We are about to enter the realm that remains beyond the fence, that those of the Law and humanity's many religions have to claim over as a thief to reach (John 10:1, 10), to escape from their bondage. Wherein those who become born from above wonder as sojourners and as free men. For this purpose and reason I shall restate the last line of chapter 4 which reads in this fashion in the ESV, "So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman."
Galatians 5:1, 2-6, 7-12, 13-15 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait(G553) for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven (religion's legalism, Matthew 16:6, 11-12, Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1) leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law (of Agape) is fulfilled in one word, even in this (quoted from Leviticus 19:18); "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (KJV)
Galatians 5:1, 2-6, 7-12, 13-15 "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole Law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the Law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait(G553) for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from Him who calls you. A little leaven (religion's legalism, Matthew 16:6, 11-12, Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1) leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law (of Agape) is fulfilled in one word (quoted from Leviticus 19:18): "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." (ESV)
Galatians 5:1, 2-6, 7-12, 13-15 "Christ defines our faith; he is our freedom from anything from which the Law could never free us! Find your footing in this freedom. Do not let religion trip you up again and harass you to a system of broken rules and obligations! (In this parallel, Christ represents Sarah, the faith-mother who birthed us in the resurrection. The rock-hewn tomb represents Sarah's dead womb! [1Peter 1:3])
I, Paul, am of the opinion, and you can quote me: If you would again consider circumcision as necessary to improve your standing before GOD, then you make Christ of no relevance to yourselves. Then you might as well delete Him from your life altogether! (By still holding on to any Jewish sentiment like keeping the Sabbath, etc, has the same effect.) I will state it categorically, that if you endorse circumcision as a means to obtain righteousness, you are immediately obliged to keep the whole law! (In for a penny, in for a pound!) Law-righteousness has nothing in common with grace-righteousness; they are opposites. As impossible as it is for anyone to travel in two opposite directions at the same time, equally irrelevant Christ becomes to anyone who continues to pursue righteousness under the Law. Our minds are made up; there is absolutely no advantage for anyone to pursue righteousness in the flesh; righteousness is a spirit dimension reality and can only be [1]embraced by faith. What GOD believes is our exclusive reference. (Any other basis for righteousness leaves humanity falling hopelessly short. The word, [1,G553 from G575 and G1551 from G1537 and G1209] apekdechomai, is often translated, to wait for; the components however, point to a favorable embrace; (G575) apo, is from (G1537), ek out of, and (G1209) dechomai to grasp, to welcome hospitably, to embrace.) GOD believes that we are fully represented in Christ, which takes circumcision or any contribution of the flesh out of the equation. Agape fuels faith. (It is easy for Agape to believe!)
You started off like an athlete on a mission, who distracted you? You seemed so completely persuaded about the truth! GOD is not confused about you. He surnamed you! It is impossible to hide the effect of the smallest amount of yeast; the process of fermentation is immediately triggered. (A little bit of religion's legalism corrupts a person's whole life. [Matthew 16:6, 11-12, Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1]) In spite of the interference of those "law-loving" people, I remain convinced about our like-mindedness in the LORD. It does not matter what high profile position anyone may occupy, do not let their title disturb or distract you! The very Law they promote will be their judgment! (The fermentation process is unavoidable when you host a legalistic mind-set.) would i compromise the message of the cross and preach circumcision just to avoid persecution! How insane would that be? (This whole matter boils down to thinking that justification is the result of something we still have to do, or knowing that it is the result of something GOD has already done!) These people who are so keen to cut off things should cut off their legalistic religious influence in your lives altogether!
Your redeemed identity defines your freedom, my Fathers! But freedom does not mean that you are now free to again employ the Law. On the contrary, your freedom finds its most complete expression in a Agape that serves one another! As free as you are to this law, so enslaved you are now to Agape! (You are at last free to live the life of your original design.) Agape already completes this law: this is the nitty-gritty of this law; to value your fellow human as equal to yourself. (Which was again and again proved to be completely impossible to achieve by employing the DIY tree-principles.) the best efforts under the legalistic mind-set sooner or later ended up in strife: back-bitting, tearing one another apart, devouring and consuming one another. (It gets ugly! See how divorce destroys love dreams; exbusiness partners fighting one another in court; consider how worthless life becomes in war!) (The Mirror)
In our next visit the LORD willing, we shall look at our keeping in step with the Spirit. Until then may the LORD GOD reveal his life in you and yours.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as revealed in Galatians 4:21; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Paul is still sharing the short comings of the Law verses a life of faith in the faithfulness of GOD, as Jesus himself exhibited, as our example. In this section of his discussion he shows the difference between bond and free, for this he uses the OT figures of Hagar or Agar, as our being slaves to the works of the Law, and Sarah, the free woman of those who are in Christ. Freed from religion and religions legal systems that enslave all of humanity. Let us drop in on his talk shall we, keeping in mind these things, many of the religious systems find hard to accept; because of their many traditions, customs and rites and rituals would have to be left behind. And it is these that hold them bond, all these many years, bond by burdens they were never meant to carry, as like an animals yoke.
Galatians 4:21-31 "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written (by Isaiah in 54:1-5), "Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture (in Genesis 21:10-12)? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (KJV)
Galatians 4:21-31 "Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written (by Isaiah in 54:1-5), "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband." Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say (in Genesis 21:10-12)? "Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman." So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman." (ESV)
Galatians 4:21-31 "Since you are so intrigued by the Law, please understand its prophetic message. The law records the fact that Abraham had two sons: one by a slave girl, the other by a free woman. The one is produced by the flesh (the DIY-tree), the other by faith (the promise). There is a parallel meaning in the story of the two sons: they represent two systems, works and grace. Sinai is an Arabian rocky mountain named after Hagar, (outside the land of promise). Its associated with the Law of Moses as mirrored by Jerusalem as the capital of Jewish legalism. Hagar is the mother of the Law of works. But the mother from above, the true mother of humanity is grace, the free Jerusalem; she is the mother of the promised. For it is written, "Rejoice oh childless one! Erupt in jubilee! For though you have never known travail before, your children will greatly outnumber hers who were married!" (Now this Married, means to the Law, this spoken by Isaiah in 54:1-5.) We resemble Isaac: we are begotten of faith, the promise is our parent. Just as when the flesh child persecuted the faith child, so now these Jerusalem Jews in their Christian disguise seek to harass you; however, Scripture is clear: "Expel the slave mother and her son; the slave son cannot inherit with the free son." (This is in Genesis 21:10-12, in exactly the same way, rid your minds radically from the slave mother and child mentality. Light dispels darkness effortlessly.) Realize whose children we are my Brothers and Sisters: we are not children of the slave-mother, the Law, but children of the free mother; we are begotten of grace!" (The Mirror)
My hope and prayer is that this clears to air of all falsehood that hangs over the world systems of religion and legalism. For we are all children of the Day and not the night though there remains chaos in the vain imaginations of the slave-women mentalities. Now may the LORD GOD grant you his light of the Day woman in both you and yours, to this I say the Amen.
Galatians 4:21-31 "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written (by Isaiah in 54:1-5), "Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture (in Genesis 21:10-12)? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (KJV)
Galatians 4:21-31 "Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written (by Isaiah in 54:1-5), "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband." Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say (in Genesis 21:10-12)? "Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman." So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman." (ESV)
Galatians 4:21-31 "Since you are so intrigued by the Law, please understand its prophetic message. The law records the fact that Abraham had two sons: one by a slave girl, the other by a free woman. The one is produced by the flesh (the DIY-tree), the other by faith (the promise). There is a parallel meaning in the story of the two sons: they represent two systems, works and grace. Sinai is an Arabian rocky mountain named after Hagar, (outside the land of promise). Its associated with the Law of Moses as mirrored by Jerusalem as the capital of Jewish legalism. Hagar is the mother of the Law of works. But the mother from above, the true mother of humanity is grace, the free Jerusalem; she is the mother of the promised. For it is written, "Rejoice oh childless one! Erupt in jubilee! For though you have never known travail before, your children will greatly outnumber hers who were married!" (Now this Married, means to the Law, this spoken by Isaiah in 54:1-5.) We resemble Isaac: we are begotten of faith, the promise is our parent. Just as when the flesh child persecuted the faith child, so now these Jerusalem Jews in their Christian disguise seek to harass you; however, Scripture is clear: "Expel the slave mother and her son; the slave son cannot inherit with the free son." (This is in Genesis 21:10-12, in exactly the same way, rid your minds radically from the slave mother and child mentality. Light dispels darkness effortlessly.) Realize whose children we are my Brothers and Sisters: we are not children of the slave-mother, the Law, but children of the free mother; we are begotten of grace!" (The Mirror)
My hope and prayer is that this clears to air of all falsehood that hangs over the world systems of religion and legalism. For we are all children of the Day and not the night though there remains chaos in the vain imaginations of the slave-women mentalities. Now may the LORD GOD grant you his light of the Day woman in both you and yours, to this I say the Amen.
Friday, June 28, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 4:8; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In this area of Galatians Paul witches his attention from the Jews to reveal the short comings of the systems of humanities vain imagination of God, as practiced in humanity's many shadowy religions. In fact Paul does not even capitalize the word god at all, to reveal his great disdain for this practice. Let us drop in to see what we shall learn shall we. To keep things somewhat consistent I will allow the capitalizing of the first letter of GOD's covering title to remain.
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you." (KJV)
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you." (ESV)
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "What really amazes me is how gullible you Gentiles believers are to get yourselves all tangled up again in oppressive Jewish rites! I mean you know all about your BC (before Christ) days of slavery to imaginary gods under your pagan beliefs. In the meantime, you have come to know the real and true GOD; (quite unlike the god of your vain imagination) what is most significant however, is to discover that he knew you all along! After all, how could you possibly feel attracted again to the pathetic principles of religious deception? It does not matter in what disguise legalism comes in, whether pagan or Jewish, it brings the same results, bondage! All of a sudden there are special days, months, seasonal, and annual festivities that are scrupulously celebrated; this is nothing more than superstitious religious sentiment. I am alarmed that all my passion seems wasted on you!
I urge you to imitate me (in my conviction about the fact that Jewish customs and their shadow-sentiments are out-dated! Ended on the cross with the death of their shadowy figure in the Messiah.). We are exactly in the same boat, it is really not about me; it is about you! (Our Jewish or Gentile background makes absolutely no difference! I'm not into winning or losing votes for my ministry or me! It's this Gospel that is my concern and urgency!) I have never compromised this Gospel, from the first day I met you, even though I was physically challenged at the time it did not distract from the message. Remember how hospitable and sensitive you were towards me in spite of my frail condition! Instead of feeling embarrassed or repelled you treated me like a Shepherd-Messenger with the same courtesy you would have shown Christ Jesus. At that time you were so overwhelmed with gratitude towards me that you would have gladly given me what is most precious to you, even your own eyes, to give me relief for my discomfort. What tenderness of affection you showed! Alas! How is it possible that the same truth that then bonded you to me now turns me into your enemy? The people who make me out to be your enemy do that to your disadvantage: they are very eager to isolate you from me, so that your zeal for their Jewish sentiments will boost their religious egos! (Can you not see it; the Law and its followers do not like you for you; their only desire is for themselves!) If you want to be zealous for the best possible cause, be zealous for grace. You are fooling yourselves to be nice to me when I'm with you but zealous for them behind my back! It is not about me, I am jealous for you! It is the message that matters most, not someone's private agenda! My darling little children, my jealousy for you compares to a mother over her newly born! I gave birth to you once through my gospel; now I feel those same labor pains all over again. I travail for the full realization of Christ to be [1]formed within you! (The word, [1,G3445] morphoo, means to mold, and it is from (G3313) meros, form or portion; note the word translated, sin (G265 from G264 from the base of G3313), hameros, to be without form or without your allotted portion; metamorpho, together with form.) I long to be with you right now; I want you to hear the urgency in my voice! I wish I could convince you that the Law is a cul-de-sac! (Any effort of your own to add to what GOD has already perfected in you in Christ is a waste of time! It is like trying to re-invent the wheel. It takes us no where!)" (The Mirror)
Now that settled lets see what else Paul has to say, in our next visit. Until then may the LORD of Peace bless you and yours with his peace.
