THOUGHTS FOR THE THOUGHTFUL by Given O. Blakely

THE LAST WORDS

2010-12-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:21)

HERE ARE THE FINAL words of the Bible – the last written words to Christ's body, which is the church. They are found in a book many have disassociated from "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." NO small number of people consider the book of Revelation to be filled only with lamentations and woes, accounts of unspeakable tribulations, and dreadful judgements that cause men to tremble in fear. It is true, such things are found in this book – but that is not all that is there.

REVELATION CONTAINS WONDERFUL PROMISES to those who overcome (2:7,10,11,17,26-28; 3:4,5, 10,12,21; 7:16-18; 11:18 21:3,4,6,7,24; 22;4-5). Who we are in Christ Jesus is proclaimed (1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 14:3-4). There are blessing pronounced upon those in Christ (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14). This book contains words like "salvation" (7:10; 12:10; 19:1), "redeemed" (5:9; 14:3-4), "washed" (1:5; 7:14), "faith" (2:13,19; 13:10; 14:12), "love" (2:4; 3:19), and "inherit" (21:7). The death of Christ is mentioned (5:12; 13:8), and His resurrection as well (1:5,18).

SETTLE IT IN YOUR MIND, therefore, the final words of this book are suitable, and in full harmony with the message it contains. Such a word could not be a fitting conclusion for a book devoid of grace, which was only filled with gloom and fearful events.

COMPARE THE WORDS of our text with the final words of the Old Testament prophets: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Mal 4:6). Malachi spoke of the introductory ministry of John the Baptist, affirming the necessity of a fundamental change in the character of the people. If this did not take place, the Lord would "smite the earth with a curse." Behold the effectiveness of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus! Rather than speaking to people that need to be reconciled, and of a need for moral and spiritual change, John addresses those who ARE reconciled, and in whom a fundamental change has already taken place. He can therefore bequeath a blessing upon them: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ALL. Amen" (Rev 22:21).

IN THE REVELATION, the grace of God has been vividly depicted in the care and sustenance of the church, the overthrow of all of her enemies, and the proclamation of the glory of her future state. A place was prepared for her to be "nourished from the face of the serpent" – while she was in the realm in which Satan worked (12:14). For those who would hear His voice, and open the door to Him, Jesus promised, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev 3:20). To the faithful who were fatigued with fierce warfare He affirmed, "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev 3:10). Three times Jesus speaks of His love for His people (1:5; 3:9,19). There is a lot of grace in this book!

WHY IS IT CALLED "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?" Most of the time, we read of "the grace of God" (24 times). But ten times we read of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 16:20,24; 1 Corm 16:23; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 6:18; Phil 4:23; 1 Thess 5:28; 2 Thess 3:18; Phile 25), and one time of "the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:12). Once the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of grace" (Heb 10:29).

THE FINAL WORDS of Scripture, however, associate "grace" with the Savior in all of varied capacities. He possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "Lord." When He gives it, none can reverse, delay, or void it. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the MAN Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5). He gives it in tender consideration of those with whom His humanity identified Him. The grace is tailored for their situation by One who is touched by the feeling of their infirmities. He also possesses and dispenses grace in the capacity of "the Christ" – the One anointed to effect the great salvation of God. He gives us grace in strict accord with the will of God, and in keeping with the work His Father gave Him to do – bring many sons to glory.

IT IS CHRIST'S GRACE because He is the Cause and Dispenser of it. He alone has given God the Father a just reason to bless us, lavishing His love and favor upon us. It is ever true, "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God has been favorably impacted by the death of His Son, and so can you! He is "well pleased" with the Son, and you can be also.

AS ETERNITY ROLLS its ceaseless cycles on, God will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:7). Throughout eternity, in honor of God and His great salvation through Jesus Christ, the saints will shout: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Rev 7:10). In this world, we come to believe and embrace that truth. In the world to come, we will see more fully the grandeur of what we have now known only in part. Just as our vision expands, so will our expressions–and it will all be to the glory of the conquering Lamb. It is He that satisfied God, destroyed the Tempter, and brought unspeakable joy to us. So after you have read the Scriptures, taken in its promises and solemn warnings, and determined top believe it all, don't forget the last words that are spoken!

– Given O. Blakely

THE PRIORITY OF PREACHING

2010-12-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Cor 1:21)

A WORD SHOULD BE SAID concerning the priority of preaching. Our day – a day of falling away – is characterized by a devaluation of preaching. Bible Colleges and seminaries across the land are noted for an emphasis on things other than preaching. Counseling, youth work, and Christian entertainment are popular emphases – attempts of the contemporary church to become "more relevant."

MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THIS: relevance to this world, as commonly perceived, necessarily involves alienation from "the world to come." God does not call us to put one foot in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), and one in "the world to come" (Heb 2:5). Rather, He calls us to occupy "heavenly places," calling upon our peers to "come up higher."

THERE IS NO NEED FOR CONFUSION on this issue. God has spoken plainly. "For the preaching of the cross . . . is the power of God . . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:18,21). Concerning the proclamation of the Gospel, "it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" (Rom 10:15). God has accomplished the work. Man proclaims the work! The Gospel was accomplished by Jesus, it is preached by His ambassadors!

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PREACHING
There is no substitute for preaching – proclaiming what the Lord has done. Every epistle is marked by such a proclamation. It made no difference what the issue was, the man of God brought the Gospel of Christ to bear upon it. Duty was not the primary message! The resolution of personal, domestic, and political issues was not the focus. The accomplishments of Christ and the blessing that flows from them were the heart of the Apostolic message – the "Apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). Their emphasis was not the resolution of difficulties, but the establishment of people in the faith. Whenever they dealt with problems, they did so to bring people back to the place where they were sensitive to God. That is the place where real ministry begins!

GOD HAS PLACED THE EMPHASIS UPON "PREACHING"
Preaching is proclamation; the announcement of accomplished realities! The preacher is a reporter; someone who is letting the people know "what the Lord hath done!" (Psa. 66:16). These things have to be said to be appropriated, and preaching is the activity through which they are communicated!

PREACHING IS VITAL TO OUR ESTABLISHMENT
The establishment of believers has a high priority in the kingdom of God. If men and women are not established, they are sure to fall, drawing back to perdition. The preaching of Jesus Christ will ground and mature the saints! "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).

GOD'S WORD MADE KNOWN THROUGH PREACHING
By divine appointment, the Word of God is manifested by preaching, or proclamation. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Titus 1:3).

THE SAVIOR WAS INTRODUCED BY PREACHING
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching. His dynamic proclamations raised spiritual valleys and lowered moral mountains. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea" (Matt 3:1).

JESUS CAME PREACHING
The primary activity of our Lord was that of preaching. His prodigious miracles complemented that chief work. "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" (Matt 4:23).

PREACHING PROVOKED NINEVEH TO REPENT
The repentance of the city of Nineveh is one of the great occurrences of history. It was not accomplished by a brilliant strategy, but by preaching! "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here" (Matt 12:41).

THE PEACE JESUS MADE IS PREACHED
Jesus made peace through the "blood of His cross" (Col 1:20). The liberating knowledge of that peace does not come by praying! It is not conferred by the miraculous laying on of hands! It comes through preaching! "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all") (Acts 10:36).

THE WORD THAT BEGETS FAITH IS PREACHED
The "word of faith" is the word that begets faith. It is the word through which the Lord "opens" the heart, enabling the hearer to "attend" to the Word of the Lord (Acts 16:14). How does this begetting Word come to the individual? Through preaching! "But 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" (Rom 10:8).

PREACHING IS NEVER OUT OF ORDER
From heaven's perspective, the proclamation of the Word of God is always in order, never out of order. Proclaimers, or evangelists, are urged by the man of God to be noted for their preaching. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 4:2).

– Given O. Blakely

THE MARK

2010-12-10T03:55:00.000-08:00

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:14)

"I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK," Paul confessed. "THE mark!" So far as he was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. "The MARK!" Something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings. Elsewhere he used glorious phrases to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).

THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. This is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving – the future.

BUT WHAT OF "THE MARK" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). This is why people believe. It is why they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is why they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).

THE "MARK," FROM ONE POINT OF VIEW, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into as single promise. "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort!

FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW, you might see "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

HIS WARFARE WAS GOOD! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him going! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!

HE WAS DOMINATED BY THE SAME SPIRIT as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God!

IN OUR TEXT, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "every whit whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated.

SALVATION IS NOT AN END OF ITSELF!
It may come as a startling surprise to many to hear this. Salvation is the appointed means to the end! It prepares us for the future by removing our past and giving us power in the present. But it is "the mark" that is the real issue! It is "the mark" that must be reached. It does no good to enter this race if you do not finish it! A "heavenly call" offers no consolation prize for those who do not end up there!

"THE MARK" IS EXPERIENCED NOW in a firstfruits sense. The righteousness for which we "wait" will be fully experienced there, if tasted by faith now (Rom. 4:20-24). The presence of the Lord which will be "face to face" then. It is enjoyed by faith now as we "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). The devil who will be banished there may be successfully resisted now! These firstfruits experiences are what keep us pressing. Without them, we would soon fall by the way.

– Given O. Blakely

THE PROMISES OF GOD

2010-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

" . . . the promises of God . . . " (2 Cor 1:20; Gal 3:21)

The promises of God are an elixir for the soul wearied by "this present evil world." They lift the veil sin has spread over the future, causing the light of the glory of God to flood our souls. The promises of God, when believed, connect us with the glorious future. The Word of God is filled with promises, and they are intended to lighten the burden of life, bring assurance of participation in the world to come, and neutralize temptation. You should read the Word of God with the promises of God in mind! Look for them.

BECOMING PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURETo become like Jesus is not a moral goal, but a spiritual reality. This is the determined purpose of God – for His children to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). How does one become like Christ? How can we "participate in the Divine nature?" The promises of God are the appointed means to this realization. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that BE THESE ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet 1:4). The well from which the promises have come is God's "glory and excellence" (verse 3). The Lord has, in His promises, exhibited His most comely traits. More of His Person is in the promises. There His will for humanity is most precisely expressed. In the promises proper objectives for mankind are identified.The promises are "precious and magnificent," or, as the King James Version translates it, "exceeding great and precious." They dwarf everything with which they are compared. When placed beside the very best the world has to offer, they tower high above them. Once you see the "precious" promises, it is easy to abandon even "the treasures of Egypt," as did Moses (Heb 11:26), to obtain them. The promises are transcendent to everything that is made.

THE PROMISES OF GOD HAVE A VALUE OF THEIR OWNThey are not "precious" by comparison alone. Nor, indeed, are they "precious" because they are scarce. They are to be found in abundance, yet remain priceless. They are also "precious" because they enhance our spirits, gladden our hearts, and satisfy our inner thirst. No wonder they are the means through which we become like our Father! Contemplate the promises of God. Look for them! Feed upon them! Believe them!

ALL OF THE PROMISES ARE YES AND AMENThere is a universality to the promises. What Jesus brings is for "all men." The message of salvation is truly "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). With this in mind, the Spirit witnesses, "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). If we wonder if the promise of remission of sin (Jer 31:34) is for us, the answer is "YES!" If you question if the promise of "seasons of refreshing" (Acts 3:19) is for you, the answer is "YES!" Dare to believe the promises are for you – that God says "YES!" to you! Then shout the "AMEN!" back to Him, glorifying Him for His grace!

THE PROMISES BECOME AN INCENTIVE FOR GODLINESSIf people are lagging behind spiritually, the promises become an incentive to recover from the devil's snare, and go on to perfection. How vividly this is depicted in second Corinthians. The words speak for themselves. "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore THESE PROMISES dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 6:16-7:1)

IN CHRIST, YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF AS ABRAHAM'S SEEDIn Christ, you can see yourself as Abraham's seed. One of the aspects of God's marvelous promises is their total fulfillment in Christ. There are two verses in the book of Galatians that reveal this in a foundational way. Dare to believe these things are true – for you! "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." There is no question about the intended receivers of the promises; Abraham and his seed, or offspring. That Seed is particularly identified as Christ. However, the Spirit is not finished with this thought. He continues in the 21st verse. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:16,29).The people of God have every reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus and be full of hope!

– Given O. Blakely

THE WAY TO BLESSING

2010-12-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

" . . . And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26)

JACOB WAS ON HIS WAY to meet Esau. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother, and when they had parted, they were not on good terms. He brought some presents for Esau, and told his servants how to speak to him, smoothing the road before him. He had two wives, two women servants, and eleven children with him. Concerned about their welfare, he sent them "over the brook." Now, he was left alone. That night, however, would not be spent alone. It is written, "there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day." The mysterious man did not prevail against Jacob. Confirming he was no ordinary person, he "touched the hollow" of Jacob's thigh, throwing it "out of joint." Still, Jacob wrestled on until the day began to break. The messenger then said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." It was then that Jacob said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me" (NKJV). Later Jacob said of that night, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." He received the blessing he sought (Gen 32:20-30). To this day, the main thing is still to get the blessing.

A WORD CONCERNING THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS of appropriating the blessing is in order. It is not enough to have an academic understanding of Scripture – particularly as it relates to Jesus. Mind you, we are not to despise such knowledge, but it is elementary, and incapable of bringing eternal benefits, or blessing to you.

HOW WONDERFULLY THIS IS EXPRESSED in God's Word. " . . . making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph 1:16b-17, NASB). " . . . seeing that His Divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him . . ." (2 Pet 1:3, NASB). "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Pet 1:2). "For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 2:20a, NASB).

THE "KNOWLEDGE" MENTIONED in these texts is not limited to intellectual knowledge. This is experiential knowledge. It speaks of spiritual involvement with the Son of God. The word "knowledge," in this case, means recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgment. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says, "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly; to know accurately, know well." This is knowledge that comes from acquaintance with Christ Himself, not merely the record about Him. It necessarily includes Scriptural knowledge, but it extends beyond that. Faith goes further than the intellect. It is rational, but goes beyond rationality.

THIS MEANS THAT OUR EXPOSURE to the text of Scripture must be coupled with a believing heart. Jesus has promised identity with the individual who is intent upon knowing Him. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him . . . Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:21,23). This is the "knowledge" that characterizes the New covenant. " . . . they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest" (Heb 8:11).

THIS IS JOYFUL FAMILIARITY WITH THE LORD. It began with our exposure to God's Word. It was brought to a culmination by means of our faith, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no salvation without this type of knowledge. In fact, eternal life, which is salvation in its totality, is knowing the Lord. As it is written, "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

BECAUSE THE SPIRIT WORKS with the Word of God (which is His "sword"), He has moved holy men to write frequently and powerfully of the Lord Jesus. In those sacred writings, Jesus will be proclaimed in His present exalted state, which is altogether glorious. Further, this proclamation will exert a compelling influence upon the hearts of men, drawing them into the circumference of Divine influence. There, in the light of the Son of God, recovery from all manner of departures and drawing back will be realized. These words will become the building blocks for our perception of Christ. That perception, if true, will be the vehicle through which the Lord will make Himself known to us. They are the chief means through which we will come know Him.

ALLOW ME TO EMPHASIZE this important point. Our view of Christ is not based upon personal daily experiences. It is not what Jesus has done "for me" that makes Jesus clear, but how the Spirit declares Him in the Scripture. Without laboring this to the point of distraction, let me affirm it one more time. Our spiritual familiarity with the Person of Christ is the means through which we are being saved. In the Gospel, God is providing a lofty view of His Son – i.e. "The record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10). That view is required to experience fellowship with the Son (1 Cor 1:9). There is no salvation without that!

IN KNOWING JESUS, the ultimate blessing will be experienced, for God has sent Him, to bless us (Acts 3:26).

– Given O. Blakely

LAY IT ASIDE!

2010-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

" . . . let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us . . ." (Hebrews 12:1b)

THE "RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US" is possibly long, and leads through treacherous terrain. It requires agility of soul, and does not allow for excess baggage. Every believer will confront moral and spiritual "weights" that make it difficult to live by faith. Often, these "weights" are not unlawful of themselves. It is not so much that they contradict the Word of the King. Rather, they tend to detract from the goal, tempting the individual to make this world primary. These "weights" are personal matters, and thus are not precisely defined. Their identity requires the assessment of the hearer more than the writer.

THE NATURE OF THE FAITH-LIFE, or running the race set before us, demands that we run with as few hindrances as possible. A cross country runner who carries a backpack laden with rocks, in the key race, is not wise, to say the least. A fighter who places a hundred-pound weight on one of his hands should not expect to win the contest. Yet, I have witnessed people attempting to navigate from earth to glory with unnecessary weights and encumbrances. It was not long until they dropped out of the race from spiritual fatigue. That fatigue was owing more to the conflicting weights that they carried than the length or hardship of the race itself. Some will counter that runners do, in fact, practice with weights on their ankles. This is true. But none of them run for the prize with those weights – and you are running to "obtain" the prize (1 Cor 9:26), which is eternal life.

THE WAY LEADING TO LIFE is "strait (difficult) and narrow" (Matt 7:14). It will not allow for a lot of excess baggage. For one rich young ruler, his possessions proved too personally significant for him to follow Jesus (Matt 19:16-22). For another, wrapping everything up at home stood between him and discipleship (Luke 9:61-62). For Judas, thirty pieces of silver proved too large a weight to allow entrance into life (Matt 26:15-16). For Esau, a desire for food was a "weight" that disqualified him for the inheritance (Heb 12:16). Whatever makes it more difficult to run the race is a "weight." If it impedes your progress, it is a "weight." Things requiring attention and commitment that belong to God alone are "weights." Such things deplete your spiritual energy, but offer no corresponding spiritual value or resources.

AND WHAT ARE WE TO DO with such "weights?" We are to "lay aside every weight" (KJV, RSV, NASB). The NIV reads "throw off everything that hinders." The word translated "lay aside" or "throw off" means to be done with; take off. It is a strong one, and is not to be seen as a casual activity. In this form, it is used three other times in the Apostolic writings. (1) "Therefore, putting away lying . . . " (Eph 4:25). (2) "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness . . . " (James 1:21). (3) "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" (1 Pet 2:1). The language suggests deliberation and firm resolve. This is not something done rashly or in haste. Neither, indeed, can it be done casually and with disinterest. Our perception of the nature of this race, together with the recollection of the saints who have gone before us, will compel us to discard what hinders us.

THIS IS AN INTENSELY personal thing. It is not something we are to apply to our brethren, but an activity in which we ourselves are to regularly engage. Our hearts are to be tender enough, and our vision clear enough to assess what is making it difficult for us to run the race that is set before us. Our decision is to be based upon spiritual understanding. We might suppose working for a living impedes our progress. Then, upon quitting our job, we find we have even greater hindrances. Live close enough to the Lord to be able to make this assessment, and receive strength to thrust impeding weights from you. Your effort to cast aside such things will be undergirded by Divine power!AND THE SINWe are also to "lay aside . . . the sin which doth so easily beset us,: or "easily ensnares" )NKJV), or "clings so closely" (RSV), or "so easily entangles" (NIV). Each of us have areas of especial vulnerability – areas where Satan can more easily make inroads into our thinking.

THE LANGUAGE OF THIS VERSE is arresting. It is the sin itself that is to be thrown off, aggressively cast away from us. We are not to allow it expression, suffocating it with the love of the truth and the shield of faith.

THE CORRUPT FOUNTAIN of nature must not be allowed to boil. It must be removed from the fire of preference, and smothered by an affection set on things above, and not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-3). This is HOW we put off the "sin that so easily besets us." As long as we allow our affection to be prostituted by the things of this world, sin will cling to us like an impeding weight, forbidding us to make progress to glory. Throw it off by saying "‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions" (Tit 2:12, NIV). Grace will "teach" you to do this by giving you insight into "so great salvation" (Heb 2:3).

HOW MAN I HAVE SEEN who started the "race" with a burst of energy. They appeared to grasp great Kingdom truth rapidly, and soon put a distance between themselves and those who chose spiritual mediocrity. But, alas, after a time, they were "beset" in their race. Soon, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19, NKJV). It all happened so "easily," because they did not "cast off" the weight and sin which so easily beset them. Take the admonition seriously!

– Given O. Blakely

WE ARE SURROUNDED!

2010-12-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . " (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV)

THE WORD "SURROUNDED," or "compassed" (KJV), means to lie all around, i.e. enclose, encircle. The expression denotes something presently experienced. It is not a historical perspective. We "ARE" compassed or surrounded by the witnesses of reference in our text. The imagery is that of a great amphitheater, with the arena of the runners, and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. They form a circumference, and are among a gallery of witnesses that even include the holy angels, who themselves camp round those fearing the Lord (Psa 34:7).

WHILE THE ANGELS protect and minister to believers (Psa 91:11; Heb 1:13-14), the faithful who have gone before us testify to us. They do not do so person-to-person, but through the record of their faith. Their lives provide a resounding confirmation of the effectiveness of faith. It is as though they were shouting to those devoting themselves to the good fight of faith, "You can make it! Run! Fight! Don't give up! God is with you! Consider us! Consider us! We went through fire and water, and made it to the other side! We did the impossible! Divine power was given to us because we willed to believe God! Do not look at the circumstance, but to the Lord!" O, we need to hear these witnesses!

THESE ARE CALLED A "cloud of witnesses" because of the vast number of them. Millions kept the Passover, came out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea, and drank from a rock in a wilderness! From Abel through the period of the Judges and the Kings, there have been people who lived by faith. In Elijah's day, there were "seven thousand" who, by faith, refused to bow their knees to Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Rom 11:4). Every age has had its "remnant" (Isa 10:20; Ezek 6:8; Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12; Zech 8:12; Rom 11:5), and God has never left Himself "without witness" (Acts 14:17). Now, they ALL surround us.

WE ARE TOLD OF MARTYRS who presently are conscious, active, observant, asking questions, and receiving answers(Rev 6:9-11).

THE "RICH MAN" who died and lifted up his eyes in torment knew about his brothers upon the earth. He sought their welfare from the region of the damned. Do you remember his words? "Then he said [to Abraham], 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'" (Luke 16:27-28). Abraham himself had some awareness of things upon the earth. He answered the rich man. "'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'" (Luke 16:29-31). Think! Both Moses and the prophets lived a considerable time AFTER Abraham. He knew nothing of either when he was in the world. Yet, he was fully aware of them on the other side.

NO PERSON, THEREFORE, should think it strange that we could be surrounded with a "great cloud of witnesses" who are intensely interested in the race to glory we are running. If the rich man could be interested in his brothers in the world, why could not departed saints have a vital interest in the warfare of fellow believers in the world? Are we not told that we have come into fellowship with a family that has representatives in "heaven" as well as the "earth" (Eph 3:15)? Is it not written that we are "COME . . . to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb 12:22-23)?

THIS CLOUD, OR VAST ASSEMBLY of witnesses, is very real. Their observation of us is very real. In a very substantial sense, they lived out their lives for us – as a testimony to us of the unwavering effectiveness of faith. A specific journey was laid out for each of them, and they traversed treacherous and threatening surroundings to complete it. You are in the same situation, and are called to hear their testimony!

LISTEN TO THEIR CONFESSION, and doubt not the ability of your faith to carry you through. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Joseph, Gen 50:20). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass" (Joshua, Josh 21:45). "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (Samuel, 1 Sam 7:12). "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (David, Psa 37:25). "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise" (Solomon, 1 Kgs 8:56). HEAR THEN, CHILD OF GOD! Hear them! They testify to the faithfulness of God and the victory of faith. They are witnesses that it is not vain to serve the Lord, and that He will not forsake His own. It is not necessary for you to suffer the same setbacks as those before you. Their record has been written to give us the advantage in the good fight of faith. You honor them by believing their record and running your race with patience, or endurance and perseverance. Run, saint of God, run!

– Given O. Blakely

THE CAUSE OF CHANGE

2010-11-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

" . . . but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

HERE, THE SPIRIT DECLARES the cause of our ultimate appointed "change." "We shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (NASB). When the Spirit says "see Him as He is," He does not suggest that the vision of faith is not accurate. Rather, it is not complete, being only introductory to what is to come. As powerful as faith is, it only introduces us to the glory of Christ. That does not mean faith is inferior. Faith can perceive whatever has been revealed. It only introduces us to the glory of Christ because we have an introductory revelation. This accents the greatness of the glory the Lord Jesus possesses.

HOWEVER, WE WILL YET SEE HIM in a new and indescribable way. God will yet show Him to us fully, withholding no part of His glory from us. That is involved in the promise, "Which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen." (1 Tim 6:15-16).

IT IS THE SIGHT ITSELF that will change us! This should not surprise us, because we have already experienced an introduction to this kind of transformation. The new birth itself is effected by exposure to the glory of God. Here is how it is stated in the fourth chapter of Second Corinthians. "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 4:6). The means by which the transformation takes place is "the face of Jesus Christ." The One accomplishing it is "God." The objective is to give us "the light of the glory of God," or cause us to "participate in the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4).

THE ONLY EFFECTIVE UNDERSTANDING of God comes through Jesus Christ – "the face of Christ." Further, it is the Gospel that opens Christ Jesus to us. As we behold that glory, by faith, we "are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory" by the very "Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor 3:18, NIV). Just as the glory of God changed the face of Moses, so the glory of Jesus changes the character of the saints, who are exposed to that glory through faith and by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:7-9,18).

CONSEQUENTLY, THE LESS WE ARE EXPOSED to Jesus and His glory, the less spiritual change takes place, and the less we are conformed to the image of God's Son. We are not molded into Christ's image by human expression, such as praise or worship, but by exposure to glory. We do not become more like Jesus by following a set of rules and procedures, but by beholding the glory of God "in the face of Christ Jesus." When Jesus is preached, the door to moral and spiritual change is opened.

THIS SAME PROCESS will occur when Jesus comes again in all of His own glory, the glory of His Father, and the glory of the holy angels (Lk 9:26). Not only will the heavens and the earth flee from before His face (Rev 20:11), but all that has concealed the saints of God will also be removed. Then their transformation will be complete, and they will fully "bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor 15:49). Until that time, however far we may have advanced, we are still in a state of transition – of being conformed to the image of God's Son.

AS AN ADDENDUM to this observation, it is only to the degree that we see Christ NOW, that any effective change is wrought within us. The kind of change God has determined cannot be accomplished by moral disciplines, however hallowed they may be. Souls who refuse to look to Jesus (Heb 12:2) cannot be changed into His likeness. They have, by that refusal, shut themselves into a condemned state in which there is no spiritual change – there is only condemnation. The need for such a change is what condemned us in the first place.

IN VIEW OF THIS CIRCUMSTANCE, we should make much of Jesus in our preaching. His atoning death, effective intercession, and return in glory must be in the forefront of all our preaching and teaching. How succinctly this is stated in the ninth chapter of Hebrews. Three appearings are mentioned, all of which are imperative for our salvation. "For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to APPEAR in the presence of God for us . . . but now, once at the end of the ages, He has APPEARED to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself . . . To those who eagerly wait for Him He will APPEAR a second time, apart from sin, for salvation" (Heb 9:24-28, NJKV). His appearing to put away sin provided a righteous basis for our initial change – the new birth. His present appearing provides the means for our continued change "from glory unto glory" – sanctification. His "second" appearing will be the means of our final transformation, when we will "be like Him" – Resurrection.

THE CONSIDERATION OF THESE THINGS brings great grace and encouragement to the soul.

– Given O. Blakely

ENTANGLED AGAIN

2010-11-24T03:41:00.000-08:00

"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (2 Peter 2:20)

EARLY IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, well before the end of the first century, a spirit of lethargy began to settle over those who wore the name of Jesus. All manner of corruption began to surface among professed believers – corruption that required extensive Apostolic teaching and correction. There were division and carnality in Corinth, a reversion to Law among the Galatians, drawing back among Hebrew believers, and a lapse of memory concerning Divine manners among those to whom Jude wrote. James addressed those who pretended to have faith, yet were at enmity with God. Jesus Himself delivered personal messages to five churches who were on the decline, commissioning John to write the messages down and deliver them to the angels, or messengers, of those churches (Rev 2:4,14,20; 3:2,15).

RATHER THAN ADVANCING toward glory, the people began sliding backward to the very things from which they had been delivered. Rather than being changed from glory to glory, they began reverting to the flesh. Thus, Peter blows the trumpet of warning. People were headed for a state that was actually "worse" for them than the one from which Jesus delivered them in the first place.

IF THIS CONDITION were not possible, it would be preposterous to have extended teaching about it. Mind you, we are speaking of individuals who "escaped" the pollution of the world, again being entangled in Satan's net. This entanglement did not happen inadvertently. Through spiritual stupidity and dullness of soul, the transgressor "entangles himself" (2 Tim 2:4). Just as God's Word is "active," so is Satan's delusion. If men choose to live at a distance from Christ, they do, by that very decision, move closer to the ensnarements of the wicked one. There is just as much danger in the world as there is safety in the Lord Jesus Christ. All men choose which habitat they will occupy.

THIS WORD BRINGS TO MIND the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. After their departure, Pharaoh mistakenly reasoned, "They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in" (Ex 14:3). Other versions substitute "bewildered" (NKJV), "confusion" (NIV), and "aimlessly" (NASB,NRSV) for "entangled." There is an element of truth to all of them. The "entanglement" of reference is a term describing the powerful grip of delusion – a state in which the mind is thrown into spiritual confusion. The individual who once escaped the world's contamination is thus brought to imagine personal advantages can be realized from the world. This is even worse than the delusion experienced by Eve, for before deceived, she was not required to escape the world – i.e. to subdue any urge to eat of the friut of the forbidden tree. Here, in our text, however, is someone who has already "escaped," flirting with impurity, and finally being overcome by it. Therefore, all sound reason departs, and Jesus becomes incidental.

THINK OF THE DESCRIPTIVE EXPRESSION – "and overcome." Myriad of professed believers do not think such a thing is possible. I remember a word my beloved mother told me: "If what is above you does not control you, what is around you will!" To put it another way, if you are not an overcomer, you will be overcome! Jesus affirmed He had "over come the world" (John 16:33), and a disciple is not above his master (Matt 10:24).

HERE IS A STATE where people once joined to the Lord are again overcome by the world. Instead of overcoming evil, evil overcame them (Rom 12:21). Though once they overcame the wicked one (1 John 2:13-14), now they are "again" overcome by him. It is not possible to overstate the tragedy of the situation.

THE SPIRIT AFFIRMS, "the last state has become worse for them than the first" (NASB). Do not doubt that such a state is possible! To be entangled and overcome "again," thrusts one into a condition worse than the one prior to them being born again – i.e., "at the first!" These are the exact words spoken by our Lord concerning someone once delivered, then brought again into bondage (Matt 12:43-45). Those who are "again entangled" sink lower into the mire, and further from the Savior, than they were when they were alienated. They are less sensitive, more calloused, and harder in heart!

GOD MADE NO PLEDGE to retrieve such, nor, indeed, has He guaranteed recovery is even possible. Elsewhere, the Spirit affirms it is "impossible" (Heb 6:4-6). Wherever a sensitive conscience is found, and a will to return to the Lord, a return can be realized. Such have not yet been "overcome." But if they do not run with haste to Jesus, they will soon be "overcome." That is something to ponder!

– Given O. Blakely

PERFECTED!

2010-11-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

THE SACRIFICE, OR VOLUNTARY DEATH, of Christ achieved the Divine objective regarding perfection. God's nature required perfection in His creatures, and Christ's sacrifice achieved it. This is the declaration of Scripture."For by one offering He hath perfected for all time those who are sanctified" (NASB). Do not hesitate to receive this affirmation, neither be tempted to explain it away. It is the truth of God.

ALL STANDARD VERSIONS of Scripture use the word "perfected" in this verse. To name a few, Revised Standard, American Standard, New International Version, Today's English Version, New American Standard, New Revised Standard, New English, and New King James. Other versions such as The Living Bible, Phillips Modern English, and the Jerusalem Bible, also use "perfection" or "perfect." Mind you, the consistency of versions is not necessary to establish the truth of Scripture. The point I want to make is that there has been no question among translators about the expression of the Spirit in Hebrews 10:14 – and there should be no question in our minds about it.

THE WORD "PERFECT" comes from a word meaning to complete, i.e., accomplish, or consummate (in character): consecrate, finish, fulfil, (make) perfect (strong). For what it is worth, Liddell and Scott define the words "to make perfect: to inaugurate, consecrate, to complete, bring to accomplishment: to make successful . . . generally, to fulfill, accomplish, effect." While doctrine cannot be built upon the lexical definition of words, I give this to show you the strength of the word.

IT MAKES LITTLE DIFFERENCE how you look at "perfection," Hebrews 10:14 is an arresting statement of what Jesus accomplished in His death. What is more, that accomplishment, namely the perfection "forever" of those who are "sanctified" is scarcely known among the people with whom I have companied in the past!

I WANT TO STATE THIS as strongly as I can; namely, that Christ's vicarious death "perfected forever them that are sanctified." Jesus has done everything that is necessary for your acceptance by God! He has met God's requirement for perfection in your behalf. God has received you in Christ "without sin," having forgiven you of "all trespasses!" Nothing more needs to be offered to God for your acceptance! You are not working for Divine approval, nor are you commanded to do so! Your work is to "abide" in His love and acceptance, fully aware of your endorsement by Him! You are fully justified in Jesus!

