I wrote this and placed it in an editorial a few years ago for a past election but feel it still applies toward this one - If you agree, pass it along.

Dear Voter

Socialism is a flawed concept; it always fails, and the fallacy is they think they can tweak it and make it work. Free market capitalism has some risk, but it works and allows our God-given ideas to be used. Build a better mouse trap and you’re a success; work hard and you’re a success.

It’s no coincidence that the world came out of the dark ages into the age of the industrial revolution shortly after the Bible was mass produced with the advent of the Gutenberg printing press. Before socialists and communists attempt to indoctrinate youth with their twisted doctrine, they try to get them to believe the lie that there is no God; this sets the government up to be the biggest authority, but we know God is the true Authority. Small government is part of the answer, not a looming bureaucratic mess.

Wealth distribution is a failed attempt to make all people equal. Wealth distribution is a tenet socialists adhere to. The tenets put forth in the Declaration of Independence are the ones worth noting and declare what the Founding Fathers knew to be true and self-evident – that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and the only qualification pertaining to our country to obtain these rights is to be a human being and a U.S. citizen.

Our Founding Fathers fought the Revolutionary War to win their liberty from an oppressive, tyrannical king who failed to afford them their human dignity and rights. The Declaration of Independence, as well as our constitutional rights are equally applied to all U.S. citizens. The right to bear arms, freedom of speech and all the other rights put forth are equally applied. Our laws against murder, slander and any other crimes are meant for all U. S. citizens equally. Failure to point you to these rights that are already yours and creating a victimhood mentality, as well as protected group and hate speech laws, creates inequality, lifting one group above the rights we are all afforded as U.S. citizens.

Any rights we ever have in this country as citizens always have to be applied equally, based only on the fact that we are human beings and U.S. citizens. Anything else may sound like it’s good and beneficial to certain special interest groups, but in reality creates inequality by creating certain rights afforded to groups, but not all individuals. We must remember all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. The inherent risk in our constitutional republic is that some of the individuals fail to apply themselves, i.e., lazy, or a morally deficient person says he is mistreated. Small government, by the people and for the people, with few regulations, is what preserves decency for all. Like the song says, ‘Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight’ Jesus loves all peoples of the world and so should we. But race politics pits one race against another, creating a constant state of victimhood. If you are a human being and a U.S. citizen, the Constitution and our law system, which are both founded on Judeo-Christian ethics, afford us all equality.

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The Power Of Passion

A Scepter of Righteousness

 God, the Father, had this to say about His Son, Jesus, "But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:8-9  Again, a sceptor of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. 

The people of Israel wanted a king, so they could be like other nations that had a king. Their first king was Saul, then King David, followed by a long procession of both good and bad kings. The division in the kingdom came shortly after Solomon, David's son, was succeeded by his son, Rehoboam, who was the anointed successor. Two of Israel's tribes followed King Rehoboam, and the remaining ten tribes followed Jeroboam, who became their king. The two tribes of the southern kingdom were composed of the territory belonging to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the northern kingdom was composed of the territory belonging to the remaining ten tribes. 

God had made a promise to King David that he (David) would always have somebody from his lineage to sit upon the throne. God promised David that the house of David and his kingdom would endure forever, saying, Your throne will be established forever. (ref. Ps. 132:11, Acts 2:29-30, 2 Sam. 7:16, Luke 1:32b-33) 

Scripture says, "Concerning His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, which was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"  Rom. 1:3-4

This of course, is who Father God is referring to, when in the following scriptures it is written, "But unto the Son he saith, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:8-9

How can we explain a scepter of righteousness? Not a whole lot is said in scripture to fully explain the use of a king's scepter. One of the most powerful descriptions of its use might be found in the book of Esther. Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her, are both amongst the exiled Jews in the Persian diaspora in approximately 486 - 465 BC. Esther and Mordecai's faith in God cause a response on Esther's part to approach the Persian King Ahasuerus, risking her life in an attempt to save the Jewish people in that realm from wicked Haman, who was an advisor to the Persian king. 