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you." (KJV)
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you." (ESV)
Galatians 4:8-11, 12-20 "What really amazes me is how gullible you Gentiles believers are to get yourselves all tangled up again in oppressive Jewish rites! I mean you know all about your BC (before Christ) days of slavery to imaginary gods under your pagan beliefs. In the meantime, you have come to know the real and true GOD; (quite unlike the god of your vain imagination) what is most significant however, is to discover that he knew you all along! After all, how could you possibly feel attracted again to the pathetic principles of religious deception? It does not matter in what disguise legalism comes in, whether pagan or Jewish, it brings the same results, bondage! All of a sudden there are special days, months, seasonal, and annual festivities that are scrupulously celebrated; this is nothing more than superstitious religious sentiment. I am alarmed that all my passion seems wasted on you!
I urge you to imitate me (in my conviction about the fact that Jewish customs and their shadow-sentiments are out-dated! Ended on the cross with the death of their shadowy figure in the Messiah.). We are exactly in the same boat, it is really not about me; it is about you! (Our Jewish or Gentile background makes absolutely no difference! I'm not into winning or losing votes for my ministry or me! It's this Gospel that is my concern and urgency!) I have never compromised this Gospel, from the first day I met you, even though I was physically challenged at the time it did not distract from the message. Remember how hospitable and sensitive you were towards me in spite of my frail condition! Instead of feeling embarrassed or repelled you treated me like a Shepherd-Messenger with the same courtesy you would have shown Christ Jesus. At that time you were so overwhelmed with gratitude towards me that you would have gladly given me what is most precious to you, even your own eyes, to give me relief for my discomfort. What tenderness of affection you showed! Alas! How is it possible that the same truth that then bonded you to me now turns me into your enemy? The people who make me out to be your enemy do that to your disadvantage: they are very eager to isolate you from me, so that your zeal for their Jewish sentiments will boost their religious egos! (Can you not see it; the Law and its followers do not like you for you; their only desire is for themselves!) If you want to be zealous for the best possible cause, be zealous for grace. You are fooling yourselves to be nice to me when I'm with you but zealous for them behind my back! It is not about me, I am jealous for you! It is the message that matters most, not someone's private agenda! My darling little children, my jealousy for you compares to a mother over her newly born! I gave birth to you once through my gospel; now I feel those same labor pains all over again. I travail for the full realization of Christ to be [1]formed within you! (The word, [1,G3445] morphoo, means to mold, and it is from (G3313) meros, form or portion; note the word translated, sin (G265 from G264 from the base of G3313), hameros, to be without form or without your allotted portion; metamorpho, together with form.) I long to be with you right now; I want you to hear the urgency in my voice! I wish I could convince you that the Law is a cul-de-sac! (Any effort of your own to add to what GOD has already perfected in you in Christ is a waste of time! It is like trying to re-invent the wheel. It takes us no where!)" (The Mirror)
Now that settled lets see what else Paul has to say, in our next visit. Until then may the LORD of Peace bless you and yours with his peace.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 3:23; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Remember that it is written that Jesus as a young lade grew in grace and wisdom. We in like fashion are to grow in grace and wisdom and not remain as children as some of the religious systems of man's vain imagination (more on this as we move through this chapter) would have us to believe and understand. For this to happen we must also have the same seed of faith that Jesus possessed. Another area of our common ground besides that of our flesh (humanity). Mans contrived systems of religion no matter how innocence it may seem is the road block of hindrance to GOD's plan and purposes.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (KJV)
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (ESV)
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "We were confined to the Law, kept in custody to its constraining influence until the revelation of faith would come to our rescue! The Law was acting just like a slave appointed to be the guardian of his master's children, until they would be come of age to go to the proper school of Christ to find in faith their righteousness revealed and endorsed. Now that we have arrived at our destination, the prophetic road signs and pointers are of no further use. Faith replaced the Custodian. Now that faith has become the law, the Law is no longer relevant. What Jesus Christ believes to be true about us is the final confirmation of humanity's redeemed sonship. His faith is the only valid reference to our belief! Whoever is immersed in Christ is fully clothed (in humanity's flesh) with him! He is our brand new wardrobe confirming our sonship! (From now on the diaper days are over! "Our own righteousness by doing the law compares to filthy rags!" {Isiah 64:6]) Nothing resembles our previous identity as a Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, Billabong or Gucci, now we are all defined in oneness with Christ! He is our significance and makes us beautiful! Since Christ is the seed of promise, it is only in our realizing our union with him (in the incarnation) that we are equally related to Abraham and heirs of the promise. Faith and not our flesh relates us to Abraham. (WE inherit his righteousness by the same faith.) Infant heirs have no more say than a slave, even though they own everything! (The best deal the Law could possibly broker confirmed humanity's slavery to sin.) He would remain under domestic supervision and house rules until the date fixed by his father for his official graduation to the status of sonship. This is exactly how it was with us; we were kidnapped as it were into infancy and confined to that state through the Mosaic Law. (An inferior mind-set as a result of Adam's fall. In which humanity lost the glory of his innocence and became the guilty of a lie, impossed on all the flesh of man.) But then the day dawned; the most complete culmination of time! (Everything predicted or promised was concluded in Christ!) The Son arrived, commissioned by the Father; his legal passport to the planet was his mother's womb. In a human body exactly ours he lived his life subject to the same scrutiny of the Law. His mandate was to rescue the human race (represented by Israel and not Ishmael) from the regime of the Law of performance and announce the revelation of our true sonship in GOD. (Now our true state of sonship is again realized! [John 1:12 of 1:11-14] "It was not as though he arrived on a foreign planet, he came to his own, yet his own did not recognize [acknowledge] him. [Psalm 24:1] But to everyone who realizes their association in him, convinced that he is their original life, in them he confirms that we are his offspring. These are they who discover their genesis in GOD beyond their natural conception! Man began in GOD. We are not the invention of our parents! Suddenly the invisible eternal Word takes on visible form! The Incarnation! In him, in us! The most accurate tangible display of GOD's eternal thought finds expression in human life! The Word became a human being; we are his address; he resides in us! He captivates our gaze! The glory we see there is not a religious replica; he is the authentic monogenes begotten only of GOD. In him we recognize our true beginning. The Glory that Adam lost, returns! In fullness! Only Grace can communicate truth in such complete context!) To seal our sonship GOD has commissioned the Spirit of sonship to resonate the Abba echo in our hearts; and now, in our innermost being we recognize his as our true and very dear Father. (The original life of the Father revealed in his Son is the life the Spirit now conducts within us. [Romans 8:14] Slavery is such a poor substitute for sonship! They are opposites; the one leads forcefully through fear; sonship responds fondly to Abba Father. [Romans 8:15] His Spirit resonates within our spirit to confirm this fact that we originate in GOD. [Romans 8:16] Because we are his offspring, we qualify to be his heirs, GOD himself is our portion, we co-inherit with Christ. [Romans 8:17]) Can you see how foolish it would be for a son to continue to live his life with a slave mentality? Your sonship qualifies you to immediately participate in all the wealth of GOD's inheritance which is your because of Christ. (Legalism and religion in its every disguise contradicts sonship! Sonship is not for sale!) (The Mirror)
Now for most this is quite a mouth full to take in. But that not withstanding may the LORD GOD Abba Father increase your understanding of this truth. Until next time may He richly bless you and yours in his peace or prosperity.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (KJV)
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (ESV)
Galatians 3:23-4:7 "We were confined to the Law, kept in custody to its constraining influence until the revelation of faith would come to our rescue! The Law was acting just like a slave appointed to be the guardian of his master's children, until they would be come of age to go to the proper school of Christ to find in faith their righteousness revealed and endorsed. Now that we have arrived at our destination, the prophetic road signs and pointers are of no further use. Faith replaced the Custodian. Now that faith has become the law, the Law is no longer relevant. What Jesus Christ believes to be true about us is the final confirmation of humanity's redeemed sonship. His faith is the only valid reference to our belief! Whoever is immersed in Christ is fully clothed (in humanity's flesh) with him! He is our brand new wardrobe confirming our sonship! (From now on the diaper days are over! "Our own righteousness by doing the law compares to filthy rags!" {Isiah 64:6]) Nothing resembles our previous identity as a Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, Billabong or Gucci, now we are all defined in oneness with Christ! He is our significance and makes us beautiful! Since Christ is the seed of promise, it is only in our realizing our union with him (in the incarnation) that we are equally related to Abraham and heirs of the promise. Faith and not our flesh relates us to Abraham. (WE inherit his righteousness by the same faith.) Infant heirs have no more say than a slave, even though they own everything! (The best deal the Law could possibly broker confirmed humanity's slavery to sin.) He would remain under domestic supervision and house rules until the date fixed by his father for his official graduation to the status of sonship. This is exactly how it was with us; we were kidnapped as it were into infancy and confined to that state through the Mosaic Law. (An inferior mind-set as a result of Adam's fall. In which humanity lost the glory of his innocence and became the guilty of a lie, impossed on all the flesh of man.) But then the day dawned; the most complete culmination of time! (Everything predicted or promised was concluded in Christ!) The Son arrived, commissioned by the Father; his legal passport to the planet was his mother's womb. In a human body exactly ours he lived his life subject to the same scrutiny of the Law. His mandate was to rescue the human race (represented by Israel and not Ishmael) from the regime of the Law of performance and announce the revelation of our true sonship in GOD. (Now our true state of sonship is again realized! [John 1:12 of 1:11-14] "It was not as though he arrived on a foreign planet, he came to his own, yet his own did not recognize [acknowledge] him. [Psalm 24:1] But to everyone who realizes their association in him, convinced that he is their original life, in them he confirms that we are his offspring. These are they who discover their genesis in GOD beyond their natural conception! Man began in GOD. We are not the invention of our parents! Suddenly the invisible eternal Word takes on visible form! The Incarnation! In him, in us! The most accurate tangible display of GOD's eternal thought finds expression in human life! The Word became a human being; we are his address; he resides in us! He captivates our gaze! The glory we see there is not a religious replica; he is the authentic monogenes begotten only of GOD. In him we recognize our true beginning. The Glory that Adam lost, returns! In fullness! Only Grace can communicate truth in such complete context!) To seal our sonship GOD has commissioned the Spirit of sonship to resonate the Abba echo in our hearts; and now, in our innermost being we recognize his as our true and very dear Father. (The original life of the Father revealed in his Son is the life the Spirit now conducts within us. [Romans 8:14] Slavery is such a poor substitute for sonship! They are opposites; the one leads forcefully through fear; sonship responds fondly to Abba Father. [Romans 8:15] His Spirit resonates within our spirit to confirm this fact that we originate in GOD. [Romans 8:16] Because we are his offspring, we qualify to be his heirs, GOD himself is our portion, we co-inherit with Christ. [Romans 8:17]) Can you see how foolish it would be for a son to continue to live his life with a slave mentality? Your sonship qualifies you to immediately participate in all the wealth of GOD's inheritance which is your because of Christ. (Legalism and religion in its every disguise contradicts sonship! Sonship is not for sale!) (The Mirror)
Now for most this is quite a mouth full to take in. But that not withstanding may the LORD GOD Abba Father increase your understanding of this truth. Until next time may He richly bless you and yours in his peace or prosperity.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 3:19; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Okay then, Paul is about to explain the why and how come the Law of Moses was only meant to accomplish in GODS eyes and thinking. This sadly many Jewish and Muslim people refuse to except even though the shear weight of the burden is very grievous for them to carry. They both cling on to the curse this has become so obvious of the ages and even more so today. Let us see what we may pick up by way of the revelation of GOD in Christ. As Paul reveals the ways of the Law verses that of grace and faith. For even Jesus, with whom we share the flesh operated on our Father's faithfulness.
Galatians 3:19-22 "Wherefore then serveth the Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (KJV)
Galatians 3:19-22 "Why then the Law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." (ESV)
Galatians 3:19-22 "So what is the use of the Law then? It was an intermediary arrangement to make a people aware of the extent of their wrong doings and at the same time point them to the promise of a Redeemer, the promised Messianic seed! (Deuteronomy 18:15-18 of 15-22) It was given by Angelic beings to Moses as the middleman. With Abraham there was no middleman; it was just GOD! (The Mosaic Law required mediators [the Levitical priesthood] because it was an arrangement whereby humanity, represented by Israel, had a part and GOD had a part. Humanity's part was to obey the commandments and GOD's part was to bless. GOD's covenant with Abraham was a grace covenant pointing to the man Jesus Christ, in whom GOD himself would fulfill humanity's part and therefore needed no mediator apart from himself. Look at Hebrews 6:17. In the incarnation Jesus fulfills both the proposal and the "I do!" part of humanity. --M.Perez) No, the Law does not oppose GOD's purpose, it by design emphasizes the desperate need for a Redeemer to release righteousness in humanity as their life; something the law would certainly be incapable of! Had it been possible for a person to be justified by the law, the promise would be unnecessary. ("For if any kind of rule-keeping had power to creat life in us, we would certainly have gotten it by this time." - The Message.
