Tue, Mar 31st - 5:47PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Brothers and sisters, our foundation for perfection, i.e. spiritual maturity, rests in the absolute faith in the eternal love and inerrant truth of the Bible which declares absolutely that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour appointed by God to give eternal life and to forgive all peoples of their sins forever who believe in Him.  We know the Bible declares Jesus Christ is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, like His Father God, it is impossible for God the Son, Jesus Christ to lie. No one who willfully without repentance doubts Jesus Christ has any excuse for it.

Therefore, brethren, we know the false churches are all those who falsely preach that it is first necessary for people to believe in their false founders, doctrines, “values”, or demonic non- human beings, or various kinds of movements, and only then will Jesus Christ save and receive them as His own, although some dismiss faith in Jesus Christ entirely.

We understand too, holy people, that those who cherry pick the gospel to preach only it’s so called “nice” parts while eliminating the so- called “offensive or scary” parts are just as guilty in the sight of God of preaching a false gospel. The gospel is absolute- an all or nothing declaration for the whole world without exception, without compromise, with no plan B’s, multiple choices, or alternative options. This theme runs through the whole of scripture.

We, dearly beloveds, agree with God, we don’t want any to perish either, so let us warn them, as God commands, to turn to Christ and away from all their false doctrines etc. while there is still time, so that some might escape from wicked false teachers to gain eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible keeps declaring absolutely over and over in many ways: Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Without exception, we know without doubt, that those who die impenitently rejecting Jesus Christ, will have no excuse, but will suffer God’s eternal wrath, everlasting death and punishment in hell, to await the final eternal judgement and suffering in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels. The gospel message of Jesus Christ, is direct, explicit, exhaustive, exclusive, final and absolute: God loves everyone, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to save everyone who believes in Him: Ro 10: 6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Let the truth be told again and again continually, anyone who rejects Jesus Christ and dies in unbelief will face the wrath of God and eternal death in hell to await the final judgement of everlasting torment in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels. God will never compromise His word nor bow down to any man woman or thing.

Eph 4: 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

 Psa 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Brothers and sisters, the resurrection of Jesus Christ applies to all believers including all those who died in faith before His resurrection. While there is much on this topic in the Bible, Jesus Christ declares this eternal truth and therefore we can rest in His own words:

Lke 20 27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, 28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. 30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. 31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. 32Last of all the woman died also. 33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. 37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. 39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. 40And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

In another place the Bible clearly states: 2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Praise God for His grace and unmerited mercy concerning all of our loved ones too who have died in faith:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

This present world is always filled with unstableness of many kinds i.e. disasters, diseases, unrests, wars and many forms of turbulences along with persecution of the righteous, holy people. through Jesus Christ we have nothing to fear, for He will keep us until the very day of His coming. Ro 8: 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

love

serola

Sat, Mar 28th - 1:45PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Brothers and sisters, our Saviour Jesus Christ wants us and empowers us to fully know and understand Him. How is it that amongst the many faithful preachers and teachers, and the body general, that there are found amongst us those who are falsely teaching that all the saints who died before Jesus Christ arose from the dead are eternally lost with the wicked? Then there are those who question what happened to those who died before the coming of Christ. Yes, brethren, some believers might think this way in ignorance. We understand that God does not condemn us for ignorance, but we are not to stay that way. We know the ignorant will learn, the mistaken will repent, but the wicked never will.

As mentioned earlier, holy people, Jesus was commanded by God to absolutely fulfill all the Law and the prophets before He could go to the cross. The Bible tracks Lord Jesus fulfilling the Law and the prophets, running the gauntlet to the cross every step of the way: Mat 1:22-23; Mat 2:15; Mat 2:23; Mat 4:13 -16; Mat 5:18; Mat 8:17; Mat 12:17 -21; Mat 21:4 – 5; Mat 26:56; Mat 27:9 ; Mat 27:35 , there is so much more, feel free to study this further on your own.

