom. Thus the Jews, the Gentiles and the church will all witness the attraction of your life without taking any offense. I am so persuaded about every person's inclusion in Christ that I desire to be everything I need to be in order to win everyone's understanding of their own union with Christ; my mission is to be exactly what is required of me in every possible situation to waken every kind of person, whoever they are, to own their salvation! I have no other agenda. Mirror me as I mirror Christ. (Jesus is not an example for us but of us!) (The Mirror)
Okay, so I ran over, I just could not resist! Next time the LORD willing we shall continue in chapter 11 of 1Corinthians. Until then may he who IS, bless and prosper you and yours in the knowledge of him.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 10:14; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold
This section of 1Corinthians 10 begins with a warning to flee idolatry, now this can and does mean religion and civil matters of the same title and disposition. After all the worlds largest religion, which by the way is the parent of most all denominations who call themselves "Christian," has built its monument temple to its achievements on top of a pagan temple. Which practiced this in its religious rituals (look at G1495 and G1497 with G2999 in your Strong's Hebrew/Greek dictionary), along with solstices of the seasons, which are high on their favorites list. Why look at the old temple that is still laid low in Jerusalem, it also practiced such things in its hay-day. More on this when we get into 2Corinthians. As Paul disclosed in our last several visits, because; remember that my three study Bibles speak of chapter 10 in the
following ways, my Hebrew/Greek study Bible, it calls this chapter as, the
"Admonitions from
Israel's History," another, "Avoid Israel's Mistakes," and the last,
"Warning Against Idolatry." Key Notice, I did not include the word spiritual with idolatry. For GOD sees the spiritual person, while those who remain other wise are in darkness and mercy is always there for the spiritual person, as it is for those in darkness should they want to come into the light of their redemption. The difference is that the spiritual person is working out their salvation while those in darkness have not accepted their redeemed status, this holds true the world over for all humanity.
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved (G27), flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers (G3348) of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers (G3348) of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers(G3348) of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "Therefore, my beloved (G27), flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake (G3348) of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake (G3348) of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "My [1, G27] dearly loved friends! Escape into his image and likeness in you where the [2] distorted image (2 idolatry) loses its attraction! (Dearly loved friends, translated as [1, G27] agapetos; to know the agape of GOD is to know our true identity! The word, agape, comes from agoo, meaning to lead as a Shepherd guides his sheep, and pao, to rest, like in Psalm 23, "he leads me beside still waters where my soul is restored; by the waters of reflection my soul remembers who (and who's) I am! Now I can face the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil!" ) I appeal to your common sense! Do not underestimate what i am saying to you. When we share a meal together we declare our association in Christ! Every time we drink from the same cup, we communicate the language of the covenant of grace, which is what our fellowship is all about. The wine we drink is our participation in what the blood of Christ represents. (You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from our fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot [1Peter 1:18-19]. He redeemed our original value and transparent innocence, of GOD's righteousness!) The bread we break celebrates our participation in the incarnation! The prophetic promise became flesh in his person; we are jointly declaring that in the revelation of our inclusion in his death and resurrection we are now the visible body of [GOD in] Christ. The single loaf of bread that we all partake of represents the fact that although there are many of us, there is only one Christ! By eating together from that one bread we are declaring that we are one body in Christ and that he is incarnate in each one of us! (Our "many-ness" becomes "one-ness;" Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him. ----The Message.) Let us consider the context of the prophetic type of the sacrificial system of Israel; those who ate the sacrificed animals were partners in the same altar. Now by this I am not saying that there is any magical power in a sacrifice made to an idol; an idol is nothing more than a mere figment of the imagination of man. The meat offered to an idole is just meat like any other barbecue! The difference between Israel and the Genile nations is in the prophetic type that Israel's sacrifices pointed to; a sacrifice offered to demons points to nothing and holds no advantage to you. I mean why would you associate with anything that reduces you to less than what you are! (The only significance in the Jewish sacrificial system was in in its pointing to the Messiah; both the promise and the person of the Messiah point to the redemption of humanity's original identity and innocence!) You cannot celebrate the LORD in one meal and then devote yourself to pagan worship the next time you eat! Every time you drink and eat you [1, G3348]co-echo your union in Christ! (In our every communion, even in our daily meals, we co-echo "I am!" To partake comes from [1, G3348 and G3326 with G2192] metecho; with meta (G3326) meaning together with, and echo (G2192) meaning to echo what GOD spoke to us in Christ; like the word metanous, NOT repentance (re-penance); but to join thoughts about something; to co-know with GOD; to agree with GOD about you!) GOD is not in a tug of war with demons or our obsessions with religious rituals! He has no competition. He is I Am! (Even the Jews, who continued their sacrificial rituals after Christ was sacrificed as GOD's Passover Lamb, were presenting their offerings to pagan gods and not to GOD! There remains no further spiritual relevance in the practice of Jewish rituals, including the Sabbaths and the annual feasts!) (The Mirror)
Now granted there is allot of ground covered herein but you are up to the challenge. Until next time, the LORD willing, when we shall possibly finish this chapter. Until then may the LORD reveal himself within you as your true identity.