Romans 5:6 "GOD's timing was absolutely perfect; humanity was at their weakest when Christ died their death---we were bankrupt in our efforts to save ourselves.") Scripture concludes that all men without exception are in the same predicament; they are imprisoned by sin; now faith brings the promise of immediate release within everyone's reach! Jesus Christ makes it possible for all to believe what GOD believes concerning their righteousness and restored innocence. (Jesus is the embodiment of GOD's faith in humanity. The righteousness of GOD is now on display in such a way that all may believe, regardless of who they are, there is no distinction. The same mass of humanity that was once reduced to an inferior identity through their sin (believing the lie), is now gifted with acquittal on the basis of the ransom paid by Jesus Christ for their liberation. [Romans 3:22-24]) (The Mirror)
In our next visit Paul uses the word tutor where elsewhere he used school-master as the guide for humanity. Until next time the LORD willing when we shall finish this chapter, may the LORD GOD grant you and yours further revelation of Christ and him in you.
Galatians 3:19-22 "Wherefore then serveth the Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (KJV)
Galatians 3:19-22 "Why then the Law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." (ESV)
Galatians 3:19-22 "So what is the use of the Law then? It was an intermediary arrangement to make a people aware of the extent of their wrong doings and at the same time point them to the promise of a Redeemer, the promised Messianic seed! (Deuteronomy 18:15-18 of 15-22) It was given by Angelic beings to Moses as the middleman. With Abraham there was no middleman; it was just GOD! (The Mosaic Law required mediators [the Levitical priesthood] because it was an arrangement whereby humanity, represented by Israel, had a part and GOD had a part. Humanity's part was to obey the commandments and GOD's part was to bless. GOD's covenant with Abraham was a grace covenant pointing to the man Jesus Christ, in whom GOD himself would fulfill humanity's part and therefore needed no mediator apart from himself. Look at Hebrews 6:17. In the incarnation Jesus fulfills both the proposal and the "I do!" part of humanity. --M.Perez) No, the Law does not oppose GOD's purpose, it by design emphasizes the desperate need for a Redeemer to release righteousness in humanity as their life; something the law would certainly be incapable of! Had it been possible for a person to be justified by the law, the promise would be unnecessary. ("For if any kind of rule-keeping had power to creat life in us, we would certainly have gotten it by this time." - The Message.
Romans 5:6 "GOD's timing was absolutely perfect; humanity was at their weakest when Christ died their death---we were bankrupt in our efforts to save ourselves.") Scripture concludes that all men without exception are in the same predicament; they are imprisoned by sin; now faith brings the promise of immediate release within everyone's reach! Jesus Christ makes it possible for all to believe what GOD believes concerning their righteousness and restored innocence. (Jesus is the embodiment of GOD's faith in humanity. The righteousness of GOD is now on display in such a way that all may believe, regardless of who they are, there is no distinction. The same mass of humanity that was once reduced to an inferior identity through their sin (believing the lie), is now gifted with acquittal on the basis of the ransom paid by Jesus Christ for their liberation. [Romans 3:22-24]) (The Mirror)
In our next visit Paul uses the word tutor where elsewhere he used school-master as the guide for humanity. Until next time the LORD willing when we shall finish this chapter, may the LORD GOD grant you and yours further revelation of Christ and him in you.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as revealed in Galatians 3:10; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Paul by revelation, now being a former Jewish leader and lawyer shares the difference of faith by grace and the required self works, to show ones obedience to a now mute Law of human performance, required of the Jews. And the intent of the Law which did not happen because of human blindness in the weakness of mans flesh. For the righteous live by GOD's faith just as did Jesus with whom man shares the flesh.
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38), "The just shall live by faith." And the Law is not of faith: but (from Leviticus 18:5), "The man that doeth them shall live in them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (KJV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38) "The righteous shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith, rather (from Leviticus 18:5) "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ. This is what I mean: the Law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the Law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise." (ESV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "In clear contrast to faith, the Law is the authority of the curse. As it is written in Deuteronomy 27:26, "Everyone who fails to perform the detailed requirements of this Law, even in the least, is condemned." Habakkuk confirms this conclusively that righteousness by GOD's faith in the only basis to life; this terminates any possible justification before GOD based on moral behavior in Habakkuk 2:4 and 3:17-19. Law and faith have nothing in common! Law measures a person's doing and experience as defining their life. (While, Faith measures GOD's doing in redeeming his design in us, as defining our lives.) Christ redeemed us from the curse as consequence of our failure to keep the Law. In his cross he concentrated the total curse of the human race upon himself. In his abandoning himself to death, he absorbed and dissolved the horror of the curse in his own person. By this scripture declares that anyone hung on a tree embodies the curse in Deuteronomy 21:23. This act of Christ released [1]the blessing of Abraham upon the [2]Gentiles! Now we are free to receive [1]the blessing of the Spirit. ([1]Righteousness by GOD's faith in the achievement of Christ, and not as a reward for our behavior is evident. In the obedience of Christ Deuteronomy 28 is out-dated! {Romans 5:19, Ephesians 1:3] [2]The mass of non-Jewish nations.)
We are familiar with the fact that in civil affairs a testament, once endorsed, is authoritative and cannot be tampered with at a later date. It is on the record that the promise (of the blessing of righteousness by GOD's faith) Isaac, the child of promise and not of the flesh mirrors the Messiah. This is my reasoning: GOD endorsed the covenant of promise in Christ 430 years before the Law was even given. The Law did not later replace this promise! (GOD's means of justification of humanity would always be by faith in his promises and never by their own ability to keep moral laws. Becomes so blatantly obvious!) The Law and the promise are not compatible; the one system nullifies the other. GOD gifted to Abraham with his heir-ship by promise (and not by reward for his behavior.) (The Mirror)
In our next visit the LORD willing we shall take this all up yet again. To exhaust the arguments about the faith verses nullifying Law of condemnation. Until then may the LORD GOD who is our faith and righteousness bless you and yours by his revelation.
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38), "The just shall live by faith." And the Law is not of faith: but (from Leviticus 18:5), "The man that doeth them shall live in them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (KJV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38) "The righteous shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith, rather (from Leviticus 18:5) "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ. This is what I mean: the Law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the Law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise." (ESV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "In clear contrast to faith, the Law is the authority of the curse. As it is written in Deuteronomy 27:26, "Everyone who fails to perform the detailed requirements of this Law, even in the least, is condemned." Habakkuk confirms this conclusively that righteousness by GOD's faith in the only basis to life; this terminates any possible justification before GOD based on moral behavior in Habakkuk 2:4 and 3:17-19. Law and faith have nothing in common! Law measures a person's doing and experience as defining their life. (While, Faith measures GOD's doing in redeeming his design in us, as defining our lives.) Christ redeemed us from the curse as consequence of our failure to keep the Law. In his cross he concentrated the total curse of the human race upon himself. In his abandoning himself to death, he absorbed and dissolved the horror of the curse in his own person. By this scripture declares that anyone hung on a tree embodies the curse in Deuteronomy 21:23. This act of Christ released [1]the blessing of Abraham upon the [2]Gentiles! Now we are free to receive [1]the blessing of the Spirit. ([1]Righteousness by GOD's faith in the achievement of Christ, and not as a reward for our behavior is evident. In the obedience of Christ Deuteronomy 28 is out-dated! {Romans 5:19, Ephesians 1:3] [2]The mass of non-Jewish nations.)
We are familiar with the fact that in civil affairs a testament, once endorsed, is authoritative and cannot be tampered with at a later date. It is on the record that the promise (of the blessing of righteousness by GOD's faith) Isaac, the child of promise and not of the flesh mirrors the Messiah. This is my reasoning: GOD endorsed the covenant of promise in Christ 430 years before the Law was even given. The Law did not later replace this promise! (GOD's means of justification of humanity would always be by faith in his promises and never by their own ability to keep moral laws. Becomes so blatantly obvious!) The Law and the promise are not compatible; the one system nullifies the other. GOD gifted to Abraham with his heir-ship by promise (and not by reward for his behavior.) (The Mirror)
In our next visit the LORD willing we shall take this all up yet again. To exhaust the arguments about the faith verses nullifying Law of condemnation. Until then may the LORD GOD who is our faith and righteousness bless you and yours by his revelation.
Monday, June 24, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 3:1; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Okay, we have just looked at what Paul faced with new converts and their infiltration by Jewish unbelievers, who tried to change them to the old systems of legalisms much as we face still. These people blend the Law with grace which nullifies faith as we shall soon see. Not only that but it places them under the penalties of the Law, as accused. Even though the cross removed it, to acknowledge Christ and his "It is Finished," work of the cross and then places one under the Law which nullifies the promise.
Galatians 3:1-5, 6-9 "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham (a called out gentile) believed God (Genesis 15:6), and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying (in Genesis 12:3), "'In thee shall all nations be blessed.'" So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (KJV)
Galatians 3:1-6, 7-9 "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham (being a called out gentile) "believed God (in Genesis 15:6), and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying (in Genesis 12:3), "'In you shall all the nations be blessed.'" So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." (ESV)
Galatians 3:1-5, 6-9 "Galatians! Galatians! Have you completely lost your common sense? Can't you see how the Law bewitched you and blurred your vision to distort the revelation of what the cross of Christ accomplished in you? This was so clearly predicted in Scripture. How can you not be persuaded by the truth? (He did not die as an individual, he died your death! [this in Isaiah 53:4-5]) Please would you reason with me on this one issue; on what basis did you receive the Holy Spirit? Are we talking gift or reward here? What kind of message ignites faith? What a condemned sinner and failure you are as revealed in the Law, or what GOD believes to be true about you as revealed in his gospel? Let's not confuse Law with Grace. Can you see how stupid it would be to start in the spirit (believing in the success of the cross) and then for some crazy reason to switch modes back to DIY again! As if your own works could add anything to that which GOD has already done in Christ. ([DIY - Do It Yourself.] It would be suicidal! It's like deliberately jumping out of a boat, to try to swim across the ocean! There are two trees: the DIY tree or the Life tree. They represent two laws or systems: the law of works and the law of faith; the one represents what you have to do in order to become; the other tree reveals who you are by deliberate design and what Christ has done! Because of the Calavary-tree we are free to be! Spirit = faith; flesh = works) Remember how you felt when you first encountered faith; are you prepared to exchange that for religion sentiment? All the ground you've gained would be lost. (The Law does not complete faith, it nullifies it!) Would you accredit what you have received from GOD to something you did or something you have heard (earned)? Did GOD reward you for your high moral standards when he worked extravagant miracles in you and lavished his Spirit in you; or did it perhaps have anything to do with the content of the revelation of this message of grace that you have heard? Faith is the source of GOD's action on humanity's behalf; our hearing is the conduit of what GOD's faith reveals.
Abraham had no other claim to righteousness but simply believing (recorded in Genesis 15:6) what GOD declared concerning him! Isaac confirmed GOD's faith, not Abraham's efforts. This is al we have in common with Abraham. (Righteousness reveals GOD's faith as responsible for humanity's salvation in direct contrast to their doing it themselves by keeping moral laws.) The conclusion is clear; faith and not the flesh relates us to Abraham! (Grace rather than law is our true lineage. Ishmael represents so much more than the Muslim religion. Ishmael represents the clumsy efforts of the flesh to compete with faith; the preaching of a mixed message of law and grace. Is like trying to mix oil with water.) Scripture records prophetically that the mass of non-Jewish nations would be justified by faith and not by keeping moral laws. This announcement by GOD over Abraham is the gospel in advance (in Genesis 12:3). GOD saw every nations included in the same principle of faith that Abraham pioneered. "'In you all the nations of the earth are equally represented in this blessing of faith.'" ([Genesis 22:17-18] "'I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves.'" Righteousness by faith is the revelation of this gospel; [Romans 1:17 and Habakkuk 2:4] "the just shall live by his (GOD's) faith" Righteousness by faith defines our life!) As did Abraham so do we now find our source in the blessing of faith." (The Mirror)
Are we learning the secret of GOD yet? I sure put my trust in his faith, that calls those things that appear to be not, to appear being! Now may our LORD GOD work his works within you and yours by his faithfulness of promise.