Lord Jesus ran the gauntlet, dearly beloveds, in the sense of a terrible difficult obstacle course, with many enemies trying to trip Him up along the way as He ran His course. Lord Jesus had to run His course perfectly, there could be no slip ups, He had to do it perfectly or the human race would be doomed. He didn’t have all day, time was limited by the Father. Jesus ran with the human race on His back, He ran out of love, proving God is love. He ran out of mercy proving God is merciful, even for a degenerate, worthless, born in sin raised in iniquity, hateful,  ungrateful, unthankful, mouths full of cursing’s,  mankind, more than worthy of death and the wrath of God, worthy of His eternal retribution in eternal punishment and separation from God the Father. Jesus ran boldly, without fear knowing the sordid sinful creatures He had created would turn on Him, reject Him, seek to murder Him, hate Him, slander and lie on Him, but He kept on running to the cross and He never once sinned along the way, proving He is the only sinless human being who ever lived.

BEWARE THOSE WHO CHEAPEN GRACE

Brothers and sisters, beware those who cheapen grace to mean Jesus sacrificed Himself because human beings were so valuable. Yes, it is true God so loved the world He created, but He did so knowing our sinful worthlessness. God has no need of anyone. Had the Father so chosen, He could have raised up children for Himself out of stones.

It cheapens grace, saints (G40 hagios), to flatter people and make them puffed up, proud, rather than grateful for the precious priceless unmerited, unearnable, unbuyable, and unrepayable mercy of God given freely to the totally undeserving who will believe in Him. Lord Jesus ran the gauntlet not to pay retribution to His enemies, i.e. an eye for an eye. Jesus ran to bring in a totally new covenant, knowing He was running to save His enemies: Ro 5: 6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus passed all His tests He proved His sinlessness, He proved He is the perfect sacrifice, perfect scapegoat, perfect atonement, the perfect only final and perfect Saviour, and perfect New Eternal High Priest/Mediator/Advocate, not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchizedek.

Dearly beloveds, we know when the human high priest offered the sacrifice animals of the atonement it was only for the Jewish nation, and for the sins of the people done in the year of atonement. However, it was a weak atonement in that although it was given yearly its effectiveness lasted for only one day. The  one- time perfect sinless sacrifice of atonement of the body and blood of Jesus Christ was totally superior, therefore, God the Father in His omniscience laid all the sins of the whole world past, present and future, not only the sin deeds, but the secret sins, and the sins of the mind and heart on His Son Jesus Christ. Father God also laid the curse, shame, guilt, penalty, suffering, pain, and punishment in the totality of His wrath for all sins of the whole world on Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.

Jesus proved He is the perfect Mediator because the new covenant He established provided reconciliation between God and all men not just the nation of Israel. He proved He is alive for evermore in that He receives tithes as only the eternal - living High Priest of the true tabernacle in heaven can receive tithes. The tithes the human high priest on earth under the Law received were merely material, what people gave without any ability of the human high priest to know the heart of the giver, or the intent or sincerity of the giver. However, the true eternal Saviour, Mediator, High Priest and Advocate Jesus Christ, God Man, in His omniscience knows all secrets and the thoughts and intentions of the hearts of the giver. Therefore, He alone is able to  weigh without error the true intrinsic spiritual value of all tithes, only what is given to Him out of love is accepted.

Jesus Christ as the eternal Saviour is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith to the extent that the Messenger of the Covenant absolutely guarantees the forgiveness of all sins past, present and future, relieving the conscience oi guilt, removing the curse, and shame, and taking away the penalty and punishment to the extent that God for the sake of the Son declares absolutely: Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Dearly beloveds we have to tell the truth to all men that Jesus Christ alone is the only Saviour under heaven whereby men can be saved. There is no other foundation for salvation.