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved (G27), flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers (G3348) of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers (G3348) of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers(G3348) of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "Therefore, my beloved (G27), flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake (G3348) of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake (G3348) of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:14-22 "My [1, G27] dearly loved friends! Escape into his image and likeness in you where the [2] distorted image (2 idolatry) loses its attraction! (Dearly loved friends, translated as [1, G27] agapetos; to know the agape of GOD is to know our true identity! The word, agape, comes from agoo, meaning to lead as a Shepherd guides his sheep, and pao, to rest, like in Psalm 23, "he leads me beside still waters where my soul is restored; by the waters of reflection my soul remembers who (and who's) I am! Now I can face the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil!" ) I appeal to your common sense! Do not underestimate what i am saying to you. When we share a meal together we declare our association in Christ! Every time we drink from the same cup, we communicate the language of the covenant of grace, which is what our fellowship is all about. The wine we drink is our participation in what the blood of Christ represents. (You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from our fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot [1Peter 1:18-19]. He redeemed our original value and transparent innocence, of GOD's righteousness!) The bread we break celebrates our participation in the incarnation! The prophetic promise became flesh in his person; we are jointly declaring that in the revelation of our inclusion in his death and resurrection we are now the visible body of [GOD in] Christ. The single loaf of bread that we all partake of represents the fact that although there are many of us, there is only one Christ! By eating together from that one bread we are declaring that we are one body in Christ and that he is incarnate in each one of us! (Our "many-ness" becomes "one-ness;" Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him. ----The Message.) Let us consider the context of the prophetic type of the sacrificial system of Israel; those who ate the sacrificed animals were partners in the same altar. Now by this I am not saying that there is any magical power in a sacrifice made to an idol; an idol is nothing more than a mere figment of the imagination of man. The meat offered to an idole is just meat like any other barbecue! The difference between Israel and the Genile nations is in the prophetic type that Israel's sacrifices pointed to; a sacrifice offered to demons points to nothing and holds no advantage to you. I mean why would you associate with anything that reduces you to less than what you are! (The only significance in the Jewish sacrificial system was in in its pointing to the Messiah; both the promise and the person of the Messiah point to the redemption of humanity's original identity and innocence!) You cannot celebrate the LORD in one meal and then devote yourself to pagan worship the next time you eat! Every time you drink and eat you [1, G3348]co-echo your union in Christ! (In our every communion, even in our daily meals, we co-echo "I am!" To partake comes from [1, G3348 and G3326 with G2192] metecho; with meta (G3326) meaning together with, and echo (G2192) meaning to echo what GOD spoke to us in Christ; like the word metanous, NOT repentance (re-penance); but to join thoughts about something; to co-know with GOD; to agree with GOD about you!) GOD is not in a tug of war with demons or our obsessions with religious rituals! He has no competition. He is I Am! (Even the Jews, who continued their sacrificial rituals after Christ was sacrificed as GOD's Passover Lamb, were presenting their offerings to pagan gods and not to GOD! There remains no further spiritual relevance in the practice of Jewish rituals, including the Sabbaths and the annual feasts!) (The Mirror)
Now granted there is allot of ground covered herein but you are up to the challenge. Until next time, the LORD willing, when we shall possibly finish this chapter. Until then may the LORD reveal himself within you as your true identity.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 10.6; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Remember that my three study Bibles speak of chapter 10 in the following ways, my Hebrew/Greek study Bible, it calls this chapter as, the "Admonitions from
Israel's History," another, "Avoid Israel's Mistakes," and the last,
"Warning Against Idolatry." And we are now at verse 6 to see what Paul has to reveal for us in his commentary. Also remember that GOD uses repetition to prove a point.