Galatians 3:1-5, 6-9 "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even as Abraham (a called out gentile) believed God (Genesis 15:6), and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying (in Genesis 12:3), "'In thee shall all nations be blessed.'" So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (KJV)
Galatians 3:1-6, 7-9 "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham (being a called out gentile) "believed God (in Genesis 15:6), and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying (in Genesis 12:3), "'In you shall all the nations be blessed.'" So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." (ESV)
Galatians 3:1-5, 6-9 "Galatians! Galatians! Have you completely lost your common sense? Can't you see how the Law bewitched you and blurred your vision to distort the revelation of what the cross of Christ accomplished in you? This was so clearly predicted in Scripture. How can you not be persuaded by the truth? (He did not die as an individual, he died your death! [this in Isaiah 53:4-5]) Please would you reason with me on this one issue; on what basis did you receive the Holy Spirit? Are we talking gift or reward here? What kind of message ignites faith? What a condemned sinner and failure you are as revealed in the Law, or what GOD believes to be true about you as revealed in his gospel? Let's not confuse Law with Grace. Can you see how stupid it would be to start in the spirit (believing in the success of the cross) and then for some crazy reason to switch modes back to DIY again! As if your own works could add anything to that which GOD has already done in Christ. ([DIY - Do It Yourself.] It would be suicidal! It's like deliberately jumping out of a boat, to try to swim across the ocean! There are two trees: the DIY tree or the Life tree. They represent two laws or systems: the law of works and the law of faith; the one represents what you have to do in order to become; the other tree reveals who you are by deliberate design and what Christ has done! Because of the Calavary-tree we are free to be! Spirit = faith; flesh = works) Remember how you felt when you first encountered faith; are you prepared to exchange that for religion sentiment? All the ground you've gained would be lost. (The Law does not complete faith, it nullifies it!) Would you accredit what you have received from GOD to something you did or something you have heard (earned)? Did GOD reward you for your high moral standards when he worked extravagant miracles in you and lavished his Spirit in you; or did it perhaps have anything to do with the content of the revelation of this message of grace that you have heard? Faith is the source of GOD's action on humanity's behalf; our hearing is the conduit of what GOD's faith reveals.
Abraham had no other claim to righteousness but simply believing (recorded in Genesis 15:6) what GOD declared concerning him! Isaac confirmed GOD's faith, not Abraham's efforts. This is al we have in common with Abraham. (Righteousness reveals GOD's faith as responsible for humanity's salvation in direct contrast to their doing it themselves by keeping moral laws.) The conclusion is clear; faith and not the flesh relates us to Abraham! (Grace rather than law is our true lineage. Ishmael represents so much more than the Muslim religion. Ishmael represents the clumsy efforts of the flesh to compete with faith; the preaching of a mixed message of law and grace. Is like trying to mix oil with water.) Scripture records prophetically that the mass of non-Jewish nations would be justified by faith and not by keeping moral laws. This announcement by GOD over Abraham is the gospel in advance (in Genesis 12:3). GOD saw every nations included in the same principle of faith that Abraham pioneered. "'In you all the nations of the earth are equally represented in this blessing of faith.'" ([Genesis 22:17-18] "'I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves.'" Righteousness by faith is the revelation of this gospel; [Romans 1:17 and Habakkuk 2:4] "the just shall live by his (GOD's) faith" Righteousness by faith defines our life!) As did Abraham so do we now find our source in the blessing of faith." (The Mirror)
Are we learning the secret of GOD yet? I sure put my trust in his faith, that calls those things that appear to be not, to appear being! Now may our LORD GOD work his works within you and yours by his faithfulness of promise.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 2:15; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
With this portion under our belts we should have finished chapter 2's look at Paul's struggles with those of a non-renewed mindset, even though they walk with the Spirit of GOD within. This sadly is caused by the spirit of religion that clings on for it's dear life! This we shall soon see as we progress deeper in this letter, this spirit power of deception is great as it brings with it a spirit of delusion spoken of in the Thessalonians letters.
Galatians 2:15-21 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, know that a man is not justified by the works of the (Mosaic) Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners (those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation), is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through(G1223) the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (KJV)
Galatians 2:15-21 "We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the (Mosaic) law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners ((those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation), is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through(G1223) the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." (ESV)
Galatians 2:15-21 "Sin is not a respecter of persons! Sin is sin whether you're Jew or Gentile. As Jews we should be the first to know that righteousness is not a reward for good behavior according to the requirements of the (Mosaic) Law. We have purposed righteousness for generations under the system of personal performance but have failed miserably! Jesus Christ embodied [1] GOD's belief concerning mankind's redeemed righteousness; this is the only valid basis of our belief. Our best intentions to do good cannot add any weight to our righteousness. As Jewish believers, we know this! For we have no advantage over any other person. Jew and Gentile alike were equally disqualified by the Law; now we are equally justified because of Jesus and for no other reason! (Paul uses the [1] objective Genitive - "faith of." "He is the author and finisher of faith; he is both the origin and conclusion of faith" [Hebrews 12:2]; "from faith to faith" [Romans 1:17]. It is GOD's persuasion in the merit of his Son's achievement that awakens faith in humanity." Romans 4:25.) However, if in our quest to discover righteousness by faith in what Christ did for us, we find that it is still possible to stumble; do not label yourself a sinner yet again! The fact that you sinned (with those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation) does not cancel the cross and gives you no reason to abandon justification by faith as if Christ is to be blamed for your distraction! That would be absurd! (Now all of a sudden you want to keep the Law again to further add to your righteousness as if Christ did not achieve enough. Do not let your experience deceive you to invent a new doctrine.) Only a con artist will try to be a law-man and a grace-man at the same time! The Law [1] demanded my death; grace reveals that in GOD's mind Jesus died that death. So as far as the Law is concerned, I'm a dead man but as far as GOD is concerned I'm alive! (The word, [1,G1223] dia means because of, suggesting here that the Law was what demanded my death! But in the mystery of GOD's genius, Jesus died humanity's death; which means, in GOD's belief, I died to the old system of trying to please him with my own good behavior! We might as well admit it! Our most sincere beliefs as well as our best attempts to attain to a righteousness based on us getting ten out of ten all the time, fails! There is no way to get around this! Look at Romans 7 in the Mirror Bible!) So here I am dead and alive at the same time! I'm dead to the old me I was trying to be and alive to the real me which is Christ in me! Co-crucified, now co-alive! What a glorious entanglement! I was in him (as his human form) in death; now he is in me in my life! For the first time I'm free to be me in my skin, immersed in his faith in our joint-sonship! He loves me and believes in me! He is GOD's gift to me!
(The verb [1,G4957] sustauroo, is in the Perfect tense, indicating that not only was I crucified with Christ in the past, but I am existing now in that present condition. How can any human effort improve on this! Look at Hosea 6:2 and Ephesians 2:5, also Romans 7:6, But now we are fully released from any further association with a life directed by the rule of the (Mosaic) Law, we are dead to that which once held us captive, free to be slaves to the newness of spirit-spontaneity rather than age old religious rituals, imitating the mere face value of the written code. The moment one exchanges spontaneity with rules, the edge of romance is compromised!) It is an insult to the grace of GOD to prefer Moses to Jesus! If the Law could justify you then Jesus wasted his time dying your death! (That would reduce salvation to a ludicrous contest between your obedience and the obedience of Christ! [Romans 5:19]) (The Mirror)
Have we cleared the air of the message that has suffered at the hands of foolish men and women? This is the practice of all religious systems invented by man, some of which run along side the truth. Until our next visit may the LORD GOD bless, speak well of you and yours.
Galatians 2:15-21 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, know that a man is not justified by the works of the (Mosaic) Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners (those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation), is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through(G1223) the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (KJV)
Galatians 2:15-21 "We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the (Mosaic) law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners ((those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation), is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through(G1223) the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." (ESV)
Galatians 2:15-21 "Sin is not a respecter of persons! Sin is sin whether you're Jew or Gentile. As Jews we should be the first to know that righteousness is not a reward for good behavior according to the requirements of the (Mosaic) Law. We have purposed righteousness for generations under the system of personal performance but have failed miserably! Jesus Christ embodied [1] GOD's belief concerning mankind's redeemed righteousness; this is the only valid basis of our belief. Our best intentions to do good cannot add any weight to our righteousness. As Jewish believers, we know this! For we have no advantage over any other person. Jew and Gentile alike were equally disqualified by the Law; now we are equally justified because of Jesus and for no other reason! (Paul uses the [1] objective Genitive - "faith of." "He is the author and finisher of faith; he is both the origin and conclusion of faith" [Hebrews 12:2]; "from faith to faith" [Romans 1:17]. It is GOD's persuasion in the merit of his Son's achievement that awakens faith in humanity." Romans 4:25.) However, if in our quest to discover righteousness by faith in what Christ did for us, we find that it is still possible to stumble; do not label yourself a sinner yet again! The fact that you sinned (with those who oppose Christ and Christ's revelation) does not cancel the cross and gives you no reason to abandon justification by faith as if Christ is to be blamed for your distraction! That would be absurd! (Now all of a sudden you want to keep the Law again to further add to your righteousness as if Christ did not achieve enough. Do not let your experience deceive you to invent a new doctrine.) Only a con artist will try to be a law-man and a grace-man at the same time! The Law [1] demanded my death; grace reveals that in GOD's mind Jesus died that death. So as far as the Law is concerned, I'm a dead man but as far as GOD is concerned I'm alive! (The word, [1,G1223] dia means because of, suggesting here that the Law was what demanded my death! But in the mystery of GOD's genius, Jesus died humanity's death; which means, in GOD's belief, I died to the old system of trying to please him with my own good behavior! We might as well admit it! Our most sincere beliefs as well as our best attempts to attain to a righteousness based on us getting ten out of ten all the time, fails! There is no way to get around this! Look at Romans 7 in the Mirror Bible!) So here I am dead and alive at the same time! I'm dead to the old me I was trying to be and alive to the real me which is Christ in me! Co-crucified, now co-alive! What a glorious entanglement! I was in him (as his human form) in death; now he is in me in my life! For the first time I'm free to be me in my skin, immersed in his faith in our joint-sonship! He loves me and believes in me! He is GOD's gift to me!
(The verb [1,G4957] sustauroo, is in the Perfect tense, indicating that not only was I crucified with Christ in the past, but I am existing now in that present condition. How can any human effort improve on this! Look at Hosea 6:2 and Ephesians 2:5, also Romans 7:6, But now we are fully released from any further association with a life directed by the rule of the (Mosaic) Law, we are dead to that which once held us captive, free to be slaves to the newness of spirit-spontaneity rather than age old religious rituals, imitating the mere face value of the written code. The moment one exchanges spontaneity with rules, the edge of romance is compromised!) It is an insult to the grace of GOD to prefer Moses to Jesus! If the Law could justify you then Jesus wasted his time dying your death! (That would reduce salvation to a ludicrous contest between your obedience and the obedience of Christ! [Romans 5:19]) (The Mirror)
Have we cleared the air of the message that has suffered at the hands of foolish men and women? This is the practice of all religious systems invented by man, some of which run along side the truth. Until our next visit may the LORD GOD bless, speak well of you and yours.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 2:11; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Paul with his team had left the Lord Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, when Peter follows the old traditions, and by so doing Paul calls his out on the carpet for it, in Antioch. Lets drop in to see what we shall. This sets the stage for his lecture on faith's walk, to follow.
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (KJV)
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"" (ESV)
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Kefas in turn visited Antioch I had to take him to task for his hypocrisy. His fellowship with the Greek believers seemed so sincere, he even ate with them until James's group arrived from Jerusalem. Then his loyalty to the Law showed its true colors! His pretense was an embarrassment! Because of his senior position, the other Jewish believers were swept along with his hypocrisy; they even seduced Barnabas! What a shame! Their interpretation of the Gospel was clearly compromised. I confronted Peter publicly about this. "Behind your colleagues' backs you pretended to live just like a Gentile as if your Jewish customs were no longer relevant; now suddenly you're imposing out-dated Jewish rules on these Gentile believers, to impress your Jewish friends!" (The Mirror)
In our next visit we shall look further into this matter and carries into the next chapter. Until then may the LORD our GOD raise you and yours faith in his faithfulness.