Holy people we know without a doubt that Jesus the Son of God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent why would anyone even ask what happened to the saints (G40 hagios) who died prior to the coming of the Saviour?

love

serola

Fri, Mar 27th - 9:17AM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Act 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

READINESS OF MIND: zeal, spirit, eagerness, willingness of mind.

2Co 2:17 - For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

1Th 2:13 - For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Heb 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Brothers and sisters, God gave us minds to be employed diligently in understanding, receiving, and faithfully believing His word. Again, and again, the Bible warns us to be wary of the many arising in the body cherry picking the word rather than preaching the word. Such persons come complaining about how hard it is to follow/live the commandments of God and give false assurances to justify people operating in sin, saying that God understands people are but flesh and weak.  Dearly beloveds the scriptures prove such persons liars for the word of God tells us the eternal truth: 1Jo 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

God left us the history of mankind with multitudes of examples that when believers stepped off the trail they derailed and there were terrible consequences every time. Its no different now, holy people. We are in God’s wheelhouse, and He still allows consequences for sin, and does not ask for our permission in order to discipline us out of love. See Heb 12: 6- 13.

Pro 15:10 - Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

love

serola

Wed, Mar 25th - 11:12PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Brothers and sisters, raise your hand if you want to know what the so called “minors” of scripture are that we can overlook so that we can still be in unity with other Christians, (I raised mine). The curious thing is those who teach these things don’t state what those so called “minors” are. Now according to some catholics writings one of the minors is that they venerate Mary whom they believe was sinless, a perpetual virgin, who never died, but ascended to heaven, and they can pray to her, while Christians believe she died like any other human being and is not to be worshipped. Okay, brethren, we know there is a big fat elephant in the room which is that Catholicism is not Christian, because they claim God put the pope in charge on earth instead of Jesus Christ, and made him the head of the church, infallible, able to forgive sins, and make laws that must be obeyed by his followers.  Now we know there is no reason for any Christian to unite with this blasphemous organization whatsoever. In fact, God forbids it.

So, I keep thinking about those so called “minors”. Dearly beloveds, some might say disagreements among Christians about what day we should worship or whether we should eat meat or not are minor issues, that is okay for us to disagree about but still fellowship together. The Bible has no such teachings. Our Creator knows His people and through the Bible settled all of these issues in His word so that we can be at peace and agreement with one another. See Rom 14:1- 23.

Brothers and sisters, Lord Jesus Christ warns against anyone teaching that it is okay to teach people to disregard so called minor or the least commandments:
ESV Mt 5: 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

We know that before Lord Jesus Christ could go to the cross, holy people, He had to and did fulfill all that the prophets spoke of Him to prove He is the promised Messiah. He fulfilled all the requirements of the Law as a man in living a perfect sinless life to become the perfect unblemished sacrifice to make a perfect one- time final atonement for sins. Jesus proved He is the Son of God because He  had power to choose to die and power to rise from the dead: Jhn 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

 Having defeated the devil and obtained the keys of hell and death, Jesus Christ now sits on the right hand of God to grant all who believe on Him forgiveness of all sins forever, eternal life and true righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and pharisees. In due season Jesus Christ on the authority of His Father will gather His people and judge His enemies. Jesus Christ because He is the Word of God commands that even the least of His commandments must be obeyed. In the Law adultery was wrong, but under the commandment of Lord Jesus Christ, the lustful, lusting eye is tantamount to actual adultery- look what He teaches:  Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

OFFEND: to entice to sin, trip up, cause to stumble, fall away, make to offend.

PLUCK:  to choose to deliver or rescue one self, to root out.