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things (Numbers 11:4, 34; Psalm 106:14-15), as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written (in Exodus 32:4, 6, 19), "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "Now these things took place as examples for us (Numbers 11:4, 34; Psalm 106:14-15), that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written (in Exodus 32:4, 6, 19), "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "We are clearly reminded not to follow their example; instead of feasting on GOD's merciful provision they had a craving appetite for evil. Their idolatry snared them further! They were infatuated with a distorted pattern of themselves! (The all started with them believing a lie about themselves [Number 13:33]. This was the same sin that snared Eve in paradise.) They became completely disorientated and indulged in sexual sins which killed countless thousand of them! (What a foolish alternative to embrace and possessing the promise: Jesus redeemed the life of our design and ordinal origin.) Remember also how Israel spoke against GOD and Moses and were snared by their own unbelief, suspiciously scrutinizing the Messiah who is the (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) promise of GOD! (They blamed GOD for what they brought upon themselves! [Numbers 13:33 and Numbers 21:5-8] Even though GOD mercifully provided for them, they remained unfulfilled in their own miserable unbelief! Grumbling sets up the stage for the enemy to snare you! GOD's mercy prevailed in spite of their sins and here we see another dramatic prophetic picture of the judgment that was our due, taken by the scapegoat, Jesus. [John 3:14-15, Galatians 3:13; see also 2Corinthians notes when we get to them.] Jesus says in John 13:32, "When I am lifted up (on the cross), I will draw all judgment to myself!" ) Grumbling is a killer! Now these prophetic pictures were written to alert us to the fact that they pointed to what we are now witnessing in the gospel (age); we are confronted with the completeness of everything that was promised! If you reckon that you have it all together, make sure that you are standing strong (in your true identity) when temptation strikes! How foolish it would be for us to now fall into the same unbelief that killed Israel! (They believed a lie about themselves [Numbers 13:33]) Your situation is not unique! Every human life faces contradictions! Here is the Good News: GOD believes in your freedom! He has made it possible for you to triumph in every situation that you will ever encounter!" (The Mirror)
In our next visit we shall look at verses 14-22, the LORD willing. Until then may He keep you on the rock of his revelation.
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things (Numbers 11:4, 34; Psalm 106:14-15), as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written (in Exodus 32:4, 6, 19), "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "Now these things took place as examples for us (Numbers 11:4, 34; Psalm 106:14-15), that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written (in Exodus 32:4, 6, 19), "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:6-13 "We are clearly reminded not to follow their example; instead of feasting on GOD's merciful provision they had a craving appetite for evil. Their idolatry snared them further! They were infatuated with a distorted pattern of themselves! (The all started with them believing a lie about themselves [Number 13:33]. This was the same sin that snared Eve in paradise.) They became completely disorientated and indulged in sexual sins which killed countless thousand of them! (What a foolish alternative to embrace and possessing the promise: Jesus redeemed the life of our design and ordinal origin.) Remember also how Israel spoke against GOD and Moses and were snared by their own unbelief, suspiciously scrutinizing the Messiah who is the (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) promise of GOD! (They blamed GOD for what they brought upon themselves! [Numbers 13:33 and Numbers 21:5-8] Even though GOD mercifully provided for them, they remained unfulfilled in their own miserable unbelief! Grumbling sets up the stage for the enemy to snare you! GOD's mercy prevailed in spite of their sins and here we see another dramatic prophetic picture of the judgment that was our due, taken by the scapegoat, Jesus. [John 3:14-15, Galatians 3:13; see also 2Corinthians notes when we get to them.] Jesus says in John 13:32, "When I am lifted up (on the cross), I will draw all judgment to myself!" ) Grumbling is a killer! Now these prophetic pictures were written to alert us to the fact that they pointed to what we are now witnessing in the gospel (age); we are confronted with the completeness of everything that was promised! If you reckon that you have it all together, make sure that you are standing strong (in your true identity) when temptation strikes! How foolish it would be for us to now fall into the same unbelief that killed Israel! (They believed a lie about themselves [Numbers 13:33]) Your situation is not unique! Every human life faces contradictions! Here is the Good News: GOD believes in your freedom! He has made it possible for you to triumph in every situation that you will ever encounter!" (The Mirror)
In our next visit we shall look at verses 14-22, the LORD willing. Until then may He keep you on the rock of his revelation.