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" (KJV)
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"" (ESV)
Galatians 2:11-14 "But when Kefas in turn visited Antioch I had to take him to task for his hypocrisy. His fellowship with the Greek believers seemed so sincere, he even ate with them until James's group arrived from Jerusalem. Then his loyalty to the Law showed its true colors! His pretense was an embarrassment! Because of his senior position, the other Jewish believers were swept along with his hypocrisy; they even seduced Barnabas! What a shame! Their interpretation of the Gospel was clearly compromised. I confronted Peter publicly about this. "Behind your colleagues' backs you pretended to live just like a Gentile as if your Jewish customs were no longer relevant; now suddenly you're imposing out-dated Jewish rules on these Gentile believers, to impress your Jewish friends!" (The Mirror)
In our next visit we shall look further into this matter and carries into the next chapter. Until then may the LORD our GOD raise you and yours faith in his faithfulness.
Friday, June 21, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as revealed in Galatians 2:1; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Okay, Paul is finally accepted by the Council in Jerusalem but how well does that go, lets take a look at what he has to reveal shall we. Keep in mind that these characters were stuck in Judaism up to their eyeballs. They had not progressed in their learn by the Holy Spirit that is to say the Spirit of Christ within them very far, because they remained bound up by religion and its legalisms. The very things that all true believers struggle against still to this very day, when they are led by the Holy Spirit just as Jesus said!
Galatians 2:1-10 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles): And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." (KJV)
Galatians 2:1-10 "Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." (ESV)
Galatians 2:1-10 "It was fourteen years since that first visit that I went on a special mission to Jerusalem with Barnabas; we deliberately took Titus with us; (.....since he was one of our first fruits in Greece. Remember Barnabas was sent by HQ in Jerusalem to investigate the rumor of Greek converts; instead of returning to Jerusalem to give feedback to the senior Apostles, he went to fetch Paul, knowing his gift as a teacher and revelation of the mystery of Christ in you. [Colossians 1:26 and Acts 11:25-26]) I especially wanted the most senior leadership of the church to hear what I taught the Gentile nations as my revelation and specific emphasis of the Gospel.We decided to meet in private to avoid any possible public controversy. In this way they could best judge for themselves whether, according to their opinion, my ministry had any credibility or not. Our Greek companion, Titus, survived the circumcision scrutiny and wasn't forced to go for the cut! Some disguised Jewish "Friends" secretly sneaked in on us to spy out whether he was circumcised or not! Our liberty in Christ offended them; these spies had one agenda; to enslave us to their legalistic religious bondage! We want you to know that we are sold out to keep the Gospel undiluted for your sakes; had we compromised the message ever so slightly to accommodate their opinion, the whole Gentile world would have felt cheated! We see such a future for the pure gospel in you. The high ranked leaders had nothing to add to my message. I must say that their seniority did not intimidate me in the least. GOD does not judge people on surface value. (The important ones and the unimportant ones are equally esteemed and lved by him. [2Corinthians 5:14-15]) From what I shared with them they acknowledged the accuracy of my message and felt that while Peter's ministry was more directed to the Jews, mine is tailor-made for the Gentile world! They acknowledged that as much as Peter's ministry was sanctioned by GOD to peach to the Jews, my assignment was to evangelize the Gentiles. The so-called pillars of the church, James (the Lord's brother [Galatians 1:19]), Kefas, and John acknowledged my gift in the revelation of the message of grace, and extended their blessing on my work by giving us the right hand of their fellowship. While they concentrated on converting the Jews I was recognized as the one with a message for the Gentiles. Their only request was that we give something to the poor among them which we were keen to do since we already came prepared with gifts. ( Acts 11:29-30) (The Mirror)
Well that was not so bad was it? Until our next visit may the LORD GOD, the GOD of peace be within you and yours through the days and weeks ahead.
Galatians 2:1-10 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles): And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." (KJV)
Galatians 2:1-10 "Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." (ESV)
Galatians 2:1-10 "It was fourteen years since that first visit that I went on a special mission to Jerusalem with Barnabas; we deliberately took Titus with us; (.....since he was one of our first fruits in Greece. Remember Barnabas was sent by HQ in Jerusalem to investigate the rumor of Greek converts; instead of returning to Jerusalem to give feedback to the senior Apostles, he went to fetch Paul, knowing his gift as a teacher and revelation of the mystery of Christ in you. [Colossians 1:26 and Acts 11:25-26]) I especially wanted the most senior leadership of the church to hear what I taught the Gentile nations as my revelation and specific emphasis of the Gospel.We decided to meet in private to avoid any possible public controversy. In this way they could best judge for themselves whether, according to their opinion, my ministry had any credibility or not. Our Greek companion, Titus, survived the circumcision scrutiny and wasn't forced to go for the cut! Some disguised Jewish "Friends" secretly sneaked in on us to spy out whether he was circumcised or not! Our liberty in Christ offended them; these spies had one agenda; to enslave us to their legalistic religious bondage! We want you to know that we are sold out to keep the Gospel undiluted for your sakes; had we compromised the message ever so slightly to accommodate their opinion, the whole Gentile world would have felt cheated! We see such a future for the pure gospel in you. The high ranked leaders had nothing to add to my message. I must say that their seniority did not intimidate me in the least. GOD does not judge people on surface value. (The important ones and the unimportant ones are equally esteemed and lved by him. [2Corinthians 5:14-15]) From what I shared with them they acknowledged the accuracy of my message and felt that while Peter's ministry was more directed to the Jews, mine is tailor-made for the Gentile world! They acknowledged that as much as Peter's ministry was sanctioned by GOD to peach to the Jews, my assignment was to evangelize the Gentiles. The so-called pillars of the church, James (the Lord's brother [Galatians 1:19]), Kefas, and John acknowledged my gift in the revelation of the message of grace, and extended their blessing on my work by giving us the right hand of their fellowship. While they concentrated on converting the Jews I was recognized as the one with a message for the Gentiles. Their only request was that we give something to the poor among them which we were keen to do since we already came prepared with gifts. ( Acts 11:29-30) (The Mirror)
Well that was not so bad was it? Until our next visit may the LORD GOD, the GOD of peace be within you and yours through the days and weeks ahead.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 1:18; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Paul in the first of several letters explains the back ground of his on going struggles with those of unregenerated, non-regensised, and non-renewed mindsets. Though they were filled with GODS Spirit they had not as of his encounters with them have his understanding from GODS vantage point. In chapter two he meets with the council of these followers in Jerusalem, after a fifteen year break, as we shall shortly see.
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me." (KJV)
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me." (ESV)
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then three years later I ventured into Jerusalem, specifically to meet with [1]Kefas. I ended up staying with him for two weeks. (In [1] Aramaic the word, "rock" is (G2786) kefas, and in Greek it is (G4074) petros. Here Paul calls Peter Kefas in order to emphasize the meaning of his name rather than the familiar sound of Peter. Jesus said that the revelation of humanity's true identity and origin is the rock foundation of the Ekklesia, literally original identity is from ek, the preposition denoting origin and kaleo, to surname. [This we have looked at earlier.] Matthew 16:13-18; Isaiah 51:1; Deuteronomy 32:18; 1Peter 2:5 and 1Kings 6:7 ) During this time I did not see any of the other Apostles except James, the younger brother of Jesus. (Saul (Paul), Peter (Kefas) and James shared a vital revelation; all three of them discovered their original identity beyond their natural birth: "From now on, we no longer know anyone according to the flesh," says Paul in 2Corintihains 5:16. "Simon son of Jonah, flesh and blood did not reveal to you that as the son of man, I am the Christ, the Son of GOD; now that you know who I am, allow me to introduce you to you! I say that you are Mr. Rock; a Chip of the old Block. [Matthew 16:17-18] James speaks about the effect of the Word as discovering the reflection of the face of our birth as in a mirror there! Rescuing us from our forgetfulness! "We have forgotten what manner of people we are!"
During the three years of Jesus' ministry none of his Friends believed in him, [John 7:5] But in 1Corinthians 15:7, Paul specifically mentions the fact that Jesus also appeared to James after his resurrection. Suddenly it dawns on James that the Father of light bithed humanity by the eternal Word of Truth; the word that became flesh and died humanity's death and Who co-raised humanity into newness of life in his resurrection. If anyone hears this word they see the face of their birth as in a mirror! As Peter later admitted, "We were born anew when Jesus was raised from the dead!" [1Peter 1:3] The word that was is our genesis. [James 1:17-18, 23-24] ) I'm not writing this to trick you into anything; this is really how I started off preaching this gospel. After my brief visit to Jerusalem, I travelled the regions of Syria and Cilicia. None of the Judean Christian churches knew me face to face. They only heard the rumors that the fierce opponent of their cause was now proclaiming the very Gospel he once endeavored to eradicate. Consequently they recognized GOD's approval of my life and acknowledged GOD in me." (The Mirror)
Until our next visit, may the LORD reveal our true identity of restored sonship.
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me." (KJV)
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me." (ESV)
Galatians 1:18-24 "Then three years later I ventured into Jerusalem, specifically to meet with [1]Kefas. I ended up staying with him for two weeks. (In [1] Aramaic the word, "rock" is (G2786) kefas, and in Greek it is (G4074) petros. Here Paul calls Peter Kefas in order to emphasize the meaning of his name rather than the familiar sound of Peter. Jesus said that the revelation of humanity's true identity and origin is the rock foundation of the Ekklesia, literally original identity is from ek, the preposition denoting origin and kaleo, to surname. [This we have looked at earlier.] Matthew 16:13-18; Isaiah 51:1; Deuteronomy 32:18; 1Peter 2:5 and 1Kings 6:7 ) During this time I did not see any of the other Apostles except James, the younger brother of Jesus. (Saul (Paul), Peter (Kefas) and James shared a vital revelation; all three of them discovered their original identity beyond their natural birth: "From now on, we no longer know anyone according to the flesh," says Paul in 2Corintihains 5:16. "Simon son of Jonah, flesh and blood did not reveal to you that as the son of man, I am the Christ, the Son of GOD; now that you know who I am, allow me to introduce you to you! I say that you are Mr. Rock; a Chip of the old Block. [Matthew 16:17-18] James speaks about the effect of the Word as discovering the reflection of the face of our birth as in a mirror there! Rescuing us from our forgetfulness! "We have forgotten what manner of people we are!"
During the three years of Jesus' ministry none of his Friends believed in him, [John 7:5] But in 1Corinthians 15:7, Paul specifically mentions the fact that Jesus also appeared to James after his resurrection. Suddenly it dawns on James that the Father of light bithed humanity by the eternal Word of Truth; the word that became flesh and died humanity's death and Who co-raised humanity into newness of life in his resurrection. If anyone hears this word they see the face of their birth as in a mirror! As Peter later admitted, "We were born anew when Jesus was raised from the dead!" [1Peter 1:3] The word that was is our genesis. [James 1:17-18, 23-24] ) I'm not writing this to trick you into anything; this is really how I started off preaching this gospel. After my brief visit to Jerusalem, I travelled the regions of Syria and Cilicia. None of the Judean Christian churches knew me face to face. They only heard the rumors that the fierce opponent of their cause was now proclaiming the very Gospel he once endeavored to eradicate. Consequently they recognized GOD's approval of my life and acknowledged GOD in me." (The Mirror)
Until our next visit, may the LORD reveal our true identity of restored sonship.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 1:11; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
We are about to hear from Paul's point of view his call by GOD to his ministry once again. So let us drop in and see what golden nuggets of revelation that we may pick up on.
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased(G2106) God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called(G2564) me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." (KJV)
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart (G2106) before I was born, and who called(G2564) me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." (ESV)
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "I want to make it very clear to you my friends that the message I proclaim is not mere speculation or the product of philosophical or religious debate. This is not my own invention, neither was I spoon-fed by human intuition; my source of reference is the unveiled mystery of Christ in me. ( [First spoken of by Mark in his Epistle in 4:11 and hinted at by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 11:25, 13:11-12, 16; 16:17, Luke in 8:10, 10:21-24; Paul in 1Corinthians 4:7, 2Corinthians 4:6; in Ephesians in 1:9, 2:4-10, and in Titus in 3:3-7, and then spoken of by James in 1:16-18 and by John in 1John 5:20.] Even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him thusly no longer. 2Corinthians 5:16.)