It is dangerous and foolish to for any man or woman to teach people to make light of the word of God, all such should repent.

love

serola

Tue, Mar 24th - 10:49AM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Eph 4: 7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Brothers and sisters, we know that the earth has suffered various calamities, wars, famines, pestilences, and will continue to do so. We have to note, brothers and sisters, that none of the prophets, apostles, and people of God let any of this distract them to the point that they became fearful, and ceased to adhere, preach and teach the word of God. God has given us His word, the Bible to nourish us continually, comfort, guide, and bring us to maturity over time in understanding and living the will of God faithfully out of love and trust in Him, regardless of the times. While we enjoy this world without abusing it, let us remember as Christ warned it is temporary for the day is coming of God’s judgment and the total destruction of this present earth, however God will establish a new heaven and earth where only the righteous shall dwell. We should never forget, brethren, that salvation not only eternally saves all who believe in Jesus Christ, but delivers all such from the coming judgment of the wrath of God and eternal condemnation.

Brothers and sisters, we can trust Jesus Christ our Saviour, Great Shepherd of the flock and Head of the church to give to everyone of us in full measure all the gifts and the ability to carry out the work of His body here on earth. Our work in Him is  by His power and in cooperation with Him and one another to love, build up, teach, comfort, discipline, guide, and help the church as a whole and individually as well.

Jesus Christ remains eternally active as Head of the church in His body.  Although we know, brethren, that the church is organized it is not an organization, it is the body of Christ made up of many members. The church has not been ordered by men but by Jesus Christ Himself: 1Co 12:18 - But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.

There is no room for jealousy or competition in the body of Christ. Members are of different nations, ethnicities, we have the rich, the poor, the educated and uneducated, we have the healthy and the feeble, we are all equal in Jesus Christ. Dearly beloveds, the gifts given for the operation of the church are never to be used for ranking members from high to low, or to establish schisms ordivisions such as “clergy and Laity”. None of the gifts are to operate alone and all are necessary although all do not have the same responsibilities all are accountable to God and the body as a whole. God has not set up anyone to operate as “lone rangers” in the church. Anyone, doing so should repent and join the body of Christ in its unified work on earth, in obedience to the will of God..

1Co 12:3 - Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

UNDERSTAND: to make known, to become known, be recognized, to know, to gain knowledge of, have thorough knowledge of.

CALLETH: to say, to speak, affirm over, maintain, to teach, to exhort, advise, to command, direct, to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say,

to call by name, to call, name, to speak out, speak of, mention

ACCURSED: a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction, a curse, a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes.

The Bible is absolute, explicit, and exhaustive here, brothers and sisters. There are those who teach and say that no one can know God, no one can know who is saved and who is not saved, but that those are lies.

Lord Jesus Christ teaches for all time: Jhn 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Jhn 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Saints (G40 hagios), we know absolutely that anyone or thing whatsoever that teaches and denies the truth that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Saviour, man without ceasing to be God the Son, or that he never rose from the dead to live again forever, or that His atoning work is incomplete in any way or manner whatsoever to eternally save all believers forever, does not belong to Christ and is not a Christian.

The Bible teaches that we can absolutely know the wicked from the righteous and that there is a clear and absolute difference between the two.   Tit 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

1Jo 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Brothers and sisters, we know the eternal truth of scripture that only those who confess and obey Jesus out of love and trust in Him as their eternal Saviour and Lord are true Christians. Christians can know God, and Christians can know they are eternally saved by the power and will of God.

 1Jo 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1Jo 5:20 - And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

love

serola

Sat, Mar 21st - 3:14PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Eph 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, (praise His great Name), dearly beloveds, we know without any doubt whatsoever,  has been set by God the Father as the absolute only door of salvation, the foundation of the church and its eternal Head. Note, holy people, how absolute, explicit, exclusive, exhaustive, final and complete the above verses ring out. This is true throughout the scriptures and eternally finalized in the new testament or covenant of Jesus Christ.

Thank God for the multitude of faithful overseers and the body general that by His power, hold steadfastly and boldly to the preaching, teaching and living of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The many false churches, brethren, do not so. All the false churches teach overtly and or covertly that people have to first come through their wicked founder/doctrine either human or demonic, in order to get saved by their false Christ. If they have a Bible, it will be more for show and a disguise for their true book of evil indoctrination to turn people away from God.