Haman's plot was to destroy the Jewish people. Esther, who through a fateful series of events is now queen to King Ahasuerus, said to Mordecai, "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come into the king, into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live; but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther, the queen, standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So, Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." Esther 4:11-17, 5:1-3 

God answered the prayers of Esther, Mordecai and the rest of the Jewish people who were exiled living in that realm; Haman and many other enemies of the Jews were destroyed, as Esther and Mordecai had favor with King Ahasuerus. They put faith in God as their Deliverer and God made a way; God met all their needs. 

We are told in Scripture, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Mat. 6:33

Esther was able to come all the way into the inner court, and the king held out his scepter that she would live. Prior to this, it's told, "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight, more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:17

"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom."  Heb. 1:8 

A scepter of righteousness is descriptive of His righteousness; the true righteousness He offers to those who are willing to give up their own (their own effort and merit) as a way to approach Him for eternal life and enter into the inner court through the veil which has been torn.

'Righteousness' signifies uprightness and right-standing with God. 'Justified' refers to something that is crooked being made straight. In fact, we get the word, 'wicked' from the word 'wicker'; meaning twisted. 

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "...verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7

Remember, (if you are born again), before you were born again, you were on a fast track heading down the highway of life. You were trying to earn your way to heaven by your effort and performance. Then you heard the truth of the gospel, the message that said it wasn't your performance, but what Christ did on the cross that offered you His uncondtional pardon, and you accepted His offer. He took your sin and gave you His righteousness. You accepted His sacrificial atonement. You repented, which means you changed the direction of your thinking; you went in the other direction. Now, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, all because of Jesus. 

Jesus holds this scepter out for anyone to touch it. His scepter speaks of authority and right-standing and it is graciously extended. 

God said He would break or destroy the scepter of many wicked nations (ref. Ps. 125:3) and finally, he said the scepter of Egypt will depart away. (ref. Zech. 10:11) Egypt represents sin and bondage, which in one way or another epitomized the passing pleasure of sin of all nations who forsake God. God's will is for you to forsake this temptuous, false way to meet your needs, as we should rely only on Him. As Scripture tells us, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible. Through faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch him." Heb. 11:24-28 

It is in your thoughts that you feel close or distant from God, but the truth is, if you're born again, He's in you and you're in Him - He's always very near. 

Esther and Mordecai prevailed against their enemies with the authority and enablement of the king who's favor they had, as Esther was able to enter the inner court and be in his (King Ahasuerus') presence. Jesus, our great King, has beckoned to all of mankind to come into the inner court of His presence by extending His scepter of righteousness. 

By default, everybody who does not place their trust in Christ to enter the kingdom is embracing the world's way of doing things. You cannot earn your way to heaven by your effort and performance. Only One measured up to the standard of the law and we must place our trust in Him, as you've received an imputed righteousness. (ref. Rom. 4:5-8) Only then are you in right-standing with God and made straight. If you are born again, then you've been made the righteousness of God, it's something you cannot earn, even though the world, the flesh and the devil want you to think differently. This is walking in a different way and thinking different thoughts than the world's system of doing things. 

Scripture says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7

Christian - Rest begins in your thought life!

 We must be a doers of the Word and the next step after believing the Word of God is to let or allow the Word to capture your mind, thought life, and your imagination. The enemy knows if he can capture your thought life, he has won a great victory. You cannot keep thoughts from coming to your mind, but you can keep them from staying there. You can't stop someone from knocking on your door, but you can decide who you want to let in. And so, dealing with the devil and his thoughts and suggestions, we must do it right when they come to our minds, whether it's doubt, whether it's fear, or lack, whether it's strife or unforgiveness. Whatever it is, whether it's sin (misbehavior) or disobedience; whatever it is, you deal with it right there at the door, and you have authority. In other words, as a believer, if you don't exercise your authority in your thought life, you'll never exercise your authority in your outward life. 