Monday, April 15, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 10:1; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
From what we saw and hopefully learned from Paul's words on marriage, idolatry and self denial of chapters 7 through 9. We may soon learn what my three study Bibles speak of as their headings for chapter 10; they are from my Hebrew/Greek study Bible, it calls it, the "Admonitions from Israel's History," another, "Avoid Israel's Mistakes," and the last, "Warning Against Idolatry." That this said lets see what we can learn.
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "Now remember how the people of Israel were all delivered from slavery; the cloud of GOD's presence, protection, and provision included everyone equally. They were all miraculously led through the Red Sea on dry ground and witnessed how their oppressors were completely defeated. ("These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again!" [Exodus 14:13], Pharaoh was not to be blamed for their forty-year detour in the desert!) The cloud and sea was a type of baptism that they underwent to identify with the leadership of Moses. (This was all a prophetic picture of Christ leading us out of bondage and slavery in his death and resurrection, [humanities baptism!]) All of them daily partook of the same miraculous food. They drank the same supernatural water from the Rock that accompanied them in all their travels; this Rock was the Messiah! (Their experience was saturated in spirit dimension and the miraculous, yet they died through unbelief! The supernatural is not proof of faith! Their unbelief was rooted in their believing a lie about themselves. [Numbers 13:33]. Yet Messiah, Christ was there even in their unbelief, the Rock accompanied them!) The vast majority of them completely disappointed GOD and died in the desert. (Israel never entered into their inheritance! The desert was not their destiny! Hebrews 4:1 admonishes, "What a foolish thing it would be for us if we should now fail in a similar fashion to enter into the full consequences of our redemption." And in Hebrews 4:6, "They failed because of unbelief; they underestimated their deliverance and believed a lie about themselves;" and in Hebrews 2:3, "No one can afford to underestimate and be blase about this final message, a salvation of such magnificent proportions! There is no alternative escape. Salvation as it is articulated in Christ is the message that GOD spoke from the beginning, and it was confirmed again and again by those who heard him. We cannot afford to delay the promise to a future event yet again.") (The Mirror)
We shall the LORD willing continue from this point in our next visit. Until then may our daily lives reflect the glory of GOD in Christ, in and through our redeemed being.