These deceitful false workers try to shame Christians by calling them “sin hunters”, for warning brothers and sisters everywhere about false teachers. However, Christians should pay them no mind and follow faithfully the inerrant true teachings/instructions of Jesus Christ as laid out in scripture.

Paul the apostle, dearly beloveds,  warned the people of God then and it still holds true now, overseers and the body general must guard against those apostates that arise amongst us: Acts 20: 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

NOT SHUNNED: not drawn back, let down, lowered, not withdraw in timidity, not covered up, not shrank back, not hesitate to avow what one believes, not unwilling or fearful, nor conceal out of fear.

COUNSEL: purpose, will.

WATCH: watch, wake, vigilant, to watch, metaph. Give, strict attention to, be cautious, active; to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one.

REMEMBER: to be mindful of, to remember, to call to mind, to think of and feel for a person or thing, to hold in memory, keep in mind, to make mention of.

WARN: to admonish, warn, exhort, to keep in mind, caution,

 “I ceased not to warn every one”- to absolutely continually warn.

Most certainly, through God’s word, every believer will be equipped to discern the truth of God from the lies of deceivers. Let us in fear, that is in awe and reverence to our Almighty Saviour Jesus Christ stay “woke” in Him. Let us be wary that the secular world appropriates this term amongst others but it has nothing to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The same is true of the secular appropriation of the so called “golden rule”, which those not of God have no ability to do or enter into the kingdom of God by works.

Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish ^G3560 one another.

Brothers and sisters, we should never be afraid of people but are commanded by God to fearlessly, boldly, frankly preach and teach all the counsel of God and to warn every believer to stand boldly against whose who preach a false gospel.

Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Jesus Christ, the eternal Saviour and Lord also warns believers absolutely, explicitly, exhaustively, exclusively, against the false overseer also, or hireling. Note, brethren, the difference between Lord Jesus the good shepherd, and the hireling. Believers are commanded by Lord Jesus to vigorously refuse to even listen to them, and to get away from them period.

Tue, Mar 17th - 7:17AM

THE MEASURE OF JESUS CHRIST

The Bible is clear, again, and again, brethren, we do not have to isolate ourselves from operating in the world, however we are absolutely not to allow the world to occupy/ operate in the body of Christ, nor ever be our intimate friendships: 1Co 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

ABUSING: to use much or excessively or ill.

Holy people, the Bible states in many places that our unity cannot be held within the bond of peace with those who hold doctrines that PERVERT the truth of scriptures. Every denominational, institutional, and organizational so- called churches teach a false Christ based on the teachings of a mere man or woman, or even demonic beings in the guise of angels etc. whom they affirm as their “founder”.  Many of these so- called churches call themselves “protestants” and base their faith on evil doctrines of the false teacher Luther, hater of the Jewish nation and advocate for them to be forced to convert or to be put to death if they refuse. Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah and Saviour of all that believe, how can one justify following the teachings of Luther or anyone teaching across the board hatred of Jew or anyone else?

Then, brothers and sisters, there are the one- man churches, headed by one man or woman alone, unaccountable to anyone including the Lord Jesus Christ. All of these aforementioned churches depart from the truth of scripture. All of them have a false, extra biblical Christ. Many of them debate/deny that hell is for the eternal punishment of wicked people who die apostate; but falsely claim that such persons will be saved after they repent in hell. Others falsely claim that those who die apostate will go to hell and be totally annihilated or die period, and therefore will not suffer pain or any eternal punishment.

With the exception of Jesus Christ, all humans are born with a hereditary and congenital disease called the Adamic sin nature; the disease results in death 100% of the time. This death is not only physical but spiritual. It is not only temporal, but eternal. We know that God desires that no one would perish, but that all would accept His free gift of salvation by believing in the eternal Saviour Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Those who don’t will be permanently, eternally separated from God in hell, to await final judgement in the lake of fire. We believe, and the Bible teaches that heaven is a literal place where the people of God dwells permanently, and only His people, that is all who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, can dwell there.