"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowlege of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Cor. 10:5 KJV  

It's the anointing that destroys the yolk of bondage; in other words, any kind of bondage. So when you meditate on the Word, the anointing comes up into your soul (your mind, will and emotions) and destroys bad imaginations, it destroys old thought patterns and attitudes, so that the new creature (creation) and the reality of what has been done for you in Christ now - comes up and gets on your soul and then that overflows into your body. And so, when you meditate on the Word of God, you're taking spiritual realities from the Word of God and you're allowing that to capture your imagination. (Above quoted from Mark Hankins Ministry)

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."  Gen. 4:6-7 KJV

Cain didn't do a very good job of dealing with what lieth at his door. He bought the lie, and the very next verse tells us that Cain rose up against his brother and slew him. (ref. Gen. 4:8) Cain also didn't deal well in his response to the Lord's question of  'Where is Abel thy brother?' He (Cain) said, 'I know not: am I my brother's keeper?' (ref. vs. 9) The answer to Cain's question is yes, you are your brothers keeper. 

The Hebrews who came out of Egypt were at the door of the Promise Land and their ticket in was faith; the only trouble was, so few of them had one. Faith has a faith object and most of them had a dim view of theirs. When faith is missing, the only thing left to fill in the void is doubt and unbelief. Scripture tells us, "He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel." Ps. 103:7 KJV  The NLT translation reads, "He revealed his character to Moses, and his deeds to the people of Israel." The aspersions and murmurings cast against God's character went something like this. 

"And ye murmured in your tents, and said, 'Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us." Deut. 1:27 KJV  Also, as found in Exodus, "And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, Oh Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." Ex. 32:4 KJV

God said, "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I swear in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest." Heb. 3:10-11 KJV 

Stephen, the first recorded martyr for Christ, said in speaking of the Israelites exiting Egypt, "To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what has become of him." Acts 7:39-40 KJV

We, as Christians, can find ourselves wanting to turn back. We, too, like the Hebrews coming out of Egypt, have been set free. They were delivered and set free from the cruel Egyptian task masters who held them in the bondage of slavery, externally forcing them against their will to do their dictates. The Hebrews were not their own to do as they would, but were property owned by someone else. Moses wrote, "And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers." Deut. 6:23 KJV  Biblically speaking, Egypt represents sin and bondage. "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?" Gal. 4:9 KJV  

The law is an external dictate and doesn't win the will of the heart; a dictator forces submission on you from without, but someone you love captures your heart and will from within. Paul writes, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Rom. 8:14-16 KJV "Wherefore thou art no more a servant (slave), but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Gal. 4:7 

We've gone from dictator to Father, from slave to son. Bondage to lusts and additive habits are the results of a deceptive lure and enticement to turn back to sin (Egypt), but perhaps the most deceptive is religious bondage (legalism), a striving to earn your acceptance with God. Our rest is in knowing we are accepted and approved (in right-standing with God) all through the finished work of the cross, a complete work of grace. "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Heb. 4:10 KJV  It's His righteousness we adorn.

When we rehearse the righteous acts of God, we willingly submit. This truth is found in the song of Deborah. (Read Judges 5:1-31 for the entire account) "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves." Judg. 5:2 KJV "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the Lord. Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates." Judg. 5:7-11 KJV

Lets examine two scripture verses that really bring the song of Deborah to life. The first is found in the 28th chapter of Isaiah, as follows, "In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people. He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5-6 NIV, emphasis mine) The second verse is found in the 12th chapter of Isaiah: "And in THAT day you will say: "OH LORD, I will praise You; Though you were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song, He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isa. 12:1-3 NKJV, emphasis mine)  God's anger is turned away. Deborah states at the beginning of her song that when the people of Israel chose new gods, war was at the gates and the people of Israel were unwilling to fight, but when they rehearsed the righteous acts of the LORD the people willingly went and contended with the war at the gates.