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (KJV)
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness." (ESV)
1Corinthians 10:1-5 "Now remember how the people of Israel were all delivered from slavery; the cloud of GOD's presence, protection, and provision included everyone equally. They were all miraculously led through the Red Sea on dry ground and witnessed how their oppressors were completely defeated. ("These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again!" [Exodus 14:13], Pharaoh was not to be blamed for their forty-year detour in the desert!) The cloud and sea was a type of baptism that they underwent to identify with the leadership of Moses. (This was all a prophetic picture of Christ leading us out of bondage and slavery in his death and resurrection, [humanities baptism!]) All of them daily partook of the same miraculous food. They drank the same supernatural water from the Rock that accompanied them in all their travels; this Rock was the Messiah! (Their experience was saturated in spirit dimension and the miraculous, yet they died through unbelief! The supernatural is not proof of faith! Their unbelief was rooted in their believing a lie about themselves. [Numbers 13:33]. Yet Messiah, Christ was there even in their unbelief, the Rock accompanied them!) The vast majority of them completely disappointed GOD and died in the desert. (Israel never entered into their inheritance! The desert was not their destiny! Hebrews 4:1 admonishes, "What a foolish thing it would be for us if we should now fail in a similar fashion to enter into the full consequences of our redemption." And in Hebrews 4:6, "They failed because of unbelief; they underestimated their deliverance and believed a lie about themselves;" and in Hebrews 2:3, "No one can afford to underestimate and be blase about this final message, a salvation of such magnificent proportions! There is no alternative escape. Salvation as it is articulated in Christ is the message that GOD spoke from the beginning, and it was confirmed again and again by those who heard him. We cannot afford to delay the promise to a future event yet again.") (The Mirror)
We shall the LORD willing continue from this point in our next visit. Until then may our daily lives reflect the glory of GOD in Christ, in and through our redeemed being.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 9:24; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are now in the last paragraph of 1Corinthians 9 and again as in verse 12 Paul voices his concern for those that might misinterpret his meaning and purpose. With this stand point in mind lets see what he has to reveal for us.
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Athletes run a race to win; their aim is to receive the prize not just to compete! This is why I preach, to persuade you and not just to entertain you! (A soccer player can do magic with his footwork and ball skills, but it is no good if he cannot take the gap and score the goal!) The athlete knows how to draw from focused inner strength in order to win the crown; for them all their effort translates into a mere moment celebrated by a fading wreath of honor. For us to win faith is of imperishable value! I run with certain victory in my every step! I am not shadow boxing when I preach! I deliberately compare myself to the sacrifice and dedication of a champion athlete; in similar fashion I would pummel my body and subdue it! I would deny myself many things in my pursuit to win your faith so that you will not have any excuse to reject my message. I want you, not your money! (Paul is not saying this because he is worried about GOD's approval. It is his audience's approval that he is after: "becoming all things to all types of people in order to win every single one of them!" 1Corinthians 9:12, we would rather suffer lack than insisting on our rights and in the process cause you to be distracted from the gospel of Christ. [Look also at Paul's urgency in Colossians 1:25-28])
In our next visit we shall, the LORD willing, look into what chapter 10 has to reveal. Until then may the LORD bless in his victory of faith.
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:24-27 "Athletes run a race to win; their aim is to receive the prize not just to compete! This is why I preach, to persuade you and not just to entertain you! (A soccer player can do magic with his footwork and ball skills, but it is no good if he cannot take the gap and score the goal!) The athlete knows how to draw from focused inner strength in order to win the crown; for them all their effort translates into a mere moment celebrated by a fading wreath of honor. For us to win faith is of imperishable value! I run with certain victory in my every step! I am not shadow boxing when I preach! I deliberately compare myself to the sacrifice and dedication of a champion athlete; in similar fashion I would pummel my body and subdue it! I would deny myself many things in my pursuit to win your faith so that you will not have any excuse to reject my message. I want you, not your money! (Paul is not saying this because he is worried about GOD's approval. It is his audience's approval that he is after: "becoming all things to all types of people in order to win every single one of them!" 1Corinthians 9:12, we would rather suffer lack than insisting on our rights and in the process cause you to be distracted from the gospel of Christ. [Look also at Paul's urgency in Colossians 1:25-28])
In our next visit we shall, the LORD willing, look into what chapter 10 has to reveal. Until then may the LORD bless in his victory of faith.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 9:19; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold
Paul here in 1Corinthians 9 shows the true posture that all of GOD's redeemed humanity should take. Lesson to his words as he explains his standing among the redeemed, who do not know that they are. This could be why so many of the worlds system of religion by pass Paul and some even go so far as to malign him all together, still. Now lesson closely as Paul being a lawyer speaks as a lawyer and this kind language is confusing to the un-inititated in the law. For Paul herein makes used of the mind of Christ in his understanding (reasoning) that the Jewish systems of does and do not's of the Law are now a by-gone thing.