We believe what the Bible teaches, that “hell” is a literal place originally made for Satan and his angels. When those who impenitently refuse to place their faith in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins die, they are immediately permanently separated from God in a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 Salvation rest in faith in Jesus Christ alone, not race, nationality:  

Matthew 8:12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Those who die in their sins will retain consciousness and acute awareness of their surroundings after death:  Matthew 13:42 And will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 Matthew 13:50 And will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

The story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31 is an illustration of the reality of hell, and the truth that both the wicked and the righteous retain consciousness after death. The righteous permanently in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the wicked in hell permanently separated from God, to await the final judgement in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels.

Revelation 20:13-15 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Mar 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mar 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mar 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

God does not desire that any should perish. Most certainly God’s people agree and partner with Him in faith to preach the gospel message by which all who believe shall be saved: 2: Ti 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Jde 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

The skeptics who are unbelievers will sneer at Christians, and demand that they not preach on hell or use it to “scare” people into being saved. However, brethren, we believe without a doubt what Jesus Christ the Son of God teaches us about His Father God: Luke 12:5  “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.

We know, brethren, that no one needs a degree in theology to be saved the message of the cross that has saved from the beginning and continues to save is explicit, exhaustive, and exclusive, even little children can understand the message of salvation.  

 Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jhn 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jhn 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1Jo 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

God is not playing any games, because God doesn’t play, nor will He compromise His word:

Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

GOD WILL  EXCUSE NO ONE FOR UNBELIEF: Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 Jhn 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Love

serola

Sat, Mar 14th - 4:00AM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Some might think it is silly to be nit picking with those who hold “minor, unimportant beliefs” that contradict scripture. Brothers and sisters, there is nothing and no one “minor” or benign that contradicts scripture. Anyone willfully, unrepentantly contradicting scripture is blaspheming God and calling Him a liar. We ought to stand fast against all such diligently, and continuously.

We see the attempts of Judaizers to introduce false teachings to the gentile believers, telling them that Jewish circumcision was necessary for salvation, to which Paul responded: Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

The Bible, saints (G40 hagios), does not teach isolationism or totally avoiding operating amongst unbelievers for our needs in the world, concerning work and other activities. The Bible absolutely teaches and instructs all believers that the unrepentant do not belong and should never be allowed to be a part of our fellowship and worship, nor should we establish private intimate relations with them. Yes, the Bible addresses spouses married to unbelievers, but does not promote such marriages, but God’s mercy and infinite wisdom instructs the Christians in this area, feel free to study this further on your own.

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

REPROVE: to convict, refute, confute, generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted, by conviction to bring to the light, to expose, to find fault with, correct, by word, to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove, to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation by deed, to chasten.

See ( Luk 17:3; 1Co 5:1-13; 2Co 2:6-11) re. those sinning claiming to be brothers.

If  heretics are allowed to be a part of intimate relations or fellowship, they will only be interested in spreading their false doctrines to believers and turning them away from Jesus Christ.

Tit 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

love

serola

Fri, Mar 13th - 10:19AM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Brothers and sisters, whatever is inside of our minds and hearts will work its way to the outside. It is God’s plan that we all grow over time to get the word of God inside of us, which is done through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who opens up the eternal unchanging truth of scripture to us by study, biblical teaching and preaching by the body as a whole not just the church overseers. As we live while waiting for the return of our Lord and Saviour then His word will come out of us as we walk in this world. Holy people, in this way we can shed the light of the love and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the darkness of this world, that many will be saved: 

Eph 4: 1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Paul is begging, exhorting, and encouraging the brothers and sisters, then and now also, to walk according to the standard of Christ. Brethren, Paul goes on to instruct us how our walk is to be done- All- in an absolute sense, Lowliness AND meekness:

LOWLINESS: the having a humble opinion of one's self, a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness, modesty, humility, lowliness of mind.