Gates and doors are entrance points that allow access in or out. Again, the Lord said unto Cain, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." Gen. 4:7 KJV  We, as born-again Christians are accepted of God and we do well to rest in this truth, to rejoice in this truth and deny access to the door of our heart anything that speaks otherwise. (ref. Isa. 54:17) "For we which have believed do enter into rest," Hebrews  4:3a KJV  Most of the Hebrews who came out of Egypt stalled in the wilderness and could not move forward to claim the promises. "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4:2 KJV

We, too, can have a time of testing in the wilderness, let us do as Jesus did in His wilderness temptations. He knew and spoke the truth to overcome the temptations of the enemy; we also believe and therefore speak. (ref. 2 Cor. 4:13) He knew He was and is the beloved Son of God and didn't have to prove it to satan. We can overcome these trials in faith and be assured of the victory, but most importantly, rest. It's from this position of rest that we obtain the promises. We are to enter into His rest, ":although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (ref. Heb. 4:1,3b) 

This is referring to what's stated primarily in the first three verses of Genesis chapter two, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made and God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Gen. 2:1-3 KJV  This is not referring to God resting as though He were tired, like we get tired physically or emotionally, etc., but that His work of creation was complete. You can liken it unto an artist painting a picture or a sculptor creating a sculpture. When he or she finishes it, it's perfect and complete. One more brush stroke or one more chiseled piece removed is not needed, so the artist sets the brush or chisel down and rests from their creative work. So He, (God) rested on the seventh day and God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. 

The book of Exodus tells us, ":wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:11b KJV (hallowed means to make it holy) We too, as Christians have been made holy-we've received the Holy Spirit and are now saints. We've been sanctified and set apart for His special purposes; we are complete in Christ. (ref. Col. 2:10) He, (Christ) is our sabbath rest. We were made this way the moment we became born again. It's all grace. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Heb. 7:19 KJV  

Our rest, as Christians, is a spiritual rest that we are meant to enter into continually. (ref. Col. 2:6) Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Mat. 11:28-30 KJV  Our rest is achieved by our remembrance that we are complete in Him, all by grace and faith in His blood. (ref. Heb. 13:9, 20, Rom. 3:25) The Apostle Peter wrote, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:"  "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Pet. 13-14, 22 KJV

And yes, be your brother's keeper. 

 The Nativity in Bethlehem

I love the Christmas season and the chance of seeing a nativity scene set up in someone's yard or some other outdoor setting. Perhaps you've had the good fortune to attend a live nativity using real animals. Whether an outdoor nativity scene or a smaller scaled model inside someone's home, it provokes wonder as to how the real scene in Bethlehem with the Christ Child must have been. 

In Hebrew, the city's name is pronounced, "Beit-lehem." "Beit" means house and "Lechem" means bread - together being "house of bread." Jesus said, at one point, "I am the Bread of life" (ref. John 6:35; 48) and "I am the manna that came down out of heaven..." (John 6:31) 

Nativity is described in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as: The place of origin. Jesus came down from heaven and took on a body of flesh. Jesus grew to physical maturity in that body. His spirit was from above. Jesus said to a group of Pharisees, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: Ye are of this world; I am not of this world." (John 8:23b KJV) Jesus said we too must be born from above; this is the only way we can see or enter the kingdom of God. (ref. John 3:3) 

The word 'nature' is a root word of 'nativity'-implying that our nature is a derivative of where or who we are from. A born-again believer, or a born-from-above believer, is one spirit with God and he is also a new creation (ref. 1 Cor. 6:17, 2 Cor. 5:17) 

John the Baptist speaking, said, "He that cometh from above is above all: He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all." (John 3:31 KJV) 