BY SAYING "PERFECTED FOREVER," the Spirit provides God's perspective of the situation. By the grace of God, that view – which is the true one – can also be ours! Christ, through His death, removed everything that stood between God and man. The lack of perfection is nothing more than the presence of sin, which is the only inhibiting factor in our universe. Were there no sin, there would be no imperfection! When Jesus "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26), He did, by that very act, "perfect forever" those that are "sanctified." Here, the word "sanctified" is synonymous with "made holy." The idea is that holiness, or acceptance and recognition by, God, proceeds from the effective removal of our transgressions – all of them.

NOTE, THE PERFECTION is "forever." As you must know, this does not mean "once in grace always in grace," nor is such an absurdity ever suggested in God's Word. The "forever," like remission, is only "in Christ." It is Christ, and Christ alone, who enables us to be "sanctified" – and only those who are "sanctified" are "perfected forever." It is written, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30, NASB). Simply put, "abide," or remain, in Jesus (John 15:4,7), and you are fully accepted by God, perfect and complete in Him (Col 2:10).

TO ENSURE THAT YOU can abide in Him, the Holy Spirit of God is given to you to tutor you in the truth revealed in Scripture, and help you distinguish false prophets from true ones (1 John 2:27,28). If you do not "grieve," "quench," or "resist" the Holy Spirit of God, "ye shall abide in Him!"

FORGIVEN OF ALL TRESPASSESBecause God requires perfection, ALL of your sins had to be forgiven, blotted out, and cast into the depths of the sea. Believe that this does occur in Christ! " . . . having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col 2:13). From this standpoint, your present perfection consists of the remission of all of your sins! This truth is affirmed repeatedly for our confidence. "And by Him all that believe are justified from ALL things" (Acts 13:39). "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL sin" (1 John 1:9). "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will NOT impute sin" (Rom 4:7-8.

SIN IS EITHER FORGIVEN in its totality, or not at all! There is no such thing as partial remission, incomplete acceptance, or fragmented righteousness. Blessed is the one who sees this! For those who imagine that situation can be exploited by men without impunity – thing again!

– Given O. Blakely

PERFECTING THE WORK

2010-11-19T04:41:00.000-08:00

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)

PAUL PRAYS THAT THE FATHER, working through the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, will "make you perfect in every good work to do His will." Other versions read, "make you complete in every good work" (NKJV), and "equip you with everything good for doing His will" (NIV). Where spiritual maturity and involvement in the good will of God is found, the "great Shepherd" has been leading. That is the evidence of His activity!

WHERE SPIRITUAL JUVENILENESS and a lack of involvement in God's will are found in professed believers, only three conditions are possible. First, in such a case, it is possible that the person has never been born again, and thus has not been able to see or enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3,5). Second, the individual may be a new convert, in which case this prayer is in order. Third, such a person may actually have been born again, but through quenching and grieving the Holy Spirit, has become obstinate and spiritually ignorant. For whatever reason, it is never acceptable to be in a condition that is not advancing toward being perfect in every good work.

MARK IT WELL, the "great Shepherd of the sheep" is engaged in bringing His people to maturity, perfecting them "in every good work." His objective is to involve us in the "good and acceptable, and perfect will of God," so that we become "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9).

JESUS WARNED ONE OF THE EARLY CHURCHES, "for I have not found thy works perfect before God" (Rev 3:2). This is an unacceptable condition because God is able to make us perfect in every good work through Jesus Christ. That is one of the reasons He gave Him to us in the capacity of a "great Shepherd."

THE WORD "PERFECT" comes from a word which means "to complete thoroughly . . . perfect . . . prepare, restore" (Strong's). For example, a "perfect" fruit is one that has been brought to full maturity, and is suitable for consumption. From another view, "perfect health" is a condition in which disease and debility are not found.

AN IMPERFECT WORK is one that comes short of the Divine requirement. It misses the mark, and is like an aborted child. It is not recognized by God because it does not comport with His objectives. A "perfect" work is one that meets the Divine objective. It pleases the Lord because it harmonizes with His purpose, and is thus accepted by Him. God is not glorified by flawed, juvenile, and partial works, or by perpetual simplicity and juvenility.

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE every human expression measure up to His expectations! He accomplishes this through the "great Shepherd of the sheep," not rules or procedures. If our works are not "perfect," we cannot excuse ourselves on the basis of our humanity. God has provided the Shepherd to lead us out of the infirmities of humanity into the strength of the Lord, and the power of His might.

PLEASING TO GOD
God the Father, through the "great Shepherd of the sheep," works within us things that are pleasing to Him. Although we enjoy the things of God, the primary purpose of these works is not our pleasure, but His! It is essential that this be comprehended in a time when personal advantage is heavily promoted in religious circles. There is, of course, no greater personal advantage than being under the care of the "great Shepherd of the sheep." However, we must ever keep in mind that our benefit flows from our involvement with God and the promotion of His glory. Our benefit is never an end of itself.

I FIND AN INTOLERABLE trend developing in the Christian community. There is altogether too much talk about "fun" and having an enjoyable time. No one of sound mind will oppose having an enjoyable time, but everyone should oppose this being a primary objective. Whole assemblies are orchestrated today to accommodate the pleasure of the people. What is more, those who do not measure up to the lusts of the people are judged as unworthy of attention. All of this may seem quite bearable, but God is not well pleased with it. God's attitude toward our works commends or condemns them, regardless of the response of our peers. If something is not pleasing in His sight, any other pleasure is inconsequential.

WHEN WE WERE GIVEN a Shepherd – a "great Shepherd" – we were given One who will lead us to do what is "well pleasing" to God. Therefore, our gatherings must welcome the "great Shepherd of the sheep" to work in this manner while we are assembled together. Our mindfulness and care for one another must be within the context of our preoccupation with Jesus Himself.

– Given O. Blakely

A BETTER COVENANT

2010-11-17T03:37:00.000-08:00

"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also Be is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Heb 8:6)

THE NEW COVENANT IS GLORIOUS. It is established upon "better promises" (Heb 8:6) and yields a better harvest. There is a general lack of awareness of the uniqueness of the New Covenant. I regularly hear teachers and preachers address the people of God as though they were like the recalcitrant Israelites of old. Hearty nods of approval follow the expression of such persuasions. The assumption that those in Christ operate with the same limitations as those under the Old Covenant is altogether false! There is no truth in such assertions. In Christ Jesus, and under the New Covenant, we are in a new and better situation. We have a "better covenant."

THE PROPHETS MADE IT CLEAR that a new era was going to be inducted. It would be one marked by transformation. Willingness and obedience would characterize that time. Obstinance and disobedience would find no place in the New Covenant. Hear the Word of the Lord! "Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live" (Deut 30:6). "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me" (Jeremiah 32:40, NASB). "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be My people, and I will be their God" (Ezek 11:19-20, NIV). "My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes" (Ezek 37:24, NRSV). " . . . for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD" (Jer 31:34). "I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart" (Jer 24:7). "I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances" (Ezek 36:27). "At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord" (Zeph 3:9).

THESE ARE NOT EXPRESSIONS OF MERE DESIRE, or the statement of an ideal or goal for which men are to strive. These are promises of what God had determined to occur. They describe the effects of the new birth. They depict the result of being justified. They set before our minds the impact of being sanctified. They shout to us of the superiority of the New Covenant. If some imagine that these have no reference to the New Covenant, let them think again! Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. That is what He came to do (Matt 5:17). These promises, therefore, find their fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ and the New Covenant that He is presently mediating.

JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW by embodying all of the types and figures contained in it, as well as perfectly obeying its moral code. He at once became the Lamb, Altar, and High Priest. He is the Deliverer, Builder, and holy Habitation. He made the sacrifice and Himself was the sacrifice. He was the slain goat and the one taken into the wilderness. He is the Deliverer and Lawgiver, the Means of cleansing and the way of Divine direction. Everything in the Law and the Prophets pointed to Him!

JESUS FULFILLED THE PROPHETS by authoring, or causing, all of the changes of which they prophesied. They spoke of His sufferings and glory (1 Pet 1:11). His "sufferings" related to the expiation of sin and the reconciliation of sinners to God. The "glory" has to do with the impact of His salvation upon the hearts and lives of people. It is the effect of His salvation. The change of heart, the presence of willingness, and the preference of holiness all take place in Him. Waywardness is no longer the manner of the people of God! Where waywardness is found, unbelief is present. We have a "better covenant," and it has produced better results. In fact, those results are the undeniable confirmation that it is, in fact, a "better covenant."

TO FURTHER ILLUSTRATE this grand truth, John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). NOTICE: he does not say "when we sin," but "IF we sin." Sin is the exception, not the rule, in the New Covenant! Those in Christ do not have a basic propensity to sin, but a secondary one. The "law of sin" is "another law" that is resident in their "members" (Rom 7:20-23), not the primary one. It is not representative of their primary persons in general, or their "new man" in particular.

– Given O. Blakely

A PRINCIPLE

2010-11-10T03:49:00.001-08:00

"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us." (2 Tim 2:12)

THE PATH TO GLORY through the valley of suffering. It is only as we "suffer with Him," or to that exact degree, that we will "reign with Him." That is the solemn announcement of this text. If men can receive it, and not pervert it, suffering enables us to be "worthy of the kingdom of God," for which they suffer – that is the express statement of Scripture (2 Thess 1:5). This is the perspective that prompted the Apostles to rejoice when they were harshly punished for preaching the Gospel. "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). They associated suffering here with reigning there, and it proved to be a most happy prospect.

OUR LORD JESUS referred to this principle when He said, "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt 5:10-12). Let those who are oppressed because of their faith be courageous and bold. They are being tested. Their faith is being refined. They are actually being suited for a glorious future. Their suffering can become the means through which they obtain their reward in heaven.

LOOKING AT THIS PRINCIPLE from another perspective, we can see the righteousness of God. We are apprized that at the judgement, the saved will inherit the Kingdom prepared for them from the "foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). Peter affirms that the inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and is not fading away (1 Pet 1:4). That inheritance, however, will not be given indiscriminately. It has been purchased at great price, and men must be suited and prepared for it. When you suffer for righteousness sake, or are put through difficult and painful tests, you must reason in this manner. "I have a great inheritance reserved for me in heaven. The Lord has given me these difficult times in order that I may qualify for the prize." Some will view this as glorifying works, but it is not so. Suffering is not a work, it is a fellowship – the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Phil 3:10)! It is not something we achieve, but something we endure. Sufferings are not something we accomplish, but are evidence of something God is accomplishing.

THIS TRUTH SHEDS LIGHT on a remarkable word from the Spirit. "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Col 1:24). There is no justifying power in the sufferings we experience "for righteousness sake," nor are they the subject of the prophecies of old (1 Pet 1:11). These are sufferings "left behind" – a residue, as it were, which allows us to fellowship more deeply with Christ. There is a unity realized with Christ in such suffering than cannot be accomplished in any other way.

THIS TYPE OF SUFFERING leads to reward. Once this facet of spiritual life is seen, holy resolution grips the soul. How wonderfully Paul expressed it. "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death" (Phil 3:10, NIV). Jesus suffered because He was not of this world. He came to this world, but He was never a part of it. To His critics Jesus said, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world" (John 8:23). This circumstance was the root from which all opposition to Christ sprang.

THE WORLD OPPOSES the people of God because it senses they are of another order. They cannot fully explain that circumstance, but they can sense it. As our Lord said, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. It is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" NIV (John 15:19). Whether intentional or otherwise, the course of this world chaffs against the spirit of the redeemed, and the saved are irritating to the world. For believers, the world is like a contrary wind that makes it difficult to row to a distant shore (Mark 6:48).

OFTEN THE ENVIRONMENT of the world and flesh becomes like the burning fiery furnace to the three Hebrew children. It puts us to the test, revealing our true character. Scripture informs us that enduring these tests results in the development of godly character (Rom 5:3-4). True character is not developed by mere discipline, but by opposition, stress, and difficulty. Fortitude, or endurance, is matured in the crucible of hardship! Thus we become acquainted with the principle of suffering.

– Given O. Blakely

DELIVERANCE FROM MEN

2010-11-08T03:56:00.000-08:00

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

THERE ARE TWO SIDES to the coin of this requested prayer. First, that the message that is proclaimed will be quickly received and spread rapidly. Secondly, that opposing forces will be decidedly neutralized, and rendered ineffective. God has chosen to work salvation in the midst of Satan's empire, for he is "the god of this world" and the "prince of this world" (2 Cor 4:4; John 14:30). The "whole world," we are told, "is under the control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19, NIV). That "control," however, is not the ultimate control. It has been given to Satan by God, and God can take it from him, frustrating his most cunning plans and powerful influences, and effectively limiting the scope of his efforts.

THIS TEXT SPEAKS OF those who are working for the wicked one – those who have been deceived by him, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Tim 2:26). Some of them are powerful political entities, like Pharaoh, Herod, and the Caesars. Others employed by the devil are religious officials, like Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and rulers of the Jews. Some are religious zealots who group together for the purpose of restraining the Gospel of Christ, like "certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium," who provoked the stoning of Paul (Acts 14:19), and "certain Jews from Asia," who tried to stop the spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-28).

ONE ONLY HAS TO PONDER the words of this text to catch a glimpse of the complexity of the Kingdom into which we have been translated (Col 1:13). Here is the powerful Word of God, sent and empowered by Him, restrained by wicked men! The restraint is of such a nature that it requires Divine deliverance All of this is by God's own arrangement.

DELIVERED
The presence of these men is so significant that it requires deliverance from God Almighty. They cannot be confronted in the energy of the flesh or carnal wisdom. They can be so aggressive that disciples will be forced to lower Paul over a wall in a basket to escape their malice (Acts 9:25). They can force the expulsion of Paul from the coasts of Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:50). Such men cannot be neutralized by human strategies. Divine deliverance is required! Elsewhere Paul referred to some "that do not believe in Judea," asking the saints to pray he would be delivered from them (Rom 15:31). The constant trouble to which Paul was exposed became occasions for deliverance. He testified, "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us" (2 Cor 1:9-11). What a blessed privilege to "help" the work of God through our prayer, thereby bringing deliverance from enemies.

DO NOT MISS the glorious nature of the praying of reference. It is for the spreading of the Word itself, and for those who declare it as well. Blessed, indeed, are the people who see the breadth of prayer, and extend themselves to call for Divine intervention at every critical point. The message must spread, and those who declare it must be delivered.

UNREASONABLE MEN
Other versions read "perverse men" (NASB), "wicked men" (NIV), "foolish men" (BBE), and "bigoted people" (NJB). Such men are, in a sense, insane. Their thoughts are out of place and improper. They are actually a crime, for they are against the Lord. These men are also aggressive, and will go to any lengths to suppress what they do not understand.

WE LEARN FROM THIS that sound reason does not naturally triumph over foolishness. Men are not basically reasonable, and they are not turned to righteousness by mere logical approaches. Nor, indeed, can their foolish opposition be struck down by humanly conceived arguments. Those who carry the truth must be delivered from such men, for they are too foolish to withdraw from their aggressiveness against the Gospel.

WE ALSO LEARN THAT unbelief causes men to become foolish, and foolishness is promoted by unbelief. Additionally, the Gospel of Christ is an aggressive message that brings out the folly of unbelief, actually inciting the opposition of those with corrupted minds. Such men will seek to kill Jesus (John 7:1), imprison the bearers of good news (Acts 5:18), stone Stephen (Acts 7:58), stone Paul (Acts 14:19), and exile John (Rev 1:9).

WICKED MEN. The opponents of the Gospel are more than "unreasonable." They are also "wicked," or "evil" (NIV). Not only is their mind corrupted, their character is debased and perverted. They bare in their very persons the trait of the devil, who is "the wicked one" (Matt 13:19). Regardless of their outward appearance, their opposition of the Gospel reveals they are evil, corrupted by Satan, and unsuitable to stand before the Lord of glory. The word "wicked" means harmful and unprofitable, as well as evil and malicious. From the highest view, men lose all usefulness when they set themselves to restrain the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. There is no more wicked person than the one who objects to the preaching and belief of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ! Let us be faithful in praying for deliverance from such people.

– Given O. Blakely

ALL DO NOT HAVE FAITH

2010-11-05T03:58:00.000-07:00

"And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

OTHER VERSIONS READ, "for all men have not faith" (KJV), "for not everyone has faith" (NIV), and "for faith {is} not {the portion} of all" (DARBY). Here all men are divided into two categories: those who have faith, and those who do not. Notice the gracious way in which this is stated. The Spirit does not say, "only a few have faith." Nor, indeed, does He say, "most men do not have faith." He speaks in such a manner as to accentuate the blessing of having faith at all. By these words, He also explains why men seek to oppose the Gospel and restrain those who declare it. This is the condition requiring that we are to pray for the rapid and effectual spread of the Word of God, and for the deliverance of those who preach it from the hands of unreasonable and wicked men.

ALL MEN DO NOT HAVE FAITH! It is, therefore, the lack of faith that creates an environment of opposition.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF modern day teachers who affirm that all men DO have faith – that it is a principle that is in all people by nature. This perverse doctrine says that faith is released by the individual when they choose to believe, thereby enabling them to take hold of the things of God and do great exploits. This is aggressively taught by the "health and wealth" exponents, and is more widespread than one dares to imagine. It is based upon the statement of Romans 12:3: " . . . God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." However, that text is not speaking of every man in the world, but of every man who is in Christ Jesus – particularly, who is in the body of Christ. The point is that every member of the body of Christ has been equipped with the ability to edify the saints (Rom 12:3-8). As the text says, ""For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you [believers] . . ." The same language, i.e., "every man," is frequently used to identify all who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 14:5; 1 Cor 3:5.8,10; 4:5; 2 Cor 9:7; Gal 6:4; Eph 4:25; Phil 2:4; 1 Pet 4:10; 1 John 3:3).

OUR TEXT DECLARES that "not all have faith" (NASB). There is, then, no question about faith NOT being resident in men by nature. It is not something that Adam passed to his progeny. Only a modicum of intelligence is required to confirm this is the case. Think of what is said of faith, and see for yourself that it is NOT in every mortal. The "just live by faith" (Rom 1:17). The righteousness of God is received by faith (Rom 3:22). We are "justified by faith" (Rom 3:28; 5:1). We have access to the grace of God by faith (Rom 5:2). We stand by faith (Rom 11:20; 2 Cor 1:24). We receive the promise of God by faith (Gal 3:22). We are children of God by faith (Gal 3:26). We wait for the hope of righteousness by faith (Gal 5:5). Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17). If everyone has faith, then all of these benefits can be found in them – which thought is utterly insane. All men do NOT have faith. Faith is not "released," as these false teachers affirm. It is rather "obtained" (2 Pet 1:1), or "comes" (Rom 10:17; Gal 3:20,23).

THIS TEACHING SHOWS US that those who do not have the glorious benefits mentioned are prone to oppose the Gospel. The only difference in such people is the degree to which they oppose and reject it. Our text refers specifically to those who are determined to stop the spread of the Gospel. These are individuals whose unbelief has flooded their hearts, causing them to become unusually calloused toward the Gospel.

FAITH COMES FROM GODI never tire of being reminded that faith comes to us from God – that is why all men do not have it. Bear with me while I once again cite these marvelous passages, which were so long hidden from my understanding. "Faith comes . . . " (Rom 10:17; Gal 3:23). "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ . . . to believe on Him" (Phil 1:29). "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by [through] Him do believe in God" (1 Pet 1:20-21). "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 6:23). " . . . who [Apollos], when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 1:14).

HOW COULD THE MARVELOUS BENEFITS received by faith be attributed to something that is in us by nature and "released" at our will. How could it be possible for the natural man, by an exercise of the intellect, to appropriate such things. If such a thing is possible, in what sense has man sinned and come short of the glory of God. Why is it necessary to save men at all if they possess such an effective aptitude. It should be abundantly clear to us: "all men HAVE NOT faith!"

IN OUR TEXT BELIEVERS to join in prayer for the rapid spread of the Word, that the it might be glorified, and that its proclaimers may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. This type of prayer is for kings and priests. It is a means by which we presently reign with Christ Jesus. This is a proper means of deploying Divine power, and we must enter aggressively into it. Do not imagine that the spread of the Word and the deliverance of those who proclaim it will all happen without our involvement. We have not been called into a Kingdom that operates in that manner. Our new hearts, spirits, and minds have been given to us for participation in the wonderful working of the Lord.

– Given O. Blakely

POWER OVER ALL FLESH

2010-11-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

"As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:2)

THE LORD JESUS is not anticipating authority over the entire human race when He comes again; He already has it! If this does not comport with appearance, we must believe it anyway! It is a matter of revelation. God has given Jesus power, or authority, over all flesh. It makes little difference whether it is political flesh, religious flesh, wealthy flesh, or common flesh. Christ has power over it all.

FOLLOWING HIS RESURRECTION, Jesus announced to His apostles that "all authority" had been "given unto" Him in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18). That is all the authority there is. This is not authority He is expecting to receive, but authority He has already received. He has all authority in heaven! Nothing comes from heaven to earth without His approval. Nothing is received in heaven from earth without the recognition of Him. God looks at the world through Jesus. He has all authority in heaven! The angels are at His beck and call! The Holy Spirit is given because of Him, by Him, and in order to illuminate Him to the hearts of men.

HE HAS ALL AUTHORITY IN EARTHNothing can transpire in this world without His authority. No circumstance occurs in this realm without His approval. He is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords! He is the "Governor among the nations" (Psa 22:28). Ultimately, the affairs of men are not determined by vote or by the imposition of powerful individuals. Daniel prophesied to king Nebuchadnezzar "to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men" (Dan 4:17).

WHAT IS THE divine intent behind Jesus receiving "power over all flesh?" It is not for managing a visible government in this world. Jesus reveals the purpose Himself. It is not made known in a discourse to men, but in a prayer to God. It is not prayed at a time of unusual blessing, but on the eve of His own cursing by God (Gal 3:13). Our Lord said these words in anticipation of the "glory that should follow" His vicarious death (1 Pet 1:11): "That He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (John 17:2). Note, the power was not given to Him to subdue His enemies – although will surely be done! His enemies will all bow at His feet.

THE MIGHTIEST DISPLAY of Divine power is not the subjugation of those aligned against God! Rather, it is giving eternal life to those that the Father has given to the Son. And what is involved in "giving eternal life to as many as" God has given to Him?

NOMINAL CHRISTENDOM has oversimplified the matter of salvation. Too often they equate it with shrewd evangelistic techniques, oratorical presentations, and disciplined procedures. God associates it with "power over all flesh!" It takes more than a little power to get people from earth to heaven; out of sin into righteousness; delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son! Such dramatic results require "all power in heaven and on earth." The magnitude of salvation has simply not dawned upon the masses of professed believers. That is why they find is easy to entertain futuristic views of a reigning Christ.

OPENING THE DOOR OF FAITHFor 1,500 years, the Gentile nations had been cut off from God. Appropriately, they were described as "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" (Eph 2:12). How would people in such a hopeless condition come to have faith in God? They were the "heathen" God had pledged to give the Son for an "inheritance" (Psa 2:8). Nevertheless, they were dominated by the devil, enslaved to sin, and blinded. How could they ever be able to believe?

IF BELIEVING was difficult for the Jews, who had been cultured to do so by Moses and the prophets, what hope is there for the Gentiles? The "King of heaven" will open the door of faith to them. In spite of their addiction to idolatry and blindness to truth, they will be enabled to believe. "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how HE HAD OPENED THE DOOR OF FAITH unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). Jesus had been given power over all flesh, to give eternal life!

OPENING THE HEARTThe key of David can be used to open men's hearts! Once, it is recorded that the Lord opened a woman's heart so she could respond to the glorious Gospel proclaimed to her. "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshiped God, heard us: WHOSE HEART THE LORD OPENED, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14). As always, Satan attempted to blind the mind of Lydia, but He could not do it! She had a genuine interest in the words she heard, and Jesus saw to it that nothing hindered her from comprehending and responding to the truth of the Gospel. Nothing in Scripture suggests that this experience was uniquely confined to her.

YOUR OWN SALVATION, initially and in its completion, is owing to Jesus' power over all flesh.– Given O. Blakely

UPHOLDING ALL THINGS

2010-11-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

"Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3)

AS THE "CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION," Jesus is the Upholder, or Sustainer, of all things. That is, all orderliness and precision, whether in nature or grace, is traced back to Him. If it were not for "the word of His power," the universe would spin out of control, and there would be no such thing as a productive environment or relationship. Neither nature nor grace is operating on automatic pilot. They are not merely sustained by natural laws that have been put into place, operating independently of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is presently "sustaining all things by His powerful word" (NIV).

IT IS TRUE, Christ sustains the individual, but His ministry is much larger than that. Having been "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son" (Col 1:13), you occupy the realm of "all things." You are in a world destined for destruction. You are also in a moral universe, in which good and evil are locked in mortal combat. The god of this world is aligned against you, together with his diabolical hosts, including "principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places, and the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Eph 6:11). These are some of the things that are "present." Besides this, there are "things to come," and the larger context of "life and death" (1 Cor 3:20-21).

IN ADDITION TO THESE THINGS, we are a sort of miniature cosmos within ourselves. We have "another law," or principle, within our members, warring against the law of our renewed mind (Rom 7:23). Our natural "members" must be mortified through the power of the Spirit, because they are not subject to the Lord (Rom 8:11-13; Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). The Spirit and the flesh wage relentless war within us. As it is written, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Gal 5:17).

THROW INTO THIS SCENARIO that we "are come" to a society of staggering proportions. Included are all the redeemed currently "in the body" 2 Cor 5:6; Heb 13:3), the "spirits of just men made perfect," an "innumerable company of angels," "God the Judge," and "Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant" (Heb 12:22-24).

WE DO WELL TO stretch our minds and hearts to be more aware of these surroundings than those monitored by our fleshly senses. This aggregation of personalities are all alive, acutely aware of things transpiring in the earth. We are even told of the martyrs, who laid down their life for Christ Jesus. They are portrayed in association with the heavenly "altar" aware that their blood has not yet been avenged. "I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, wilt Thou refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"" (Rev 6:9-10, NASB).

BLOT FROM YOUR MIND the notion that, in Christ, you have merely adopted a new pattern of living, or "way of life." You have been made to "sit together" with Christ "in heavenly places," surrounded by a moral cosmos in which intense activity is now taking place. There is a sense in which we, like the Apostles, are "exhibited . . . as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" NASB (1 Cor 4:9, NASB). The battlefield into which faith ushers us is seen by both men and angels – the "world" into which regeneration has inducted us.

HOW IS IT THAT THIS complex spiritual environment has not been our undoing? Why has faith been able to survive the relentless onslaughts of the evil one? Why have we not become victim of the war between good and evil? How is it that the waves of circumstance have not been our undoing, washing us away in a tide of trouble and iniquity? How have you managed to survive the many testings and trials through which you have passed? Why has the mysterious unknown been unable to throw you to the ground in utter defeat?

IT IS BECAUSE JESUS is holding everything together, sustaining it by the Word of His power. But this means more than merely keeping things from spinning wildly out of control. These things are all being upheld for the good of His people. To put it another way, the Lord is working "all things together for our good" (Rom 8:28). To work them "together," He must be able to control them – and He does! He is marshaling all Divine resources and power for your good, to ensure you remain a part of His eternal purpose. All of these "things" are being sustained in the interest of your salvation – for your perfection and ultimate glory.

– Given O. Blakely

WHAT IS GOD DOING?

2010-10-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter 5:10)

THE FIRST WORD of this sentence is important: "But!" The Spirit has just finished reminding us of our adversary the devil, and of his wicked intentions. We are to set ourselves to resist him by steadfastness in the faith. But the Spirit will not leave us contemplating our enemy. He introduces the triumph-factor: "But God!" (v 8-9). In this expression he is telling us God is accomplishing His will in the midst of our conflict with the wicked one. The devil is seeking to devour us, but look what God is doing! Thus, we have Peter's intercessory prayer, uttered to God, and written for the consolation of the saints.

GOD OF ALL GRACE. In this expression, the Spirit traces all true benefits back to a beneficent God. It is similar to saying "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Also, the idea of limitlessness is conveyed. Believers are in a situation where grace is abundant and exhaustless. There is no extent to which God will not go to bless those who believe in His Son. He will withhold no good thing from them. As it is written, "no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psa 84:11).

CALLED TO HIS ETERNAL GLORY. Because there are "many gods" (1 Cor 8:5), the true God is identified. It is the One who has called us to participate in HIS "eternal glory." This parallels with the Spirit's words, "whom He justified, them He also glorified" (Rom 8:30). This is the glory into which we are being changed, from one stage to another (2 Cor 3:18). Any form of religion that comes short of this is spurious and worthless.

AFTER YOU HAVE SUFFERED A WHILE. The way to our appointed reign is through the crucible of suffering. Only "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tim 2:12). Our suffering, however, is only for "a while." From the standpoint of faith, it is "but for a moment" (2 Cor 4:17). The duration of our hardship is not known to us, but it is known to God. It will not extend one second beyond the point where it is of eternal benefit. Our "times" and our sufferings are in the hands of our gracious God (Psa 31:1; 1 Cor 10:13). We are "appointed" to our afflictions (1 Thess 3:3), and they are strictly governed.

MAKE YOU PERFECT. Our sufferings do not "perfect" us automatically. God Himself MAKES us "perfect" by means of them. Here, perfection means to complete the preparation for an appointed role and place. Elsewhere it is called "finish the work" (Rom 9:28), or completing the work He has begun in us "until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6). In the sense of this text, we will be perfected when we are ready to leave this world.

STABLISH YOU. To be established is to be made firm, reliable, and stable. It is to cease to be tossed to and fro by the circumstances of life and the doctrines of men (Eph 4:14). This is something God Himself does "after" we have "suffered a while." Working through our faith and in His grace, the Lord brings us to a point where we are "no more children." Life does not jostle us as it once did, and we are able to "stand in the evil day." Surely, God "is of power to stablish you" (Rom 16:25). This is having "root" in ourselves (Mk 4:17).

STRENGTHEN YOU. Being established is being firmly fixed or anchored in the appointed place. "Strength" has to do with personal solidity and integrity. It is being able to extend ourselves in the wilderness-journey of life without giving up. It is spiritual stamina, where we do not become "weary in well doing" (Gal 6:9). To be strengthened is to recover from spiritual fatigue (Isa 41:10). It is to be made equal to the battles of life and the challenges of the wicked one (Eph 6:10). Strength results in refusing to yield to the temptations of the wicked one, and declining to "quit" (1 Cor 16:13).

SETTLE YOU. To be settled is to be stable and grounded. It speaks of an aspect of spiritual life that is slightly different from being made perfect, established, and strengthened. Settling has to do with being firmly planted on the appointed foundation – blended, as it were, with that foundation. This is the process of reference in Ephesians 2:20-21. "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." That is being settled, and is the work of God!This is all "the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psa 118:23).

The extent and effectiveness of this indispensable work is worthy of your extended consideration.– Given O. Blakely

EVERYTHING IS READY

2010-10-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:5)

AND WHY DOES THE POWER OF GOD "keep" us? Why is it necessary to keep us? First, we must see that the whole of salvation has not yet been experienced. We have but "the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Rom 8:23). The bulk of our salvation is yet to come.

THE COMPLETION OF OUR SALVATION, or, more precisely, the revelation of it, is an emphasis of Scripture. "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Rom 13:11). "Are they (the holy angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:14). "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Rom 5:9-10).

WE ARE EN ROUTE TO GLORY, and have not yet arrived. We have received the "earnest," or pledge, of our inheritance, and not the whole of it (Eph 1:14). We are to conduct our lives in an acute awareness of this reality, not living as though we have already finished the course and were already in the promised land. We are still in the journeying posture!

HERE IS A MESSAGE faith requires: the salvation is "ready to be revealed." While we are working out our own salvation (Phil 2:12), we are contributing nothing to it. We were born again to obtain the inheritance. It is not obtained by our work, though we will not enter into it without "the work of faith" being fulfilled in us "with power" (2 Thess 1:11).

HERE IS A GREAT MYSTERY. There is a sense in which our labors determine the measure of our inheritance. As it is written, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matt 25:21). And again, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor 9:6). It is possible to "suffer loss" in the day of the Lord (1 Cor 3:15). However, the inheritance itself is already in tact. It but remains to be seen how much of it we will possess.

THE GREAT SALVATION" (Heb 2:3) brought to us by Jesus is infinitely larger than ordinarily conceived. Throughout the centuries, the people of God have been subjected to minuscule views of this salvation, and thus have not extended themselves to obtain its fulness. Our hearts must take hold of these words: "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim 2:10). Paul extended himself because he knew the saints could "come short" of the "rest" reserved for them (Heb 4:1).