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain them that are under the Law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the Law I became as one under the Law (though not being myself [in Christ all humanity is released from the Law of condemnation] under the Law) that I might win those under the Law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "So in a sense I am free from everyone's expectation or management; yet I have voluntarily enslaved myself to all [GOD's redeemed humanity] people. This beats any other motivation to influence people. I am like a Jew to the Jew to win them; I am disguised as a legalistic to win those stuck under the Law! To the Gentiles who have no regard for Jewish sentiment, I bcame like one without any obligation to Jewish Laws to win them! Don't get me wrong; I am not sinning to identify with the sinners! I am in the law of Christ! (The original law!) I am so persuaded about every person's inclusion in Christ that I desire to be everything I need to be in order to win everyone's understanding of their own union with Christ. I do not present myself as super strong to the weak, but rather expose myself to their weakness in order to win them. I do not distance myself from anyone. My mission is to be exactly what is required of me in every possible situation to awaken every kind of person, whoever they are, to own their salvation! I have no other agenda. (Traditionally translated, "in order to save some;" I do not believe that this is what Paul is saying here! The word, tis, can also suggest every single kind.) The gospel explains my lifestyle; it is so much more than a pulpit ministry to me. My life is inseparably joined to you in the fellowship of the Good News!" (The Mirror)
We shall finish this chapter next time the LORD willing. Until then may he increase your faith and light of his doings.
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain them that are under the Law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the Law I became as one under the Law (though not being myself [in Christ all humanity is released from the Law of condemnation] under the Law) that I might win those under the Law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:19-23 "So in a sense I am free from everyone's expectation or management; yet I have voluntarily enslaved myself to all [GOD's redeemed humanity] people. This beats any other motivation to influence people. I am like a Jew to the Jew to win them; I am disguised as a legalistic to win those stuck under the Law! To the Gentiles who have no regard for Jewish sentiment, I bcame like one without any obligation to Jewish Laws to win them! Don't get me wrong; I am not sinning to identify with the sinners! I am in the law of Christ! (The original law!) I am so persuaded about every person's inclusion in Christ that I desire to be everything I need to be in order to win everyone's understanding of their own union with Christ. I do not present myself as super strong to the weak, but rather expose myself to their weakness in order to win them. I do not distance myself from anyone. My mission is to be exactly what is required of me in every possible situation to awaken every kind of person, whoever they are, to own their salvation! I have no other agenda. (Traditionally translated, "in order to save some;" I do not believe that this is what Paul is saying here! The word, tis, can also suggest every single kind.) The gospel explains my lifestyle; it is so much more than a pulpit ministry to me. My life is inseparably joined to you in the fellowship of the Good News!" (The Mirror)
We shall finish this chapter next time the LORD willing. Until then may he increase your faith and light of his doings.
Friday, April 12, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 9:15; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In this next section of 1Corinthians 9 Paul tells us why he does and says what he does and if I may be so bold it is also why I do the same. Without regard to any of mans fictitious fabricated religions that are driving the world to darkness and chaos and where all kinds of sin abounds of every street corner the world over. This kind of statement gets me ostracized by many a religious person, because I am said to group them all in the same grouping. And that is because other than Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and a few others of their sort, the rest sprang from the same poisonous apple of the apostate and egoistical seed at the eating of the forbidden fruit tree. The secret of Genesis 3:15 and there after, even Judaism is counted among their numbered, as in the days of Jesus. For Jesus spoke to them as such!