The difference between someone born from above (born-again) who has God as his Father and someone who is not born from above, is profound. 'Jesus said unto them, if God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.' (John 8:42-44 KJV) "I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:38 KJV) 

We, as born-again (born from above) Christians, can speak from our place of heavenly origin and heavenly nature, in contrast to an unbeliever who cannot. This is not to say someone who is not born-from-above, or born again, goes about always telling lies. But, it is to say the person who is born-from-above now has as their place of origin, heaven (ref. Eph. 2:6) and our identity in the truth of who we are is who we are in Christ. If we go by our five senses or our circumstances as to who we are, we are not seeing with the eyes of faith. We are not speaking the truth of the reality of our heavenly position or our place of origin.  We are not speaking or acting according to our new nature. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7 KJV)

The entire third chapter of the book of James is well worth reading to bear this out. The book of James says, "But if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." (James 3:14-15 KJV) The entire third chapter of the book of James has much to say about our tongue speaking earthly wisdom and the wisdom which descends from above, but ends with the final three verses, saying, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But, the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3:16-17 KJV)

When we, as born-from-above believers speak or act against the truth of who we now are in our new spirit and nature, we are lying against the truth of our true origin. This is not to say we are to now become police monitors of all action and speech, for that is an exterior bandaid leading to bondage. The final verse in James chapter three concludes, "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18 KJV) Righteousness is an inward transformation and one which we have been made. (ref. 2 Cor. 5:21) It (righteousness or our right-standing with God) is not a result of our effort or performance, but of faith placed in Christ's finished work; it is a gift. We have been made new creations. (ref. 2 Cor. 5:17) This brings a rest, a peace. When you see a nativity scene this Christmas season, let it speak to you of our heavenly origin and our heavenly nature, and remember our native language of where and Whose we are from. 

Former Hezbollah Fighter Recalls Encounter with Jesus: 'God Didn't Desig...

Possess your Promise Land

"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Ps. 119:130 KJV

The Apostle Peter rose up and said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."
Acts 15:7b KJV

The Apostle Paul's writing goes on to say, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor. 4:3-4, 6 KJV

Earlier Paul wrote, "And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished. But their minds were blinded; for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it (their heart) shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Cor. 3:13-17 KJV (parentheses mine)

"For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness therof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Heb. 7:18-19 KJV

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Rom. 3:31 KJV

As Christians, we still read and learn from the Old Testament, but we must know how to rightly divide the word of truth, (ref. 2 Tim. 2:15) For as further stated in 2 Timothy, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Tim. 3:16 KJV

Again, the Apostle Peter rose up and said, "that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel ,and believe." Acts 15:7b KJV

The veil that is over one's heart by the law is taken away by faith in Christ. "But that no man is justified (declared righteous) by the law in the sight of God; it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith:" Gal. 3:11-12a KJV (parentheses mine)

At this point, it might serve us well to examine what the law can do and what it cannot do; what the law is and what it is not.

The law is a standard that must be fully met if you want to attempt to use it to gain your own righteousness (right-standing with God) by your merit or human effort. For as found in the book of James, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Jam. 2:10 KJV, (ref. Heb. 7:19) (parentheses mine)

The law is holy, just and good, but it cannot make us holy, just or good. (ref. Gal. 2:16, 3:10-14, Rom. 3:20, 8:3)

The law cannot give us life or make us righteous. (make us to have right-standing with God) (ref. Gal. 3:21-22)

The law was given so that every mouth would be silenced - if you thought or said you could attain your own righteousness (right-standing with God) by your own merit, actions or human effort. "Now we know that what things so ever the law saith, it sayeth to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." Rom. 3:19 KJV

The law makes us conscious of sin. When we look at the law, we become aware of our faults and short-comings. (ref. Rom. 3:20, Heb. 9:14)

The law is the tool God uses to expose our short-comings and our inability to achieve God's standard by our own merit, actions or human effort. The law demands perfection. (ref. Jam. 2:10)