SALVATION IN ALL OF ITS FULNESS is "ready to be revealed." In a very real sense, the "kingdom" you will inherit was "prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). Just as the land of Canaan was reserved for the children of Israel, so our inheritance is reserved for us. The only question is whether we will possess it or not. It is possible to be a "castaway," forfeiting the inheritance altogether (1 Cor 9:27). It is also possible to "suffer loss," not possessing the fulness of our inheritance. However, if our hearts are convinced of its greatness and worthiness, and if we remain strong in faith, we will obtain more than we have dared to imagine. If God can do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" now, in this time (Eph 3:20), what can be said of the "salvation that is ready to be revealed?" The only question that remains is our capacity to receive and handle the inheritance reserved for us, and the salvation ready to be revealed.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS TEACHING is to nourish hope, assisting us to look forward to "the last time." Those living in aloofness from the Lord fear "the last time." Those living in fellowship with Christ, and in the energy of faith, look forward to it. Our text is strongly affirming that when everything temporal is brought to a conclusion, everything that is eternal will be made known. In the interim, it is only to the degree that we are not distracted by the seen that we obtain any significant awareness of the unseen. As we take hold on the promises and nourish our faith, God, will keep us from the wicked one, and enable us to develop a large capacity for the "salvation ready to be revealed."

– Given O. Blakely

PURSUE PEACE

2010-10-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

"Pursue peace with all men . . . " (Heb 12:14, NASB)

THE PEACE IN THIS TEXT is "with all men." That requires an aggressive effort because we have not been reconciled to all men, as we have to God. Our reconciliation to God, in fact, has separated us from the course of this world, thus alienating us from those who are not in Christ Jesus. However distasteful it may appear, it is still true: "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Thus it is written, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you" (1 John 3:13). It is true of those who have believed on Christ through the Apostolic word, just as surely as it was true of the Apostles: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:12). Yet, we are admonished to "pursue peace with all men!"

A NEEDFUL EXHORTATION
This is a needful exhortation because of the enmity that is produced by our faith. Salvation is experienced in the presence of our enemies – in a hostile and cursed world. We pursue peace with all men like Abraham pursued it with the herdsmen of Lot (Gen 13:8). In this case, separation was necessary. Yet, Abraham pursued peace, making every effort to have no part with initiating friction and enmity. The peace may not be able to be made and kept by you, but you can seek it fervently, as did the Psalmist (Psa 120:6-7).

PURSUING PEACE OFTEN INVOLVES a soft word, which "turns away wrath" (Prov 15:1). The servant of God is to avoid things that make for fleshly strife and agitation (2 Tim 2:23-24). It also requires pleasing the Lord, who can make our enemies be at peace with us (Prov 16:7). Remember, our Lord Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God" (Matt 5:9, NKJV).

WHY PURSUE PEACE?
Why should we pursue peace with all men? The New Covenant, as administered by the Lord Jesus Christ is in view. In a very real sense, the New Covenant is "a covenant of peace." Ezekiel spoke of this covenant. "Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them" (Ezek 37:26). This covenant is characterized by "peace with God" (Rom 5:1). The variance between God and man is brought to a grinding halt in Christ Jesus.

THIS PEACE ALSO EXISTS among the members of Christ, who are charged with keeping "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). They start out in harmony with their brothers and sisters. Their job is to maintain that unity.

PEACE IS TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE like a calm sea is to the sailor. It enables the child of God to make progress in the new life. Just as it is difficult to navigate the sea in a storm, so negotiating the sea of life in an unpeaceful environment is hard. A little personal reflection will confirm this to be the case. Particularly in the New Covenant, "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). The nature of this covenant demands that we energetically pursue "peace with all men." It is within the framework of peace and tranquility that we will enjoy the fulness of God's blessing.

THIS IS WHY WE PRAY for kings and those in authority. "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim 2:1-2). Our primary interest is not the political arena, but advancement in the Spirit. There are enough difficulties associated with spiritual growth without having needless agitation all about us.

IF WE DO NOT ZEALOUSLY SEEK PEACE with all men, we will be hindered by the lack of that blessed condition. How fervently we should pray for such an environment. It is a better course of action than political activism. God has an interest in His people. He is more apt to hear prayers offered for their maturity than for the recovery of a nation, however noble that may appear.

BECAUSE OF OUR LOWER NATURE
There is a propensity in the natural man to actually shun peace. The fallen nature seeks selfish interests, with no desire to adapt to the needs of others. Every day a thousand reasons will seem to justify discord. The "flesh," or sinful nature, is inclined to "hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies" (Gal 5:20). The fallen nature is assertive, refusing to remain idle. It must be crucified and subordinated with zeal. Particularly among brethren, it is imperative that peace be maintained. "Be at peace among yourselves," the Spirit exhorts (1 Thess 5:13).

AT EVERY POINT the peace depends upon us, effort is to be extended for it to be realized. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom 12:18, NKJV). All the while, we remember the words of our Lord Jesus. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt 5:9). Your own experience will confirm to you that perceiving the Lord is more difficult in times of agitation and turmoil. A peaceful surrounding is preferred by all believers. It is not only worthy pursuing peace, it is a necessity to do so.

IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD that the pursuit of peace is to be within the boundary of faith. Such a pursuit is not to involve the compromise of the truth, or a lessening of devotion to God.

– Given O. Blakely

HE ENTERED BY BLOOD

2010-10-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Heb 9:12)

WHEN THE SON RETURNED to "heaven itself," He did so in our behalf. He did not enter heaven in disassociation from His vicarious atonement, like finishing a job on earth, then returning to His former role. He did return as One who had completed a mission, having satisfied the requirements of a gracious, yet just, God. However, after returning He embarked on the work for which He was now suited. That included mediating the New Covenant, interceding for those who are in Him, nourishing and caring for His church, and the final and total subjugation of all of His enemies. The salvation of God required all of these things.

IT WAS WONDERFUL when the Son walked among men, but it was more wonderful when He entered into heaven! It was good when Jesus "went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil" (Acts 10:38), but it was better when He entered into "the holy place." Meeting with disciples in the synagogues and on the mountain side was glorious, but meeting with saints in heavenly places is "rather glorious." Christ's entrance into heaven had an infinitely greater effect than His entrance into the world. His ministry in heaven is more effectual than His Galilean ministry. In view of this, when you ponder Christ's accomplishments in the earth, it is staggering to consider how great His present work is. The work He is doing now does not overshadow the work He did upon earth, but it does exceed it. Presently He has a greater glory, a greater ministry, and a greater expectation.

THIS IS NOT INTENDED to diminish His entrance into the world, nor His marvelous works when He "dwelt amongst us." God forbid! His entrance into heaven validated His death and resurrection on our behalf. It also sanctified the recollection of His powerful works and gracious displays of grace and mercy. Christ's death would have counted for nothing if He did not return to heaven to minister its efficacy (Rom 8:34)!

IT WAS "THROUGH HIS OWN BLOOD" that the Son "entered the holy place." Some versions read that He entered, "with" His own blood (NAB). Others read "by means of" His blood (NIB), "taking with Him" His blood (NJB), and "He took His own blood" (NLT). The key that allowed Jesus to enter into heaven was not His "endless life," but His effective death! His entrance into the world was in order to the accomplishment of a death, not only a life (Luke 9:31). The command He received from the Father was to "lay down" His life, then take it up again (John 10:17-18). In His death, the price was paid. In His return to heaven, the price was presented to the God who required it to be paid.

JUST AS THE HIGH PRIEST under Law could not enter the holiest place without blood, so Christ could not enter heaven without the efficacy of His own blood. What is more, the high priest of old had to have appropriate blood to enter the expiatory realm. He could not enter with the blood of a turtle dove. It had to be the "blood of the bullock" or "blood of the goat" of the sin offering (Lev 16:14-15). Jesus could not enter heaven with the blood of "goats and calves." He could not enter with the blood of Abel, Stephen, Antipas, or the holy prophets. He had to enter with His own blood – His own personal investment in our salvation!

THE WILLING AND EFFECTIVE forfeiture of His life became the basis of our acceptance by God! He entered heaven with the evidence of an accomplished mission. He was obedient to the Father, having laid down His life of Himself, and taken it up again in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, entering with His own blood required that He raise from the dead, taking His life back again as the Father commanded Him (John 10:17-18). No one else could enter with His blood – He had to do it Himself.

HE DID NOT ENTER into heaven with our good works, but with His own blood. He did not enter with the merits of the most excellent of the sinful race, but with His own blood! He did not enter into heaven with the tables of the Law, but by His own blood!

HIS SUBMISSION TO THE WRATH and curse of God lifted the curse from us. He entered by His own blood. Having submitted to the curse of the Almighty, now the Almighty could bless us. He entered by His own blood.

IF YOU DARE TO ENTER HEAVEN with anything else, you will be rejected. Make no mistake about that. We do not come to God pleading the merit of our own accomplishments, but having "faith in the blood" through which Christ entered into heaven (Rom 3:25). Because He entered through that blood, so can we! God honors that blood, and if we honor it, He will honor us! This gives great weight to the Pauline phrase, "faith in the blood" (Rom 3:25).

– Given O. Blakely

REMEMBERING

2010-10-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

"By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." (1 Cor 15:2)

OTHER VERSIONS CAN ASSIST in enlarging our thoughts concerning keeping in "memory," or remembrance. "Hold fast that word" (NKJV), and "holy firmly to the word" (NIV). How does a person "hold fast?" We are admonished to "hold fast that which is good" (1 Thess 5:21), "hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Tim 1:13), "hold fast the confidence" (Heb 3:6), "hold fast your profession" (Heb 4:14), and "hold fast till I come" (Rev 2:25). It is apparent from these texts that these are not optional matters, to be ignored with impunity. How can we accomplish such things?

OUR TEXT PROVIDES SOME UNDERSTANDING on this. The subject with which Paul is dealing is the Gospel of Christ. It was the same Gospel Paul had preached to the Corinthians in the beginning, which they had received, and in which they were standing in a state of acceptance. Paul clearly identifies the message of reference by saying, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (verses 3-4). This was the message through which they were being saved, "IF" they would "keep in memory" what they had heard. Thus, whatever the expression "keep in memory" means, being saved, in some sense, depends upon it.

ACTUALLY, THE EMPHASIS is placed on "keep" instead of "memory." Keeping is what is done, and the memory is where it is kept. You cannot "keep" the Gospel in a lifeless creed, a religious form, or any other impersonal way. It can, however, be retained in the memory – kept in a state of remembrance. In fact, if we do not think upon the Gospel, we cannot derive spiritual nutrients from it – nutrients for the soul that must be possessed. This is one of the primary reasons for the Lord's table. It is a place where memory is given a place of prominence. The memory, under the control of faith, reaches into the God-ordained past, and gathers manna for the soul.

REMEMBRANCE IS TO THE PAST what hope is to the future. It is accompanied with determination and purpose, together with intent and godly ambition. Both remembrance and hope are profitable only when faith is prominent, ruling, as it were, the processes of heart and mind.

IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, you cannot "keep" what you will not remember. That is why Peter sought to "stir up" even "pure minds," by way of remembrance (1 Pet 1:13; 3:1). The "memory" is a place where truth is processed, and its vital nutrients obtained. The memory can also be used to the detriment of the individual, as when Israel remembered Egypt while in the wilderness. It is said of those wayward people, "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic" (Num 11:5). WHAT IS REMEMBERED directly impacts on whether or not the individual is helped or harmed

by the memory. When truth is remembered, or pondered, it exerts a sanctifying influence upon both heart and mind. Such remembrance is involved in meditation – something the sweet Psalmist of Israel resolved he would do: i.e., "I will meditate" (Psa 77:12; 119:15,48,78).

WHEN THE TRUTH, particularly the Gospel, occupies the "memory," it impacts upon the way we speak. Thus it is written, "They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness" (Psa 145:7). Concerning the remembrance of the Gospel, the "memory" can also keep us from "believing in vain" (1 Cor 15:2). One version reads, "Otherwise, you have believed in vain" (NIV). That makes this a most serious matter. The saints of God cannot afford to allow their hearts and minds to be distracted. Jesus mentioned three things that stifle the Word of God, causing it to become "unfruitful." They were "the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things" (Mark 4:19). These "enter in" to the individual, turning one aside from the due consideration of the Word of God. They are a kind of spiritual clutter that tends to fill up and dominate both heart and mind, pushing the Word of God away from consideration. The results have eternal ramifications.

THE "MEMORY" OF EVERY rational person is filled with something. It may be the here and the now, a sordid past, holy things, or even the present moment. Our choice of friends, what we watch, what we hear, and what we do, has an impact upon our memory, making it either our friend or foe. What about you? What do you remember? To what is your "memory" devoted? Whatever fills your memory controls your thought.

– Given O. Blakely

SUFFERING CHRISTIAN

2010-10-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:16)

HERE IS ONE OF THE three places the word "Christian" is found in Scripture (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16). In all three cases, the word reflects the world's view of believers. In Acts 11:26, "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." In Acts 26:28, wicked Agrippa said to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Our text speaks of suffering "as a Christian."

SOME TEACH THIS WAS a Divinely given name, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 62:2: "and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name." This view also appeals to the original word from which "called" is translated, saying it means "called by God," or Divinely named. There are reasons that do not allow for this interpretation, regardless of etymological concerns. First, no believer ever referred to himself as a "Christian." Second, no congregation of believers is ever called "Christians." Third, no promises are addressed to "Christians." It is inconceivable that these conditions could exist if the name "Christian" was Divinely given. God gave the name "Jesus" to His Son, and repeatedly referred to Him as such. He gave the name "Abraham" to Abram, and from that point on so referred to him. But this is not the case with "Christian."

THE WORD "CHRISTIAN" means "of or pertaining to Christ; a follower of Christ." Believers were referred to in this way because of their OBVIOUS identity with Jesus Christ. They were not merely His followers by profession, but in manner of life and teaching as well. As you already know, many people wear the name "Christian" who are received by the world, and treated as friends and associates. But this will not be the experience of anyone who exudes the life of Jesus. It will at once become apparent to the world such an one is separate from them. As a result, they will cause them to suffer,

AND WHAT IS THE SUFFERING-ONE to do under such circumstances? First, the child of God is not to be "ashamed." He is not the one who is wrong! "Shame" involves embarrassment, feeling defeated, and being disgraced. Those reproached for the name of Christ must not be ashamed of Him or His Gospel. Here, the believer must follow the Lord, of Whom it is said, He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb 12:2). The world looks down upon the believer, but the believer looks down upon the shame, despising, or thinking less of, such an experience. This is involved in not being ashamed. I wonder if Peter did not vividly recall when He thrice denied the Lord out of a sense of shame – something from which he repented on the same night the denial occurred.

THE BELIEVER MUST, however, have more of a response than simply not being ashamed. He is to "glorify God

IN THIS MATTER," i.e., in the suffering itself. The perspective here is the same as that declared to the Philippians. "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil 1:29, NKJV). Believing AND suffering for Jesus' sake are both gifts from God. Both have been "granted" to us "in the behalf," or for the sake of, Christ. That is, God is honoring Jesus when He grants us grace to believe on Him. He also honors the Son when He grants us the privilege of suffering with Him that we might also reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12).

LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS involves two kinds of experience. First, we are brought into accord with heaven, and made suitable for Divine fellowship. Through God's great salvation, we are readied for heaven, tasting of the heavenly gift and the powers of the world to come. Our association with God through Christ brings great blessing and benefit to us. Second, we are thrown into conflict with this present evil world, which recognizes we no longer belong to its condemned order. That association produces suffering and reproaches.

BOTH OF THESE EXPERIENCES (believing and suffering for His sake) are from God. Therefore, we can glorify Him for both. The blessings associated with believing confirm that we are accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6). The reproaches of this world confirm that we have been so changed by the grace of God that the world knows we are separate from it. But, we must walk in the Spirit and live by faith to see these things. If we live too low, the clouds of doubt and fear will hide these realities from us. The earth generates a sort of spiritual fog that hides these perceptions from those who are close to it.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS USING PETER to lift us up into the realm where all things are clearly seen. From this higher vantage, suffering looks much different! Thank God for that!

– Given O. Blakely

WORD DISEASES

2010-10-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

"And their word will eat as doth a canker . . . " (2 Timothy 2:17)

JUST AS THERE ARE DISEASES OF THE BODY, so there are diseases of the soul. Some of these diseases are caused by words – words that are preached. These words are like a destructive spiritual virus spewed into the air. They cause a consuming cancer to break out in the hearts and minds of men. In the wake of these words thinking becomes distorted, the Scriptures are not understood, and all manner of doubts and fears begin to grow within.

OUR TEXT SPEAKS OF "profane and vain babblings" – spiritual gibberish that does nothing more than clutter the hearing. Two men are cited as examples of such speaking: Hymanaeus and Philetus, who taught that the resurrection had already occurred. Their words were like highly contagious and destructive viruses to the soul – extremely lethal. They were the first Preterists of record.

DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, I have heard several men attempt to speak on last things. In this most critical aspect of the faith-life, clarity, power, and motivation are imperative. Those lacking acquaintance with such things as glory, heaven, the judgement, and the world to come, must not speak on them. Such do a great disservice to the people of God by ploughing in a field with which they are not familiar. As men address these subjects, they reveal the extent of their familiarity with kingdom realities. It is not possible to be weak in these areas, yet be strong in faith. Nor, indeed, is it possible to be flawed in these areas, yet sharpen the audience's perception of the things of God. It is questionable if a person who is fundamental ignorant of last things can be enlightened concerning matters pertaining to life and godliness.

WHEN SPEAKING OF "things unseen" (2 Cor 4:16-18), "the world to come" (Heb 2:5; 6:5), a "continuing city" (Heb 13:14), the "resurrection of the dead" (Acts 23:6; 24:25; 1 Cor 15:21), and "the coming of the Lord" (1 Thess 4:15; James 5:7-8), there is no room for ambiguity. The wisdom of the world has nothing to offer in these areas. These are not areas for human speculation, philosophical discussions, and sharing various opinions. To be wrong in these areas is like contracting cancer.

PURPORTED SCIENCES of interpretation, or hermeneutics, are found woefully deficient when speaking of matters transcendent to "this present evil world." Human wisdom cannot chart out the path of spiritual realities, or in any way clarify them. Etymological expertise withers when approaching these subjects. Historical brilliance cannot give us Divine perspective in these things! See if this is not true. Scholasticism falls to the ground as if smitten on the head when matters are addressed that deal with eternity. It cannot traffic in the lofty realms from which such realities are seen and comprehended.

IN RECALLING MY RECENT exposure to messages attempting to address these matters, I observed a profound consistency. Each of the presentations brought a sharp spiritual descent in the related gatherings. The sermons did not blend in with the high spiritual tone of the other presentations. That is not as simplistic as it may seem. Actually, they should have not only complemented preceding proclamations, but clarified and enhanced them. Instead, they were like the intrusions of prattling fools and dawdling infants who chose to play in the midst of the war. They were the sound of flesh in an environment of Spirit. Simply put, the speakers were out of their element, unfamiliar with the territory they presumed to present to their audience. They should have been sitting in "the room of the unlearned" (1 Cor 14:16), not speaking as though they were somebody.

I FIND MYSELF growing more intolerant of such presentations. They chafe against my spirit, producing a mixture of sorrow and indignation which is discomfiting. I know that I must be longsuffering with those possessing weaker faith, whose vision is yet blurred – who see men as trees walking. All too often, however, those who should be "teachers" in these areas, show themselves to be novices. Not only that, they have been set forth as achievers, ahead of their peers in matters pertaining to God. This is, however, a gross misrepresentation. We should not have to explain why acclaimed "leading brethren" are deficient in their presentations of key doctrines. There is no acceptable explanation for this condition. It is simply intolerable.

SOME PREACHERS ARE NOTED for their humor. Others for their scholarship. Some are organizers and administrators, but they cannot navigate in the Word of the Living God. They have eyes, but they cannot see "Him who is invisible" (Heb 11:27). Their expertise is in this world, not the one to come. They easily become engrossed in the problems of the people, but are strangely unfamiliar with the provisions of God. The psychological approach of the successful preacher is unacceptable. Placing people in categories called "boomers," "busters," and "x," may be fashionable, but it is wrong. God recognizes no such divisions among men, and neither can we.

MUCH OF THE SPIRITUAL DEFICIENCY around us is the direct result of corrupt words that have been delivered from the pulpits, media, and literature of the land. Corrupt words have set spiritual corruption in motion, leading people to wrong conclusions, and causing them to think wrongly. Such things must not be taken lightly. Pure hearts need good and pure food. Spiritual minds need regular wholesome and godly nourishment.

– Given O. Blakely

PRESSING

2010-10-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

"I press toward THE MARK." (Philippians 3:14)

"THE MARK!" So far as Paul was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. "The MARK!" It was something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings. Elsewhere he used glorious phrases to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17). These were aspects of "the mark."

THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. This is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving. They cannot think beyond the end of the world. Their thoughts cannot move about in eternal realms. Fear and unbelief rivet the heart and mind to this present evil world, not allowing them to soar with eagles wings to the place of safety and satisfaction.

BUT WHAT WAS "the mark" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins. This is why people believe. It is why they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is why they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).

THE "MARK," from one point of view, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into as single promise. "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort!

FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW, you might view "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8). He saw "the mark."

HIS WARFARE WAS GOOD! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his own brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him coming! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!

PAUL WAS DOMINATED BY the same spirit as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God! If "the mark" is being pursued, God is not ashamed of them!

IN OUR TEXT, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "every whit whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated. They will no longer inhabit a declining body, or have to contend with "another law" that wars against the law of their mind. O believer, pursue the mark!

– Given O. Blakely

A DISCERNING MIND

2010-10-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things . . . " (1 Corinthians 2:15)

JUDGMENT, OR DISCERNMENT, is an aspect of religion that we cannot afford to be without. If our adversary is cunning and crafty, he can only be overcome within a framework of discernment, judgment and perception. By "judgment," I mean the ability to distinguish between the lie and truth, evil and good, or what is from Satan and what is from God.

THE CORINTHIANS were caught up in soulish religion. Their conduct in their assemblies confirmed this to be the case, as well as their failure to rid themselves of moral defilement. In the second chapter of First Corinthians, Paul comes to grips with the root of their problem. His words are appropriate for our day and time."

FOR THOSE WHO AMONG MEN knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man" (1 Cor 2:11-15, NASB).

THE "SPIRITUAL MAN" is thus distinguished from the "natural man." Some imagine that the "spiritual man" is the inspired man, while the "natural man" is the uninspired man. Such a view offers more disadvantages than advantages! The Spirit admonishes those that are "spiritual" to restore those caught in a trespass (Gal 6:1). The very notion that this means an "inspired man," is unworthy to be entertained by novice or elder! Paul told the Corinthians he could not speak to them as "unto spiritual, but as to men in he flesh" (1 Cor 3:1, NASB). Did he mean he could not address them as Apostles, or "inspired men?"

A "SPIRITUAL MAN" is a person possessing and being directed by the Holy Spirit of God. It is the person who has risen above the limitations of Adam, and is walking "in the light." This is the person possessing a spiritual religion. He occupies a domain that governs the soul and the body. He is not limited by the soul, and certainly not by the body.

BUT WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS have to do with our approach to life with God? Forever settle it in your mind that academic acumen, however advanced, cannot give you the advantage in the kingdom of God! This does not require you to despise disciplined thinking and true scholarship. It does mean those wells do not go deep enough to bring you closer to God, or the truth of God closer to you. The reason for this limitation is simply this: those are areas of the soul, not the spirit! They can be sanctified in the energy of an enlightened spirit, but only so!

DISCERNING ALL THINGSThe Word of God proclaims the glorious advantages of life in the Son. As might be expected, they go far beyond the capacity of the most productive imagination.

"BUT HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (1 Cor 2:15). The person in Christ is not at a disadvantage in any essential area. He is equipped for conflict and spiritual; advance. The walk of faith does not lead you where you do not have resources available to you. "He that is spiritual" is the person walking in and being led by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16,25; Rom 8:14). Such an one is able to decipher both lie and truth, righteousness and unrighteousness. He does it at the spiritual level, not the soulish level.

THE EPHESIANS "LEFT" their "First Love," yet meticulously tried those claiming to be Apostles, and found they were not (Rev 2:2-4). Their's was a soulish approach. It did not go deep enough. That is why they abandoned the Savior, even though remaining intensely active in His name! They did not "judge all things," which included their own "fallen" condition.

– Given O. Blakely

FRIEND OF GOD

2010-10-08T03:22:00.000-07:00

". . . and he was called the Friend of God" (James 2:23)

NO OTHER RELIGION BOASTS of friendship with its God. This is one of the many distinctives of the "great salvation" that is ours in Christ. Until Christ, there were few people of our race with whom the Lord could fellowship. That privilege was largely lost when sin entered into the very environment God had called "good." It is written that "Enoch walked with God" (Gen 5:22,24). Noah is also described as a "just man" that "walked with God" (Gen 6:9). Their "walk" however, was largely related to their revulsion with an iniquitous world in which they lived. Jude provides us with a prophecy of Enoch. It was one of impending judgement, to be fulfilled immediately in the Noahic flood, and ultimately in the coming of the Lord and the destruction of the wicked. "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him" (Jude 14-15).

NOAH'S FAITH not only resulted in the saving of his house, but also in the condemnation of the world (Heb 11:7).

THE WALK WITH GOD enjoyed by Enoch and Noah was vital, but it was not fellowship at the level God desired. Being repulsed by evil is a requisite to fellowship with God, but it is not at the heart it. This is devastating to a legalistic view of spiritual life. In my judgement, Satan has perpetrated the notion that being against evil is sufficient to obtain divine approval. This is not the case! It is written of Jesus that He not only "hated iniquity," but that He also "loved righteousness" (Heb 1:9). It is clear from Scripture that true spirituality requires both traits. As it is written, "grace" teaches us not only to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts," but to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world," all the while "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:11-12).

A DIFFERENT DIMENSION
Abraham stands unique among the sons of men. Because of that uniqueness, he is called the "father" of all that believe (Rom 4:11,12,16). When God promised Abraham "seed" as multitudinous as the stars of heaven and the sand of the seashore, he "believed God" (Gen 15:6; 22:17; Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6; James 2:23). That faith endeared him to God, provoking Him to call Abraham His "friend." The patriarch required no further evidence to substantiate the promise. God's word was sufficient!

LATER SCRIPTURE ASSESSES ABRAHAM: "Art not Thou our God, Who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham THY FRIEND for ever?" (2 Chron 20:7). "But thou, Israel, art My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of ABRAHAM MY FRIEND" (Isa 41:8). "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called THE FRIEND OF GOD" (James 2:23).

WHAT A MARVELOUS THING! – to be known as "the Friend of God!" Note! He does not say "A friend of God," but "THE friend of God." "Friend," in this case, means "associate" or confidant. It is someone in whom another confides. In the case of Abraham, God divulged His intention to bless the world through His offspring. Considering the times, and the sparse amount of communication between God and the human race, this is a wonderful thing! The Living God took a man into His confidence, divulging something that would not be comprehended for centuries to come. The remarkable word of the Lord on this matter challenges our mind. When sending angels to destroy Sodom and the cities of the plain, "the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do" (Gen 18:17). Furthermore, concerning the coming Messiah and the day of salvation, Abraham was so close to the Lord that God could not keep from revealing the plan of the ages to him. He had determined to bless the whole world, which He had previously destroyed by water, through the offspring of the woman – specifically, Abraham's Seed (Gen 12:1-3). This promise still challenges the minds of those dominated by the Spirit. How close Abraham must have been to the Lord for Him to reveal this secret in such spiritually primitive times!

WHAT IS A FRIEND?
This is a very strong word, denoting more than mere familiarity. There is nothing casual about the word. The word "friend" comes from a word meaning "dear, i.e. a friend; in action, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.): – friend. In the Hebrew, it carries the idea of intimate involvement based upon affinity. Scripture uses the word more in the sense of an "associate," someone brought into an established purpose – a confidant – someone with whom personal matters are shared and to whom purposes are divulged.

ABRAHAM IS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD because he was dear to the Lord, and thus the Divine agenda was revealed to him. The friendship was not merely one of closeness, but one that moved the Lord to divulge His purpose to Abraham – a purpose involving the whole world. Even when He purposed to destroy Sodom, He was moved to tell Abraham of His intentions. Friendship with God is something to be desired by all of us.

– Given O. Blakely

SMALL GOD SYNDROME

2010-10-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

"Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" (Psalm 78:19)

GOD LED ISRAEL into a vast wilderness where nature did not provide food and water. If God did not feed them and give them to drink, the desert would overcome them. However, the people did not cry out to God for provision. Instead, they challenged His capability. They were not merely philosophizing, but were speaking of their survival. They had been delivered by God out of the "iron furnace" of Egypt, but the desert seemed to be too formidable – even for God. Thus they "spoke against God," questioning that He could even provide their need. In Numbers their challenge is, "Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread"(Num 21:5).

SIMILAR CRIES ARE RISING rising from the church today. To many, it seems as though the heavens have been shut, and God no longer works outside of nature. Some have even invented doctrines that say this is all by Divine intention – that He no longer works in that manner. To the unbelieving heart and undiscerning eye, it does appear that God still works in seemingly hopeless circumstances. However, we must not allow the presence of religious frauds and warped emphases to distort our view of God!

SALVATION IS INFINITELY LARGER than we mere men would lead us to believe. This is why Paul prayed fervently for those to whom he had preached and written. He prayed they would be able to see "what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power" (Eph 1:19). The contemporary church's employment of Divine power can be likened to a man who inherited a billion dollars deciding to use his new riches to have his shoes resoled. Small thinking among God's people reproaches God, demeans Jesus, and quenches the Spirit. This exceeding great power is "toward," or devoted to, those who believe! God is looking for someone whose cause He can undergird (2 Chron 16:9) – someone whose heart is perceptive enough to sense the magnitude of the power given to them in Christ Jesus.

IN HIS ELABORATION of this remarkable power, Paul affirmed to the Ephesians a truth for us also. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Eph 3:20-21). Notice, God can even NOW work in a manner far beyond what we are capable of asking or even thinking – and it is according to the power that works in us! This is not His plan for the Apostolic age, but for His people "to all generations." I am afraid minuscule views of God and His work have pushed the average church beyond the realm of Divine working – into the outer court of unbelief and mediocrity.

WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST JESUS is powerful enough to throw down false ideas (certainly a supernatural work). What do you suppose would happen if the church took this seriously. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:4-5). Is that not a mighty work? Moses could not throw down the false notions of Israel – not even with the remarkable miracles he wrought.

ARE THERE MIRACLES TODAY? It should be evident miracles are not, at the very least, in abundance – at least not in our country. It should also be evident that the rank unbelief that dominates our country prohibits such working. But that does not mean God's people cannot set their sights high, and aspire to do great things for God – things that require Omnipotence to get done.

THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE MIRACLE WORKERS will have to submit to scrutiny, for we are commanded to "try the spirits" (1 John 4:1). We need more than their word on the matter. Too, their message must be evaluated, for supernatural workings can accompany a false message (Deut 13:1-3). What such men say is more important than what they say they do.

I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY WORD from God that admonishes us to develop an official position on miracles and supernatural workings. Our position must be "God is able." Equally true, it is our business to make war on unbelief, which prohibits the mighty God from working in our behalf, as it disallowed Jesus' mighty working in His own country.

IF YOU ASK WHETHER OR NOT God works supernaturally, men and women from around the world will rise up to testify that, indeed, He does! People from every age and place will declare strong faith has always been honored by God. There is no reason – absolutely none – to assume it cannot be true of you also. If God can work transcendently to nature, then seek to do something requiring that kind of working. Aspire to rise above the mediocre, and God will surely bless you!

– Given O. Blakely

HIS GOOD PLEASURE

2010-10-04T04:27:00.000-07:00

" . . . according to His good pleasure, which He has purposed in Himself." (Ephesians 1:9, NKJV)

ANOTHER VERSION READS, "according to His kind intention" (NASB). That is, this was a purpose in which God Himself found great pleasure. His is a higher level of Divine will. For example, God takes no delight in "the death of the wicked" (Ezek 33:11), even though He must often take their lives. In fact, God declares, "I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies" (Ezek 18:32, NASB). Also, He "is not willing that any should perish" 2 Pet 3:9), even though He will consign some to perdition. Additionally, even though God commanded the sacrifices under the Law, He is pointedly said to have had "no pleasure" in them (Heb 10:6). The Lord has, indeed, done and commanded things that did not bring Him personal satisfaction and joy.

THE PURPOSE MENTIONED in our text is one which greatly pleases the Lord. It is because it will accomplish the results He desires – things that will bring joy to His heart. God's "good pleasure" is mentioned six times in Scripture. All of them speak of blessing.

1. The Psalmist pled with the Lord, "Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion" (Psa 51:18).

2. Jesus told His disciples, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

3. The determination to adopt us as His children is traced back to God's "good pleasure" (Eph 1:5).

4. Our text affirms the Lord has made known the mystery of His will according to His own "good pleasure" (Eph 1:9).

5, After exhorting us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, the Spirit adds a most excellent incentive: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

6. The will of God for His people is declared in most arresting words. They challenge both heart and mind. "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power" (2 Thess 1:11).

I AM SHOWING HERE that Divine purpose is most often associated with benefit and blessing. When God called Abraham, it was to "bless" him and the world through him (Gen 12:1-3). When He sent Jesus, it was to "to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities" (Acts 3:26). This is speaking of God's "good pleasure."

JEREMIAH CAPTURED THE SENSE of goodness that characterizes Divine purpose. "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11, NASB). That is not a general statement made to every person – like God having a wonderful plan for your life. Take Pharaoh as an example. Instad of telling him He had a wonderful plan for his life, God told him, "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee My power; and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth" (Ex 9:16; Rom 9:17).