Everyone knows what a zealous Jew I was when I savagely persecuted GOD's church. And how I progressed in the Jewish faith beyond many of my peers in my excessive eagerness to preserve the traditions on my ancestors. GOD's eternal [1]love dream separated me from my mother's womb; his grace became my [2]identity. (The word, [1,G2106 from G2095 and G1380] uedokeo, means his beautiful intention; the well done opinion. [My mother's womb, my natural lineage and identity as a son of Benjamin.] The word, [2,G2564] kaleo, means to surname, to summon by name.) This is the heart of the gospel that I proclaim; it begane with an unveiling of his Son [1]in me, freeing me to annouce the same sonship [2]in the masses of non-Jewish people. I felt no immediate urgency to compare notes with those who were familiar with Christ from a mere historic point of view. (The Greek text is quite clear: "It pleased the Father to reveal his Son in me in order that I may proclaim him in the nations!" The word, en emoi, translates as "in me," and en ethnos translates as in the Gentile nations, or the masses of non Jewish people! Not "among" the Gentiles as most translations have it. Later, when Barnabas is sent to investigate the conversion of the Greeks in Acts 11, instead of reporting his findings to HQ in Jerusalem, he immediately finds Paul, knowing that Paul's gospel is the revelation of the mystery of Christ in the nations [look at Colossians 1:27]. No wonder then that those believers were the first to be called "Christians," or Christ-like Anointed ones! )
Jesus Christ confirms that the son of man is the son of GOD. "Call no man your father on earth, for you have but one Father who is in heaven." [in Matthew 23:9] Paul reminds the Greek philosophers in Acts 17 that we live and move and have our being in GOD; humanity is indeed the offspring of GOD. He is quoting from their own writings, of Epimenedes 600 BC and Aratus, 300 BC. The incorruptible seed of sonship is as much present in every person as the seed is already in all soil, even in the desert sands, waiting for the rain to awaken and ignite its life!
"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and waters the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, so shall my word be that proceeds from my mouth, it shall not disappoint my purpose, it shall saturate the soil and cause it to bring forth and sprout. Instead of the thorn the cyprus and instead of the brier the myrtle!" (Isaiah 55:8-11, 13)
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in an agricultural field! There is more to the field than what meets the eye!
In 2Corinthians 4:4, 7, Paul says that we have this treasure in earthen vessels! But the god of this worlds order has blindfolded our minds through unbelief [believing a lie about ourselves, Numbers 13:33] to keep us from seeing the light of the gospel revealing the glory (lost) of GOD in the face of Christ (restored) who is the image of GOD (just as we all are), as in a mirror!
When Jesus speaks of the sinner he speaks of him as the lost sheep, coin, or son [Luke 15] You cannot be lost unless you belong! The inscription and image did not disappear from the coin when it was lost. How can we praise GOD and with the same mouth curse a person made in his image? [James 3:9 and Luke 20:20-26] Humanity has forgotten what manner of people they are by design; we are the image and likeness bearers of our Maker; this is exactly what Jesus came to reveal and redeem!
We may now behold him with unveiled faces as in a mirror and be immediately transformed [in our understanding] into his likeness. From the glory [opinion] of the flesh to the glory [opinion] of GOD. Legalistic religion keep the veil in place; the proclamation of the liberating truth of this Good News, removes the veil! The "ugly duckling" didn't need a face-to-face or lesson on how to fake the swan life! It only needed to know the truth about itself to be free indeed.) This is radical! I deliberately distanced myself from Jerusalem and the disciples of Jesus. I landed up in Arabia before I returned again to Damascus. (The weight of this revelation left me no choice; instead of finding out more about Christ in history, I desired to discover him more in me! [look at 2Corinthians 5:16]) (The Mirror)
OH! Praise the LORD GOD for his wondrous work in us, his creation! Now we shall be about our Fathers business of acquiring more revelation of him who IS. Until our next visit the LORD willing we shall acquire more light and glory as is our design stored to us. May you and yours to receivers of his glory and grace in ever increasing measures.
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased(G2106) God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called(G2564) me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." (KJV)
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart (G2106) before I was born, and who called(G2564) me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." (ESV)
Galatians 1:11-12, 13-17 "I want to make it very clear to you my friends that the message I proclaim is not mere speculation or the product of philosophical or religious debate. This is not my own invention, neither was I spoon-fed by human intuition; my source of reference is the unveiled mystery of Christ in me. ( [First spoken of by Mark in his Epistle in 4:11 and hinted at by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 11:25, 13:11-12, 16; 16:17, Luke in 8:10, 10:21-24; Paul in 1Corinthians 4:7, 2Corinthians 4:6; in Ephesians in 1:9, 2:4-10, and in Titus in 3:3-7, and then spoken of by James in 1:16-18 and by John in 1John 5:20.] Even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him thusly no longer. 2Corinthians 5:16.)
Everyone knows what a zealous Jew I was when I savagely persecuted GOD's church. And how I progressed in the Jewish faith beyond many of my peers in my excessive eagerness to preserve the traditions on my ancestors. GOD's eternal [1]love dream separated me from my mother's womb; his grace became my [2]identity. (The word, [1,G2106 from G2095 and G1380] uedokeo, means his beautiful intention; the well done opinion. [My mother's womb, my natural lineage and identity as a son of Benjamin.] The word, [2,G2564] kaleo, means to surname, to summon by name.) This is the heart of the gospel that I proclaim; it begane with an unveiling of his Son [1]in me, freeing me to annouce the same sonship [2]in the masses of non-Jewish people. I felt no immediate urgency to compare notes with those who were familiar with Christ from a mere historic point of view. (The Greek text is quite clear: "It pleased the Father to reveal his Son in me in order that I may proclaim him in the nations!" The word, en emoi, translates as "in me," and en ethnos translates as in the Gentile nations, or the masses of non Jewish people! Not "among" the Gentiles as most translations have it. Later, when Barnabas is sent to investigate the conversion of the Greeks in Acts 11, instead of reporting his findings to HQ in Jerusalem, he immediately finds Paul, knowing that Paul's gospel is the revelation of the mystery of Christ in the nations [look at Colossians 1:27]. No wonder then that those believers were the first to be called "Christians," or Christ-like Anointed ones! )
Jesus Christ confirms that the son of man is the son of GOD. "Call no man your father on earth, for you have but one Father who is in heaven." [in Matthew 23:9] Paul reminds the Greek philosophers in Acts 17 that we live and move and have our being in GOD; humanity is indeed the offspring of GOD. He is quoting from their own writings, of Epimenedes 600 BC and Aratus, 300 BC. The incorruptible seed of sonship is as much present in every person as the seed is already in all soil, even in the desert sands, waiting for the rain to awaken and ignite its life!
"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and waters the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, so shall my word be that proceeds from my mouth, it shall not disappoint my purpose, it shall saturate the soil and cause it to bring forth and sprout. Instead of the thorn the cyprus and instead of the brier the myrtle!" (Isaiah 55:8-11, 13)
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in an agricultural field! There is more to the field than what meets the eye!
In 2Corinthians 4:4, 7, Paul says that we have this treasure in earthen vessels! But the god of this worlds order has blindfolded our minds through unbelief [believing a lie about ourselves, Numbers 13:33] to keep us from seeing the light of the gospel revealing the glory (lost) of GOD in the face of Christ (restored) who is the image of GOD (just as we all are), as in a mirror!
When Jesus speaks of the sinner he speaks of him as the lost sheep, coin, or son [Luke 15] You cannot be lost unless you belong! The inscription and image did not disappear from the coin when it was lost. How can we praise GOD and with the same mouth curse a person made in his image? [James 3:9 and Luke 20:20-26] Humanity has forgotten what manner of people they are by design; we are the image and likeness bearers of our Maker; this is exactly what Jesus came to reveal and redeem!
We may now behold him with unveiled faces as in a mirror and be immediately transformed [in our understanding] into his likeness. From the glory [opinion] of the flesh to the glory [opinion] of GOD. Legalistic religion keep the veil in place; the proclamation of the liberating truth of this Good News, removes the veil! The "ugly duckling" didn't need a face-to-face or lesson on how to fake the swan life! It only needed to know the truth about itself to be free indeed.) This is radical! I deliberately distanced myself from Jerusalem and the disciples of Jesus. I landed up in Arabia before I returned again to Damascus. (The weight of this revelation left me no choice; instead of finding out more about Christ in history, I desired to discover him more in me! [look at 2Corinthians 5:16]) (The Mirror)
OH! Praise the LORD GOD for his wondrous work in us, his creation! Now we shall be about our Fathers business of acquiring more revelation of him who IS. Until our next visit the LORD willing we shall acquire more light and glory as is our design stored to us. May you and yours to receivers of his glory and grace in ever increasing measures.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in Galatians 1:1; from the standpoint of a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Okay, we've finally arrived from here on we are on higher ground of human spirituality and growth in our knowledge and GOD'S perfecting us as he desires. The next three Epistles are further evidence when seen through his eyes as Redeemed sons and because there are those among us who's frame were taken from mans in Genesis we shall include to female form. But never loose sight of this fact, the female is of the weaker (meaning second) vessel of humanity's origin and man (as the first vessel) is her guardian and protector. Lets see what light we shall find in Galatians revelation of Christ in you.
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead); And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil(G4190) world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (KJV)
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil(G4190) age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (ESV)
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "My name is Paul, my ministry and message are neither accredited to a theological education, nor am I sponsored by a religious institution. I am sanctioned by Jesus the Messiah (of promise) and GOD the Father who raised him from the dead. (Apostle, compelled to go, commissioned. [2Corinthians 5:14, 20 and Romans 1:5] Rather than a title, Apostleship defines the compelling urgency that prompts the spreading of the gospel of GOD. The resurrection inspired the commission. Paul saw that humanity was co-raised together with Christ [Hosea 6:2 and Ephesians 2:5-6]) I and my team of fellow believers here in Rome address this letter to all the churches in Galatia. We greet you with grace and the peace that comes from knowing GOD as your Father, and Jesus who heads up the Christ-life. (Jesus is LORD of the Christ-life; the very life of our design unveiled.) Grace and peace have their reference in the fact that Jesus gave himself as the scapegoat for our sins and plucked us out from the [1]evil of this present religious age (of darkness, suspension) that encroaches on us. This was exactly what the Father of spirits planned in his Agape for humanity. (The word, [1,G4190 ] poneros, means full of labors, hardships and annoyances; the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and labor "poneros!" This concludes in a judgment based on performance. Which is the opposite to an opinion of approval based on value! ) His glorious reputation is ageless; it extends beyond all times and seasons. We salute him with our amen! (Nothing that religion communicates in any age or context can match him.)
I am amazed that you can so easily be fooled into swapping the Gospel for a gimmick! The Gospel reveals the integrity of your original identity rescued in Christ; the gimmick is a conglomeration of grace and legalism. This mixture boils down to a do-it-yourself plan of salvation. (Which is a recipe for disaster.) There is no other gospel in spite of the many so-called Christian products branded "gospel." If any hint of the Law remains, it is not good news but mere religious people's ideas, detracting from the gospel of Christ. (Some seek to unsettle our minds by perverting the Gospel to accommodate their own opinion.) I and any of my team would stand equally disqualified, even if we claim to have had an Angelic visitation, if what we preach were to stray ever so slightly from the Gospel of the finished work of Christ. Let me be blatant and clear about this: any gospel that does not emphasize the success of the cross is counterfeit and produces nothing but the curse! (In sharp contrast to the time when I needed letters of authority from the religious institutions of the day, endorsing my mission.) GOD is my complete persuasion. I answer to him alone, not anyone else! Christ employed me; I am addicted to his grace. Popular religious opinions will not influence me to compromise my message. (What is the point of an impressive CV, when your Maker is not even asking for it?) (The Mirror)
Okay, we've gotten our feet wet! Until our next visit the LORD willing keep your feet dry and in his revelation that springs from within you and yours.
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead); And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil(G4190) world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (KJV)
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil(G4190) age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (ESV)
Galatians 1:1-5, 6-10 "My name is Paul, my ministry and message are neither accredited to a theological education, nor am I sponsored by a religious institution. I am sanctioned by Jesus the Messiah (of promise) and GOD the Father who raised him from the dead. (Apostle, compelled to go, commissioned. [2Corinthians 5:14, 20 and Romans 1:5] Rather than a title, Apostleship defines the compelling urgency that prompts the spreading of the gospel of GOD. The resurrection inspired the commission. Paul saw that humanity was co-raised together with Christ [Hosea 6:2 and Ephesians 2:5-6]) I and my team of fellow believers here in Rome address this letter to all the churches in Galatia. We greet you with grace and the peace that comes from knowing GOD as your Father, and Jesus who heads up the Christ-life. (Jesus is LORD of the Christ-life; the very life of our design unveiled.) Grace and peace have their reference in the fact that Jesus gave himself as the scapegoat for our sins and plucked us out from the [1]evil of this present religious age (of darkness, suspension) that encroaches on us. This was exactly what the Father of spirits planned in his Agape for humanity. (The word, [1,G4190 ] poneros, means full of labors, hardships and annoyances; the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and labor "poneros!" This concludes in a judgment based on performance. Which is the opposite to an opinion of approval based on value! ) His glorious reputation is ageless; it extends beyond all times and seasons. We salute him with our amen! (Nothing that religion communicates in any age or context can match him.)