The law is the strength (or power) of sin. (ref. 1 Cor. 15:56)

The law stirs up sin. (ref. Rom. 7:5)

The law is the ministration of death. (ref. 2 Cor. 3:7, Rom. 8:2)

The law is the ministration of condemnation. (ref. 2 Cor. 3:9)

"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, (slavery) for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." 1 Tim. 1:8-11 KJV (parentheses mine)

The law was given to lead us to Christ that we might be justified (declared righteous) by faith. (ref. Gal. 3:24)  "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us," Rom. 8:3-4a KJV

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." Rom. 10:4 KJV

Again, the Apostle Peter rose up and said, "that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." Acts 15:7b KJV

"Consequently faith comes from hearing the message, (the gospel) and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Rom. 10:17 NIV (parentheses mine) Some Bible translations say that the message is heard through the word of 'God'. Now we know that Jesus is God, but if you use the word 'God' in this passage of scripture, that would encompass the entire Bible, including the Old Testament law with its curses. And we know the law is not of faith, but the message of the gospel, the hearing of Christ, brings faith. (See Gal. 3:12)

Further, it's stated in the book of Hebrews, "For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith." Heb. 4:2 NIV

The gospel message was made of no value (or did not profit them) for many of the people who were led out of Egypt by Moses. (ref. Heb. 3:16-19) These people in a prideful or self-righteous statement said they could do (by their own merit and human effort), all that the Lord commanded. Shortly thereafter God gave them the Ten Commandments and all the subsequent laws along with them. (ref. Exod. 19:7-8, ch. 20) They agreed to a covenant whereby they said their righteousness or right-standing with God would be determined by their ability, strength and merit (human effort), to keep all of the righteous requirements of the law - to maintain the perfect standard that the law demanded. As stated in the book of Deuteronomy, "And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us." Deut. 6:25 KJV (ref. Rom. 8:4)

Remember the law was given that every mouth would be silenced (to silence our mouths) if we thought or said we could keep it apart from faith in Christ.

Many of the children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses had a draconian mind set - and although they witnessed God's goodness and faithfulness as God honored the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to deliver Abraham's descendents, (ref. Gen. 15:13-16) their thoughts and beliefs in their hearts of God towards them and of them toward God were very twisted and misconstrued. Of the twelve men whom Moses sent in to spy out the Promise Land, only two returned with a good report. The remaining ten spies who returned saw themselves as grasshoppers in their own site, as they looked upon the sons of A'-nak which come of the giants. The law will always make you look at yourself; your own ability and your short-comings, whereas faith puts the promise between us and our circumstance; doubt or unbelief puts the circumstance between us and the promise.

Scripture tells us that only two from that generation came into the Promise Land with the younger generation. Now remember, as discussed earlier, these people chose to put themselves under the Old Covenant of law. They chose to enter into agreement with God, saying in their pride that they could keep all the law. (see Exod. 19:7-8) And their words and actions, which maligned God's character, further revealed the condition of their hearts, saying such things as are found in Deuteronomy, "And ye murmured in your tents, and said, 'Because the Lord hated us, He hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us." Deut. 1:27 KJV Also, as found in Exodus, "And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, 'These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.'" Exod. 32:4 KJV

These people were delivered from Egypt (which represents sin) by the placing of blood on their doorposts. They put faith in the blood. (that blood foreshadowed Christ's blood) They were delivered from Pharoah and his army. (Pharoah was a cruel task-master) "And Moses said unto the people, 'Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.' And the Lord said unto Moses, wherefor criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:" Exod. 14:13-15 KJV

We too, as believers, have been delivered from sin (ref. Rom. 6:11), we continually put faith in the blood, (ref. Rom. 3:25) and we have been delivered from a cruel task-master which is the law. (ref. Rom. 7:4, Gal. 4:5) We've been delivered from the power of darkness. (ref. Col. 1:13) God broke the power of the enemy over us by "blotting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it (the law written on stone tablets by the finger of God) to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Col. 2:14-15 KJV We likewise have seen the salvation of the Lord.