THOSE WHO HAVE A HEART for "the will of God" have been assured it is good, and acceptable, and perfect (Rom 12:2). As it is written, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psa 84:11).

" . . . WHICH HE HATH PURPOSED IN HIMSELF ." Other versions read, "which He purposed in Him" (NASB), "which He purposed in Christ" (NIV), and "which He set forth in Christ" (NRSV). As you can see, some versions present God as purposing within Himself, while others have Him purposing in Christ Jesus. Both views are true. God conceived this plan of Himself. He also set it forth, as the NRSV reads, "in Christ Jesus" – the appointed means through which the purpose would be implemented.

THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST in every aspect of salvation, therefore, is quite apparent. However, the thrust of this particular verse is not the means by which God's will is implemented and made known. The idea is that God's purpose was not developed within the framework of consultation. It was not the result of a request from earth. This purpose originated in His mind, and therefore is called "His own purpose" (2 Tim 1:9). Now He has revealed what He had purposed. Also, because "the eternal God" (Deut 33:27) conceived this purpose, it is called an "eternal purpose" (Eph 3:11).

THROUGHOUT THE SCRIPTURES, the Spirit makes clear that this marvelous purpose has to do with the display of God's grace in the salvation of men. In this salvation God has purposed to make Himself more fully known than He has at any other time. It is therefore in order for us to look for great things from God in Christ Jesus – great things that clarify the nature and will of Almighty God. They are things that accrue to His glory and magnify His goodness. A religion characterized by smallness and minuscule understanding is not from God. It is a fabrication of the devil, and will inevitably pull men away from God and His great salvation.

– Given O. Blakely

ABUNDANT LIFE

2010-10-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

" . . . I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

IT IS THE LORD'S MANNER to prepare men for a blessing of magnitude – abundance. This Divine propensity was revealed to Amos. "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7, NIV). Therefore, it should not surprise us that the prophets spoke of God copiously pouring out His Spirit upon men.A

FRUITFUL FIELD PRODUCED
"Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest" (Isa 32:15). The context of Isaiah's prophecy involved the coming Messiah. He was the "Man" who would "be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (v 2). With the government upon His shoulder, and men being reconciled to God, "the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly" (vs 3-4). This is a description of "abundant life."

THE BACKGROUND OF BLESSINGThe background of the blessing of the Spirit would be trouble, desolation , and lamentation (vs 10-14). Suddenly, the Lord would break through the clouds of impossibility, pouring His Spirit upon the people from "on high." The result would be a superabundance of fruit and stability. Where desolation once dominated, fruitfulness would break forth on all sides.

ROBUST LIFE
"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses" (Isa 44:3-4). Sin brought barrenness and dissatisfaction on both personal and collective levels. Nothing having its genesis with humanity could eliminate these conditions. However, God Himself would relieve the oppression produced by transgression. He would do this by pouring His Spirit upon the people. Note, the purpose realized by this outpouring would not be a specialized ministry, like that of an Apostle. Nor, indeed, would it be the feelings of euphoria or the endowment of spiritual gifts. Instead, robust spiritual life would be realized. Sudden and stable growth would take place, as individuals would become as flourishing trees planted by the waters. There would be rich satisfaction as the human spirit, likened to parched and dry ground, would drink in of the abundance of the Holy Spirit. This outpouring is also called God's "blessing."

EXPANDED SPEECH AND INSIGHT
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit" (Joel 2:28-29). Here is the prophecy with which Peter correlated the events on that memorable day of Pentecost. While other prophecies might have been viewed as provincial or regional, Joel spoke of an outpouring of the Spirit upon "all flesh," or "all mankind" (NASB), or "all people" (NIV). The effects would dwarf all previous human experiences. Both sons and daughters would prophesy, speaking forth unto edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). "Old men" would "dream dreams," something ordinarily experienced by "young men." Young men would "see visions," something normally associated with "old men." A certain spiritual freshness would be experienced that would honor God and edify the people. Even the socially deprived would be swept into the blessing: "servants" and "handmaids."

JESUS SPEAKS
"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:37-39, NKJV). During the feast of Tabernacles, the general harvest festival, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the Lord as "drink offerings" (Num 29:35-39). In the last day of this feast, the Lord Jesus stood and cried out of a superior pouring – the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit. He spoke of it in terms of the effects of the outpouring. Rather than pouring out a small supply of water or wine before the Lord, a gushing river would erupt within the inmost part of men. A river of living, or fresh, water would not flow into man, but out of him. The rich resource of Divine supply would be placed within the redeemed, as Jesus declared to the Samaritan woman. "But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).

THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ABUNDANCE of the Holy Spirit, which "those believing in Him would receive," is vividly described. It would be like the torrent of a rushing river, flowing out from the redeemed, bringing refreshment and hope to a race bludgeoned by sin. This blessing is centered in the New Covenant, not a specialized ministry. It is inherent to salvation, and is in no way extracurricular. All of this and more is involved in Jesus coming that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Nothing about salvation is meager!

– Given O. Blakely

WE DO HAVE ENEMIES

2010-09-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

"But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied." (Psalm 38:19, NKJV)

THE MAN OF GOD acknowledges the conflict brought on by his faith. There are individuals in the world that are "my enemies." If this were not so, Jesus would not have told us to "love" our "enemies." (Matt 5:44). They are against us, and are determined to reject the light they see in us. They oppose us because they have no alternative if they prefer this "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). Such enemies are "lively," or living and active, taking the initiative against us. Their aggression is sometimes remarkable, lacking any support from reason or logic. But these enemies are also "strong" – at least that is how they appear. They are able to adversely affect us by accomplishing what we do not want them to accomplish. These enemies are in society. They are in our homes. They are also in our churches. They bring suffering and sorrow upon the people of God, and they often do so with apparent impunity and strength.

ENEMIES ARE NUMEROUS"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away" (Psa 69:4). Sometimes our enemies outnumber our friends. Their aggression often provokes us to give rather than take, and to bless when there is no apparent reason to bless. In this, we have our blessed Savior as the supreme example. While men took from Him, He brought blessing to them! He also said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt 5:44).

ENEMIES DRIVE US TO OUR GOD"All Thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me" (Psa 119:86). Here, adherence to the Word of God incurred the indignation and hatred of the world. Further, their hatred erupted in persecution: the infliction of pain. Although this takes differing forms, ranging from excommunication from their society to bloody persecution, it all has a common effect: it provokes the persecuted one to call upon the Lord.

AGGRESSION AGAINST THE SAINTS"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully" (Ezek 22:29). I do not cease to marvel at the hostility of the ungodly. Given due opportunity, they resort to oppression, robbery, and vexation. They seem to care little about the grief experienced by the godly. Whether it is hating Joseph, criticizing Moses, refusing to listen to Jeremiah, or the stoning of Stephen, the enemies of the saints have no regard for their persons, feelings, or advantage."

BEHOLD, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me" (Job 21:27). The wicked concoct reasons to oppress the godly, even creating "devices" to bring the oppression to pass. Many are the believers that have experienced these sufferings – not only from the world in general, but from their own mates, members of their family, or even members of their church.

IT IS NOT OVER YET!"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause" (Psa 35:19). The persecuted know more than the persecutors! Those who oppose the godly must not take delight in what they have done. By opposing the people of God, such have aligned themselves against God Himself, and He will "avenge His elect," though He appears to "bear long with them" and their prayers seem to be unanswered (Lk 18:7). The day has been appointed when the oppressors of the saints will bow at their feet, worship them, and acknowledge that Jesus has loved them (Rev 3:9).

PERSECUTION FROM PRINCES"Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word" (Psa 119:161). Opposition often comes from those in high circles. Herod killed John the Baptist, and Pilate joined with him in aggression against the Son of God (Lk 23:12). Today we are experiencing subtle opposition from the princes of the world. But it is "without cause" when inflicted upon those living by faith. What will be the reaction of the godly to this ungodly persecution? They stand in awe of the Word of the Lord! They will not tremble and fear before the rulers of this world, but will consider the commitments of the Lord in His Word. There is coming a time when opposition and enemies will cease, and the weary will be at rest. Until that time, we admit we have enemies, but we also admit they are vastly inferior to our God. We choose to put our trust in Him, and have no fear of man.

– Given O. Blakely

WHAT IS MAN???

2010-09-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Psa 8:4)

THE CROWNING WORK OF GOD was the creation of man. Everything else led up to this wonderful creation. Hear the marvelous words again. "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion . . ." (Gen. 1:26-27).

THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MAN AND THE BRUTE CREATION have proved a stumbling block to the evolutionist. Viewing apparent progression in various forms of life, the uninformed scientist concludes man was the result of a natural progressive process. Independently of purpose, and without the involvement of a Creator, man is thought to have evolved over a lengthy period. The seriousness of this heresy has escaped the attention of many. If random evolution is the "mother of us all," then morality, or the judgment of right and wrong, is something to be determined by every individual. Rather than supporting the false postulate that man evolved from a lower form of life, the similarities between man and some of the brute creation provides evidence of God anticipating His crowning work, humankind.

SCRIPTURE DECLARES THAT the world was created as an arena for mankind. From the higher vantage point, it is a stage upon which the drama of redemption is being enacted. Although man was made from the dust of the earth, it is not his mother. The earth owes its existence to God's purpose for man, and therefore is not an end of itself.

AFTER THE FLOOD
Following the flood, humanity received a fresh start. The mandate to replenish the earth would be given, as the human enterprise resumed. Had the divine image been destroyed? Indeed, it had not. Capital punishment, for instance, was instituted because of God's image within man. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man" (Gen. 9:6). Those who oppose capital punishment only reveal their fundamental variance with God. If it is true that God's image is found in humanity, the effrontery of the malicious taking human life is the ultimate rebellion against God. That is why it is not treated lightly. Human life has value because it has come from God in a special way. Men and women are still in the similitude of God, and thus must be respected (James 3:9).

AS SEEN IN THIS TEXT, the divine image was not destroyed when sin entered the world. Its presence, though marred, became the basis for valid and productive rationality.

THE IMAGE AND GLORY OF GOD
When dealing with confusion in the church, the Spirit reminded the thoughtless of the divine imagery in man. "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7).

THE MARVEL OF THIS STATEMENT is that man is the "glory of God" as well as His image. Here is where God is made known in a unique way. If you were afforded the benefit of seeing and studying an angel, it would be overwhelming. Their might, wisdom, and glory would be staggering. Yet, you would not see as much of God in that angel as enlightened eyes can see in people, particularly the redeemed of the Lord. Divine qualities are found in humanity that are not found anywhere else. Affinity with God is offered to the race of Adam that has not been afforded angels like Michael and Gabriel. Man is an extension of God himself, capable of transcendent things when forgiven and blessed by God.

THE OFFSPRING OF GOD
The thought of God having "offspring" is striking. One term describing Adam is "son of God" (Luke 3:38). Paul dealt a devastating blow to idolatry when he reminded the Athenians and Stoics that even certain of their own heathen poets had perceived this. "For we are also His offspring." (Acts 17:28-29).

IT IS INEXCUSABLE TO THINK of man in isolation from God, and yet we are continually challenged to do so by the world. Sadly, even the professed church joins in this conspiracy of Satan to rob the soul. Forgetting that we are God's offspring constrains men to consider the problems and difficulties of life as though there was no God or relationship with Him. The Spirit well says that it is "God with Whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13), and again, "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Psa. 14:1; 53:1). Proper thought requires that God Himself be a primary consideration.

IN THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD
The early church soon began to drift from the Lord. It became easy for some to claim identity with God without living by faith. James, the brother of our Lord, wrote to correct this condition. He found believers railing on their fellow man, and quickly brought them to task for it. Because man is in the image of God, James resorted to reason. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9). There is something to consider.

– Given O. Blakely

NOT CONFOUNDED

2010-09-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

"Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded." (1 Peter 2:6)

THE HOLY SPIRIT ALWAYS sends us to the Scripture, anchoring our faith in Divine utterance. In the Kingdom of God, the ultimate proof of a matter is not human logic, visible evidence, or popularity with the people. It is always God's Word – what He has said on the subject. And, if God has said nothing concerning the matter, it is unlawful for it to be the primary focus of our thought and speech. This is a principle of God's Kingdom, and is to be embraced.

NOW THE SPIRIT WILL CONFIRM the truth stated in preceding verses. He will justify the choice of Jesus as the Foundation for life, as well as our total dependency upon Him. He will also confirm why our sacrifices are accepted of God "by Jesus Christ."

THE WORD "CONTAINED" is an unusually strong word. Most of the Standard versions are consistent in using this word. The RSV reads, "it stands in Scripture," and the NIV reads "in Scripture it says." But this means more than saying it is in the Bible – although it surely is. The emphasis of the expression is not what is contained, but what does the containing. It is as though the Spirit said, "The Scripture is wrapped around this truth." Isaiah was used to provide the actual statement (Isa 28:16), but all of Scripture supports, and is about, this reality.

GOD HIMSELF PLACED His Son in Zion – where He works, and where He has placed His name – in the following capacities. The words of our text elaborate on these realities. (1) The One through Whom every aspect of God's working is determined: "Chief Corner Stone." (2) God appointed Jesus to this saving ministry, and He has no relevance for men apart from salvation: "Elect." (3) All Kingdom values find their apex in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone brings value and worth to every facet of spiritual life: "Precious."

NO WORD OF SCRIPTURE has been written without regard to the Son of God, Savior of the world. It is all wrapped around Him, testifying of Him (John 5:39).

THE POSITION OF THE "CHIEF CORNER STONE" was itself evidence of God's Sovereignty. The devil sought to thwart the laying of this Stone, and provoked men to do their best to stop it also. Thus it is written, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon My holy hill of Zion" (Psa 2:2-6).

THE PLACEMENT OF THE "CORNER STONE" occurred when Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God (Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3; 1 Pet 3:22).

BECAUSE JESUS IS THE "ELECT," nothing done independently of Him, or in disassociation from Him, will be recognized by God. God has chosen Him, and will receive no one who fails to choose Him also. Because of the effectiveness of His ministry toward believers, He is "precious," for in Him our hopes are brought to fruition, and our deepest desires satisfied. He is "precious," held in honor and prized most highly, to us, because that is how the Father regards Him. In a very real sense, what God thinks of Jesus is the very root of our acceptance. When we regard Jesus in the same manner as God, He fully receives us. That regard for Jesus is summarized in a single word: "believes." We receive Jesus as God has presented Him, and have cast the weight of our soul and destiny upon Him. In the words of John, we have "believed the record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10).

HERE WE HAVE ONE of the great promises of God: "he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded." "Confounded" means "put to shame" (NIV), or "disappointed" (NASB). It means the person who believes on Christ will never be disgraced because of that faith. Such a person will never be made to blush for his unwavering faith in the Chief Corner Stone. Jesus is everything God has declared Him to be, and those who rely upon Him will find that to be true. The believer will never find a single aspect of life that is not supported by the Lord Jesus. There is not a single facet of our being that does not find its ultimate goal in the Son of God. There are no exaggerations about His accomplishments or the value and effectiveness of them. No statement concerning Him is merely rhetorical or metaphorical. The faith that is bold enough to fully embrace Christ, abandoning the poverty of this world and its wisdom, will never be proved wrong, or be dissatisfied.

– Given O. Blakely

HE IS PRECIOUS

2010-09-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

"Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, and a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word." (1 Peter 1:7-8)

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in people is not found in their works, but in their faith. To be sure, believers are different from the world in their manner of life. That is why their "light" can shine among men. They express themselves differently from the world. Yet, the root of all of their distinctiveness is their faith. Believing is the cause of an acceptable life! Apart from faith, it is not possible to please God, or to live for Him.

THE SPIRIT NOW ARTICULATES the first and foremost effect of believing: it makes Jesus "precious" to us. He is "the pearl of great price" (Matt 13:46), and the "bright and Morning Star" (Rev 22:16). When it comes to nourishment, He is the "Bread" that came down from heaven, giving life to the world (John 6:35,41). The insatiable thirst of the human spirit is satisfied alone in Him (John 4:14; 6:35). He is the "Door" of entrance into the sheepfold (John 10:7), and the "Light" that brightens our day (John 8:12). To us, Jesus is most highly esteemed and honored. We are willing to give up anything but Him, and declare war on anything that threatens our possession of Him. "He is precious!" As Isaiah said, He is "a beautiful crown and a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people" (Isa 28:5).

BUT WHY HAS THIS PRECIOUSNESS OCCURRED? What has caused the people of God to regard Jesus so highly? It is their faith: it is because they have believed the record God has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-11). When they believed, the Father turned His face toward them, and opened the greatness of His Son to them. It is in this manner – by beholding, or believing in, the Son – that the Father draws us to Him (John 6:44). Note, the Spirit does not say Jesus OUGHT to be precious to those who believe, but that He IS precious to them. Their faith has made Him precious – indispensable, and worthy of aggressive pursuit.

BELIEVING IN JESUS has brought God's view of the Son to us. It has brought us into harmony with heaven, so that we regard Jesus in the same manner, though not as fully, as our Father. God will do nothing toward us without the Son. The believer, obtaining the same mind, will also offer nothing to God apart from the Son.

HUMANITY IS ULTIMATELY DIVIDED into two classes: believers and unbelievers, those who accept the Chief Corner Stone, and those who do not. Here those who fail to believe are referred to as "them which be disobedient." This is so because the consummate disobedience is failing to believe in, and rely totally upon, the Son of God (John 16:9). Those who fail to believe on Christ have done precisely the same thing as "the builders" – the Jewish leaders. They have emphatically rejected Jesus as God has presented Him. God has said His Son is indispensable, and unbelievers have said that He is not. God has said men cannot be received from Him apart from His Son, and unbelievers have dogmatically rejected that fact.

ALTHOUGH JESUS HAS BEEN PLACED as a Chief Corner Stone and sure Foundation, He is also a "Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence." The NIV reads, "A Stone that causes men to stumble and a Rock that makes them fall." Men will be led to glory because they have received Jesus as their "all in all," or they will fall into hell because they have rejected Him in that capacity. Jesus will NOT take second place, for God has already exalted Him "above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph 1:21). Flesh is willing to make some place for Jesus, but not the preeminent place. Thus it constrains unbelievers to stumble over Jesus to their own destruction, rather than rely completely upon Him unto their full salvation.

ONLY THE PREACHING OF JESUS will reveal the hearts of men. As long as men preach a social gospel, or a message that centers in humanly perceived needs, the truth will not be known, either about God or men. But when the Son of God is preached in power, those who are approved of God, and those who are not, will be revealed. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the Sure Foundation and the Stone of stumbling – the means through which the destiny of all men is determined. He is the appointed basis of all God's dealing with men. Those who believe on Him see this, and thus Jesus becomes exceedingly precious to them.

– Given O. Blakely

A UNIQUE COVENANT

2010-09-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

"I will make a new covenant . . . 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" (Hebrews 8:8-9, NKJV).

THE NEW COVENANT PRESUMED the reconciliation of the people. The Old Covenant presumed the basic alienation of the people. That is why the accent of the Old Covenant was placed upon doing, as distinguished from the New Covenant which places the emphasis on believing and being. The New Covenant is, in every way, unique.

THE NEW COVENANT BEGINS with the remission of sins, and announces the identity of the people with God. Everyone in the New Covenant begins by being delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13). Those within the covenant are not striving for identity with God, they possess it through Jesus Christ. God, who puts us into Christ, makes Him to be "unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30).

THIS IDENTITY IS NOT A MERE FORMALITY – as with Israel of old. They were God's people because of their relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a GROUP identity, not an individual one. The people did not have the character of God, and were not "partakers of the Divine nature" – a status enjoyed by those in Christ Jesus (2 Pet 1:4). The Word of God chaffed against their unregenerate souls – unregenerate because their hearts were not circumcised, and they were not born again. They did not feel comfortable in the presence of God, for their natures were unlike His. The glory of God and their persons were simply incompatible. That condition describes everyone outside of Christ, religious or not.

BUT IT IS NOT SO IN THE NEW COVENANT! Here, the association of the individual with God is very real and personal. Believers have been "joined unto the Lord," and are "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). They have been "justified from all things" upon the basis of a sacrifice offered by another, even the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:39). Their names are already written in heaven (Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23). They already have an eternal inheritance reserved for them in heaven (Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 1:4).

HERE WE SEE ANOTHER REFRESHING ASPECT of the New Covenant. It confirms "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov 4:18 NIV). In the New Covenant, it is not merely a matter of restraining a basically sinful nature. Rather, it also involves culturing a basically godly nature – the "new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10).

LET NO ONE SUPPOSE that those in Christ no longer confront the sinful nature, or "flesh." It is still within us like a lingering and unwelcome enemy. It must therefore be crucified and mortified (Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). For the New Covenant person, however, the real "I" lives by faith in Christ (Gal 2:20). It serves the law of God (Rom 7:25), and does not have a desire to sin (Rom 7:17). Because the regenerated part of the believer is superior, being "born of God" (1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18), those in Christ are "MORE than conquerors through him that loved" them" (Rom 8:37).

THE LAW PROMISED LIFE to those who worked, fulfilling its demands to the finest detail: i.e., "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them" (Rom 10:5). But those in Christ Jesus, constituents of the New Covenant, "BELIEVE to the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39), and BELIEVE "for everlasting life" (1 Tim 1:16).

THESE MARVELOUS CIRCUMSTANCES set the stage for considering perseverance. Those in Christ Jesus have been given resources that will enable them to finish the race, be faithful until death, and be steadfast and unmoveable. It is true that only those who "endure to the end will be saved" (Matt 24:13). We should be reminded of this, lest an "evil heart of unbelief" be found in us, resulting in our departure "from the living God" (Heb 3:12). Those, however, who make this their main message have come short of their responsibility. The saints are to be reminded of the marvelous grace and power that have been given to them. They are all part of the New Covenant.

IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, you are within the New Covenant. You are already accepted by God, have been pronounced righteous, and have been given everything that "pertains to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). God requires nothing of you that you cannot do, and do well! You can "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10). However, all of this is done within the confines of the New Covenant. It will be accomplished by God's grace and through your faith. If you have not done well in the matter of achieving, start majoring on believing.

– Given O. Blakely

THE TRUTH

2010-09-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

"And ye shall know the truth, and THE TRUTH shall make you free." (John 8:32)

TRUTH IS ALWAYS FOUND IN THE SINGULAR in Scripture. We never read of "truths" in the Bible, but always of "truth." In God's Word, "truth" speaks of ultimate reality – spiritual substance. It is more than a series of statements that are "true," although all statements of Scripture can be thus defined. Everything in the Word of God is true, and cannot be denied, doubted, or questioned with impunity. However, in this text we are speaking at a higher level, a more foundational view – KNOWING the truth. This not knowing about the truth, but realizing its benefits.

THERE IS A DOMINANT THEME, or center-point, in Scripture. Everything contained therein finds meaning in that locus. The Person of Christ is the personification of that center – He Himself is the Truth (John 14:6). That is why Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40). From the standpoint of Divine objective, it is the "eternal purpose" of God. As it is written, "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Eph 1:9-11). Nothing in Scripture is unrelated to Christ Jesus, and God's "eternal purpose."

THE BODY OF REALITY, or opening, this focus is "truth." It contains diversity, and yet is perfectly united. No Divine utterance is at fundamental variance with another Word of God. A variety of subjects are addressed in the Word of God, but those subjects are never the heart of Scripture. What is more, they may only be comprehended within the greater light of the Person of Christ and the purpose of God.

SCRIPTURAL STATEMENTS CAN BE properly understood only in the context of the focus of Scripture. That is the greater context of every individual text. While there is value to contextual considerations, they do not yield the optimum benefit. Some advantage may be realized from language studies, historical considerations, and sociological circumstances. However such advantages are only minimal, and will not yield "spiritual understanding."

AT THIS POINT, I want to show the consistency of this view of "truth" in God's Word. Remember, it is always declared in the singular. Several references include the definite article with the word "truth," i.e., "THE truth." This language presupposes a inter-related body of reality; i.e., varying perspectives of a single focus or center. Thus, we do not read of "a truth," "some truth," "part of the truth," or "any truth." Truth can no more be divided than God the Father or the Christ, His Son. The Lord our God is "One," and so is truth!

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH liberates men from the tyranny of the devil and sin. "And ye shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:32). Knowing "A" truth will not make you free, but knowing "THE" truth will ! This is more than a few Bible verses; it is the spiritual superstructure that supports the Bible verses! From this perspective, "the truth" is not merely information.

WITH THIS IN CONSIDERATION, Jesus came to make known the purpose of God to save humanity for Himself. Everything He said related to that purpose, and nothing was unrelated to it. When asked about truth by the despot Pilate, Jesus stated His mission. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto THE TRUTH. Everyone that is of THE TRUTH heareth my voice" (John 18:37). Pilate was looking for novelties, but Jesus had none to give. He did not come to give interesting disquisitions, but to make known the mind of the Lord. Those with an appetite for God's will and a desire to participate in His eternal purpose have an ear for Jesus. They delight in His words, and sit at His feet. As He said, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27), and there are no exceptions.

THERE ARE TWO MORAL FORCES at work in the world: THE TRUTH and the lie. The truth comes from God and leads to heaven. The lie comes from Satan and leads to the lake of fire. God has promised to destroy all enemies of the truth. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [back] THE TRUTH in unrighteousness" (Rom 1:18). Through wickedness, evil men impede the progress of truth, holding it back, or restraining its dynamic influence upon human hearts. Ungodliness does not merely hold back "A" truth, like that of forgiveness, grace, or spiritual utility. It does obscure the perception of what the Lord is doing, as revealed in the Person of Christ, and the manifestation of God's eternal purpose. There is a sense is which the corruption of any aspect of the truth causes the whole of it to become obscure. Do you "know the truth?"

– Given O. Blakely

THE REALM OF MAIN THINGS

2010-09-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

When you enter the realm of God's Word, you leave the world of trivia and novelty.

GOD IS THE MAIN Person in Scripture. The Bible is not about Israel, Egypt, or Rome. It does not center in Adam, Noah, or Abraham. The dominant Person in Scripture is God – God the Father. It is His will that is executed. Man has fallen from His image, and Jesus came to restore us to Him! He sent Jesus (1 John 4:14), and Jesus is bringing us to God (1 Pet 3:18)! Take God out of the Bible, and there is no purpose for Jesus and no hope for mankind!

SALVATION IS THE MAIN accomplishment. As great as creation was, salvation is better! It is better than any mighty empire built by sinful man – whether Babel, Babylon, or Rome! It is greater than the raising up of Israel from a single person – after he was an old man! Salvation is here set forth as the ultimate human experience!

JESUS IS THE MAIN focus. The Son of God is the exclusive way to the Father. He alone was able to pay the debt that was owed, and raise men from a fallen state. Only He could fully satisfy the Father, providing a reason for God to bless us. The accomplishments of the Son made it possible for God to be both "Just and Justifier" of those believing in Jesus (Rom 3:26). Because of Jesus, individuals are saved without God compromising His Deity or reducing man to a robot. For this reason, Jesus is the subject of preaching, the object of faith, and the ultimate possession.

THE WORLD TO COME IS THE MAIN world. We live in a world that is going down. Yet Satan has deluded people into thinking it is permanent. The Word of God presents the world to come as preeminent. It is "a kingdom which cannot be shaken," and it will "remain" after this "present evil world" has gone up in flame (Heb 12:27; Gal 1:4; 2 Pet 3:10-12).

KNOWING GOD IS THE MAIN thing. The Bible declares the knowledge of God as the primary knowledge. God desires to be known, and takes great delight in those who do know Him (Jer 9:23-24). The new covenant results in all of its constituents knowing the Lord (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-12). Acquaintance, or personal familiarity, with God is imperative to salvation! To know about rocks and not know the Rock of ages is pointless. To be able to expound on the solar sun, yet be unacquainted with the Son of God amounts to condemnation. Here, in the Word of God, the priority is placed upon knowing the Lord. Apart from this fundamental knowledge, all other knowledge will ultimately be vain and pointless.

– Given O. Blakely

WILD BY NATURE

2010-09-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

" . . . thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree . . . " (Romans 11:24)

THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE GENTILES is one of the great accomplishments of the salvation of God. As Peter said, "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1 Pet 2:10). Paul says of the former state we believing Gentiles, "That 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" (Eph 2:12).

IT WAS SOME TIME before the early church was able to receive the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's "great salvation." For over a decade, or until the conversion of the household of Cornelius, there was no initiative within the body of Christ to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. Even when Peter was sent to Cornelius' house, it took a special revelation to convince him it was the proper thing to do (Acts 10:10-17).

WHEN THE CONVERSION of the Gentiles was reported to the early church, it spawned great joy among them, as well as several astute observations. Word got to the Apostles and brethren "that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God" (Acts 11:1). When the brethren heard it, they "held their peace, and glorified God." Rather than questioning God, they refused to question what had been done, glorifying the Lord instead. They concluded, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). Others concluded the Lord had "opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).

ALL OF THIS MADE even more remarkable when the condition of the Gentiles is further described. Our text says that in their entirety, the Gentiles were like "an olive tree that is wild by nature" (NIV). Some branches, or individuals, have been taken from this "wild" tree, and grafted into the Jewish olive tree. The Jewish tree was noted for its "root and fatness," or its "rich" and nourishing "root." This "fatness" consisted of the glorious promises that were given in summary form to Abraham, and fully opened up in Christ Jesus. On the other hand, the Gentile tree was noted for being "wild by nature."

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN these two trees was this: one had been cultivated by the Lord, and one had been neglected, growing like an unattended and uncultivated tree in the desert. The latter tree – the Gentile tree – was "wild by nature." No Divine attention was given to this tree – it was "wild," growing without any special attention. It was uncultivated and unfruitful. It had not been watered, pruned, or fertilized. No one – not even God Himself – had made an attempt to develop the tree, protect it from blight and disease, or care for and reap its fruit.

BY SAYING THE TREE was "wild by nature," the Spirit means it had been left to itself. Elsewhere the condition is described as being "given over to a reprobate mind," to do things that were not fitting or proper (Rom 1:28).

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE for good fruit to grow on such a tree! A "wild tree" is a "corrupt tree" that consequently produces "evil," or "bad fruit"(Matt 7:17-18). The appointed destiny of such a tree is to be "hewn down and cast into the fire" (Matt 7:18). It is a tree that the Father has neither planted nor tended, and thus it will be "rooted up" (Matt 15:13).

NOTE, THE LORD DID NOT the entire "wild" olive tree and graft it into the good one. Rather, some branches were "cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature," and grafted into the natural olive tree – the one that had been cultivated by the Lord. Nor, indeed, did he hew down the good olive tree, determining to plant a new one. "Some" withered and unproductive branches from the good olive tree were "broken off," even though they were "natural olive branches" (Rom 11:17).

AT NO POINT is it remotely suggested that the natural tree and the wild tree have been merged. Rather, the natural tree is retained, with the unacceptable branches being removed, and some branches from the wild tree being grafted into it.

WHAT IS WILD and what is cultivated cannot be merged together! Further, there is no hope of surviving if ones primary association is with the "wild tree," or the people who have not been cultivated by the Lord. At some point, the individual has to be joined to the tree God is tending, caring for, and nourishing. That point takes place when a person is "joined to the Lord," or made "partakers of Christ" (1 Cor 6:17; Heb 3:14).

BLESSED DAY, indeed, when we are cut out of the unproductive and wild olive tree!

– Given O. Blakely

PROVISIONS FOR YOURSELVES

2010-09-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

"Prepare provisions for YOURSELVES . . . " (Josh 1:11)

AT THE TIME OF OUR TEXT, Moses, the servant of the Lord, had died. He was not allowed to enter into the promised land because he was provoked by the people to speak hastily and to strike the water-yielding rock instead of speaking to it. Of this circumstance, the Psalmist said, "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips" (Psa 106:32-33). That reveals another decided disadvantage of being in the company of the ungodly. They can provoke things to come out of us that are better held within.

GOD SPOKE TO JOSHUA saying, "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel" (Josh 1:2). He promised to give them every place on which the soles of their feet walked, so that their only real limitation was a failure to survey and walk within the land which God had given to them. Wherever they walked, no one would "be able to stand" before them. God would remain with them, as long as they walked before Him. Therefore, the Lord urged Joshua to be "strong and very courageous," knowing that he was going to divide the land to the people, just as God had promised their fathers (1:5-7).

IMMEDIATELY JOSHUA CALLED the officers of the people, delivering a solemn word to them. They were to prepare the people to enter into and possess the promised land. "Within three days" they would cross over Jordan, going into the land to possess it. But they were not to go into the land unprepared. The officers were to command the people, "Prepare you victuals," or provisions of food. Other versions read, "Get ready a store of food" (BBE), "make provisions ready" (NJB), and "prepare for YOURSELVES provisions" (YLT).

AT THIS POINT, THE PEOPLE were still receiving manna from heaven – a provision that did not cease until the sixteenth day of Nisan, well after they were in the promised land (Josh 5:12). However, that manna had to be "gathered," "ground . . . in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it" (Num 11:8). Additionally, being on the borders of Moab and Midian, and occupying the rich county of Bashan and Gilead, they could obtain any other supplies that were required. Many are of the opinion this involved meat, or game, which the word "victuals," or "provisions," suggests.