I am amazed that you can so easily be fooled into swapping the Gospel for a gimmick! The Gospel reveals the integrity of your original identity rescued in Christ; the gimmick is a conglomeration of grace and legalism. This mixture boils down to a do-it-yourself plan of salvation. (Which is a recipe for disaster.) There is no other gospel in spite of the many so-called Christian products branded "gospel." If any hint of the Law remains, it is not good news but mere religious people's ideas, detracting from the gospel of Christ. (Some seek to unsettle our minds by perverting the Gospel to accommodate their own opinion.) I and any of my team would stand equally disqualified, even if we claim to have had an Angelic visitation, if what we preach were to stray ever so slightly from the Gospel of the finished work of Christ. Let me be blatant and clear about this: any gospel that does not emphasize the success of the cross is counterfeit and produces nothing but the curse! (In sharp contrast to the time when I needed letters of authority from the religious institutions of the day, endorsing my mission.) GOD is my complete persuasion. I answer to him alone, not anyone else! Christ employed me; I am addicted to his grace. Popular religious opinions will not influence me to compromise my message. (What is the point of an impressive CV, when your Maker is not even asking for it?) (The Mirror)
Okay, we've gotten our feet wet! Until our next visit the LORD willing keep your feet dry and in his revelation that springs from within you and yours.
Monday, June 17, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as revealed in Galatians; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In this next amazing series of books, Paul shares from here onward what it means to be in union and solidarity with the LORD GOD as a redeemed Christ-one, a Saint of GODS desire. Herein, Paul endorses the gospel of his own proclamation as a gift by revelation of the workings of GOD, the Christ in him! Herein we are using the Mirror Study Bible, with very little editing.
Galatians 1:12 "This message is not invented by a man; my source was not my formal religious education; I received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Galatians 1:15-16 "GOD's eternal love dream separated me from my mother's womb; his grace became my identity (as it has yours). This is the heart of the gospel that I proclaim; it began with an unveiling of sonship in me, freeing me to announce the same sonship in the masses of non-Jewish people. I felt no immediate urgency to compare notes with those who were familiar with Christ from a mere historical point of view."
Paul contrasts the futility of the Law of works in its clumsy efforts to improve human behavior with the amazing revelation of the life of our design now redeemed in us, in Christ! He uses the words, "law," "flesh" and "works" vs. grace, "spirit" and "faith" to give reference to the dynamics of the success of the cross.
The promise is concluded in the person of Christ; unveiled in all human life!
Galatians 3:21 "No, the Law does not opposes GOD's promise; it emphasizes the desperate need for a Redeemer to release righteousness in humanity as their life; something the Law would certainly not be capable of! had it been possible for the human race to be justified by the Law, the promise would be unnecessary."
Galatians 3:22 "Scripture concludes that all humanity without exception are in the same predicament; they are imprisoned by sin. Now faith brings the promise of immediate release within everyone's view and reach! Jesus Christ makes it possible for all to believe what GOD believes concerning their righteousness and restored innocence."
Galatians 4:5 "Jesus' mandate was to rescue the human race from the regime of the Law of performance and announce the revelation of their true sonship in GOD."
Galatians 4:6 "To seal our sonship GOD had commissioned the Spirit of sonship to resonate the Abba echo in our hearts; and now, in our innermost being we recognize him as our true and very dear Father."
Galatians 5:1 "Christ defines your faith; he is our freedom from anything the Law could never free us of! Find your firm footing in this freedom. Do not let religion trip you up again and harness you to a system of rules and useless obligations!"
Galatians 5:6 "Agape sets faith in motion. (It is easy for love to believe! Agape sees and knows what the Father knows is truth in action.)
We shall begin Galatians in our next visit the LORD willing. May he richly bless and heal your understanding of him.
Galatians 1:12 "This message is not invented by a man; my source was not my formal religious education; I received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Galatians 1:15-16 "GOD's eternal love dream separated me from my mother's womb; his grace became my identity (as it has yours). This is the heart of the gospel that I proclaim; it began with an unveiling of sonship in me, freeing me to announce the same sonship in the masses of non-Jewish people. I felt no immediate urgency to compare notes with those who were familiar with Christ from a mere historical point of view."
Paul contrasts the futility of the Law of works in its clumsy efforts to improve human behavior with the amazing revelation of the life of our design now redeemed in us, in Christ! He uses the words, "law," "flesh" and "works" vs. grace, "spirit" and "faith" to give reference to the dynamics of the success of the cross.
The promise is concluded in the person of Christ; unveiled in all human life!
Galatians 3:21 "No, the Law does not opposes GOD's promise; it emphasizes the desperate need for a Redeemer to release righteousness in humanity as their life; something the Law would certainly not be capable of! had it been possible for the human race to be justified by the Law, the promise would be unnecessary."
Galatians 3:22 "Scripture concludes that all humanity without exception are in the same predicament; they are imprisoned by sin. Now faith brings the promise of immediate release within everyone's view and reach! Jesus Christ makes it possible for all to believe what GOD believes concerning their righteousness and restored innocence."
Galatians 4:5 "Jesus' mandate was to rescue the human race from the regime of the Law of performance and announce the revelation of their true sonship in GOD."
Galatians 4:6 "To seal our sonship GOD had commissioned the Spirit of sonship to resonate the Abba echo in our hearts; and now, in our innermost being we recognize him as our true and very dear Father."
Galatians 5:1 "Christ defines your faith; he is our freedom from anything the Law could never free us of! Find your firm footing in this freedom. Do not let religion trip you up again and harness you to a system of rules and useless obligations!"
Galatians 5:6 "Agape sets faith in motion. (It is easy for love to believe! Agape sees and knows what the Father knows is truth in action.)
We shall begin Galatians in our next visit the LORD willing. May he richly bless and heal your understanding of him.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 2Corinthians 13:11; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
This is the close of the 2Corinthians letter and like the first we have or should have learned more of what it means to have taken the LORD's yoke upon us, Matthew 11:28. In the days and months ahead we shall learn of him even more as we move from childhood to adulthood in our perfection that GOD requires of us who carry the LORD's yoke. Our next Epistle is that of Galatians which for me is on a higher level of spiritual understanding because we in it leave behind our child likeness with eyes and ears opened to hear and see the revelation of Christ incarnate within us as in mans beginning.
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "And now, dear Friends, we wish you joy; to be fully [1]established, living your lives [2]within the immediate proximity of your true identity; with your minds made up about the fact that we are one, fitly joined together in perfect harmony; and knowing that GOD is your constant companion (as in the beginning) and that he himself is the source of love and [3]peace. (The word, [1,G2675 from G2596 and a derivative of G739] katartizō , means to complete thoroughly, that is, repair, restore comes from (G2596) kata, which means intensity, derived from (G739 from G737) artios, which means fresh, complete, perfect. The word, [2,G3870 from G3844 and G2564] parakaleo, comes from (G3844) para, which is 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, giver, designer and engineer, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection; and (G2564) kaleo, which means to identity by name, to surname. The word, [3,G1515] eirēnē , from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); means prosperity, rest.) Embrace one another with godly affection. All the Saints enfold you in their hearts! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Agape of GOD and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abides in all of you!" (The Mirror)
Our next adventure of revelation begins with a look into the first of four higher ground Epistles that follow the Corinthian letters. The comes the practical application letters before Hebrews moving letter of separation from the old now meaningless useless standards. Until our next visit, Galatians, may the LORD GOD help with his yoke of learning of him in both you and yours.
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:11-14 "And now, dear Friends, we wish you joy; to be fully [1]established, living your lives [2]within the immediate proximity of your true identity; with your minds made up about the fact that we are one, fitly joined together in perfect harmony; and knowing that GOD is your constant companion (as in the beginning) and that he himself is the source of love and [3]peace. (The word, [1,G2675 from G2596 and a derivative of G739] katartizō , means to complete thoroughly, that is, repair, restore comes from (G2596) kata, which means intensity, derived from (G739 from G737) artios, which means fresh, complete, perfect. The word, [2,G3870 from G3844 and G2564] parakaleo, comes from (G3844) para, which is 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, giver, designer and engineer, originating from, denoting the point from which an action originates, intimate connection; and (G2564) kaleo, which means to identity by name, to surname. The word, [3,G1515] eirēnē , from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); means prosperity, rest.) Embrace one another with godly affection. All the Saints enfold you in their hearts! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Agape of GOD and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abides in all of you!" (The Mirror)
Our next adventure of revelation begins with a look into the first of four higher ground Epistles that follow the Corinthian letters. The comes the practical application letters before Hebrews moving letter of separation from the old now meaningless useless standards. Until our next visit, Galatians, may the LORD GOD help with his yoke of learning of him in both you and yours.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 2Corinthians 13:5; the renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
In our next section of chapter 13 of 2Corinthians, Paul tells his readers to examine themselves or to test their origin of faith. By this action we fine what it means to have faith, his or ours. Lets see what he says shall we, as I have come to believe that both Corinthian letters are stepping stones to even greater insight and revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our redemption. That'll bring our salvation about in the restoration of mans former, and quite possibly deeper and greater glory, our perfection. As we learn the secret of Jesus Christ's incarnation within us. Humanities original life of origin as know in chapter 2 of Genesis, as spoken of in spiritual language hidden from mere human sight from the beginning of the Corinthian letters own through the end of Revelation. Also known as the kingdom of GOD within you.
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "Examine(G3985) yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove(G1381) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power(G1849) which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "Examine(G3985) yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test(G1381) yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority(G1849) that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "I implore you to [1]examine your faith for yourselves in order to test what it is that you really believe. Faith is so much more than mere veneer of a superstitious belief in a historic Christ; faith is about realizing Jesus Christ in you, in the midst of contradiction! Just [2]as ore is placed into a crucible, where the dross is separated from the gold in a furnace, come to the conclusion for yourselves of his indwelling! Should it appear to you that Christ is absent in your life, look again, you have obviously done the test wrong! (You cannot measure temperature with a ruler! Paul uses the word, [1, G3985 from G3984] peiratzo, to examine closely, it is from (G3984 with the base of G4008 from G4009) peira, meaning to pierce; a test to determine the hidden value of something; is also from the word (G4009) peras, which speaks of extremity or the furthest boundary. Faith is not a veneer to cover up potential depression or disappointments when faced with trying times! Note that Paul is not speaking about you putting your beliefs to the test; but you testing the faith for yourselves! There is only one valid faith, not what we believe about GOD or about ourselves, but what GOD believes about us! Paul wants us to discover for ourselves what GOD already knows and believes about us! GOD is highly persuaded about Christ's indwelling us, you, now he wants you to be equally persuaded! Then he uses the word, [2,G1381] dokimatzo, as in the testing of metals. Self-examination has nothing to do with finding hidden sins and flaws in you; it is all about realizing Christ in you! The object of the furnace is not to reveal the dross, but the gold! Christ himself is the proof of faith, he is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. The test of truth is foolproof! Look at verse 8. "Truth is not threatened by our scrutiny!" Look at 2Corinthians 4:18, "We are not keeping any score of what seems so obvious to the senses on the surface, it is fleeting and irrelevant; it is the unseen eternal within us that has our full attention and captivation, our gaze!" 2Corinthians 4:7, "We have discovered this treasure where it was hidden all along, in these frail skin-suits made of clay." 1Corinthians 1:6, "You certainly have the testimony of Christ evidenced in you." [You possess full knowledge and give full expression because in you the evidence for the truth of Christ (GOD) has found confirmation.---NEB] ) I really hope that in your discovery of Christ's indwelling, you will realize that we ourselves are equally found to have passed the test! My sincere prayer is that, even if you cannot see us as meeting the requirements in your estimate, you do not use our apparent failure as an excuse to disqualify yourselves! Truth does not become true by popular vote! It is already true without our permission! Therefore truth is not defined by our behavior. Nothing we do distracts from what truth really is. Truth triumphs inspite of what people think or do! (The truth about you has its ultimate reference in Christ. Ephesians 4:21 ) We rejoice in the fact that our weakness serves to prove you strong! We pray that you will find all the evidence you need to persuade yourself of your own perfection! Somehow it seems better for me to write my thoughts to you; I think that was I physically with you now, I might have been more abrupt! Yet [1]who I am in the LORD is a gift to you; I only wish to edify you; there is nothing in me that could possibly do you any harm. (The word, [1,G1849 from G1832, exesti, from a compound of G1537 and G1510] exousia, is from (G1537) ek, source, and (G1510) eimi, I am, is often translated, authority. Thus it would read, "according to the authority which the LORD has given me to build you up and not to disappoint (or destroy) you.) (The Mirror)
There remains just a few closing verses, these we shall look at in our next visit the LORD willing. Until then do your own test as given above, and may the LORD GOD the Spirit of Christ reveal his presences within you and yours.