Again, Moses said, "For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exod. 14:13b-14 KJV It's difficult for us as Christians to hold our peace if we don't believe we've been delivered from the law, (a cruel task-master) which God took away - and we shall see no more forever. It's difficult to go forward and claim the promises if you think that God is a cruel task-master.

Scripture tells us, "but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. 11:6 KJV

In the wilderness, they saw how the Lord God carried them as a father carries his son, yet many did not trust in the Lord. (ref. Deut. 1:29-31) God's word says, "And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers." Deut. 6:23 KJV  This is God's heart. It's difficult to have faith in your faith object (Christ) if you believe God hates you and is wrathful and harsh toward you. This is why scripture states -

"Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression." Rom. 4:15 KJV

"And the law is not of faith:" Gal. 3:12a KJV

"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." Gal. 3:21-22 KJV

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified (declared righteous) in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:" Rom. 3:20-22a KJV (parentheses mine)

Again, we find in Hebrews, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Heb. 4:2 KJV

Faith in Christ's finished work is what allows us to claim the promises. We must be trained to know the truth of our faith object, His character and nature, for after all, it is the nature of the One who made the promise which gives the promise its validity. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Cor. 1:20 NIV

Again, Joshua, and Caleb, were the only two out of the twelve who spied out the Promise Land to return and give a good report. They were the only two, along with the younger generation, allowed to eventually enter the Promise Land. The other ten spies discouraged the hearts of the people upon returning. It's recorded in scripture "Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." Num. 14:6-9 NIV

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, scripture tells us, "It came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, 'Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.'" Luke 3:21b-22 KJV  If you are born again, then you are one with Christ and He (God) is well pleased with you - and you are well able to take the land!

Faith without works is dead, but also, works without faith are dead. (ref. Jam. 2:17-18, Heb. 6:1)  Faith in the One who made the promises is what gives us the boldness to claim our inheritance. The Apostle Paul wrote, "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;" 2 Cor. 4:13 KJV

We find in scripture, "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:" Rom. 4:13-14 KJV  If it was by the law - which would make it our own merit, performance or human effort - why would we need a Savior?

The gospel is a revelation of God's righteousness because it brings hope, (I don't have to rely on my own strengths and I am not hindered by my short-comings) but I can rest in Christ's strength, which I do. It (the gospel) reveals the righteousness (our right-standing with God) God provides through the work of the cross, this is the righteousness we are to seek after and it is the righteousness you found (and continually possess) if you're in Christ. (ref. Mat. 6:33, Col. 1:13) This is the righteousness we were made when we were born again through faith in Christ's finished work as stated in Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth ,"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21 KJV Four verses earlier from the previous verse we are told, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ; he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Cor. 5:17 NIV This is the righteousness we were created in and we're told to put on (in our mindset or attitude of our minds) spoken of by Paul, "to be made new in the attitude of your minds; (spirit of your minds) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Eph. 4:23 NIV, vs. 24 KJV (parentheses mine) This is the righteousness that the gospel reveals. (ref. Rom. 1:16-17)

As found in Colossians, "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel:" Col. 1:5 KJV

The book of Acts tells us that the Apostle Paul speaking to a group at Antioch in Pisidia declared, "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:37-38 KJV

The gospel work is boldly proclaimed by the writer of Hebrews, saying, "Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people: For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." Heb. 8:9-10, 12 KJV

The Apostle Paul writes, "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." Gal. 4:4-6 KJV

The law works for us, as children, in a practical sense to govern our behavior through the fear of punishment. As an infant child or toddler, we cannot reason the necessity of avoiding putting a screwdriver into an electrical outlet, but we shortly come to understand attempting to do so brings an urgent spanking. Scripture states, "Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, (slave) 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:" Gal. 4:1-3 KJV

A law system is for behavior modification. The only thing a law system can do is judge and condemn, but it cannot transform. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what transforms from within.