THREE DAYS LATER, when the people crossed over into the promised land, they confronted Jericho. This city was delivered into their hands. However, the city and everything in it was "accursed" (6:17). Consequently, the Israelites were not to take anything out of Jericho, keeping it for themselves. As it is written, "And ye, in any wise keep YOURSELVES from the accursed thing, lest ye make YOURSELVES accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it" (Josh 6:18). All of the silver and gold, with all vessels of brass and iron, were to be taken from Jericho and placed in the treasury of the house of the Lord (6:19). Nothing could be taken for the individual, or for personal use.

THIS CONDITION IS WHY the Israelites had to "prepare provisions" for themselves. They would not be allowed to provide for themselves from the spoils of Jericho. Getting ready to occupy the promised land, therefore, required having sufficient to sustain themselves while they were surrounded by things that were cursed, and unlawful to use for sustenance.

THOSE IN CHRIST JESUS are in a similar situation. While we have entered the land of promise, or into God's "rest"(Heb 4:3), yet there is a sense in which we are also in a place that has been cursed, and in which cursed things are found. We are in the process of walking throughout the land, and have not yet occupied it as fully as we will during "the ages to come." There is a sense in which we are presently charting out our inheritance, with the promise we shall inherit everything on which the soles of our feet trod. That is, in the glory, we will receive the fulness of all we have initially experienced in this world. I say this with the utmost care, not wishing to develop a cold and stony doctrine that robs the soul. This is, however, something to ponder.

NOW, WHILE WE ARE WALKING through the land, we must "prepare provisions" for ourselves, gathering supplies from the "spiritual blessings" in the "heavenly places" into which we have been raised (Eph 1:3; 2:6). Jude refers to this as "building up YOURSELVES on your most holy faith" (Jude 1:20). Let us be about placing into our personal treasury things both old and new, provisions for ourselves (Matt 13:52).

– Given O. Blakely

THE LAST DAYS

2010-09-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

" . . . THE LAST DAYS." (2 Tim 3:1; 2 Pet 3:3)

In Christ Jesus, there is no question about the times in which we are living, or how they are to be approached. The Spirit has affirmed we are in the closing period of time, and we all do well to give heed to His words. The "day of salvation" began in a time God called "the last days." "And in THE LAST DAYS it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh . . . " (Acts 2:17, RSV). The ministry of the Son of God is during the time called "last days." " . . . in these LAST DAYS has spoken to us in His Son . . . " (Heb 1:2, NASB). The times of apostasy, a departure from the faith, and spiritual coldness are identified with the "last days." "This know also, that in THE LAST DAYS perilous times shall come . . . Knowing this first, that there shall come in THE LAST DAYS scoffers, walking after their own lusts" (2 Tim 3:1; 2 Pet 3:3). We are in the final period of time.

THE TIME DURING WHICH THE GOSPEL is preached is called the "last times." "For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these LAST TIMES for the sake of you . . . " (1 Pet 1:20, NASB). Jude, the brother of our Lord, identified the rise of "mockers" with "the last time." "They (the Apostles, v, 17) told you there should be mockers in THE LAST TIME . . . " (Jude 18, NASB). John the Beloved is pointed in his inspired assessment of the time. "Children, it is THE LAST HOUR; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is THE LAST HOUR" (1 John 2:18, NASB).

IT IS THE TIME TO AWAKE!The Lord summons His people to awaken from spiritual slumber! The time is short, requiring alertness and vigilance. "And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (Rom 10:11-14, NASB). This is no time for spiritual slumber – and yet, the professed church at large is in a slumbering state.

THIS EXHORTATION IS BASED ON believers' awareness of the time: "knowing the time." This is no time for spiritual sluggishness or sleep. It is inexcusable for professed believers to be ignorant of the period in which they are living. The time of obscurity is drawing to a close! "The night is almost gone!" You cannot look at this from a merely linguistic point of view, or with an academic perspective! This is addressed to faith, not to calculating intellect! It is NOT intended to arouse the desire to count years and calculate time tables! This is "an hour" for alertness and spiritual sensitivity! "The end of all things is at hand!"

"THE DAY IS AT HAND!" — the day of the Lord's return, the day of the new heavens and the new earth, the day of judgment! Do not reason within yourself that this is true of every generation, and therefore has no special applicability to you! These are the words of the Spirit, and they are designed to bring you into accord with the manner of the Kingdom. "The end of all things is at hand!"

EVERY DEED THAT IS PROMOTED by spiritual ignorance and aloofness from God is to be abandoned! Believers, "knowing the time," are to arm themselves with spiritual light, being discerning of the things of God. This is not the time for self-indulgence, loose living, and friction with our brethren! "The end of all things is at hand!" This is not the time to engage in lengthy efforts to resolve problems. It is the time to instantly resolve any of them that can be resolved by putting off the old man, and putting on the new man (Eph 4:22-24).

INDEED, IT IS POSSIBLE to be ignorant of the times, and therefore miss the blessing. It was so with Jerusalem, when they were visited with the Dayspring from on high. Hear the lament of the Savior! "For the days shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank before you, and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another,

BECAUSE YOU DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE TIME OF YOUR VISITATION" (Luke 19:43-44, NASB). Here Jesus foretold the destruction of the "holy city" – because they were unaware they had been visited by the Lord of glory! Their ignorance was judged.The parallel is unmistakable! If the day of the Lord is "NEARER THAN WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED," we had better be able to discern it. If it does not seem nearer, then we have fallen asleep – because it IS nearer. It is not only "nearer" from the standpoint of fulfillment, it is also "nearer" from the outlook of desire! Preaching and teaching must reflect this perspective! The people of God must not be addressed as though homes, marriage, planting and reaping, and getting gain, were uninterruptible realities! They are not! The end is near. It is the last days. Hearty and consistent preparation are the needed of the hour.

– Given O. Blakely

LET ALL THE ANGELS . . .

2010-09-06T06:10:00.001-07:00

"And again, when He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Heb 1:6)

THERE IS SOME QUESTION as to whether this refers to the incarnation of the Son, or His second appearing. The NASB and NKJV favor the latter: i.e., "And when He again brings the first-born into the world." Grammatically, the solution is not simplistic.

BEAR WITH ME while I reason upon this expression. First, we are not confined to one of these two views. The Son was "brought into the world" at His birth. He will also be "brought into the world" when He "appears the second time" (Heb 9:28). Consider, He was also "brought into the world" at His resurrection, returning from the region of the dead (Psa 26:10; Acts 2:27; Rom 10:7). The full sense of this text does not seem to be answered in an isolated view.

REMEMBER – the point of our text is the superiority of the Lord Jesus to the angelic order. The relevance of both angels and men are seen within the context of God's workings in the world. There is no question about the superiority of the Son to angels in heaven, whether before His incarnation or after His exaltation to the right hand of God. Prior to being "made of a woman, made under the Law" (Gal 4:4), the angels worshiped Him because He created them (Col 1:16-17). Following His exaltation, they worshiped Him because they were made subject to Him by the Father (1 Pet 3:22). What is more, when He is revealed "the second time," the worship of angels is also taken for granted. They will accompany Him, He will not accompany them (Matt 25:31). Then, the angels will be His servants (Matt 24:31). They will gather the saints to Him.

ALSO, HE WILL NOT BE BROUGHT "into the world" at that time as He was the first time. The "heavens and the earth" will "flee" from before His face the second time (Rev 20:11). Make no mistake about this, the angels will surely be worshiping Him when He comes again – but that is not the specific point of our text.

IT IS WHEN HE WAS "brought into the world" the first time that particularly accentuates His superiority. This is Jesus in a humbled state, having divested Himself of all of the prerogatives of Deity. When, at birth, He was "brought into the world," He could neither bless or curse, pray or preach, guide or feed. He had to be cared for, nourished, and protected. He had to be rescued from Herod, and raised to "increase in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:40,52). It was then, in that humbled condition, that the cry went out in heaven, "Let all the angels of God worship Him!" Who can forget the arresting words of Scripture: "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:12-14). All heaven was set to rejoicing when the Lord Jesus "was brought into the world."

SUCH THINGS NEVER OCCURRED at the birth of anyone else. As great as were Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, the heavenly hosts did not praise God at their birth! The praises of angels were not even heard at the birth of John the Baptist! But when God brought His only begotten Son into the world, the angelic order was called into activity. An angel announced His birth (Luke 1:26-29), revealed the name of the Holy Child (Lk 1:31), allayed the concerns of Joseph (Matt 1:20), and directed him in the care of the Child (Matt 2:13,19). Angels ministered to Jesus in His temptation (Matt 4:11), and one these holy ones strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Angels were associated with His resurrection. One of their mighty number descended from heaven and rolled the stone from the tomb so the women could enter it (Matt 28:2). They stood by at His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:11).

ALL OF THIS CONFIRMS the superiority of the Son to the angelic order. They served Him when He was in the world! Michael, one of the chief angels, helped another angel in a conflict (Dan 10:13). That conflict, however, was not in the world, but in heavenly places. Angels did not come to the aid of angels in this world, but they did come to the aid of the Son. They worshiped Him when He was "brought into the world."

JESUS IS PRESENTLY SUPERIOR to angels because He is seated at the right hand of God! What is the significance of that circumstance? Our Savior is the exclusive means through which the grace, or favor, of God is experienced. He has the sole power to guide, feed, strengthen, and illuminate. He alone can give righteousness, peace, and joy. The Holy Spirit Himself ministers to us in the behalf of Christ. Salvation in its entirety is administered by Him. He is the One who has charge of writing God's law upon our hearts and putting it into our minds. The fruit of the Spirit is under His government, as well as our placement in the body of Christ. No angel has ever been given such responsibilities! The Son of God is superior to angels! If the cry goes out in heaven, "Let all the angels of God worship Him," what of those on earth. Let there be recognition among all believers of the greatness of Christ's Person! Let no one speak more of other things than they do of Jesus.

– Given O. Blakely

THE EVIDENCE

2010-09-03T04:31:00.000-07:00

"Now faith is . . . the evidence of things not see." (Heb 11:1, NKJV)

THE NASB AND RSV TRANSLATE the word "evidence," "conviction of things not seen." The NIV reads, "certain of what we do not see." I do not believe these do much to clarify the statement. The word from which "evidence" is translated means "proof – that by which a thing is proved or tested" (STRONG'S/THAYER). In the world, the proof that something exists is the presentation of the object itself, or the realization of something it accomplishes. The proof of the statement, "I have a hundred-dollar bill," would be the presentation of the bill. The proof of the reality and validity of that money would be the successful procurement of something costing $100.00.

OUR TEXT SAYS THAT "faith" is the "evidence," or "proof," of things we do not see. That is, faith dissolves all doubts concerning those things, bringing the reality of them to our hearts. These are not "things" we imagine, or "things" we have decided we would like to have. These are "the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:10). They are "things" that are too great for men to conceive or perceive – an abiding peace, a sustaining hope, an eternal inheritance, and much more. Faith – real faith – is the proof these things exist, just as surely as natural appetites are themselves proof there is something to satisfy them."

EVIDENCE" SPEAKS OF an inner conviction and confident assurance. It includes the ideas of verification and certainty. It is what Abraham possessed when it was said of him, "being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform" (Rom 4:21). In all of the studies of EVIDENCES to which I have been subjected, I have never heard an emphasis placed upon faith, or believing God. Almost every presentation of evidences has to do with physical or logical validation. But here, in the Spirit, we have evidence that transcends both of those realms. Faith brings evidence to the soul so powerful that everything is seen in a different light.

NORMALLY, EVIDENCE IS ADDRESSED to our senses. In the case of faith, however, the Spirit shows us things hidden to our senses – the knowledge of things beyond the perimeter of sensory faculties. Thus it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:9-10, NKJV). And how does the Spirit reveal them to us? It is through our faith! Whether we are speaking of the initial revelation of these things (as seen in the Apostles and Prophets), or of the opening of them to our understanding, faith is the appointed means of making them known. OUR

FAITH IS OUR EVIDENCEOur faith is our evidence! Our senses contradict what our faith has enabled us to grasp. We have become "partakers of Christ" (Heb 3:14), and yet often appear to be dominated by Adam. We have "eternal life" (John 3:36; 6:47), and yet dwell in a corruptible body, daily experiencing deterioration and failing. We possess an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and fades not away" (1 Pet 1:4), yet are learning how to suffer need and be abased. We have been made "kings and priests to God" (Rev 1:5-6), yet often appear to be the tail rather than the head. Everything belongs to us (1 Cor 3:21-23), yet we often experience spiritual hunger and thirst as in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. We know that "God is a very present help in the time of trouble" (Psa 46:1), and "is not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27), yet our prayers must often extend over long periods of time, as though we were not being heard. What soul has not felt the conflict of life in the body with the life of the soul – what is seen and felt with fleshly senses with what is known by faith?

WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT the "evidence of things not seen," the peculiar property of faith? Faith makes us equal to these challenges, convincing us within our hearts of the reality of the things God has promised us.

OUR FAITH IS ITSELF THE EVIDENCE of their existence. We need no other argument, no high-sounding presentation that exalts the wisdom of men. Give us food for our faith! Tell us what the Lord has said! Declare to us the promises, and proclaim to us the Gospel! It is faith, and faith alone, that is our "substance" and "evidence." It is our "assurance" and "conviction," our "surety" and "certainty." Feed our faith, and we will soar with the wings of an eagle, mounting higher and higher. We will survive the flood and the furnace, the blast of the storm and the plague of the locust! Faith is more than equal to all of these things.

IT IS FAITH THAT IS "the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." Thanks be unto God that His grace was "exceeding abundant" with faith (1 Tim 1:14). Glory to God in the highest that He has "given us" to "believe" (Phil 1:29). All praise to Him Who has "given to every man in Christ the measure of faith," duly suited for their role in the body of Christ (Rom 12:3-6). It is both indispensable and satisfying! It is our evidence!

– Given O. Blakely

KINGDOM MYSTERIES

2010-09-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." (Matt 13:11)

THE "MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM" refer to the things God has for His people. From one point of view, they are simply the Gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16). From another, they are "the things of the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 2:14), or the things the Spirit reveals to us through that Gospel (1 Cor 2:10). From still another, they are the things "God has prepared for them that love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). They are "the truth as it is in Christ Jesus" (Eph 4:21). These are "the things that are above" upon which we are to place our affection (Col 3:1-2). They have to do with His "eternal purpose" (Eph 3:11).

IN SHORT, THEY ARE WHAT GOD is now making known to His saints (Col 1:26) -- things that were formerly hidden to the sons of men. They include God's grace, the proclamation of an "eternal inheritance," the presence of the Holy Spirit, His loving care for us, the fact that we are being conformed to the image of His Son, are more than conquerors through Him, and much more. In them our real adversary is identified, the heavenly messengers that minister to us, and how all things are being worked together for our good.

WHEN JESUS CONFRONTED THE MULTITUDES, He saw their hearts -- and the sight was not good. They had no real appetite for what He came to declare – like the Gospel for the poor, the healing of the brokenhearted, deliverance for the captives, recovering of sight for the blind, setting at liberty those who were bruised, and the time when God accepts men (Luke 4:18-19). Therefore, instead of opening the truth to them, He declared it in parables.

THOSE PARABLES HID THE TRUTH, so that the hearers did not have any idea what He was talking about. That is what prompted the dialog between the disciples and Jesus that is recorded in Matthew 13:9-10. "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

LATER HE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE their hearts were utterly corrupt (verses 15-16). Some of the mysteries were unfolded in Christ's explanations of His parables – all given to His disciples. For example, the Lord opened up the parable of the sower to His disciples (the one that occasioned their question in the first place). He explained what the seed on stony ground meant, what the birds that ate it signified, what the seed on the stony ground meant, the seed among thorns, and the seed on good soil. These were "mysteries" because no one could possibly have comprehended what the parable meant that unless Jesus explained it to them.

PARABLES WERE NOT FOR THOSE with good hearts, but for those with bad ones. They were not designed to help people see the truth, but to conceal it from them. When the disciples asked Jesus on another occasion, "Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field," Jesus opened up the mysteries (Matt 13:36-43). Those mysteries were that Jesus is dispersing the Word of God. The field in which He sows it is the world. There are false brethren who are like tares. The one who puts them here is the devil. There is going to be an ultimate gathering of all of God's children. The wicked will all be taken out of the world as well. The angels will accomplish both gatherings. Ultimately, the wicked will be removed totally from the scene, and the righteous will shine like the Son in the kingdom of their Father.

SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS cannot be perceived or understood by the carnal mind or the natural man. They could not be seen in the parable itself. In fact, the parable hid them. That is why men go on sinning, with no regard for the ultimate end of the world, reward of the righteous, and punishment of the wicked. At the every best, such people may know those words are in the Bible, but they cannot receive them. That is why they ignore them and live contradictory to them.

BUT FOR THOSE WITH TENDER HEARTS, such things will be shown to them. The Bible calls it the opening of the eyes of our understanding (Eph 1:17-20), and comprehending (Eph 3:15-20). However, as you already know, there are no forms of human education that can bring such wonderful understanding to the sons of men. Neither, indeed, is there anyone who can arrive at such an understanding on their own. Such things are forever an unknown mysteries until God makes them known -- and He always makes them known to those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Jesus said such people would be "filled" – and they will!

WHEN PEOPLE DO NOT REPENT, go on sinning, or ignore the Word of God, it is because the things of God are "mysteries"to them. When people repent, obey the Lord, and live for Him, it is because the mystery has been opened up to them, and Jesus is the one who opened it, or clarified it for them.

– Given O. Blakely

A LITTLE BIT GOES . . .

2010-08-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD it said many times, "A little bit goes a long way." And, that is true if you are talking about salt, pure vanilla, or cayenne pepper. It might also be said of strong perfume, or a vaccine. However, there are areas of life where a little bit is not sufficient. If you are in the ICU ward of the hospital, a little care will certainly not suffice. If you are in an arid desert, a little bit of water will not be seen as adequate. If you are having a family reunion during the holidays, a little bit of food will not be seen as a good thing.

THERE IS ALSO AN ESSENTIAL FACET in which "a little bit" goes nowhere. It is a domain where "a little bit"is dangerous, and brings great jeopardy to the individual. I am speaking of spiritual life. You might refer to it as religious life, or that dimension of life where strength, help, and stability must come from outside of your own feeble resources. It is the area of life that tends to be seen as more important at the time of death, or when one's world is caving in on them. This is a part of life where FAITH becomes all important – faith in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PERHAPS YOU HAVE HEARD people speak of "mustard seed faith." In some people's mind, that is a reference to something Jesus once said of faith. "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt 17:20). Jesus, however, was not referring to a small amount of faith. A "mustard seed" was not a reference to the size or amount of faith, but to its potential. Although it is exceedingly small at first, Jesus said of this seed, "Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof" (Matt 13:32).

FAITH "AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED" cannot stay small, and has no lasting value while it remains small. Do you remember when Peter attempted to walk on water? He did so in response to the word of Jesus. However, while he was traversing on top of the water, the storm caught his eye. His attention was diverted from Jesus, who Himself was walking on the water. The consequence was that Peter began to sink in the stormy deep. He cried out to Jesus saying, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately caught him, and lifted him to the top of the water again. He then told him why he had failed to walk on the water. "O thou of LITTLE FAITH, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matt 14:30-31). He had a "little faith" – enough to get him out of the boat and begin walking on the water. But that "little bit" got him NOWHERE! It was not enough to keep him on top of the water, or bring him all the way to Jesus.

YOU MAY BE TEMPTED TO THINK that a little bit of faith is enough to get you through life – but it is not. The kind of faith God expects from you is one that is "strong" (Rom 4:20), and does not "doubt" (Matt 21:21). Jesus never did commend anyone with "little" faith. He did, however, bring marvelous benefits to those whose faith was "great" (Matt 8:10; 15:28). One of the times Jesus was said to have "marveled," was occasioned by the "great faith" of a Centurion who sought His help. There have also been people who were "full of faith" (Acts 6:5,8; 11:24). There is also such a thing as "the full assurance of faith"(Heb 10:22). This speaks of having confidence to come to God and obtain what He offers, and what you need. One church in the Bible was commended because their faith was growing "exceedingly," or was "greatly enlarged" (2 Thess 1:3, NASB). But no one was ever commended or praised for having a little faith, weak faith, or a faith that was not growing.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAITH? How strong is it? Would you say you have a "little faith," or are you filled with faith? Perhaps you are somewhere in between the inadequate "little" and the all sufficient fulness. But wherever you are, you must settle it in your heart that a "little faith"will really take you nowhere. At some point, your faith has got to grow, advance, and become more dominant within you. It will, indeed, start small, but it cannot stay small. Your faith must mature, just like your body.

FAITH COMES TO YOU BY "HEARING" – hearing the Gospel of Christ (Rom 10:17). It is also brought to you on the wings of the grace of God, which is said to be "exceeding abundant with faith and love"(1 Tim 1:14). Additionally, it is said to come to you "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 6:23).

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN? It means to have a growing faith, you must be hearing a lot of the Word of God, especially what it has to say about Jesus Christ's Person and accomplishments. It means your life must be lived within the framework of an acute consciousness of God – an awareness of Him. If these two things do not happen, your faith, at best, will be "little," and will take you nowhere. Now, examine yourself to see if you are in the faith, as God tells you to do (2 Cor 13:5).

– Given O. Blakely

THE DEMISE OF THE DEVIL

2010-08-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

"The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10, NKJV)

HOW WE NEED TO HEAR of the end of the devil – of his conclusion, his demise, and his cursing! In the very beginning, before the transgressing pair was expelled from the Garden, God told the devil of his end, or demise. We must never tire of hearing it. "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Gen 3:15). To give us hope in the good fight of faith, we are told the bruise has already been delivered to the devil. It was administered in Christ's death, during which the "heel" of the Messiah was bruised. How glorious the words. "That through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb 2:14). Now our adversary is powerless in the heavenly places where we have been raised and place (Eph 2:6). He will yet be powerless in every place. Though it sometimes appears as though he is gaining strength, he is really succumbing because of the bruise Jesus has delivered to his head. What appears to be an increase of strength in him is really death-throes. His time is running out, and he knows it: "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME." (Rev 12:12).

BY THE TIME DESCRIBED IBN THIS TEXT, two of Satan's wicked initiatives have already been absolutely thwarted. The "beast and the false prophet" have already been removed, and their dominancy brought to a grinding halt. Political tyranny against the saints, and religious corruption will both be absent when the "knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea." Unregenerate hearts will still exist, but they will not be able to form coalitions or launch an initiative against the saints. There is coming a time when Israel will again be received by the Lord. When this occurs it will be like the world being given an injection of new life. Thus it is written, "For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?" (Rom 11:15). And that is not the end of the matter! God has appointed a time when all tares will be rooted out, everything that offends Him will be gathered out, and a new heavens and a new earth will appear wherein only righteousness will dwell.

THIS PERSPECTIVE IS SEEN in the words, "The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are." There is no battle here, no resistence by the devil, and no retaliation by his forces. The devil is simply removed from the scene, and cast into the place "prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41). The lake of fire, however, will also house all who have been "deceived" by the devil. Just as all those who have embraced Jesus will be with Him, so those who have espoused the cause of Satan will dwell with him, his angels, and his champions of evil.

THE "LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE" does not denote annihilation but Divine cursing and removal from the arena of influence. It is also a place of unutterable suffering. The devil and his confederation "will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Earlier, the future of those who were deceived by the devil is described in similar terms. One additional perspective, however, is added. Such "shall be tormented with fire and brimstone IN THE PRESENCE of the holy angels, and IN THE PRESENCE of the Lamb" (14:10).

THE LAKE OF FIRE will afford those consigned to it the vision of the holy angels and the Lamb of God, Whom they rejected. The emphasis is on the condemned beholding the angels and Jesus, not on the angels and Jesus beholding them. It is not that the sight will provoke a desire to be with the Lord – that will be an impossible thing for the damned. The devil hated the sight of Jesus when He was upon the earth. He will hate it even more from the lake of fire. His torment will be accentuated by his inability to do anything about his foaming hatred. The same will be true of "the beast and the false prophet." Their utter frustration, as well as their surrounding, will contribute to unspeakable suffering and torment.

THOSE IMAGINING GOD is incapable of consigning people to such a state must consider the destiny of the devil. It is exactly the same destiny to be shared by everyone who made a place for the devil, embracing his delusion and ignoring the Lord's Christ. There is altogether too little said and thought about these matters in the contemporary church. It is true, this is not to be the emphasis of our preaching, or the primary motivation behind our exhortations. However, enough must be said about the devil's demise to make the slothful ill at ease with their manners. Jesus said that one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit was convincing men that "the prince of this world IS judged" (John 16:11). Truly, "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10:31).

– Given O. Blakely

THE HIGHER VIEW

2010-08-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

"Come up here! . . . Come up here!" (Revelation 4:1; 11:12, NKJV)

IF A PERSON HAS "EARS TO HEAR," the call is still coming from heaven, "Come up here!" In these texts, the exhortation was spoken to John the Apostle – the "disciple whom Jesus loved." At the time, he was not groveling in despair, or wrestling with fleshly and mundane views. Instead, He was "in the Spirit," conscious of heaven and hearing from Jesus (Rev 1:10).

BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF FAITH, it must have the higher view. That does not obviate the necessity or value of the detailed views, of comprehending things having to do with this life and our various responsibilities in this world. However, the details of life can only be correctly seen within the context of the higher view. They must be seen from a heavenly perspective. This was the experience of John on the Isle of Patmos. He was given to see events that took place upon the earth. However, he was given to see them from a high and lofty perspective. In this view, he saw the real nature of things, whether of conflict and blessing, or life and of death.

IN THE WORLD, learning takes place at the lowest, or detailed, level. Thus we first learn about words, then use sentences, then express thoughts, etc. But this is not the manner of the Kingdom. Spiritual learning begins at the highest level. The Gospel, for example, is the proclamation of what the Lord has done in Christ Jesus – the higher view. Once faith lays hold of that, the details of obedience, following the Lamb, etc., are provided, and can be comprehended. It is "in light" that we are able to "see light" (Psa 36:9): i.e., within the higher view, or Divine summation, the details of doctrine come into sharper focus. If, for example, you can see that Christ has "destroyed" the devil (Heb 2:14), it makes sense that you can "resist" him (James 4:17).

THOSE WHO MAJOR ON THE DETAILS of Christian living, even though they mean well, have greatly handicapped the saints. Men dispatched by the Lord "preach Christ," not obligations (Acts 8:5; 17:3; 2 Cor 4:5; Col 1:28). This does NOT mean they never declare the responsibilities of men, or warn against the neglect of those responsibilities. It DOES mean the focus of their preaching was the Lord Jesus Himself. The heart of their proclamation was the Lord and what He had done. They consistently spoke of the duty of men WITHIN the context of Christ Jesus and His great salvation. Their exposition was NOT of duty, but of Christ and salvation. Within that greater context commandments, exhortation, and instruction in righteousness make perfect sense.

COME UP HIGHER! Even though John was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day," the heavenly summons was "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" (4:1). The Lord, in a sense, did not bring the Revelation down to John, but brought John UP to it. He was being given a higher view of the Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. The higher view would allow for a glorious summation that would actually clarify what was occurring on the earth.

IN THESE LOFTY SPIRITUAL REALMS, the development of theological positions is not at all the point. The definition of historical events is not the focus. That does not mean theological positions are wrong, or that historical events cannot be, to some degree, identified – even in the book of the Revelation. However, such things are not the intention of the Book. Should we pursue that approach, we will not gain the benefit God's Word is intended to bring. Too, we will set ourselves against one another over matters of opinion.

WE MUST BE CHALLENGED to "come up higher" (KJV) – to enter the realms where the consummation looms larger than the means through which it is accomplished. Every believer, regardless of their level of spiritual attainment, can grasp the conclusions affirmed in Scripture. We are told of the destiny of the saints, the devil, political opposition, and religious corruption. We are told of a lake of fire as well as a place where God and His people will be joined together – and we are told who will occupy both places. All of these are quite clear.

DO NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED that these things are known by everyone. The best of saints can easily forget them in the wake of persecution, frustration, and protracted warfare. They must be reminded of them – having their "pure minds" stirred up with the recollection of them. Persecution and hardship will be easier to endure if we can see "the end of all things." Faithfulness and obedience will be more cheerfully and consistently rendered if we are convinced our labor is not vain in the Lord.

SO, COME UP HIGHER! Do your best not to get caught up in the minutia of life, or attach too much meaning to what you are presently experiencing. Pleasure is good, and pain is bad. But pleasure is not the best thing, and pain is not the worst thing. When you come up higher, you are given to see both the best and the worst. Then, from that lofty perspective, you are assured you can have the best!

– Given O. Blakely

BEGINNINGS NEEDED

2010-08-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

"Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." (Job 8:7)

WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME that cries out for an outbreak of spiritual newness and freshness – particularly in the United States. Here and there awakenings are occurring, but we need one in our area, and among the people with whom we have been identified. A spirit of mediocrity has settled over the professed church, and a cloak of casualness and indifference is suffocating the lives of many. This is a time when insightful souls are longing for another fulfillment of the promise, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isa 43:19). There is a wilderness in the Christian world that can, and must, be turned into "a pool of water," and dry land that can receive "springs of water" (Isa 41:18). It is still possible for the desert to "blossom as the rose" (Isa 35:1), waters to break out in the wilderness, and "streams in the desert" (Isa 35:6). How sorely it is needed!

HOW WILL IT HAPPEN? How can such refreshment and renewal occur? It will probably begin like all Divine workings, with a "small beginning." It will start with a seed, and grow into a tree. It will begin like a small stone, and become a mountain. It will start like a leaven hidden in three measures of meal that will eventually penetrate all those measures.

IT WILL NOT BE by the wisdom of men. That is not how God works. He will begin with something that is "foolish" and "weak" in the eyes of the world (1 Cor 1:27). If it ranks high in the estimation of the world, it will not be employed by God, for the success of such things does not bring glory to Him.

THE WORK WILL BEGIN where there is faith and hope – where men are calling upon the name of the Lord. It will be preceded by a longing – a "looking for" the good working of the Lord (Lk 2:38). Valid beginnings include a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt 5:6), and a determination to seek, ask, and knock (Matt 7:7-8). The "love of the truth" will be prominent (2 Thess 2:10), and a disdain will be held for lifeless religion (2 Tim 3:5). Where these qualities are found, a Divine beginning is either in existence, or is close at hand. God works in such an environment.

THE EYES OF THE LORD continue to "run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chron 16:9, NKJV). He is looking for someone He can use, someone with a cause He can undergird. He is looking for stewards who will be "faithful," handling the truth to His glory (1 Cor 4:2). Such individuals will be faithful custodians of that truth, and the Lord will strengthen them.

WE MUST MAKE IT our aim to embrace the cause of Christ and the purpose of God. Our hearts are to be set on being laborers in His vineyard, with no competing interests. There is a Divine work to be done, and we can be part of it!

WHERE SUCH SOULS ARE FOUND, a Divine beginning is being revealed. That is precisely how God begins His works. He starts with an Abram in Ur of the Chaldees who will do what God says. He finds a Moses in the wilderness who will investigate a burning bush, and obey the voice of the Lord. He will start with a Gideon who is faithfully threshing wheat at night, or a holy quartet (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) who will leave earthly interests to follow Jesus. He also stirs up the spirits of people to do His work.

BEFORE A WORK CAN SPREAD for God's glory, it must be worthy of spreading. The seeds of Divinity must be in it, and the life of God must be in the people. If this is the case, look not on the appearance. The work may be small now, but it will not stay small! The Word of God can grow, increase, be multiplied, and prevail (Acts 12:24; 19:20).

SPEAKING FOR THE BRETHREN in The word of Truth Fellowship in Joplin Missouri, the matters with which we have become familiar in our meetings are from God. We ourselves have been changed by them, and our views of God and His work are being expanded. We may presently be involved in a "small beginning," but we must not despise it as flesh invariable does. If God has given us a foundation to put in place, He will help us to finish the building that is to be placed upon it. This can be said of any body of believers who are experiencing growth in both insight and character – where the vast expanse of truth is opening up, and the vistas of salvation are perceived on a more grand scale.

SMALL BEGINNINGS NEED Haggais and Zechariahs to encourage the workers (Ezra 6:14). They need laborers whose hearts have been stirred up to put their hand to the work. Where such encouragements and devotion are found, the Lord will make men strong to finish the work!

IT ONLY REMAINS for us to be sure we have embraced the Lord's will – that we are working on His building. If we are, "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6). The work He has ordained will be completed! You can believe that! Now, put your hand on the plow, and refuse to look back.

– Given O. Blakely

THEN YOU WILL KNOW

2010-08-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

"Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you." (Zech 4:9, NKJV)

THESE ARE THE WORDS of the revealing angel who was instructing Zechariah concerning the completion of the Temple (4:1,4,5), and with whom he was talking (4:2,5,13). The project was being supervised by Zerubbabel, and the prophet would no doubt relay these words to him and the people. The idea is that the satisfactory completion of the building of the Temple would confirm that the work itself had been ordained and commissioned by God. Although the work involved the labors of men, it was not originated by them. This was an appointed work – one that was initiated from heaven, and into which men were drawn by God.