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "Examine(G3985) yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove(G1381) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power(G1849) which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "Examine(G3985) yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test(G1381) yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority(G1849) that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:5-10 "I implore you to [1]examine your faith for yourselves in order to test what it is that you really believe. Faith is so much more than mere veneer of a superstitious belief in a historic Christ; faith is about realizing Jesus Christ in you, in the midst of contradiction! Just [2]as ore is placed into a crucible, where the dross is separated from the gold in a furnace, come to the conclusion for yourselves of his indwelling! Should it appear to you that Christ is absent in your life, look again, you have obviously done the test wrong! (You cannot measure temperature with a ruler! Paul uses the word, [1, G3985 from G3984] peiratzo, to examine closely, it is from (G3984 with the base of G4008 from G4009) peira, meaning to pierce; a test to determine the hidden value of something; is also from the word (G4009) peras, which speaks of extremity or the furthest boundary. Faith is not a veneer to cover up potential depression or disappointments when faced with trying times! Note that Paul is not speaking about you putting your beliefs to the test; but you testing the faith for yourselves! There is only one valid faith, not what we believe about GOD or about ourselves, but what GOD believes about us! Paul wants us to discover for ourselves what GOD already knows and believes about us! GOD is highly persuaded about Christ's indwelling us, you, now he wants you to be equally persuaded! Then he uses the word, [2,G1381] dokimatzo, as in the testing of metals. Self-examination has nothing to do with finding hidden sins and flaws in you; it is all about realizing Christ in you! The object of the furnace is not to reveal the dross, but the gold! Christ himself is the proof of faith, he is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. The test of truth is foolproof! Look at verse 8. "Truth is not threatened by our scrutiny!" Look at 2Corinthians 4:18, "We are not keeping any score of what seems so obvious to the senses on the surface, it is fleeting and irrelevant; it is the unseen eternal within us that has our full attention and captivation, our gaze!" 2Corinthians 4:7, "We have discovered this treasure where it was hidden all along, in these frail skin-suits made of clay." 1Corinthians 1:6, "You certainly have the testimony of Christ evidenced in you." [You possess full knowledge and give full expression because in you the evidence for the truth of Christ (GOD) has found confirmation.---NEB] ) I really hope that in your discovery of Christ's indwelling, you will realize that we ourselves are equally found to have passed the test! My sincere prayer is that, even if you cannot see us as meeting the requirements in your estimate, you do not use our apparent failure as an excuse to disqualify yourselves! Truth does not become true by popular vote! It is already true without our permission! Therefore truth is not defined by our behavior. Nothing we do distracts from what truth really is. Truth triumphs inspite of what people think or do! (The truth about you has its ultimate reference in Christ. Ephesians 4:21 ) We rejoice in the fact that our weakness serves to prove you strong! We pray that you will find all the evidence you need to persuade yourself of your own perfection! Somehow it seems better for me to write my thoughts to you; I think that was I physically with you now, I might have been more abrupt! Yet [1]who I am in the LORD is a gift to you; I only wish to edify you; there is nothing in me that could possibly do you any harm. (The word, [1,G1849 from G1832, exesti, from a compound of G1537 and G1510] exousia, is from (G1537) ek, source, and (G1510) eimi, I am, is often translated, authority. Thus it would read, "according to the authority which the LORD has given me to build you up and not to disappoint (or destroy) you.) (The Mirror)
There remains just a few closing verses, these we shall look at in our next visit the LORD willing. Until then do your own test as given above, and may the LORD GOD the Spirit of Christ reveal his presences within you and yours.
Friday, June 14, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 2Corinthians 13:1; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Headed into chapter 13 of 2Corinthians, here we find another warning to the church and the people of GOD's grace and restored glory who walk in this life as his redeemed, Saints. Lets see what Paul has to reveal herein shall we.
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (spoken of in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15). I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned(G4258), and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness (of our own flesh), yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "This is the third time I am coming to you. "Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses" (spoken of in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15). I warned those who sinned(G4258) before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness (of our own flesh), but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealings with you we will live with him by the power of God." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "In getting ready to visit you now for the third time, I am reminded of the Scriptures (spoken in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15) "that says that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." I addressed this issue during my second visit and do so again now, in my absence, with this letter: when i arrive I will not tolerate the stubborn attitude of those who wish to continue in their [1]old distorted deeds. (The word, [1,G4258 from G4253 and G264, from G1 and the base of G3313] prohamartia or proamartanō, translates as, old sins or previous sins, comes from (G4253) pro , previous, and the word we've seen before, (G1) ha, without and (G3313) meros, allotted portion or form; suggesting the distorted patterns of judgment (vision, or perception) to err, we have had of ourselves, thus justifying the lies that we believed about ourselves and one another.) The frailties that I testify to in myself, do not distract from the power impact that the word (promise) of Christ in me, has in you! This should be enough proof to you of the integrity of my ministry! It seems such a paradox when one considers the frailty (in humanity's flesh) of Christ's frame, how he suffered such a dreadful death (due us and as us) on the cross (of our judgment as humanity), compared to the power of GOD so evidenced in him as his source of life. Our own lives often mirror the same contrasting paradox that we have witnessed in Christ, where our times of weakness become a platform for the power of GOD to be displayed as the secret source of the life we participate in together with Christ, to encourage you!" (The Mirror)
The LORD willing we shall finish this in our next visit. Until then may our LORD and GOD be with you all.
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (spoken of in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15). I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned(G4258), and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness (of our own flesh), yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you." (KJV)
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "This is the third time I am coming to you. "Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses" (spoken of in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15). I warned those who sinned(G4258) before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness (of our own flesh), but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealings with you we will live with him by the power of God." (ESV)
2Corinthians 13:1-4 "In getting ready to visit you now for the third time, I am reminded of the Scriptures (spoken in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15) "that says that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." I addressed this issue during my second visit and do so again now, in my absence, with this letter: when i arrive I will not tolerate the stubborn attitude of those who wish to continue in their [1]old distorted deeds. (The word, [1,G4258 from G4253 and G264, from G1 and the base of G3313] prohamartia or proamartanō, translates as, old sins or previous sins, comes from (G4253) pro , previous, and the word we've seen before, (G1) ha, without and (G3313) meros, allotted portion or form; suggesting the distorted patterns of judgment (vision, or perception) to err, we have had of ourselves, thus justifying the lies that we believed about ourselves and one another.) The frailties that I testify to in myself, do not distract from the power impact that the word (promise) of Christ in me, has in you! This should be enough proof to you of the integrity of my ministry! It seems such a paradox when one considers the frailty (in humanity's flesh) of Christ's frame, how he suffered such a dreadful death (due us and as us) on the cross (of our judgment as humanity), compared to the power of GOD so evidenced in him as his source of life. Our own lives often mirror the same contrasting paradox that we have witnessed in Christ, where our times of weakness become a platform for the power of GOD to be displayed as the secret source of the life we participate in together with Christ, to encourage you!" (The Mirror)
The LORD willing we shall finish this in our next visit. Until then may our LORD and GOD be with you all.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 2Corinthians 12:14; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.
Keeping our minds clear and our eyes wide open with ears tuned to the voice of GOD within we move forward each new day as we learn more of what it means to have Christ in us. This was as difficult in Paul's day, as it is even more so today for us, because we live in a hostile wicked environment. What helps is to change the name "Israel" for that of humanity or Corinthians for where we live or even our own church of residence. With this in mind lets see what maybe hidden within the last portion of chapter 12, as Paul reveals concern for these folks, he very well could be speaking to our own, and in many cases is!
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired(G3870) Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed." (KJV)
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged(G3870) Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced." (ESV)
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "It is not my style to talk so much about myself, but here I am foolishly defending my reputation against your esteemed Apostles! Hey, I was hoping that you would rather defend me! All the signs that confirmed my commission and Apostleship were evidenced in you. These signs and miracles and mighty works consistently accompany my ministry. How can you possibly feel neglected? The only way in which you were treated differently from the other churches is that I did not burden you with any financial obligations to me.
This will be my third visit to you and again I have no intent to burden you in any way! Your money cannot enrich me but your friendship surely does! It is the parent's job to look after their children and not the other way around! It is my pleasure to go to any expense, even to the extreme of bankrupting myself for your sakes! Did I have a hidden agenda, tricking you with guile? Did anyone that I sent to serve you perhaps abuse you? I entreated Titus to encourage you in our [1]joint-affliction and co-assigned our brother (Luke) with him; did Titus take any advantage of you? Did we conduct ourselves in the same spirit and leave the same impression? ([we have seen this before.] The word, [1,G3870 from G3844 and G2564] parakaleo, comes from (G3844) para, and is a preposition indicating close proximity, with a suggestion of union, originating from, and (G2564) kaleo, meaning to identify by name, to surname. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit in the same capacity: (G3875) parakletos, meaning close companion, kinsman in John 14:16.)
My intent is not to justify myself at your expense! GOD knows that our sincere desire in everything we say is to edify you in Christ, dearly beloved! I do not desire that my coming to you will disappoint any of your or my expectations! Contentious debates, petty jealousies, flaring emotions, divisions, bad-mouthing, rumorous gossip, inflated selfish ambitions and disharmony can certainly not be justified and should not be allowed to replace the rich and edifying fellowship which we can anticipate. I certainly have no desire to be humiliated again facing the same old mindsets and sin of imoralty, adultery and licentiousness! This will break my heart! GOD knows." (The Mirror)
Now if you stuck with me in this you will I am sure benefit. Now until our next visit may the LORD our GOD bless you and yours with the light of understanding in his wisdom of the kingdom within us all.
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired(G3870) Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed." (KJV)
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged(G3870) Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced." (ESV)
2Corinthians 12:11-13, 14-18, 19-21 "It is not my style to talk so much about myself, but here I am foolishly defending my reputation against your esteemed Apostles! Hey, I was hoping that you would rather defend me! All the signs that confirmed my commission and Apostleship were evidenced in you. These signs and miracles and mighty works consistently accompany my ministry. How can you possibly feel neglected? The only way in which you were treated differently from the other churches is that I did not burden you with any financial obligations to me.
This will be my third visit to you and again I have no intent to burden you in any way! Your money cannot enrich me but your friendship surely does! It is the parent's job to look after their children and not the other way around! It is my pleasure to go to any expense, even to the extreme of bankrupting myself for your sakes! Did I have a hidden agenda, tricking you with guile? Did anyone that I sent to serve you perhaps abuse you? I entreated Titus to encourage you in our [1]joint-affliction and co-assigned our brother (Luke) with him; did Titus take any advantage of you? Did we conduct ourselves in the same spirit and leave the same impression? ([we have seen this before.] The word, [1,G3870 from G3844 and G2564] parakaleo, comes from (G3844) para, and is a preposition indicating close proximity, with a suggestion of union, originating from, and (G2564) kaleo, meaning to identify by name, to surname. Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit in the same capacity: (G3875) parakletos, meaning close companion, kinsman in John 14:16.)
My intent is not to justify myself at your expense! GOD knows that our sincere desire in everything we say is to edify you in Christ, dearly beloved! I do not desire that my coming to you will disappoint any of your or my expectations! Contentious debates, petty jealousies, flaring emotions, divisions, bad-mouthing, rumorous gossip, inflated selfish ambitions and disharmony can certainly not be justified and should not be allowed to replace the rich and edifying fellowship which we can anticipate. I certainly have no desire to be humiliated again facing the same old mindsets and sin of imoralty, adultery and licentiousness! This will break my heart! GOD knows." (The Mirror)
Now if you stuck with me in this you will I am sure benefit. Now until our next visit may the LORD our GOD bless you and yours with the light of understanding in his wisdom of the kingdom within us all.
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