Phl 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. We know brothers and sisters, that there is no “ big I and little you” in Jesus Christ.

MEEKNESS: gentleness, mildness, meekness.

Holy people, we know there is no need for any of us to curl up into a little ball despairing that we cannot possibly attain such lofty goals. God knows we cannot do it alone, therefore through the faith 0f Jesus Christ, He has given us the Holy Spirit who enables us to bare fruit in all things godly. All that Lord Jesus commands us He also enables us to do. It is clear, dearly beloveds, that the attainment of these things are not to be done in any passive sense on our part, but through conscious, active faithful obedience: Col 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

PUT ON, to wear like a garment, to sink into like a garment.

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Our Lord condemns no Christian for being ignorant, however, this is always to be remedied by receiving and believing the teachings of scripture without doubt or wavering to keep growing in the knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Saints (G40 hagios) the Bible is clear, there are no countless conflicting interpretations of scripture equal in value. Some are teaching a false unity based on overlooking those who hold false doctrines of the gospel. They might teach that we can unite and fellowship based on the agreements on what they feel are the so-called majors of the gospel and overlook or tolerate those who hold the so-called minor views that conflict with the truth of scripture. This is just one of many heretical teachings.

The truth is that there is only one correct interpretation of scripture, which all Christians are commanded by God to be unified under. It goes without saying that God forbids- gives no one authority to add to or take away from the truth of scripture. This was true even under the Law: Deu 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Divisions in the body are forbidden by God, there is absolutely no justification for any such thing, or for those who do these things:

1 Cor 1: 10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

DIVISIONS: a rent;  a division, dissension, a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively:—division, rent, schism.

God is not wishy washy, warm and fuzzy or touchy feely about the gospel of Jesus Christ. None who dares to mess with God, by perverting or corrupting the scriptures trying to turn people away from God to serve them shall escape punishment. Instead of blessing from God, all such shall be cursed:

Paul marveled, not in a good way, that the Galatians had been gullible in allowing false teachers to turn them to “another gospel”:

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 8  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.  9 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. 7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert  the gospel of Christ.

TO PERVERT: pervert, corrupt, CHANGE THE TRUTH INTO A LIE.

See Rom 1: 18-32.

The righteous will repent, but the wicked never will. No one who willfully preaches heresies is considered by Jesus Christ to belong to Him. Such persons belong to the devil.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 - Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The church is not to become enmeshed with such: 2Co 6:17 - Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Dearly beloveds, we are to love what God loves, and to reject all things that God rejects. Biblical love is rooted in the eternal, explicit, exclusive, exhaustive, absolute and unchanging standard of Jesus Christ, and defined down to the minutiae as set within the unchanging boundaries of the new covenant of Jesus Christ. 

love

serola

Wed, Mar 11th - 2:48PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Our perfection in Christ, brothers and sisters, only comes from our steadfast belief and rest in the absolute truth and love of the new covenant. The new covenant is absolute explicit, exhaustive, exclusive, eternally complete and final. Holy people, any and all additions or subtractions are absolutely forbidden by God. Again, brethren, God gives no one authority or permission to add to or take away from the final, finished truth of scripture in any way or manner whatsoever. All of scripture is valid and inerrant, but the standard for righteousness in the sight of God is through the new covenant of Jesus Christ, wrought in His final finished and complete atoning work for all who will believe in and on Him.