THE LORD HAD "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" to commission that the temple be built (2 Chron 36:22; Ezra 1:1; Isa 45:13). He had also summoned kings Darius are Artaxerses to the work, moving them to command the work to be done (Ezra 6:14). The spirits of the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, the priests, the Levites, and others, had been "raised," or stirred up, by God to "go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem" (Ezra 1:5). Ezra would be moved to prepare the people for the Temple by returning to holiness (Ezra 10:10-16). Nehemiah would be moved to rebuild the walls around the holy city (Neh 2:13-18). There was no question about it, this was the work of God!

THE POINT, however, was the completion of the work – finishing what God had commissioned to be done. The angel apprizes the prophet that when the house of God was completed, then he and the people would "know the Lord of hosts" had sent him. The people were not to assume the sending of the various workers, and of the angel himself, was from the Lord. Only the satisfactory completion of the work would confirm that to be true.

TWICE HEARD. This is not initial knowledge, but confirming knowledge. It is when the truth comes home to the heart the second time. David referred to this kind of knowledge when he said, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God" (Psa 62:11). This is the knowledge that confirms the soul – the inner witness that brings stability. It is a deeper knowledge that is more related to faith than the intellect.

THE ANGEL HAS ALREADY mentioned this kind of knowledge twice to Zechariah. "For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and YE SHALL KNOW that the LORD of hosts hath sent me" (2:9). And again, "And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and THOU SHALT KNOW that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee" (2:11). What a precious knowledge this is!

EZEKIEL. The Lord frequently speaks of this kind of knowledge – the knowledge that comes from seeing the fulfillment of what He has promised. How poignantly it was revealed to Ezekiel. "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: THEN SHALL YE KNOW that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD" (Ezek 37:14). And again, "And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and YE SHALL KNOW that I am the LORD" (Ezek 20:38).

ISAIAH. Isaiah also spoke in this manner when he foretold the restoration of the Jews. "Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and THOU SHALT KNOW that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for Me" (Isa 49:22-23).

JOEL. In his declaration of the era of the New Covenant, Joel also mentioned this kind of knowledge. "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So SHALL YE KNOW that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more" (Joel 3:17).

JESUS. Jesus also spoke in this manner. "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall YE SHALL KNOW that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught. Me, I speak these things" (John 8:28).

WE DO WELL to look for the fruition of Divine beginnings, and not merely rest in what was started. The recognition of that fruit will bring about knowledge that it was of God, and thus will be fully accepted by Him. The people of God must wrestle against the tendency to glory in beginnings and linger in spiritual infancy. It is not enough to simply belong to the body. There must be a completion of the work God has begun.

– Given O. Blakely

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED?

2010-08-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)

ON THIS SUBJECT, the religious community is divided. However, God has spoken too clearly on this matter for such divisions to be justified. First, no one who IS believing is in jeopardy of being lost. Consistently, the Word of God affirms salvation for those who ARE believing. A believer is someone who IS believing – not someone who HAS believed. Someone in a state of unbelief cannot claim the promises of God, for they can be realized only by faith.

THE WORD OF GOD does not take faith for granted. It challenges believers to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3), "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim 6:12), and "continue in the faith" (Acts 14:22). We are also admonished to "examine" ourselves to see if we ARE "in the faith" (2 Cor 13:5). The Spirit tells us of people who have "departed from the faith" (1 Tim 4:1), made "shipwreck of the faith" (1 Tim 1:19), and believed "for a while" (Luke 8:13). On the subject of falling away, or being lost after once saved, it is not in order to cite promises that are made to those who ARE believing! What has God said on falling away? What is declared by the Spirit on THAT subject?

GOD HAS SPOKEN on the subject of falling away, and His words are quite clear. Believers do not live in a moral vacuum. They are in a cursed world, hounded by a fierce adversary, and living in a frail house of clay. They are not in heaven yet, and to get there will require effort on their part. It is inconceivable that God Himself, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and even the holy angels could involve themselves in our salvation, without us being involved ourselves. Such a thought is an absurdity unworthy of consideration. God speaks of a fallen state that is worse than never having known the Lord at all (2 Peter 2:20-21). The Spirit also speaks of those who have had extensive involvement with heavenly things, yet through unbelief, have fallen into a condition from which they cannot be recovered (Hebrews 6:4-6).

IF A PERSON DOUBTS this can happen, a sober reflection on several accounts of Scripture should serve to awaken them from their self-induced stupor. Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden by God Himself. They had no sin, and were in some form of fellowship with the Lord. Yet, they were expelled from the very Garden in which God placed them. Who is the person willing to affirm they were really never in the Garden at all? Also, Israel was given the land of Canaan. They entered the land, possessing it for a while. Yet, they were also expelled from it because of their unbelief. Would anyone be foolhardy enough to affirm Israel never really occupied Canaan? And what about Judas, chosen by Jesus Himself to be an Apostle. We are told he "fell by transgression," and was thus excluded from the Apostolic office. His place, according to prophecy, was taken by another. Will any one dare to affirm Judas was really never an Apostle.

YET, SOME WOULD HAVE US believe those who fall away were never really saved. To those daring to take such a view, the Holy Spirit says, "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked" (2 Peter 3:17, NKJV). And again, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Can a person be lost once he is saved? As long as they are in the realm of hostility – "this present evil world" – they can again be ensnared by the devil. Ultimate safety will be experienced only when we are removed from this world. Until then, our only safety is found in our faith, which is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5). Now, that is our sole means of connection with the eternal. If, in this world, you could not fall from the heavenly places, there would be no need for an Intercessor (Heb 7:25). The angels would not be required to minister to the saved (Heb 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit would not be required to indwell the believer (Rom 15:13). If one imagines that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the angels engage in their indispensable ministries apart from the willing involvement of the individual, Satan has surely deceived them. No such thought is ever expressed in Scripture! The reasoning is flawed that assumes heaven is involved in our salvation, but we are not. It is OUR involvement that is the weak point, so to speak. At the point we "draw back," God ceases to be pleased with us (Heb 10:38-39). It is then that we move outside of the circumference of Divine grace and protection.

WHILE THERE IS A DANGER of being lost once we are saved, it is certainly not necessary. God is "able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before His throne with exceeding joy" (Jude 24-25). As you place your faith in Him, walking in the Spirit and living by faith, you WILL be kept safe. But do not assume that process is automatic. It does require all of your effort. It is YOU that must "fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life" (1 Tim 6:12). Rather than waste time speculating about the possibility of falling away, engage all of your powers to ensure you do not!

– Given O. Blakely

IS SICKNESS FROM GOD?

2010-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

THE QUESTION IS SOMETIMES ASKED, "Does cancer come from God?" or, "Does God make people sick?" Or, "Is it God's will for us to be sick?" What are the possible answers? Is sickness from God? From Satan? From nature? From men? From food? From environment? From neglect? From foolishness? Or does it have no cause at all? Are illnesses random? Do they occur by mere happenstance? Are they in some human gene? Well, there is little satisfaction in such speculations. They are only a display of vanity.

EVERY "GOOD AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT" does come from God (James 1:17). However, as ordinarily perceived, everything from God is not a "gift." Further, everything that comes from God is not "good," as ordinarily perceived. The Lord "sent fiery serpents" among the Israelites (Num 21:6). God sent "an evil spirit" to Saul (1 Sam 16:14), and "an evil spirit between Abimilech and the men of Shechem" (Judges 9:23). Once he "sent a pestilence upon Israel" that killed seventy thousand men (1 Chron 21:14). Further, those involved in this instances were a covenanted people. Upon others, the "Lord sent thunder and hail: (Ex 9:23). He "sent lions" among some who "feared not the Lord" (2 Kgs 17:25)

PAUL SAID HIS "THORN" was GIVEN to him (2 Cor 12:7). Its intent, he confessed, was to keep him from being "exalted above measure" – that is, exalted by other men who might otherwise be tempted to think of him "above what" they saw him "to be," or that heard him (2 Cor 12:6). That situation was created by the "abundance of the revelations" that he received -- a circumstance few today, or at any other time, could confess.

WHEN JOB WAS GRIEVOUSLY AFFLICTED WITH BOILS, he reasoned, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10). At that time, he did not know everything about his situation that we know. Yet, it is said of his remark, "In all THIS Job did not sin with his lips."

THE POINT OF SCRIPTURE is not whether or not diseases come from God, but whether or not they can come without being filtered through Him. And, if the latter is true, there is a certain Divine consideration related with them, as well as grace to endure them. They fall into the category of God not allowing us to be tempted above our ability (1 Cor 10:13). In addition, the God who allows them can easily dismiss them if He pleases.

GOD TOLD ISRAEL He had brought diseases upon Egypt, would NOT put them upon Israel if they did what was right in His sight, and was the God who heals them (Exodus 15:26). He also told them He would bring diseases upon them if they refused to keep His laws (Deut 28:60). Through Paul, He also informed the Corinthians some of them were "sick" because of their conduct around the Lord's table (1 Cor 11:30). Additionally, the Lord brought disease upon Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27), Uzziah (2 Chron 26:17-20), and Jehoram (2 Chron 21:18). I must confess I sometimes wish such people could come back and respond to questions like the ones men have posed. What do you imagine THEY would say?

WHEN JESUS HEARD that Lazarus was "sick," He affirmed the condition was not "unto death." That is, death would not be the final result of it. He said the sickness was "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified through it" (John 11:4). It certainly would not have been good for Martha and Mary to speculate why Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, got sick in the first place.

WHEN CHRIST'S DISCIPLES saw a certain man blind from birth, they assumed the condition was caused by sin, and asked if the sin of the man himself had brought the condition, or the sin of his parents. Jesus rejected both possibilities, affirming the circumstance was in order "that the works of God should be revealed in him" (John 9:2-4).

THUS DISEASE, OR INFIRMITY, IS REPRESENTED AS:• A protecting gift to Paul.• A means of confirming the faith and stability of Job.• A judgment from God.• An occasion through which the Son of God can be glorified.• An occasion through which the works of God can be made known.

ALL OF THIS CONFIRMS the analysis of sickness is not simplistic. There are no candid answers that quickly explain why people are sick. Illness may be a thorn to ensure others are not distracted by legitimate greatness. It may be a test to show heavenly intelligences the power of God's grace. It may be a circumstance through which God will show others how a person can be sustained by faith. It may be a judgment from God. It may be a circumstance through which God will gain special glory, and Jesus as well.

A PERSON WHO IS SERIOUSLY SICK address his situation BEGINNING with God -- like Job did. Asa died of a disease in his feet because he "did not seek the Lord, but physicians" (2 Chron 16:12). Those who are sick must conclude their sickness did not occur independently of some kind of Divine involvement or permission. If they have lived in a sloven manner, it is also quite possible that it is a judgment. They should use the occasion to search their own hearts. They should lay their cause before the Lord first, and then proceed with whatever measures they discern to be necessary.

BUT THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER to philosophize about WHY disease occurs. That is a door that will lead to no good. Unless they receive some special revelation from God, they simply cannot produce a satisfactory explanation for sickness or disease in general. Whatever the cause, sickness cannot alienate a person from God. It cannot push the person beyond the reach of His grace. It does not close the door into His presence. The infirm can make their request, concerning that illness, known to God -- in fact, God invites them to do so (Phil 4:6-7).

– Given O. Blakely

THE SCOPE OF PATIENCE

2010-08-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:36)

THE WORD "PATIENCE," or "perseverance," comes from a word meaning "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy – enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)." A number of marvelous things are seen in this academic definition.

CHEERFUL HOPE. First, endurance, or perseverance is associated with a cheerful hope. There is an expectancy of good things. The race may be tedious, but a wonderful outcome is expected.

OF OLD TIME, Israel languished in captivity, hanging their harps on the willow trees and refusing to sing the songs of Zion. As it is written, "By the rivers of Babylon-- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!' How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:1-3, NRSV).

WITHOUT DIMINISHING THE GRIEF of the ancient people, it should be remembered that we have a superior covenant. We are actually prompted by our alien environment to sing the Lord's songs! That is because our primary blessing is in the future. It not only consists of what we have already received, but what we will obtain in the future as well! In fact, the bulk of our salvation is yet to come. Thus, Paul and Silas could sing in prison (Acts 16:25), the Apostles could rejoice they were "counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41), and Paul could glory in infirmities and weaknesses (2 Cor 11:30; 2 Cor 12:5,7).

CONSISTENCY. Second, perseverance is marked by consistency, or constancy. Unlike the effects of Sinaitic Law, faithfulness in Christ is not by fits and starts. An excursion through the book of Judges will confirm the inability of a Law-system to produce spiritual consistency. Those who must be regulated by Law are easily distracted to the unlawful. Their hearts are not strong enough to remain in the path of blessing. Because "the law is not based on faith" (Gal 3:12), it cannot produce an unwavering effort for God. Of old time, there were some who maintained a faithful walk with God. The list, not impressive because of its size, included men like Abraham, Moses, David, and the holy prophets. These people, however, did not live by the principle of law, but by the law of faith (Heb 11)!

THE NEW COVENANT PERSON continues to trust the Lord when times are relatively easy, or when they are exceedingly difficult. As Paul expressed it, "I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:12-13, NRSV). That marvelous condition is the heritage of every person in Christ Jesus.

IT IS UNFORTUNATE that much of what is called "Christianity" today is characterized by inconsistency. Highly polished professionals have carved out careers for themselves by offering remedies for inactivity. They know how to generate hype and surface enthusiasm – but their programs cannot sustain "excitement" or generate consistency. Only the endurance that comes from faith can produce this spiritual quality.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO REMEMBER that consistency is not a luxury, or even an option. Without it, the individual cannot be saved! God is consistent in all of His ways and works. Christ Jesus is consistent in His total ministry. The Holy Spirit is consistent in His redemptive role. Angelic hosts are consistent in their commissioned ministry to the saints. It is inconceivable that inconsistency could be welcomed into such an environment!

WAITING. Third, the element of "waiting" is found in perseverance. Here the Scripture is fulfilled. "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary" (Isa 40:31, NASB). Observe the total absence of failure in this affirmation. The sure way to strength is waiting on the Lord! This also involves persistence. As the Psalmist said elsewhere, "I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry" (Psa 40:1). It is not possible to "wait for the Lord" and be disappointed (Isa 49:23)! Those who "wait on the Lord" are always pleased with the outcome.

WAITING IS NOT IDLENESS, it is trust! It is optimistic dependency. This is the channel through which Divine strength is ministered to us. As our stamina begins to wane, His power is given to us. Divine enablement is provided for finishing the race that is set before us. When faith grasps this reality, the individual is willing to "wait upon the Lord." He is unwilling to proceed without the Lord. Without exception, the one who "waits" on the Lord is enabled to navigate where mere mortals fail!

– Given O. Blakely

GIFT OF SUFFERING

2010-08-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ . . . to suffer for his sake" (Phil 1:29)

EVERYTHING RELATED TO SALVATION is associated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Remove Him from the picture, and there is no salvation, either doctrinally or experientially. For example, God has forgiven us for Jesus' sake: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God FOR CHRIST'S SAKE hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). Other versions read "God in Christ." The idea is that were it not for Christ, God would not have forgiven us. He, and He alone, removed our sins, and He alone has the merit.

THE WORD "SAKE" MEANS by reason of, or on account of. For "Christ's sake," therefore, means on account of, or because of, Him. It is important that we see the implications of this declaration. First, this puts the salvation of God, in all of its fulness, well within our grasp. While God does behold our persons and our progress, He is primarily motivated by His Son. He has not only exalted Jesus, but deals favorably with men because of Him.

THIS IS PRECISELY WHY the Kingdom of God is Christ-centered. Anything that pushes Jesus to the periphery moves us beyond the blessing of God. Neither faith nor the fellowship of Christ's suffering will ever be realized while Jesus remains in the background of men's thinking.

JUST AS GOD HIMSELF is motivated by the Lord Jesus, so those who are blessed in Him are constrained by the consideration of Him. The Apostles preached, placing themselves in the background, because of Jesus. "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor 4:5). They subjected themselves to great dangers, in order that the life of Jesus might be made known through them. "For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor 4:11). Jesus is the reason for the grace of God toward men. He is also the reason for all valid Kingdom labors.

IN THE LAST ANALYSIS, Jesus Christ is the only man God totally honors. Everything hinges on Him! God will NOT confer a blessing independently of Him. Our faith and our suffering are both determined by Christ – both by His relation to God, and our relation to Him.

SUFFERING IS NOT PLEASANT, but it is sanctified in Christ Jesus. In our text the Spirit brings us to consider the ultimate reason for our suffering – it is a gracious gift from God, for Jesus' sake. The suffering of reference is "for His sake." Such suffering does result from righteousness, but it is also evidence that the Kingdom of God already belongs to us (Matt 5:10). This is the perspective of our text.

THE GIFT OF SUFFERING is NOT an end of itself, but the means to an end. The objective is to "reign" with Christ. The means to that end is suffering with Christ (2 Tim 2:12). Because this world is "evil" (Gal 1:4), and those belonging to its order are "alienated from the life of God" (Eph 4:18; Col 1:21), there are temporary consequences while being identified with Christ Jesus. Well did Jesus say, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20).

IF GOD HAS "GRANTED" US TO SUFFER for Christ's sake, that suffering cannot alienate us from Him. This is involved in the Spirit's affirmation, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom 8:35-37). Rather than such adversities being viewed as curses, or evidences of Divine withdrawal, they are to be seen as gifts – that is, they are preludes to glorification.

THE GIFT OF SUFFERING for Jesus' sake is a means of qualifying us for glory. As it is written, "your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer" (2 Thess 1:4-5, NKJV). The "righteous judgment of God" is to be seen in the suffering itself, as well as those through whom it came. In it, saints are "counted worthy of the Kingdom" and their persecutors made worthy of tribulation God will heap on them (2 Thess 1:6).

IT IS NO WONDER the Apostles, after being beaten, "departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). In their sufferings they saw a confirmation of Divine acceptance and future reward. Their rejection by the enemies of God verified their reconciliation to Him.

SUFFERING IS GRANTED in direct proportion to the reward reserved for us in heaven. Remember, our role in the Kingdom is appointed; i.e., God places the members in the body where it has pleased Him (John 15:16; 1 Cor 12:18,28). Take Paul as an example. The Lord placed him in a high position, therefore great suffering was also allotted to him (Acts 9:16). In suffering for Jesus' sake, "the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (1 Pet 4:14). Believe it!

– Given O. Blakely

THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT AND BURNING

2010-08-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

"And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy; everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning." (Isaiah 4:3-4, NKJV)

THE VERY THOUGHT of being viewed as "holy" by the God of heaven is challenging. The thought of everyone in any given place being "holy" is even more arresting. But that is what our text says. Those who were "left" and "remained" were those who survived the chastening hand of God. From an immediate view, this was fulfilled in those who survived the Babylonian captivity. From the even higher vantage point, it speaks of those who have been made clean through Jesus Christ. By saying they "will be called holy," the Spirit is emphasizing that is how God Almighty views them. Rather than such holiness being the result of arduous activity on the part of the remnant, it is the consequence of God purging from them everything that defiles. It is a very real holiness.

THE TEXT ALSO REFERS to "everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem" – a sort of Divine catalog in heaven. Frequently reference is made to such people – those who are recognized in the chambers of glory. Malachi referred to "a book of remembrance" kept by the Lord (Mal 3:16). Moses spoke of a book God had written, containing the names of people (Ex 32:32). Ezekiel spoke of "the records of the house of Israel" (Ezek 13:9). Jesus spoke of names being "written in heaven" (Lk 10:20). Paul spoke of fellow workers whose names were "in the book of life" (Phil 4:3). Jesus spoke of "the book of life," in which the names of His people are recorded (Rev 3:5). John wrote of "the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev 13:8).

THOSE WHO ARE "holy" are those recorded in the books of heaven – those who are recognized and received by God – those who have been "made" holy, or righteous (Rom 5:17). There are no unholy people written in the books, and no holy people who are NOT written in them. Whatever the earth may think of these people is of little consequence. They are known in and defended by heaven.

BUT THERE IS SOMETHING that preceded the state of holiness and the acceptance of these persons by God. They could not be received as they were, for sin had defiled them. Their "filth" had to be washed away, and their guilt had to be taken from them. Cleansing first, then holiness and acceptance. Purging first, then purity and a place in heaven!

THIS CLEANSING AND PURGING, however, will not come easily. It will require judgment and burning – Divine assessment and consumption. For Israel, this was first accomplished in the Babylonian captivity. For us, there is a twofold sense in which it is accomplished.

FIRST, THE "SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT and the spirit of burning" fell upon Jesus. By Divine appointment, He was made responsible for the sins of the world, being "made to be sin for us" (2 Cor 5:21). As a result, the reproaches, or rebukes, due to the human race fell upon Christ. As it is written, "For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me" (Rom 15:3; Psa 69:9). Thus Jesus "was made a curse for us" (Gal 3:13), that through it we might be called "holy," and have our names "written in heaven." Through His experience of Divine judgment, when sin was "condemned in the flesh" (Rom 8:3), we are washed and purified.

SECOND, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS that is imputed unto us is joined to personal holiness – the transformation of our persons and character. In this process, the chastening of the Lord comes into play, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth" (Heb 12:6). This chastening is the process of refinement, where dross is removed from the saints (Mal 3:3). As it is written, "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried" (Psa 66:10).

THIS IS MORE THAN a mere formality. There is conscious betterment that comes from it – an acute awareness that we are being made "worthy" (2 Thess 1:5). How wonderfully this is stated in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews. "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS" (Heb 12:9-10). Let every child of God be quick to submit to the spirit of judgment and burning whereby we are made suitable to be holy, and recognized heaven.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I than you in Jesus name that you have provided a means to cleanse me from defilement.

GONE INTO HEAVEN

2010-08-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

" . . . Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." (1 Peter 3:22, NKJV)

JESUS DID NOT STAY IN THIS WORLD. As soon as His work was completed, He went back to heaven. If we knew nothing more about the world than that, we would know it is not what the flesh thinks it to be. If Jesus left it, it surely cannot be considered the home of His brethren.

THE SPIRIT FREQUENTLY AFFIRMS that Jesus left this world and returned to heaven. "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19). "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven" (Luke 24:51). "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

THE CENTER OF DIVINE ACTIVITY is found in heaven, not upon the earth. Jesus was not raised from the dead to remain in the world, but to minister to His people from heaven. He "has gone" where we are going – where our citizenship is presently located. The objective is to get us where He is, not bring Him to where we are (John 14:3). Jesus went back to heaven, because this world was not a suitable place for Him to remain. He is now ministering in prospect of His enemies becoming His footstool, and His children being gathered to Him forever. The church must not lose this perspective.

JESUS IS "AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD." Much is also made of this in Scripture. The Spirit tells us He is presently making intercession for us from that position (Rom 8:34; Heb 8:1). The things He is dispensing from that station are to be sought (Col 3:1). He was seated "at the right hand of the Majesty on high" only after He had by Himself purged our sins (Heb 1:3). If, therefore, He is there, then our sins have been purged! That is how the child of God must reason. A single offering accomplished the purpose. As it is written, "But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God" (Heb 10:12).

THE "RIGHT HAND" OF GOD IS HIS WORKING SIDE. The days when He worked mightily among men are referred to as "the years of the right hand of the most High" (Psa 77:10). Again, it is written, "The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly" (Psa 118:15-16). So far as men is concerned, the significance of Jesus being "at the right hand of God,"is that God is presently working BECAUSE of the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son. Now, He is "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph 3:20).

GOD'S "RIGHT HAND" IS ALSO THE PLACE OF FAVOR, confirming that everything Christ did in our behalf has been accepted and is being honored by God. That is precisely why He is "able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God through Him" (Heb 7:25). If He was not in good standing with God, He could not bring many sons to glory.

POWERS HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO JESUS. The range of powers and authorities subject to Jesus is staggering. All angels, principalities, and powers are subject to Christ, whether they are good or they are evil. Holy angels and powers are dispatched by Jesus to minister to the heirs of salvation (Heb 1:13-14). They protect the saints, camping about them (Psa 34:7). Wicked angels bow at the feet of Jesus, and are not able to separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:39). The "principalities and powers" against which we "wrestle (Eph 6:12), are all subject to our Lord. He can rebuke them, and they will obey Him instantly. All powers have been "made subject" to Christ. This is something God has done. It is power or authority that has been "given" to Jesus (Matt 28:18).

ALL OF THIS IS CALCULATED to encourage us to hold up under suffering. Like Noah, we are in the process of building an ark – preparing for the end of the world. When we suffer unjustly, let us remember that Christ suffered for us. When life becomes a burden, consider that Jesus is bringing us to God. Your baptism, prefigured by Noah's deliverance, is a prelude to your coming salvation, to be revealed when Jesus appears again (1 Pet 1:5). Jesus has already been exalted, and He is our "Forerunner" (Heb 6:20). He has arrived ahead of us to ensure that we also arrive. He is exalted, and God listens to, and honors, Him. There is no power or authority that is not under Him; no influence, whether for good or evil, that does not answer to Him – and we are in Him, and He is in us!

THOSE WHO PLACE THEIR FAITH and hope in Christ have every reason to be joyfully optimistic – even in the midst of their suffering. They are intimately identified with the "one Lord," and He is for them, not against them. Even our foes recognize this, and are impotent to change anything about His reign over all, or His personal love and care for us.

– Given O. Blakely

IT IS RIGHT TO THINK SO

2010-08-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

"Even as it is meet (right or proper) for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart . . . " (Phil 1:7)

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE for whom strong spiritual aspirations are questionable. Their condition is uncertain, and we do not know if they will finish the race or not. Compare the assurance in Paul's expression to the Philippians with his words to the Galatians: "I am afraid for you . . . I have doubts about you" (Gal 4:11,20, NKJV). For the Galatians, it was "right" to labor in travail, desiring that Christ be "formed" in them (Gal 4:19). With the Philippians, it was "right" to expect it would be accomplished. This is a higher level of expectation, prompted by the recognition of a present Divine working in the Philippians.

A CERTAIN RELIEF AND CONSOLATION comes with confidence that God will continue working in someone until the day of Christ. This is the opposite of "the deep concern (anxiety)" for the churches which came upon Paul (2 Cor 11:28). There are spiritual weights that are decidedly reduced when those with whom we labor are growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. When doubt of them completing the race is replaced with a certainty of its victorious completion, grace is ministered to the heart of the concerned ones.

PAUL AFFIRMS THE RIGHTNESS of this confidence is owing to them being in his heart. This is an expression denoting the love of the brethren – having them in our heart. Remember, Paul's recollection of unbelieving Israel caused him to say, "I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart" (Rom 9:2). He could not forget their condition, and it weighed him down. But with the Philippians, great confidence was sanctified by having them in his heart. That is what "the love of the brethren" does for the soldier of Christ. This type of confidence was expressed by the aged John. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14). That is having the people of God in your heart – and it is right!

CONSIDER THAT ALL OF THIS was prompted by the faith and faithfulness of the Philippians. Their spiritual demeanor confirmed that God had begun a good work in them. That is what endeared them to the Apostle – what God had already done in them. It also made it right to be confident He would complete the work.

THESE BRETHREN HAD STOOD with Paul when he was afflicted as well as when he was free from the restraints of men. " . . . inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace . . . " The manner in which Paul speaks of grace is refreshing, and contradicting of the world's way of reasoning. He associates grace with his bonds (chains) and defending and confirming the Gospel. In the former, men restrained him for preaching. In the latter he was granted liberty to do so. In both, grace was the consistent and present factor.

HE CALLS IT "my grace" because he had participated in it. Grace had enabled and sustained him, upheld and strengthened him. The Philippians had joined with him in this experience, identifying themselves with him. They had associated themselves with Paul by ministering to him and praying for him. Thus they were "partakers" with him in the grace he experienced.

PAUL CONSIDERS THIS LIFE in Christ as one contiguous whole. He does not view it as differing and contradicting segments. As he says later, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" 1:21). He associated all of his life with Christ and the experience of His grace. He takes the extremities of his life, and gathers them together under the canopy of grace.

THERE IS NOT ONLY GRACE, therefore, to sustain us in the bonds, but grace brings us into the afflictions themselves, giving us unspeakable benefit IN them. The steps of a good man ARE ordered by the Lord (Psa 37:23), and sometimes those steps lead to affliction and even incarceration. The Philippians had fellowshipped in this grace by sending Epaphroditus, who was with Paul in prison (2:25-27).

PAUL REFERS TO THE UNRESTRAINED preaching of the Gospel as "the defense and confirmation of the gospel." He knew grace had been given Him to minister "the Gospel of God" (Rom 15:15). To the Ephesians he confessed grace was "given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8). True preaching consists of defending and confirming the Gospel: showing its relevance, and substantiating its power. The substantiation of Gospel power is seen in its effects within those who embrace it. It is the means employed by God to accomplish salvation. The Philippians were participating in Paul's ministry of the Gospel, hereby confirming their acceptance by God. That is why it was RIGHT for Paul to have them in his heart, and be confident of their triumph.

– Given O. Blakely

QUIET AND INDUSTRIOUS

2010-07-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

"That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." (1 Thess 4:11, NKJV)

Other versions read, "to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business" (NASB), and "aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs" (NRSV). At first, this may appear to contradict the exhortation to increase more and more in the love of the brethren. In view of current "Christian" emphases, it also has a rather strange sound – at least to those who are not accustomed to living by faith.

ASPIRE. The KJV uses the word "study," which emphasizes being eager, or earnest, to do something. Here is a commendable kingdom trait: aspiring, or studying. The word "aspire" means to strive earnestly, to be ambitious about something, and make it our aim, or goal. It infers there is progress that can be realized, and that we want to make it. The strength of aspiration, or ambition, is seen elsewhere in Scripture. "Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him" (2 Cor 5:9, NASB). It is noble for believers to have spiritual ambitions, or godly aims. It involves applying ourselves to the specified areas, and being eager to make some advancement in them. It will be interesting to behold the areas in which the Spirit here urges us to have aspirations and strong ambitions.

A QUIET LIFE. This is a life characterized by peace. The individual is not running here and there, becoming involved in the matters of others. This is a life that does not cause disturbance for others. It is a life that is not disruptive, intrusive, or unsettling. Quietness involves being silent, living peaceably with our own families. It is the opposite of "talebearing," "whispering," and "backbiting" (Lev 19:6; Rom 1:29-30). This involves behaving ourselves so as not to cause disruption in our neighborhood or city. It is to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim 2:2).

A "QUIET LIFE" IS THE RESULT of having personal "quietness." Isaiah affirmed that "quietness and assurance" are the "effect of righteousness" (Isa 32:17). This is "being still," and knowing that God IS God (Psa 46:10). In this condition, we realize the effects of receiving wisdom "from above," which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated" (James 3:17). Such individuals do not agitate those about them, but are rather "peacemakers."

AT ITS ROOT, quietness is an aspect of faith. In it, we trust in the Lord, and, as a result, the believer "shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid" (Jer 30:10). It is still true, "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isa 30:15). It is not enough to simply know these texts. It must be our aspiration for them to be fulfilled in us.

MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Each believer has a full plate with which to be occupied, without intruding into the affairs of others. While it is not popular to speak in this manner, the Spirit often makes a point of this. The second letter to the Thessalonians confirms the need for this exhortation. "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies" (2 Thess 3:11). The Spirit speaks of young widows who "learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house" (1 Tim 5:13). Solemnly we are admonished to not be "a busybody in other men's matters" (1 Pet 4:15). Minding our own business is bearing our own burden. As it is written, "for each one should carry his own load" (Gal 6:5, NIV). That statement follows a seemingly contradictory one: "Carry each other's burdens" (Gal 6:2). There is a facet of our lives that can only be maintained by ourselves. There are grace and personal fellowship with Christ to be proficient in these areas.

IN ITS BROADEST SENSE, minding your own business is "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12). In its most detailed sense, it is devoting ourselves to the area in which God has placed us. Servants, for example, are to "be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ" (Eph 6:5). Wives are "to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Tit 2:5). Husbands are to "provide for their own" (1 Tim 5:8), love their wives (Eph 5:28), and bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord"(Eph 6:4). Each person is to take their own life seriously, doing all within their power to avoid deficiencies and disruptions in the lives of others. In minding your own business, be "fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord" (Rom 12:11).

WORKING WITH YOUR OWN HANDS. Working with our own hands is the opposite of idleness, a curse to be avoided. When God consigned Adam to a life of toil by the sweat of his face (Gen 3:19), it was more than a curse. It was also therapeutic, assisting men to avoid sinful lusts. In such work, there will be provision for supporting the weak (Acts 20:35), and providing for the needy (Eph 4:28). In times of need, Paul himself, though an Apostle worked with his hands (1 Cor 4:12). The rule of God is, "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thess 3:10).

– Given O. Blakely

THE PURPOSE FOR IT ALL

2010-07-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

"To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:11)

ONE OF THE GREAT LESSONS to be learned is that salvation is primarily for the honor and glory of God. It is a glorious enterprise in which holy angels are tutored in the magnificent wisdom of God (Eph 3:10). All of heaven stands in amazement at the working of God in salvation. This is emphasized again and again in the Revelation. " . . . those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to Him that sat on the throne . . .Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power . . . Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever . . . Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever . . . Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God" (4:9,11; 5:13; 7:12; 19:12).