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "The reason for my writing about these issues is not to bring you under any kind of obligation; on the contrary, I want to be very clear about this, the fact that I do things differently by not expecting anyone to pay me for my ministry is to emphasize my urgency to remove any possible excuse from anyone's mind that i might have ulterior motives! I am dead serious about this Gospel! I live to preach; it consumes my total being. Your money is not going to make any difference since this Gospel has my arm twisted and locked behind my back! (anagke) In fact, my life would be reduced to utter misery if it were not possible for me to preach the Good News! If this was a mere career choice, then surely you could hire or fire me! But I am not for sale; I am employed by the economy of persuasion! So what's in it for me, you may ask? The pleasure of declaring the Gospel of Christ at no expense as it is bona fide priceless! No, I am not cheating anyone or myself by foregoing the rights I might have as a preacher.: (The Mirror)
We shall move on with Paul, the LORD willing, in our next visit. Until them may GOD shine from within your being.
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:15-18 "The reason for my writing about these issues is not to bring you under any kind of obligation; on the contrary, I want to be very clear about this, the fact that I do things differently by not expecting anyone to pay me for my ministry is to emphasize my urgency to remove any possible excuse from anyone's mind that i might have ulterior motives! I am dead serious about this Gospel! I live to preach; it consumes my total being. Your money is not going to make any difference since this Gospel has my arm twisted and locked behind my back! (anagke) In fact, my life would be reduced to utter misery if it were not possible for me to preach the Good News! If this was a mere career choice, then surely you could hire or fire me! But I am not for sale; I am employed by the economy of persuasion! So what's in it for me, you may ask? The pleasure of declaring the Gospel of Christ at no expense as it is bona fide priceless! No, I am not cheating anyone or myself by foregoing the rights I might have as a preacher.: (The Mirror)
We shall move on with Paul, the LORD willing, in our next visit. Until them may GOD shine from within your being.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 9:8; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In chapter 9 verse 8 Paul continues his talk about what he has done that Israel to this very
day has not, and that is to surrender his rights, what ever they may be
to GOD. My study Bibles head this chapter as, one "Paul's Use of
Liberty" and "Paul Surrenders His Rights." Had Israel done this the
world may have turned in another or at the very least a different direction after the death
of Jesus and humanity's identity within him. Lets take a look at what Paul has to say.
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Anyone who plants a vineyard eats its fruit for free; the Shepherd likewise is not expected to pay for a drink of milk! Or is this just my own idea? if you insist on scriptural evidence, even the Law of Moses certainly had more than oxen in mind in writing this (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and Paul in 1Timothy 5:18); the famer would be wasting his time plowing his field without participating in the harvest. While the oxen were still treading out the corn the farmer joyfully anticipates the bread. Spiritual seed also translates into a material harvest. While others enjoy this privilege why would it seem wrong that we share the same? We have not taken any advantage of you; we would rather suffer lack than insisting on our rights and in the process cause you to be distracted from the gospel of Christ. It is common knowledge that the people engaged in temple ministry eat what is sacrificed there. The same principle goes for those who proclaim the Gospel; and this is not just someone's good idea it is endoorsed by the LORD." (The Mirror)
So even a pastor of peace and grace is entitled to his reward of payment, while here on earth. We shall, the LORD willing continue this in our next visit. Until may you and yours grow steadily in the knowledge of the revelation of GOD in Christ and Christ in you.
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (KJV)
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." (ESV)
1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Anyone who plants a vineyard eats its fruit for free; the Shepherd likewise is not expected to pay for a drink of milk! Or is this just my own idea? if you insist on scriptural evidence, even the Law of Moses certainly had more than oxen in mind in writing this (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and Paul in 1Timothy 5:18); the famer would be wasting his time plowing his field without participating in the harvest. While the oxen were still treading out the corn the farmer joyfully anticipates the bread. Spiritual seed also translates into a material harvest. While others enjoy this privilege why would it seem wrong that we share the same? We have not taken any advantage of you; we would rather suffer lack than insisting on our rights and in the process cause you to be distracted from the gospel of Christ. It is common knowledge that the people engaged in temple ministry eat what is sacrificed there. The same principle goes for those who proclaim the Gospel; and this is not just someone's good idea it is endoorsed by the LORD." (The Mirror)
So even a pastor of peace and grace is entitled to his reward of payment, while here on earth. We shall, the LORD willing continue this in our next visit. Until may you and yours grow steadily in the knowledge of the revelation of GOD in Christ and Christ in you.
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