We as believers are now led or governed from within, by the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, not by an external code of laws. Conforming to rules comes from without; transformation comes from within. (ref. Rom. 12:2) "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Cor. 3:17 KJV  "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Rom. 8:2 KJV

Again, the law works for us, as children, in a practical sense to govern our behavior through the fear of punishment. The law curbs the behavior of unruly kids and an unruly society, yet it is not God's true heart. It's not God's desire to control from without like a dictator or despot; they never win the heart of the people. He wants us to follow Him willingly, led from within by the Holy Spirit. He wants us to have faith and not fear, (fear of punishment) and have the relationship with Him that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings. When one's heart turns toward Him the veil is lifted.

God's kingdom has a King and He's a good King with a kind and merciful heart. As born-again Christians our hearts now say Abba Father and we are sons and daughters, no longer slaves. (ref. Gal. 4:6-7) The law is cold and it desires no relationship, and if a person is prideful and thinks he can earn his way to heaven by his own merit or performance, then he is not looking to the One who did it for him. God rules our hearts by love. The law demands whereas grace imparts in us a desire to live a godly life. (ref. Titus 2:12)

Scripture tells us, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, (people who aren't delivered from the law or don't realize they have been, believe God is angry with them, for by the law is the fear of wrath) yet now hath he reconciled, In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard," Col.1:21-23a KJV (parentheses mine)

Jesus fulfilled the law. Jesus went to the cross fully man and fully God. He bore our punishment that the law demanded.

Scripture now tells us to "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Gal. 6:2 KJV

Also we find, "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom. 13:8-10 KJV

We are told in the book of James, "Confess your faults one to another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (a man in right-standing with God - a man who realizes he's in right-standing with God, which is faith) availeth much." Jam. 5:16 KJV (parentheses mine) People are at liberty to confess their faults in a nonjudgmental atmosphere and the body of Christ is free to minister as we express the unconditional love of God that we have received when we truly understand that we are not under the condemnation of the law. (ref. Rom. 8:1)

Scripture also states, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Gal. 5:14 KJV

Our faith and patience grow for us and others as we come to know and believe the love God has toward us. (ref. 1 John 4:16) This faith allows us to move boldly toward the promises. God's unconditional love toward us is what allows us to be accepted just as we are. We will truly find ourselves behaving better after we have received his unconditional love, yet God's unconditional love is so foreign to this world. The world's system we have been brought up in (before becoming born again) is mostly conditional and in some cases has to be or else society wouldn't function properly. (traffic laws, etc.) The world's system is to compare one to another. (ref. 2 Cor. 10:12) We're okay as long as we are better than that other person, yet the law is an impossible standard. God said, "Be ye perfect as I am perfect." (ref. Mat. 5:48) Again, Jesus Christ is the only One to have been born on Earth as a man, (fully man and fully God) to have kept that standard. Again, He fulfilled the law (ref. Rom. 10:4) and through faith in Him, the righteous requirements of the law are fully met in us. (ref. Rom. 8:3-4, Col. 1:1)

As stated above, Father God said to Jesus, "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Luke 3:22b KJV  The Apostle Paul writes in his epistle to the Ephesians, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Eph.1:6 KJV

Jesus is the beloved Son of God - in Whom God is well pleased, and we are accepted in the Beloved, and God is well pleased with us.

We find in scripture, "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Rom. 8:8-9a KJV

The only qualification here to be in the Spirit is to have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. If you are born again then you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you and God is pleased with you.

We also find in scripture, "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Col. 1:12 NIV

God qualified us through His Son Jesus.  We can agree with Joshua's good report that if the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into the land, and He is pleased with us. We can also agree with scripture which declares, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Rom. 8:2 KJV

Now God bless and go take the Promise Land!