THE SUPREMACY OF FAITH is seen in the fact that it preeminently gives "glory to God." Abraham was "strong in faith," and this gave "glory to God" (Rom 4:20). When Christ "received us" from the hand of the Father, it was "to the glory of God" (Rom 15:2). In the church, "glory" is brought to the "only wise" God "through Jesus Christ for ever" (Rom 16:27). This is an eternal enterprise!

THE MODERN CHURCH has placed a disproportionate emphasis on helping people, and too little upon glorifying God. The real purpose of the salvation of God has nearly been obliterated by the institutionalized church. It is a most serious circumstance.

GLORY. Technically, "glory" involves the honor, praise, dignity, and the worship of God. In salvation, all of this is rendered out of an understanding and thankful heart. God received glory upon the head of Pharaoh (Rom 9:17), Sennacherib (2 Chron 32:22), and Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4:36-37). While such glory is involved in the walk of faith, that is not the type of glory in our text. This is not a text of admonition, nor is it a statement of doctrine – although both are found elsewhere in Scripture. This is an outbreak of spontaneous praise – of insightful thanksgiving. Peter, who himself was suffering because of his faith, had seen the hand of the Lord in it all. He knew it was God who was working in him "both to will and to do of His own good pleasure" (Phil 2:12). He has so taught the disciples as to allow them to share in such insight.

THERE IS A SPECIAL HONOR brought to the Lord when His people perceive who He is and what He is doing – when they recognize "It is the Lord!" (1 Sam 3:18; John 21:7). This is part of God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10). Heaven knows "the whole earth is full of His glory" (Isa 6:3). But when that is perceived among the elect, a magnificent and transcendent glory is brought to God. When His hand and work are perceived, and due honor is given to Him, the "glory" of our text will occur.

DOMINION. Here is an aspect of our great God that has been greatly obscured by academic approaches to Scripture. Flesh refuses to think of God in connection with "dominion." It had rather shine the light of attention upon men, their free will, and their ability. But there is no room for such emphases in the Kingdom of God. That is why they are totally absent in the sacred record. "Dominion" has to do with God's Sovereignty, might, control, and supremacy. He is, in fact, "greater than all" (John 10:29). Those who oppose Him will be summarily cast down. Those who believe Him will be upheld. His enemies will all be put under His feet, and His children will all be exalted to sit with His Son in His throne. If men do not acknowledge Him, He is fully able to reduce them to a place where they will be prone to give Him honor, as with Nebuchadnezzar. He can stop Pharaoh from doing his wicked will, and cause young David to defeat mighty Goliath. God HAS the dominion! It belongs to Him. It is not that He ought to have it, but that He DOES have it. Further, He can give power in any degree to whomever He desires (Dan 4:25,32). Blessed is the person who knows and confesses this.

THE CHURCH NEEDS TO HEAR of the Sovereign, or all powerful, God. "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Psa 115:3). And again, "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (Psa 135:6). This is a truth the people of God must grasp with both hands, else they will not be able to stand "against the wiles of the devil." True praise will ascribe "all power" to God, and do it insightfully and confidently. It will acknowledge that "dominion" belongs to Him, and see the personal advantage of it being that way. Faith will take that truth and live triumphantly in a hostile world, bringing honor and glory to God. In so doing, the purpose of God is being fulfilled.

– Given O. Blakely

WHEN GOD SHOWS HIS WAY

2010-07-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

"Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight . . . Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths . . . He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel." -- Exodus 33:13; Psalm 25:4; 103:7

THROUGHOUT HISTORY GOD HAS REVEALED various aspects of His Person to men. To Israel, He revealed "the power of His works" through mighty deliverances and direction (Psa 111:6). He showed Moses His glory (Ex 33:22), and His "glory and greatness" when He spoke out of the fire of Sinai (Deut 5:24). David was shown the Lord's "marvelous kindness" (Psa 31:21), and His prophetic word was shown to Jeremiah (Jer 38:21). Through Micah the prophet, the Lord made known what was "good," and what was "required" of man (Mic 6:8). Peter was shown that no man should be called "common or unclean" (Acts 10:28). The "invisible" things of God have been clearly "shown" to humanity in the creation (Rom 1:19), and Peter was "shown" when he would put off his earthly tabernacle (2 Pet 1:14). How very much God has made known to humanity!

THERE IS ONE THING TO BE REVEALED, however, that is even greater than these. Throughout history, few have been given a glimpse of this. Holy men have earnestly sought it. I refer of God's "WAY," or "WAYS." This speaks of the Lord's manner, how He thinks and what He does. It addresses His custom and practices – how He responds, and the initiatives He takes. Included in "His ways" is the manner in which He deals with individuals, what His aim is for them, and what He has prepared for them.

MOSES HAD CONFRONTED GOD, speaking with Him "face to face" (Ex 33:11). He had seen the fiery tempest surrounding Him, heard His assessment of the people, and received His holy commandments. He was NOT unacquainted with God. Yet, this holy man was not content to simply hear something from God, or merely learn what He expects from His creatures. It was the Lord Himself Moses desired to know. He wanted to understand His Person, His character, and His thoughts – "Show me NOW Your ways!"

INDEED, GOD DID SHOW Moses His ways. Hiding him in the cleft of a rock, lest he be consumed by Divine glory, the Lord declared what He was like. Passing before Him, the Lord proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations" (Ex 34:6-7, NASB). There are nine of the Lord's "ways" – "ways" no one can conclude from nature, and which precious few have been given to comprehend in any significant measure. How marvelous are His "ways."• Compassionate – Merciful and considerate.• Gracious – Willing to stoop in kindness to the inferior, providing blessing for them.• Slow to anger – Longsuffering, not seeking an opportunity to curse and malign.• Abounding in lovingkindness – Overflowing with considerate benevolence.• Abounding in truth – Unveiling increasing measures of truth to the hearts of men.• Keeps lovingkindness for thousands– Persists in expressions of love to multitudes.• Forgives iniquity, transgression and sin – All manner of sin is willingly forgiven.• Will not leave the guilty unpunished – He will deal with those who do not abandon sin.• Visits the iniquity of the fathers on their posterity – Storing up a harvest of wrath for generations of those who hate Him.

THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SAW God's "works," but were not shown His "ways." That is a blessing reserved only or those having an appetite for the Living God. His ways cannot be learned academically.

DAVID ALSO SOUGHT this singular blessing: to be shown the "ways" of the Lord. He also asked the Lord to teach him His "paths." These are both intensely personal aspects of the Lord. They go far beyond knowing what is going to occur tomorrow, or what is expected of us. Those are not matters to be despised, but they rank behind the "ways" and "paths" of God. "Ways" and "paths" have more to do with God's own Person.

WHAT CAN GOD BE EXPECTED TO DO? – i.e., What are His ways? Where can you expect to find Him? – i.e., Where are His paths? Is it possible to be so acquainted with the Lord you can "walk in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7). Indeed it is! This is nothing less than "the knowledge of God" (Hos 6:6; Col 1:10; 2 Pet 1:2). It is "knowing the Lord," a unique New Covenant benefit (Heb 8:11). It is both pleasant and rewarding, informative and satisfying. No person being shown the "ways" of the Lord will be disappointed.

– Given O. Blakely

A SIGN FOR GOOD

2010-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me." (Psa 86:17, NKJV)

WHAT A MARVELOUS PRAYER this is, and how wonderful to ponder its implications! The Psalmist is painfully aware of his enemies. They criticize his faith, and represent him as being a foolish man. He does not choose to argue with them, or to engage in efforts to justify himself before them. Those of us who have attempted such folly know the vanity of that approach.

DAVID ASKS THE LORD to show such mercy to him as will assure his heart. This would take place when the Lord delivers him out of trouble before the face of his enemies. It would also occur when the Lord blessed him by preparing him a table "in the presence" of his enemies (Psa 23:5).

RIGHT HERE SOME CONFUSION falls upon the legalist, who has embraced lifeless religion, or a form of godliness that denies the power thereof (1 Tim 3:5). I can almost hear him shouting now, "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign" (Matt 12:39). But is the petition of our text what the Lord Jesus was referring to? Will any person dare to charge David with being "evil and adulterous?"

GIDEON ALSO SOUGHT for a "sign" (Judges 6:17). Was he "evil and adulterous" also? The early church as well asked for a Divine indication of blessing (Acts 4:30). That certainly was not a petition proceeding from wickedness.

GIDEON, DAVID, NOT THE EARLY CHURCH asked for a sign because they did not believe. They all made their petition in view of their enemies, who seemed to be devouring them. They asked because they sought confidence that confirmed the Lord was with them. Though some may stand in criticism of such an approach, you will not find a single word of denunciation or rebuke coming from the Lord in answer to these requests – not a single syllable! The only generation that was denied this request, and even rebuked for making it, was one that was walking away from God instead of toward Him, and who doubted that Jesus was the Christ.

THE HOLY SPIRIT speaks to us about our enemies being "ashamed" concerning their views of us and conduct toward us (1 Pet 3:16). It is a benefit not to be despised. There are people in this world who look at believers as though they were eccentric, thoughtless, and uninformed. They do not like their message or the manner in which they live. Ordinarily, this does not drag the child of God down. There are times, however, when it becomes like a weight to the soul. It is not that we want people to think well of us, or are courting their favor. We are not envious for their approval.

THERE ARE TIMES, however, when the heart longs to cry out, "Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed." It is not wrong to lift that cry to God! It is a request to survive the prison like Joseph, the lion's den like Daniel, and the furnace like the three Hebrew children. It is the desire to shake off the deadly serpent before the eyes of skeptics, like Paul did, and come out of prison like Peter. There are times when the heart needs to lifted up and the load made lighter. It is an infirmity accompanying life in this world, but there is provision for such times.

THE ENEMIES OF THE LORD are scrutinizing His people. They will see when the Lord "helps" and "comforts" them. When their assaults have no impact upon us, they behold and ponder the circumstance. Just as surely as it was "hard" for Saul of Tarsus to "kick against the pricks" generated by the stoning of peaceful Stephen, so consistent spiritual comportment can bring feelings of shame upon those who "falsely accuse" us.

THIS IS A REALITY upon which you must reckon. Those who hate you will not always tell you when they see God blessing you, and consequently are ashamed. Those are matters governed by God, not you. But you can ask the Lord to do this for you. In the power of this blessing, you can "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt 5:44, NKJV). Those are things you cannot do mechanically, out of mere routine and habit, or simply because you are commanded to do so.

WHEN JOSEPH'S BROTHERS saw him on the throne of Egypt, it had an impact upon them that no commandment could have had. When the opposing council heard Peter and John confidently and boldly speak of Jesus, "they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

IT SEEMS TO ME this is an area of great possibility – particularly in a time when truth and a hunger for it are so exceedingly rare. Why not ask the Lord to give us a "sign for good," to strengthen our hearts and confirm before our enemies that He has blessed us?

– Given O. Blakely

GLORIOUS LIBERTY

2010-07-21T03:42:00.000-07:00

"For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. or the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:19-21, NKJV)

SIN HAS HAD FAR-REACHING EFFECTS. All of creation – everything having its genesis with God during the first six days – has been contaminated by sin. Transgression sent a defiling and damaging wake into the physical, as well as the moral, universe. It threw the shroud of death over the creation, excluding no part of it.

THE SPIRIT INFORMS US "that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now" (Rom 8:22). The sentence of death has been passed upon it, and it is groaning with grief under the burden of its own mortality. If you are ever tempted to minimize the seriousness of sin, ponder what a single transgression caused! Death fastened itself on everything created "in the beginning," and has dominated since its entrance into the world.

THE GROANING OF REFERENCE, however, is not one of despair. Rather, it is one of anticipation, as the travail preceding childbirth – i.e. creation "labors with birth pangs." All of creation is unified in this pre-birth labor: i.e., "labors . . . together." Also, the labor has continued from the first sin "until now." The mournful chorus of travail can be heard by all with ears to hear.

AND WHAT IS IT FOR WHICH all creation groans? Intuitively, the cosmos is in a stance of hope, or anticipation. God has "subjected" creation to mortality "in hope." It is in bondage now, but it will not always be so. It will yet throw off the shackles of corruption!

THERE IS A SINGLE EVENT the creation anticipates. It knows when this occurs, it will be released from "futility" (NASB) and "frustration" (NIV). That occurrence is "the glorious liberty of the children of God." That is nothing less than the time when mortality will be "swallowed up of life" (2 Cor 5:4). This is the resurrection of the dead, when "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54). At that time, death will lose its sting, and the grave will cease to have victory (1 Cor 15:55). That is the time of the "glorious liberty of the children of God." Of all that are raised, the saints alone will gain an advantage in the resurrection. For the unjust, it will be "the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:29). Thus, the whole creation is not simply waiting for the resurrection of the dead, but more specifically for the "resurrection of the just" (Lk 14:14).

WHAT IS THE "GLORIOUS LIBERTY" for which creation longs? It is nothing less than the "freedom of glory" (NASB). When the saints are "glorified," they will be freed from every consequence of sin. Not only will their bodies be new, all inabilities, restrictions, and downward proclivities will be removed. Their memories will no longer dredge up unprofitable things. Their affections will no longer be touched by the transitory and defiled by the things of this world. They will never again be tempted, nor will there be a veil of any kind between them and their God. What they have earnestly desired, they will be free to experience and enjoy. There will no more dark shadows, deficient understanding, or remorse of any kind. No more need for repentance, recovery, or restoration. Never again will their spiritual resources be depleted. They will never again cry out for help, lament because they have sinned, or need to resist the devil. They will be in "the glory," where none of these things can enter.

ALL OF THIS IS INVOLVED in being "glorified" – something to which we have been appointed (Rom 8:30; Col 3:4). If justification has brought wonderful change and power, what will be brought when those "whom He justified" are "also glorified!" Freedom will begin that is far beyond any present imaginative capabilities.

AT THAT TIME THE WHOLE CREATION, or natural order, "will be liberated from its bondage to decay" (NIV). It is then that the words of the prophets will be fulfilled. "Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD . . . the little hills rejoice on every side . . . the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Psa 96:12; 65:12; Isa 55:12). Who is able to comprehend the glory of what is to come! We ourselves will be new in every way, and surrounded by a renewed and exulting creation. Everything will be conducive to gladness and rejoicing!

BUT THE CREATION is not alone in this anticipation. Believers have the edge on the creation now, having received the "first fruits of the Spirit" (Rom 8:23) – something withheld from the creation. Those "first fruits" have produced a strong anticipation in us. Thus it is written, "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom 8:23, NIV). It would be refreshing to read on some religion marquee, "Come, groan with us!"

– Given O. Blakely

UNTROUBLED IN TROUBLE

2010-07-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

"But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet." (Mark 13:7).

JESUS WAS IN THE PROCESS of telling His disciples of awesome events that were coming upon the earth. Some of them related to the destruction of Jerusalem, and some to the end of the world. There was nothing about His words that was merely academic – like passing along some interesting facts. They were arresting words that tended to startle the soul and make the heart tremble. Recall some of His words. "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down . . . For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles . . . they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues . . . brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death . . . the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken" (vs 2-25, NKJV). Yet, the Lord admonishes His disciples, "do not be troubled!"

JESUS DID NOT VARNISH THE TRUTH with the pleasing paint of carnal optimism. What was coming was very real, and would result in very real and troublesome circumstances. Yet, He speaks a word that only faith can grasp: "do not be troubled!"

A TROUBLED HEART IS A FEARFUL ONE, agitated by circumstances over which the individual has no power. When our heart is troubled, it stirs up unbelief and despair, just as though there was no God. We must do all within our power to not allow this to happen. As Jesus said to His disciples on the eve of His betrayal, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). Actually, that is like saying to a man with a withered hand, "stretch forth thy hand" (Matt 12:13). It is like saying to a man "lame from his mother's womb," "Rise up and walk!" (Acts 3:2-4).

TROUBLE CRIPPLES THE FLESH, robbing it of all of its boasted strength and draining it of all hope – particularly the kind of trouble Jesus foretold. He spoke of a time that would be noted for failing hearts: "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:26). Yet, He tells His disciples, "do not be troubled."

THE LORD GAVE HIS DISCIPLES two reasons for not allowing their hearts to be troubled. First, the things that were going to occur "MUST happen." They were things appointed by God, who is always mindful of His people. There are no Divine appointments that do not take "the elect" into consideration, not allowing them to be tempted above what they are able to bear. Second, there was more to come: "the end is not yet." In Matthew's record of this occasion, the Lord said, "All these are the BEGINNING of sorrows" (Matt 24:8). Yet the Lord exhorts, "do not be troubled!"

IF THERE IS SOMETHING that can trouble the heart, it is "wars and rumors of wars," nation rising against nation, earthquakes, pestilence, and the disruption of the natural order. Yet, the believer must not allow his heart to be troubled about these things.Some choose to speculate about the Savior's sayings. They conveniently conclude that our Lord's words applied to another day and time, and have nothing to do with us. A handy bit of theology for unbelief, but it will not do for those who take our Lord's words seriously. While much of what Jesus said applied to the destruction of Jerusalem, it should be readily apparent that everything He said in this text was not so confined. There were global matters as well as provincial ones.

THE POINT OF JESUS' WORDS is that everything is under Divine control. The government – all of it – is upon the shoulder of Jesus. He will bring forth judgment to victory (Matt 12:20) – and the saints will share in that triumph. The collapse of governments, the social fabric, and nature itself has no bearing upon the "eternal salvation" we have received in Christ Jesus. God's "great salvation" is impervious to the worst of all trouble. Those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death (Rev 2:11), much less troubles occurring in this present evil world.

THE GOD TO WHOM WE HAVE RECONCILED has our interests in heart. He has appointed a King to administer His Kingdom who consistently considers His people. He has sent forth the Holy Spirit to work with them, convincing them of the good future that awaits them (Rom 5:13). Even the holy angels have been dispatched to minister to the saints (Heb 1:13-14).

THERE REALLY IS NO REASON why we should be troubled – agitated at the prospect of political and social upheaval. We surely do not delight in such things, but He that is in us is greater than all of that.

– Given O. Blakely

COME CLOSER!

2010-07-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22).

THE NEW COVENANT is a covenant of nearness – of living in the presence of the Lord, and being cognizant of His Person and purpose. The effects of the vicarious atonement of Christ are described in this way: "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:13). In this text, being "far off" is being lost, unaccepted, and condemned. Being "brought near" is being saved, accepted, and justified.

THE CHALLENGE FOR THE BELIEVER is remaining "near" – not allowing the evil one to lure him away from God. There is a circumference of blessing, beyond which no Divine benefits can be realized. A spiritual boundary line exists, invisible to the fleshly eye and mind, that determines if we will receive eternal benefits from the Lord. If Satan can entice us to leave the circumference of blessing, going beyond that boundary line, we will occupy the realm of the curse, be insensitive to God, and again be subject to grievous bondage. These are the inevitable results of not being able to receive from the Lord.

OUR TEXT ADMONISHES us to "draw near" – to come close to the Lord. It is as though we were placed just inside the circle of acceptance when we were born again: close enough to the world to be enticed back into it, yet within the realm where forward progress can be made. The life of the believer, from this perspective, is getting closer to the Lord and further from the world. There is no safety when one is at a distance from the Lord, or close to the world, which is the consequence of being far from God! As we move closer to the Lord, we become spiritually minded, which is "life and peace" (Rom 8:6a). As we get further from the Lord, we become more carnally minded, which "is death" (Rom 8:6b).

THE SPIRIT REASONS with us concerning our ability to draw near. Our hearts are to be "true" – unpretentious before Him who searches them (1 Chron 28:8). Our openness and humility are welcomed in the courts of heaven. Even a spirit, broken with a sense of guilt and unworthiness, together with a contrite and remorseful heart, is welcome in the presence of the Lord. As it is written, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psa 51:17).

AS WE DRAW NEAR to the Lord, the value of faith is quickly seen. It simply is not possible to stand in the Lord's presence without having some degree of assurance – and faith gives that assurance to us. It is a "full" assurance, being persuaded those coming to Christ "will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). That is why we read of "the full assurance of faith" (Heb 10:22). The closer one gets to the Lord, the more persuaded the heart becomes that acceptance will be realized. However, when there is a distance between the individual and the Lord, doubt and fear are awakened, and begin to dominate the heart and mind.

THEN, THERE IS THE MATTER of our conscience. The blood of Jesus is able to purge our conscience so we will not feel condemned in the presence of the Lord (Heb 9:14). This occurs when we have "faith in His blood," convinced the death of Christ has effectively dealt with sin (Rom 3:26). To have "faith in His blood" is to look to Christ's death as a basis of Divine acceptance instead of to our own miserable achievements. This is essential, for the closer we come to the Lord – or the more aware we are of His Person and will – the more paltry our own works appear. What a joy it is to then realized there is a work in which God greatly delights – the atoning work of His Son. When we delight in that work, God delights in us. Praise the Lord!

THE CLEANSING OF OUR CONSCIENCE frees our hearts to draw near to the Lord with expectancy, and not in slavish fear. Notice, the death of Christ is something that has already occurred. It only remains for your faith to see and grasp this reality, enabling you to draw near to the God who loved us in Christ Jesus.

OUR BODIES HAVE ALSO been "washed with pure water," hereby qualifying us to come close to the Lord. This is a marvelous reference to our baptism "into Christ" (Gal 3:27). It was then, as we called upon the name of the Lord, He "washed away" our sins (Acts 22:16). In that seemingly simple act of obedience, we were freed from both the guilt and the power of sin (Rom 6:1-11). To put it another way, the very thing that stopped us from coming near to the Lord was put away when our bodies were "washed with pure water."

NOW, WHAT POSSIBLE REASON can be adduced for not drawing near to God, and doing it consistently? Knowing the wonderful facts in the case, why would you allow anything to keep you from drawing near? What can there possibly be that is more important and needful than this? Dear child of God, press into the Lord's presence!

– Given O. Blakely

THE "SPC" FACTOR

2010-07-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

" Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are Sanctified by God the Father, and Preserved in Jesus Christ, and Called" (Jude 1:1).

IT IS GENERALLY CONCEDED that Jude was one of our Lord's four half-brothers (Matt 13:55), being also born of Mary. Although he did not believe on Jesus at the first (John 7:5), he was later brought to faith. His brother James also wrote an Epistle, likewise bearing his own name. It is interesting to observe that neither of them referred to their fleshly relationship to Jesus. James refers to himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). Jude, on the other hand, identified himself as "the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." He doubtless did this because of James' recognition as the leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18). Following His resurrection, Jesus also appeared to James prior to His appearance to the Apostles (1 Cor 15:7). Paul referred to James as "the Lord's brother" (Gal 1:19), and classed him with the Apostles Peter and John (Gal 2:9). All of this shows what unusual grace had been bestowed upon James. Jude, therefore, recognizes this situation, putting himself, as it was, under James. This was a most congenial display of a tender and sensitive heart. It is a good example for us all.

JUDE DESCRIBES THE PEOPLE OF GOD in a concise and unique manner. Three views of them are mentioned. All of them are evidence of Divine working. "Sanctified," "preserved," and "called" – the SPC factor. These are experiences common to all who are in Christ Jesus. They represent a manner in which we are to view ourselves.

ALL THREE OF THESE TERMS describe the saints' present condition. Although the blessings themselves were determined long ago, believers are presently enjoying them. This type of language assists us on obtaining a proper view of our state in Christ Jesus.

"SANCTIFIED BY GOD." The word "sanctified" means to set apart, removing from an unacceptable realm and position, and placing in a favorable place and rank. Frequently the saved are referred to as being presently "sanctified" (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11). God has taken a people out of the world for His own use, and according to His own will (Acts 15:14). That sanctifying work is what constitutes them "strangers and pilgrims" in this world (1 Pet 2:11).

"PRESERVED IN CHRIST JESUS." Some translations emphasize being preserved FOR Jesus. "Kept for Jesus Christ" (NASB, RSV), "kept safe for Jesus Christ" (NRSV). The phrase "kept in" confirms that Jesus Himself is the realm of safety. The expression "kept for" emphasizes that we were kept safe when yet outside of Christ, then given to Him when we believed. Both views are correct. There is no spiritual preservation outside of Christ – apart from intimate involvement with Him. Too, it is owing to Divine mercy that we were not consumed before we received Christ (Lam 3:22). Were it not for the Lord, Satan would have destroyed us before we believed, and afterward as well. Divine preservation! It is something for which abundant thanksgiving is to be offered. A prayer for such preservation is found in First Thessalonians 5:23. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." God alone can preserve "both man and beast" (Psa 36:6).

"AND CALLED." This emphasizes the Divine summons. It was accomplished through the Gospel (2 Thess 2:14), but it was God who called. The "call" is a Divine initiative. More modern translations put the calling before the sanctifying and preserving. There is, however, no changing of the meaning of the text, regardless of the placement of "called." If it is first in the list, the Spirit is identifying the subjects who are sanctified and preserved. That is, the "called" ones are those who are sanctified and kept. If the word is placed last, it reveals who are sanctified and preserved: those who have not yet been called – an explanatory note. But in every case, it was God who made the first move. We called on the name of the Lord (Rom 10:13) because He first called us.

WHAT A BLESSED STATE is occupied by those who are in Christ Jesus! They have been separated from all that is cursed, by the Father Himself. They were kept safe for Jesus before they believed, and they are preserved in Him now that they have believed. They came to the Lord because He called them, and He called them because He wanted them.IF YOU ARE EVER TEMPTED to despair, or to imagine that you have not received much, ponder the SPC factor. Consider who took you out of the world, and who preserved and keeps you. Reflect on the heavenly calling to which you responded. Then, give thanks!

– Given O. Blakely

BUT THEY KNEW NOT!

2010-07-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

" . . . I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them." (Hosea 11:3)

THIS TEXT PRESENTS a most tender scene – one that portrays the Lord helping His people in their spiritual infancy. It is a picture of teaching a toddler how to walk. The NIV reads, "It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them." The Lord was truly gentle with the ancient people, not only taking them by the arms, but even carrying them through treacherous terrain. As it is written, "and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place" (Deut 1:31, NKJV). A most powerful expression of this tenderness is found in the nineteenth chapter of Exodus. "I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself" (v 4). What condescending acts for a mighty God, and yet He did it with a keen interest in and love for His people.

THE DIFFICULTY WAS, the people did not recognize what the Lord had so graciously done for them. They were blinded by their own sin. In their response to God they became more related to beasts of the field than to their Maker. Even though the Lord had dealt with them tenderly, assisting them as a nurse does a toddling infant, yet "they knew not" that He had healed them. They were willingly unaware that their good condition was the direct result of the working of their God.

THIS WAS NOT A IGNORANCE like that of the blind man, who did not know who the Son of God was, even though he had been healed by Him (John 9:35-36). In that instance, Jesus had not yet revealed Himself to the man. However, in the case of Israel, they had seen the mighty hand of God like no other people in all of history. No one has ever had such significant overt displays of Divine might as they did. Earlier in Hosea, the Spirit also refers to the obtuseness of this people. "For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold" (2:8).

THE PEOPLE WERE. as Peter would say, "willingly ignorant" (2 Pet 3:5). They "knew not" because they "would not." Every advantage and consideration was given to them, yet they responded with unbelief. Here is how Isaiah said it. "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider" (Isa 1:2-3). Truly, some of the most tragic words in Scripture!

IS IT POSSIBLE to experience the grace and favor of God and yet remain ignorant of it? Indeed it is! That is precisely what our text states. But such a response is always inexcusable. If it was wrong for Israel to so react to Divine favor WITHOUT a new heart, how much more is it inappropriate for those who have been given a new heart and spirit? – for those who have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor 6:11). When those who have been washed from their sins and made kings and priests unto God (Rev 1:5-6) are unmindful of their Savior, a sin of unspeakable magnitude has been committed! When those who were "once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come" are noted for their ignorance of the Lord, a most serious condition follows. If they "fall away," it is "impossible to renew them to repentance" (Heb 6:4-5).

IT IS THE TENDENCY of flesh to complain, refusing to consider the benefits of the Lord. This tendency is in our flesh, and needs to be crucified in the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5). The Lord "daily loads us with benefits" (Psa 68:19). These "benefits" are infinitely more in number than the wisest among us realizes. That is why we must exhort ourselves, just as the sweet Psalmist of Israel. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psa 103:2-5). If that was true under the Law, it is even more so under grace!

DO NOT FORGET the multitude of benefits that have been "daily" loaded upon you. Search them out in faith, and give thanks for them. Do not forget them. Remember how He has dealt with ALL of your iniquities. Ponder how it is He who has healed ALL your diseases. Because of His intervention you have NOT been destroyed. Daily a crown of mercy and lovingkindness is upon you. He is the one who brings satisfaction to your heart. His eye us upon you, and His ear is open to your cry. His holy angels are dispatched to care for you, and camp round about you. That is why, simply put, you have been able to survive what has come your way. Give thanks! Refuse to be among those who do not know.

– Given O. Blakely

THEY WILL NOT BE CHARMED

2010-07-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

"For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 8:17)

JEREMIAH WAS GIVEN THE COMMISSION of foretelling the Babylonian captivity. In a way, it was a very difficult ministry, for he could offer no hope of avoiding that captivity. The Lord told him NOT to pray for the people or make intercession for them for, "I will not hear thee" (Jer 7:16). The Lord also said He would not hear the people (Jer 11:14; 14:12). Our text declares the Chaldeans would descend upon the people like a flood of serpents, or "vipers" (NKJV) and "adders" (NASB) that could "not be charmed." One version reads, "against which the wonder-worker has no power" (BBE). There would be no person or power that could turn this punishing horde away. Nothing would be able to avert or neutralize their destruction. According to the Divine purpose for which they were to be sent, and from the standpoint of men, they would be invincible. No organized effort could possibly have proved successful against Nebuchadnezzar! Every form of human resistance would be utterly powerless. Divine judgments can never be averted by human wisdom or power.

THERE ARE JUDGMENTS FROM GOD for which no human remedy exists. No physician could cure the leprosy of Gehazi or his seed, which came on him because of covetousness (2 Kgs 5:27). No doctor could cure Herod after he was stricken by the angel of the Lord (Acts 12:23). Any effort to resuscitate Ananias and Sapphira would have proved futile (Acts 5:5-10). When Elymas the sorcerer was blinded by Paul, it would have been vain for him to seek recovery at the hand of a physician (Acts 13:11). Divine judgments cannot be lifted by human wisdom.

THERE HAVE BEEN CASES when Divine judgments have been reversed – but not by men. Miriam was stricken with leprosy by God, and at the prayer of Moses, God took it away (Num 12:10-15). The Lord has revealed, "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, My great army which I sent among you" (Joel 2:25). But no one else can accomplish such a restoration – not a counselor, psychologist, or recovery expert. In a day when human wisdom has been unduly exalted, it is the business of the church to make this known to the people. Those who insist on walking at a distance from God, yet claim identity with Him, will be judged by Him – and when they are, there will be no charming of the one ministering the chastisement. This is not the kind of teaching that can be conveniently systematized and packaged. It is, however something for each believer to ponder.

– Given O. Blakely

VAIN LABOR

2010-07-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

"For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain." (1 Thess 3:5)

THE MORE FAMILIAR I BECOME with the Word of God, the more I am convinced that there is a dominating ignorance of it in the professed church. The things that were of great concern to the Apostles are hardly known in our time. In fact, some of them are denied by erroneous and damaging theologies. Take the text before us as an example. Paul had a deep concern about Satan's attack of the Thessalonians. "I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless" (NIV). Some deny that such things are even possible. They have embraced a view of Scripture that repudiates the notion that Satan could put any child of God in jeopardy, or that any spiritual effort could be "useless." It is the devil himself who has promoted such views!

THE TEMPTER. Satan is twice called "the tempter" in Scripture. One is related to the wilderness temptation of Jesus, when "the tempter came to Him" (Matt 4:3). The other is our text. The word "tempter" means one who tests or tries by enticement or allurement. Using subtlety, Satan attempts to move us away from believing. Remember, Paul sent Timothy to learn of the Thessalonian's faith. "The tempter," therefore, had the destruction of their faith as his objective. Only faith can repel the attacks of "the tempter." Thus it is written, "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith" (1 Pet 5:8-9).

IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE that the words "tempt" and "tempted" are rarely used in the Old Covenant Scriptures in the sense of our text. In fact, I cannot find a single incident. Nearly every time they are used in Moses and the Prophets, they have to do with men tempting God, not the devil tempting them (Ex 17:2,7; Num 14:22; Deut 6:16; Psa 78:18,41,56; 95:8-9; 106:14; Isa 7:12; Mal 3:15). Once "tempt" is used in reference to God testing Abraham (Gen 22:1). "Temptations" are also used to describe Israel's trials (Deut 4:34; 7:19; 29:3).

LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS bears very little resemblance to life under the Law. In Him, a very real change has been wrought in men. Now Satan's approach is more subtle, and his activity as a tempter is the means he uses to drag believers back to perdition. He is so active and so intense in this activity that a special Intercessor is provided to neutralize his advances. Therefore it is written, "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted" (Heb 2:18). That "succor," or Divine help, is realized through our faith, which is the exclusive means of appropriating the grace of God (Eph 2:8). Thus, knowing the condition of their faith would confirm whether or not they had been able to resist Satan's advances. Among other things, this teaches us never to take temptation lightly, or put ourselves into a situation that gives the advantage to "the tempter" (Eph 4:27).