Our perfection in Christ must rest in the truth of scripture and be the final answer for all who believe. Therefore, we should believe and accept the truth of scripture that saved Jews and gentiles are of one body equally favored in the sight of God, there being no difference between any in Jesus Christ: Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

So dearly beloveds, in being perfect in Christ, we know God neither commands or requires any believer to forsake the enjoyment of their respective cultures or ethnicity which He has given us, which must be done and understood within the standard and boundaries of scripture and never apart from it. Saints, G40 hagios, it ought to be clear that no difference really means no difference, so it goes without saying the Bible is not teaching segregation based on ethnicity, but that we ought to see one another just as God does, as one people, although His body is composed of many nations. 

love

serola                                               

Fri, Mar 6th - 11:32PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Dearly beloveds, when we go on to perfection, we do not in error claim that Christians are replacement Jews who are still commanded by God to obey the Law of Moses as some are doing in ignorance. But instead, we understand the truth that by the power of God there is only one body of Christ, although we still retain our ethnicity whether Jews or gentiles. Our Lord and Saviour will forever be our great Jewish Messiah and Saviour of and for all nations and all peoples who will believe in and on Him; that is lean on, rely on and entrust themselves to Him in faith as their eternal redeemer, deliverer, and everlasting saviour.

Jesus Christ has made of us one people, although His body is made of many nations. Perfection, holy people, we know means resting on the truth and love of God according to His word: The Jews are God’s chosen people and now through the final finished atoning work of Jesus Christ, so are all who believe in Him whether Jew or gentile, under the new covenant. We have to keep telling one another and all men the whole gospel message, it is absolutely final, finished, and complete for all eternity, and he has completed us:  Col 2:10 - And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

COMPLETE: to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full; to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally. I abound, I am liberally supplied. to render full, i.e. to complete, to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim, to consummate: to make complete in every particular, to render perfect.

2Pe 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

We attain all that we need for spiritual wholeness and maturity through the power of Lord Jesus Christ as we grow in grace and lay hold on His word in trust and faith in Him, brothers and sisters.

Gal 3:28 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.

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

No one is saved on the basis of belonging to a certain nationality, or being born a Jew and the Bible teaches no such salvation. All, regardless of nationality or ethnicity or whether male or female i.e. whomsoever will believe in Jesus Christ shall be saved. There are too many verses than I can put here that attest absolutely that there is no other name wherein men can be saved: Act 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,

Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Then holy people the Bible goes on through the urging of Paul to keep in remembrance: Eph 2: 11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Thu, Mar 5th - 6:35PM

THE MEASURE OF CHRIST

Brothers and sisters, we know what perfection looks like from the word of God, we believe the new covenant, understand it and live it and do not go back and forth between doubt and unbelief, but remain firm, steadfast in faith. We have to continually remind one another, brethren, that there is only one correct interpretation of scripture, there are no alternatives, options, or plan B’s to scripture. Most certainly we have false teachers claiming anyone is a Christian because they have “almost” all of the biblical doctrines of scriptures, even though they have left out just a “tiny little bit” that differs from scripture. They further endorse such persons by claiming that Christians can agree on the majors and fellowship with those with whom they disagree with on the “minors”. The so-called minors often involve the key elements of the Christian faith regarding the new covenant and the only Saviour and Son of God Jesus Christ, which is major, there are no minor elements of scriptures.

The new covenant, again, brothers and sisters, has no minors, gives no one authority to either add to or take away from scripture. We must not dismiss or fail to obey the scriptures. Holy people, let none commit the abomination of willfully adding to or taking away from the word of God.  

We must say it continually, God is not going to compromise His word ever, so anybody that perverts His word is making for themselves an enemy, the most powerful and dreadful an enemy that anyone could ever have. Gal 1:8 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. 9As 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.

The aforementioned verses do not address those in the process of learning and might teach something ignorantly, but ceases when they are corrected. The The Bible warns God’s people about these false teachers: 2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Therefore, saints (G40 hagios), let us be convicted, convinced and fully persuaded by the word of Almighty God to go on to perfection. Let us stay on the paths of righteousness settled in Grace by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Dearly beloveds, those who stray from the path set within the boundaries of the gospel find themselves derailed and in trouble needlessly. Jesus Christ is the absolute only path, the only way, the only source of eternal life, and it is His good pleasure to perfect His people by His power and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Love