USELESS LABORS. How is it that Paul speaks of laboring in vain, or useless labors? Is it not written that "labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:58)? That statement is made to believers to prompt them to intense spiritual activity, being "steadfast and unmoveable." Our text speaks of another valid facet of the Kingdom. All of our labors for the souls of men will be tested in the day of judgment. This testing is vividly described in the third chapter of First Corinthians. There, converts are depicted as the "works," or results, of Kingdom labors. These converts are likened to non-combustible and combustible materials: "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble." Should the converts prove to be "wood, hay, and stubble," the man's "work shall be burned," and "he shall suffer loss." The laborer himself must also pass the test of Divine judgment, and thus be "saved, but only as one escaping through the flames" (1 Cor 3:12-15, NIV). The suffering of "loss" is the same as laboring in vain, or useless labors.

PAUL HAD THE SAME CON CERN for the Galatians, although they had already given evidence of departing from the faith to a system of Law (Gal 1:6; 4:11). He expressed the same concern for the Philippians, urging them work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, continuing to hold out the word of life, so he could "rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain" (Phil 2:16).

IF THOSE TO WHOM WE HAVE MINISTERED ultimately fall to the devices of the devil, all labor expended on them will have been useless. God's objective in salvation is not to bring temporary relief to humanity, or enable them to have a mere season of blessing. The aim is to conform them to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29), and bring them to glory (Heb 2:10). As our text indicates, if that does not occur, it is a most serious circumstance. There is no place for heartless and mechanical labors in the Kingdom of God. There is too much at stake for any one to labor with feeble hands and a faint heart. And at no point is labor expended on people who ended up going backward to be rewarded.

– Given O. Blakely

THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD

2010-07-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor" (1 Thess 4:3-4)

"THE WILL OF GOD" is never regarded lightly or as optional in Scripture. Jesus said "whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother" (Mk 3:35). The Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints "according to the will of God" (Rom 8:27). Through His death, Jesus delivered us "from this present evil world, according to the will of God" (Gal 1:4). The "will of God" is something believers are to do "from the heart" (Eph 6:6; Col 4:12). The promise of God is said to be only for those who have "done the will of God" (Heb 10:36). When it comes to practicality, Peter contrasts the will of God with "the lusts of men" (1 Pet 4:2). John affirms, "he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17). The "will of God" is His desire and purpose. His power and grace are devoted to the execution of His will. It is the only thing that is acceptable to Him, for only those who do His will shall "enter into the Kingdom of heaven" (Matt 7:21). When, therefore, we speak of "the will of God," we are on holy ground. It is not to be considered some secret Divine determination that has no relevance for us.

SANCTIFICATION. Here is a word that is common in Scripture, yet uncommon in the professed church. Wherever it is mentioned in God's Word, it is always pivotal – central, and given great emphasis. There are three ways in which it is used. The first applies to a once-for-all transaction accomplished by Christ's death (1 Cor 1:30; 6:11; Heb 2:11; 10:10,14, 29; 13:12). The second refers to the work of the Holy Spirit, who through conviction and leading sets the believer apart from this world to be blessed by God (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2). Our text deals with the third use of the word, which focuses on the believer's personal and perceptive involvement in the "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom 12:2). It is in perfect harmony with the other meanings of the word. Practical sanctification is bound upon those who have been sanctified by Christ's death, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

AS USED IN OUR TEXT, the word "sanctification" means holiness, or purity, and is a term denoting separateness from the world, and commitment to the Lord. It involves pure and upright behavior in those who have been set apart for God. The concept of sanctification was introduced at the creation of the world. It is written that God "sanctified" the seventh day . . . because He had rested from all His work which God created and made" (Gen 2:3). The first mention of man sanctifying something was on the night of Israel's exodus from Egypt: "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine" (Ex 13:2). In the Levitical, or ceremonial, law this was expanded. The altar, the laver, and all of the vessels associated with them were "sanctified," or set apart to God (Lev 8:11). The high priest was sanctified (Lev 8:12). The people were also required to sanctify themselves and be holy: "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God" (Lev 20:7). Something sanctified is given to the Lord, and is not to be defiled with purely self interests. The altar could not be used for family cookouts. The laver could not be used for ordinary cleansing. The vessels used with these could not be utilized for personal purposes. They belonged to the Lord. The people were to keep themselves holy – separate from false gods and defiling influences. They belonged to the Lord. He had chosen them, delivered them, and provided for them. They were exclusively His.

FORNICATION. Thus, in our text, the will of God is related to moral purity – to not prostitute our body for fleshly gratification. God has provided marriage as a lawful means for such satisfaction. Outside of the bounds of marriage, all bodily intimacy is "fornication." The solemn edict is, "abstain from fornication." This is to be done aggressively, as Paul exhorted the Corinthians: "Flee fornication" – run away from it! (1 Cor 6:18), like Joseph did from Potiphar's wife (Gen 39:12). To fail to run from fornication is to allow the body to control us, failing to bring it into subjection (1 Cor 9:27).

THE SPIRIT MAKES THIS QUITE CLEAR. Fornication excludes one from the fellowship of believers. Saints are solemnly told to "withdraw" from anyone claiming identity with Jesus who is "a fornicator." In fact, they are not even to eat with such a person (1 Cor 5:9-11). The saints are to see to it that no fornicator rises among them (Heb 12:15-16). Such people will NOT inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:11). This is classed among the things of which it is said, "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal 5:19-21). It is "not once" to be named among the people of God (Eph 5:3).

THERE IS, IN MY JUDGMENT, altogether too much laxness on this matter in the nominal church. While I know of no one who encourages such immoral involvements, it is countenanced under the guise of professed concern. Our concern must be found in turning people away from such transgression. To be sure, there is forgiveness for those who foolishly have stumbled past the light in order to gratify their lusts. When forgiven, Jesus will say to them what He said to the woman taken in the act of adultery: "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). There is absolutely no room for laxness in this area. This is the "will of God," and there is a sense in which our holiness and acceptance depends upon our abstinence from this defiling sin.
– Given O. Blakely

GREAT GRACE

2010-07-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

"And with great power gave the apostle's witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33)

THERE IS NO GATHERING of believers that could not use a healthy dose of "great grace." That is a condition where those in Christ gain the advantage, and become adequate to the challenges that face them. It is a time where they are more aware of the Lord than what is around them – what even may be threatening them. It is also a time when Christ and His great salvation are most clear and accessible to the heart. How we must covet such a marvelous state: "great grace!"

DURING THE TIME COVERED BY OUR TEXT, the disciples were beginning to experience some serious opposition. At the first, believers had "favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47). But, alas, that favor was short-lived. Soon the captain of the temple, the priests, and the Sadducees "came upon them." They were "grieved," or "disturbed," because the disciples "taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead" (Acts 4:1-2). Some were imprisoned. Peter and John were judged, beaten, and charged to refrain from such speaking. How would the children of God respond to such things? Would they rethink the matter of speaking publicly about the Lord Jesus, and boldly declaring "the resurrection of the dead?"

AS SOON AS PETER AND JOHN were "let go," they went "to their own company." They did not retreat to a solitary place, or hide from their enemies. They sought the company of kindred spirits, which is the manner of the Kingdom. Once they were with the brethren, they reported what had happened to them (Acts 4:23). When the disciples heard their words, they lifted up a fervent prayer to God, asking for boldness to speak the Word, and for confirmation of that word. They knew where to go, and what to say. They did not conclude that they should go to another place where they might be more fully accepted. In their prayer, they confessed that God was the Creator, and had made all things. They referred to the second Psalm, which spoke of the resolution of God's enemies to rid themselves of Divine influences. They rehearsed to God how the people and the rulers – Jews and Gentiles – had conspired against the Lord Jesus, only to do what God had already determined to be done. They then addressed a fervent supplication to the Lord: "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus"(4:24-30).

THEIR PRAYER WAS FILLED WITH insight into circumstances as well as the Scriptures. It revealed an understanding of God and the subdued role of the kings of this world. They did not pray for protection, but for boldness to speak in spite of the opposition. They asked God to work in a miraculous way. They sought the Lord Jesus to be exalted.

HOW WILL THE LORD RESPOND to such a prayer? Will they be upbraided for submitting such a bold request? Will it be viewed as presumptuous and unworthy of Divine attention?

HEAVEN COULD NOT KEEP QUIET. As soon as they had prayed, "the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (4:31). A wave of Divine glory swept through their presence, dwarfing the threats of their enemies, and loosing their tongues. Note, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke – but not with tongues as the Apostles did on the day of Pentecost. They had prayed that God would grant that "with all boldness" they could speak His Word – and that is precisely what they did.

IN THE WAKE OF THIS GLORY, the believers are said to have had all things common, being one heart and soul (4:32).

IN THIS MARVELOUS ATMOSPHERE, the Apostles witnessed to the resurrection of Christ with "great power" – effective power! The reality and potency of that resurrection burst upon the hearts of the people. The result – "And great grace was upon them all." Divine favor was upon them, and realized by them. That grace outweighed the threats of their enemies. It was so powerful that many disciples sold of their land and houses, and laid the proceeds at the Apostle's feet (4:34-35).

IF THE CHURCH DESIRES a resurgence of this type of grace, it must again major on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The favor of God will surround the church when the glorious resurrection and life of His son captures their attention. God Himself is preoccupied with Jesus. He will be kindly disposed to any and every soul who perceives, and desires to know "the power of His resurrection."

AS LONG AS THE PROFESSED CHURCH insists on majoring on lesser things, it will remain powerless. Being devoid of Divine power, they will have to resort to formal education, worldly counseling, work shops, seminars, and special courses in human behavior. But it will all be for nothing, for God has not ordained such things for the obtainment of Divine power and holy boldness. God gives no power to those who relegate His Son into the background.

– Given O. Blakely

THINGS WE KNOW ABOUT HEAVEN

2010-06-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

"For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb 10:34)

WHAT ABOUT HEAVEN? Perhaps you have heard someone say, "We know so very little about heaven?" Or, "Do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." A people who lacks familiarity with heaven is a people who lack spiritual incentive at the best, and an ungodly people at the worst.

ACTUALLY, God has revealed a lot about heaven – and all of it is good.

WHAT AND WHO IS IN HEAVEN. God, Christ, angels, the spirits of just men, blood of Christ, our life, our hope, our inheritance, our Intercessor, our future house, our citizenship, our affection, our names are written there. There also is that marvelous description of an entire category of realities: "things in heaven" (Deut 4:39; 1 Pet 3:22; Matt 18:10; Heb 12:23; Heb 9:12; Phil 3:20; 1 Pet 1:4; Heb 7:25; 2 Cor 5:1-2; Col 3:1-2; Heb 12:23).

THOSE WHO CAME FROM HEAVEN. There are personalities who are said to have already "come" from heaven:" Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Angels, and our call (John 6:38; 1 Pet 1:12; Luke 2:13).

THAT WHICH COMES FROM HEAVEN. There are benefits that are said to "come" from heaven. Gifts and blessings, guidance, answered prayer, grace, peace, and Divine utterance (James 1:17; Psa 32:8; Acts 11:9; Gal 1:3; Heb 12:25).

WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN. Much is said about who will at last be in heaven. Overcomers – those who came out of tribulation – those who washed their robes – those whose names are written there – those who suffered with Him – those who have done good – those who have served Christ – those who made their calling election sure – those who did not defile garments – those who confessed Christ before men – the faithful – those who quenched not Spirit – those who followed the Lamb (Rev 3:21; 7:14; Lk 10:20; Rom 8:17; John 5:29; Col 3:24; 2 Pet 1:10; Rev 3:4; Matt 10:32; Rev 17:14; 1 Thess 5:19; Rev 14:4).

WHO WILL NOT BE THERE. Ponder those who will NOT be there. Fornicators – idolaters – adulterers – homosexuals – thieves – covetous – drunkards – revilers – extortioners – fearful – unbelieving – abominable – murderers – whoremongers – sorcerers – those who know not God – those who obey not the Gospel – all liars – false prophets – those who practice witchcraft (1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-6; Rev 21:8).

WHAT WILL PASS. There are things that will forever pass away when we dwell at last with the Lord. Former things – the devil – false prophets – partial knowledge – our earthly tabernacle – marriage – death – sorrow – pain – trouble – anything that defiles – the first heaven and first earth – all tears – all curses – the night – our earthen vessels (Psa 37:10; Isa 35:10; 1 Cor 13:9-10,12; Rev 7:16; 21:1,4,27; 22:3).

EXPERIENCES TO BE HAD IN HEAVEN. Ponder what we will experience in heaven. No second hand knowledge (drink directly from the fountain) – stability – we will be like Him – God Himself will be with us – we will have a new name – there will be a new work – we will sing a new song – we will have authority – we will be confessed before God – we will be confessed before angels – we will be praised by God – we will be served by Jesus – there will be total purity – we will experience uninterrupted communion – we will see His face – we will know as we are known – there will be a sense of thorough acceptance (Rev 21:6; 1 John 3:2; Rev 21:3; Rev 3:12; Lk 19:17; Rev 5:9; 14:3; Dan 7:18,22,27; 1 Cor 6:2-3; Matt 10:23; 1 Cor 4:5; Lk 12:37; Eph 5:27; Rev 7:15; Rev 22:4; 1 Cor 13:12; Mal 3:17).

OUR ACTIVITY IN HEAVEN. Consider some of the activities that have already been revealed. We will reign with Christ –we will serve God continually – we will inquire in His temple – we will judge the world – we will judge angels – we will inherit all things (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 7:15; Psa 27:4; 1 Cor 6:2-3).

CHRIST'S DESIRE THAT WE BE THERE That where I am there will you be also (John 14:3) – Gather His wheat into (Matt 3:12) – Be with me where I am (John 17:24) – "with the Lord" (1 Thess 4:16-17) – absent/present (2 Cor 5:8) – Behold I and the children (Heb 2:13)

THE ASSOCIATION OF OUR CALLING WITH HEAVEN. Heavenly calling (Heb 3:1)– Call TO heaven: From glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18) – to kingdom and glory (1 Thess 2:12) – to obtaining of glory (2 Thess 2:14) – Begotten to an incorruptible inheritance (1 Pet 1:3-4).

THE FOCUS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. Lay up treasures in (Matt 6:20) – conversation in (Phil 3:20-21) – names written there (Lk 10:20/Heb 12:23) – hope laid up there (Col 1:5) – better and enduring substance there (Heb 10:34) – inheritance reserved in (1 Pet 1:4) – one thing desired; dwell in house (Psa 27:4) – joy in the morning(Psa 30:5) – precious seed and sheaves (Psa 126:6) – reap in due season (Gal 6:10) – make up His jewels (Mal 3:17) – poor; their's kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3) – pure; see God (Matt 5:8) – persecuted; great is your reward (Matt 5:12) – remains a rest (Heb 4:9) – Here we have no continuing city (Heb 13:14) – Strangers and pilgrims here, citizens there (1 Pet 2:11; Phil 3:20-21) – whom He justified, them He also glorified (Rom 8:30) – Considering heavenly realities lightens sufferings (2 Cor 4;17-18) – not worthy to be compared (Rom 8:17).

THE GLORY THAT AWAITS THE SAINTS. The marvelous change – 2 Cor 5:1-5; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 Cor 15;51-52 – The liberating separation– Matt 13:41-42 – Then we will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father – Exalted responsibility – 2 Tim 2:12 – Inherit all things – Rom 8:17; Rev 21:7; Matt 5:5 – Be praised/honored by God – 1 Cor 4:5; John 12:26; 1 Sam 2:30 Them that honor Me I will honor – Be served by Jesus – Luke 12:37.

DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU we do not know much about heaven!

– Given O. Blakely

A LOT IS INVOLVED

2010-06-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

BECAUSE OF THE DEVASTATION sin wrought in this world, we should not expect salvation to be simplistic. While the appropriation of salvation is not complicated (praise the Lord!), we should not conclude that salvation itself is oversimplified. Something that requires all power and all wisdom cannot be elemental. A work in which the entire Godhead, as well as all the vast multitude of angels, is extensively involved is necessarily associated with remarkable depth and profound implications.

ONE OF THE REASONS professing believers lack a thankful and diligent spirit, is that they have never really seen the remarkable nature of their salvation. Too often they have heard representations of salvation that portrayed it as easily achieved, leisurely obtained, and undemanding in its completion.

THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT VIEWS of salvation presented in Scripture. They open up the multiple things that had to be accomplished for men to be saved. Salvation itself must be an expression of the righteousness of God as well as His mercy. No part of the Divine nature must be ignored if men are to be righteously saved.

PROVISIONAL. There is the provisional view of salvation in which God and Christ are said to have accomplished it completely, and independently of any of our involvement – like God subduing the Egyptians and parting the Red Sea when Israel came out of Egypt. In this sense salvation is always in the past tense – even traced back to before the foundation of the world. Examples: 2 Tim 1:9; Eph 1:4; Heb 10:14; 2 Cor 5:19,21

APPROPRIATION. There is the point at which we appropriate salvation, coming into the actual experience of it – like Israel's involvement in coming out of Egypt. Here, of course, man plays an essential part. There are things to be done that involve the whole of man's being: spirit, soul, and body. All of these are in the area of obedience, which is essential to our experience of salvation. Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation "unto all them that obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Examples: Acts 2:38; 16:31; Rom 10:13

COMPLETING THE WORK. There is bringing the sons all the way to glory by Jesus (Heb 2:10), including His indispensable intercession and sustaining power, and the intercession of the Holy Spirit – like God sending the manna and causing water to come from a rock during Israel's wilderness wandering. Examples: Rom 5:10; Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26-27.

KEEPING THE FAITH. There is also the matter of keeping the faith, pressing toward the mark, and working out one's own salvation with fear and trembling – like Israel gathering the manner, and following the pillar of cloud in going to the promised land. Examples: Phil 3:7-14; 1 Tim 6:12; Phil 2:12

MANY PREACHERS AND TEACHERS have not done well in making these distinctions. They have largely viewed salvation as a cooperative effort between God and man. But that is not a Scriptural representation. I do not believe you will find the Apostles mingling these views like the Jews mixed flour and oil in the meal offerings. Man has nothing whatsoever to do with the provisional part of salvation. He also has nothing to do with the intercessory and mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus.

FURTHERMORE, IN THE APPROPRIATION of that salvation, as well as in the matter of keeping the faith, man is integrally involved – but so are God, Christ, the Spirit, and even the holy angels. Even when the necessity of human involvement is declared, modern presentations too often exclude the involvement of God: "To you it has been GRANTED on the behalf of Christ to believe" (Phil 1:29); "for it is God who WORKS in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13); "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to GIVE repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31); "whose heart the Lord OPENED, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14); "Who hath DELIVERED us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col 1:13); "And you hath He QUICKENED, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1), etc.

THE CONFIDENCE AND ASSURANCE which are necessary to the completion of the race are founded upon what God and Christ have done – not what we have done. That is why salvation must ultimately be traced back to God. We account for our salvation by confessing what God and Christ have done.

IN THE END, when everything is seen more clearly, the whole of salvation will be ascribed to God (Rev 7:10; 19:1). No one will trace it back to God "and us." It will be all God! All Christ! All grace! In this world, we are to grow accustomed to this confession, for ultimately all of the saved will stand before God and confess to an assembled universe, "Salvation belongs to our God" (Rev 7:10, NIV).

– Given O. Blakely

WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS

2010-06-25T06:23:00.002-07:00

"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." (2 Corinthians 10:18)

IT IS IN THE HUMAN NATURE – fallen human nature – to seek the approval of men. Many a soul has been dashed upon the rocks of despair due to disappointment in this area. This is a particularly critical area in matters of religion. Jesus spoke of those who do everything "to be seen of men" (Matt 23:5). Preachers have been known to change their message so men would approve of them. Paul said that if he sought to please men he "should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10).

SOME HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID being commended by men, yet have been caught in the snare of self-approval, or thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Rom 12:3). They have been led to believe one must have a good "self image" if they are going to be successful. This kind of thinking is encouraged by the psychoanalysts of the day – so much so that it is not uncommon to hear someone say you cannot love others until you first love yourself. This is a form of commending one's self – something strictly forbidden by this text.

WITH GREAT SOBRIETY we are told that the person who commended himself is not the one who is approved – good self image or not. The Basic Bible English version reads, "For the Lord's approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself." It is what God thinks of a man that is the critical factor. If the Lord commends a person, it makes no difference whether anyone else does or not. If He does not commend a person, the views of all others cannot make up for that lack of commendation.

THE VERY THOUGHT OF BEING COMMENDED by God is arresting! It is also something to be fervently and confidently sought. Our text says the "approved" person is NOT the one who "commends himself." In another place, Jesus said, "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself" (John 7:18, NIV). Such individuals address life as though everything depended upon them, and nothing hinged upon the Almighty. They live as though there was no God, and imagine there is no personal recognition unless it is aggressively promoted by the one desiring it. Whether we are speaking of our birth into this world, or our attainments in the world, "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psa 100:3).

TO "COMMEND" OURSELVES is to point to OUR achievements, to glory in the flesh, and present our accomplishments as though they were significant. If you are even casually familiar with the religious environment of our day, you know there is an enormous amount of self-commendation to which believers are being submitted. None of it is right.

THE APOSTLE DREW BACK from such an approach, not venturing into a condemned approach to life. "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor 10:12, NKJV). There is a class of people– religious people – who speak more of themselves than of the Lord. Their notions of both worth and accomplishments are cultured by measuring themselves by human standards and attainments. Such an approach to life is "not wise" because it will inevitably position one in a bad stance on the day of judgment.

AND WHY IS THIS THE CASE? Because these people are NOT accepted by God. His stamp of approval is NOT upon them. The approval of God is essential to every aspect of salvation. No one will be saved without it. To be without God's commendation or approval is to be lost in every sense of the word.

WHOM DOES THE LORD APPROVE? Who will be able to stand before His presence with confidence and joy? It is the person He "commends." It is the one to whom He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is the person who will receive "praise from God" (1 Cor 4:5). It is the individual that God will "honor" (John 12:26) – and honor that comes "from God only" (John 5:44). The person whose faith is ultimately "found unto praise and honor and immortality at the appearing of Jesus Christ" is the one God commends (1 Pet 1:7).

THE THOUGHT OF BEING "commended" by God is by no means common in the church world – but it is at the heart of God's Kingdom. The ordinary religious person is often found seeking the approval of men, and doing it with great zeal. Such efforts are vain, for they exclude one from Divine approval. God will never approve those who modify their behavior and live their lives to gain the endorsement of men! Far better to give diligence to be a workman "approved by God" (2 Tim 2:15)! This will be accomplished when we can say from the heart, "For me to live IS Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). God will commend that person!

– Given O. Blakely

TREASURES AND VESSELS

2010-06-23T04:29:00.000-07:00

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

LIFE IN CHRIST IS NOT SIMPLISTIC, and should not be viewed as though it is. When we are joined to the Lord, we enter a life of contradicting experiences. To put it in the words of our text, we "have this treasure in earthen vessels." The treasure is defined as "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (verse 6). It is the illuminating knowledge and presence of God Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. As great as this "treasure" is, it has been placed in a crude and temporal container–an "earthen vessel," or clay pot. There is a reason for this arrangement: "that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." In the words of the NRSV, "so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us."

THE EXPERIENCE DESCRIBED in verses 8-10 show the "treasure" and the "vessel" sides of life–experience – from the obvious and not-so-obvious point of view.

ON THE "TREASURE" SIDE, we are "not crushed," "not in despair," "not forsaken," and "not destroyed." The "life of Jesus" that is revealed in human experience is on the "treasure" side. This is the part in which the power of God is demonstrated.

THERE IS ALSO THE "VESSEL" SIDE. In this perspective, our personal weakness is displayed. Our absolute need of the Lord's power is confirmed in this aspect of human experience. To this belongs "pressed on every side," "perplexed," persecuted," and "struck down." Here is where "the dying of the Lord Jesus" is revealed in us.

PONDER THESE EXPERIENCES FOR A MOMENT. It will assist you in dispelling any erroneous views of life in Christ. Being "pressed on every side" involves pressure put upon us by the enemy. From every quarter we experience opposition. Often it comes from friendships, family, associates, etc. When life becomes a burden, we are being "pressed on every side." What about being "perplexed?" This is being bewildered, confused, flustered, and puzzled. It is when we do not have all of the answers, and cannot figure everything out.

AND THEN THERE IS THE EXPERIENCE of being "persecuted." In this, the enemy appears to be superior, and makes life more difficult for us. We cannot stop it from happening, and thus we suffer. As if this were not enough, we are sometimes "struck down," or "knocked down." How we deplore such a thing, and yet often we cannot stop it. Our plans are thwarted, our joy is taken, and we are simply knocked off of our feet spiritually. When we endure such things, it becomes plain to us that the power does not belong to us, but to God. Our salvation has been purposely crafted so these experiences will occur. God is teaching us through them.

REMEMBER, THE DEMONSTRATION OF OUR WEAKNESS is not the real point, but the revelation of His power. It is our weakness that allows for Divine power to be made known. Think of the glory of this revelation.

ALTHOUGH WE ARE "PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE," we are "not crushed," or distressed. In a sense, we are placed in a winepress, yet remain like an uncrushed grape. The idea is that the pressure does not inhibit our service to God.

NOTICE, EVEN WHEN WE ARE "PERPLEXED," or mentally confused, we do not "despair," or give up. The Lord sustains us even when we do not understand everything – and that circumstance occurs more often than some care to admit. When the world comes against us, and opposition is endured even from those close to us, we are "not forsaken." Even when it appears as though we are all alone, and being hurt by others in the process, we are "not alone." Even when weakened by persecution, "we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'" (Heb 13:6, NRSV). And when we are struck down, and our preferences taken from us, we are still "not destroyed." We receive strength to get up again, even after suffering heart-wrenching defeats. Thus it is written, "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" (Prov 24:16, IV).

ALL OF THIS CONFIRMS that the excellency, or exceeding greatness, of the power is from God. We are not sustained by our wisdom or ingenuity. No amount of training or personal discipline has held us up. It is our God who makes the enemy unable to keep us down.

THIS IS HOW THE LORD is bringing us glory: in a way that will leave no doubt about how we got there. When tempted to think trouble and agitation are bad, let us remember that is only the vessel side. What about the treasure?

– Given O. Blakely

ENTERING CORRECTLY

2010-06-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

"But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, at Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee." (Psalm 5:7)

WHILE A LOT OF HOARY TRADITION has surrounded, what men call, "going to church," some observations concerning attending an assembly of believers are in order. Some people attach no value whatsoever to going to a place dedicated to the Lord. They see the New Covenant as liberating men from any obligation to assemble, or meet together in the name of the Lord. By thinking in this manner, they have attached too much significance to their own opinions, and have exaggerated their own spiritual strength.

THE LORD PROMISED special benefits to those who were "together." The Psalmist affirmed God would "command" a blessing on such a gathering (Psa 133:1-3). Jesus said He would personally be present where "two or three are gathered together" in His name (Matt 18:20). God especially acknowledged those who "spoke often" to one another during the decaying times of Malachi (Mal 3:16-17). When Peter was imprisoned, believers were found "gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). The believers at Troas "gathered together" in an "upper chamber" (Acts 20:7-8). Paul spoke of the Corinthians being "gathered together" "with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 5:4). Who can forget that on the day of Pentecost the inauguration of the New Covenant took place when the disciples were "all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).

SUCH HOLY CONCLAVES are anything but a mere formality – although they are often so viewed by nominal Christians. The gathering of saints, however, should not be viewed as a mere formality, obligation, or a neighborhood get-together. These are times when certain advantages can be ministered that are not otherwise available.DAVID KNEW THE LORD could not be confined to a building constructed by men. Yet, he longed to be where there were no distractions, and he could concentrate on the Lord. He even envied the sparrows because they could nest near the Lord's altars (Psa 84:30). He was personally "glad" when they said to him, "Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psa 122:1). That was a good frame of mind. How "glad" are you when someone mentioned going to a place where there is a gathering associated with the Lord?

AND HOW IS IT THAT DAVID would enter into the house of the Lord? What kind of thoughts would he have concerning that blessed occasion? For some, it would be nothing more than getting there on time. However, David acknowledges he would do so "in Thine abundant lovingkindness." By this he means he knew it was the Lord's mercy that allowed him to come into the Divine presence. He would also come into the Lord's proximity in contemplation of that mercy, lovingkindness, and grace.

HE DID NOT COME out of a sense of obligation, but in recognition of the grace of God – and there is a big difference in those perceptions. To be sure, slothful believers are admonished, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Heb 10:25). Those who duly consider the tender mercies of God will NOT be guilty of that transgression! They know God's grace has made them what they are in Christ. That is why they are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6). They "COME" into His house, and are not driven there like wayward sheep.

WHATEVER VIEW YOU MAY ENTERTAIN about structures and times of meeting for the people of God, it is good to ponder being reverent when entering into His presence. "I will bow in reverence for Thee," David acknowledged. Some of us have noted a strange absence of this mind-set among professed believers. There appears to be too much casualness, and too little consciousness of a gracious God.

SOME BOAST THEY ARE ALWAYS in the presence of God, and do not need a special place to meet Him – but I do not believe them. Jesus, who dwelt in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18), "often resorted" to Gethsemane for prayer. It was so common for Him to do so that even Judas "knew the place" (John 18:1-2). On a daily basis He was found in the Temple (Lk 22:53), and He was in a synagogue somewhere every Sabbath (Lk 4:16), and was noted for frequenting the synagogues, where people "gathered." We have more than sixty references to the presence of our Lord in synagogues (i.g. Matt 4:23; 9:23; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:15,44; 13:10). Are these pretenders stronger than Christ? I think not. Paul and those with him were also noted for frequenting the synagogues (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 14:1; 17:1,10,17; 18:4; 18:19; 19:8). Those who imagine they have advanced so far they have no need for special places and the people of God are not wise. Even Jesus "desired" to eat His last Passover with His disciples – and it was a strong desire at that (Lk 22:15). That is simply the manner of the Kingdom.

MAY THE SPIRIT OF DAVID be brought to fruition in you. Come into His Presence with an awareness of His Person and tender mercies, bowing before Him. Come "with gladness" and "with singing" (Psa 100:2). Come with "thanksgiving" and "praise" (Psa 100:4). Do not enter into His Presence with a tired mind and body. DO not come with a mind filled with the concerns of this world. Tune your heart before you come to the Lord, and you will receive more from Him. You will be blessed in your deed.

– Given O. Blakely

THE LIFE-GIVING WORD

2010-06-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

" For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)

THE WORD IS LIFE-GIVING AND DISCERNING. This is the appointed means through which spiritual life is maintained and the real intentions of the heart are unveiled. The right and ability to impart life belongs to God alone. As it is written, "See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me . . . I make alive . . . " (Deut 32:39). The generation of life is the peculiar prerogative of God. He alone can create it, and through Him life--any life--is sustained! "Life" involves the ability to respond to your environment. That is called "reciprocity." When a fish responds to the environment of water, it is "alive." When a worm responds to the environment of soil, it is "alive." Of particular interest is our response to God--the "living God." When the individual can respond to God, he is spiritually alive. Only God can cause that to happen! That is why Jesus declared, "I am the Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE." No man cometh to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

THE WORD OF GOD IS "LIVING AND POWERFUL." (Heb 4:12). It is not subject to human laws, whether they be philosophical or procedural. It cannot be systematized, a snare into which men have traditionally fallen. The more you systematize the Word of God, the less powerful it becomes. This is confirmed by the obvious lack of moral and spiritual power that characterizes those seeking to stabilize human conduct by laws and regulations. Throughout church history, there have been major thrusts of activity that have sought to protect God's Word by classifying and organizing its teachings. Thus Calvin gave us his Institutes, and Campbell his Christian System. Both volumes contain excellent statements, and sound thought. However, they have caused as much difficulty as they have good. Those who have adopted their regimented approach are traditionally divided among themselves, unable to work productively together. The reason for this situation is their stilted approach to the living and vibrant Word of God.

YOU MIGHT AS WELL ATTEMPT to systematize a young child as Scripture. Your efforts will run aground, because living things cannot be limited to humanly conceived boundaries. A system can rise no higher than the one who contrived it. It is limited by the perception of its creator. God's Word does not fall into that category. Those who feed upon it find their thoughts becoming more voluminous and focused. They become less confused and more confident. Within them, the vistas of truth are in a state of expansion. They begin seeing more and understanding more. The horizon of their awareness is becoming larger. New things are seen in the most common texts of Scripture. This is because the Word is "living and powerful."

BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION, the Holy Spirit often says things in Scripture that conflict with human perceptions of the Word. It will mention people who COULD NOT believe because God blinded their eyes (John 12:39-40), or refer to being saved because of God's foreknowledge (2 Pet 1:2). It will speak of participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4), and being "one spirit" with the Lord Himself (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit may even say people are called AFTER they have been predestinated (Rom 8:29), or that we have been "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4). It may trace an immoral situation to Divine cause (Judges 14:3-4; 2 Sam 21:1). Such sayings do not fit into preconceived notions of Scripture. There is no acceptable hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, that will allow such texts to be received as they are. The Word of God is living, and thus not subject to human restrictions. The same condition results from embracing a sectarian creed, denominational emphasis, or a strictly personal view of Scripture.

DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. The Word of God is directly related to life--spiritual life. "For the word of God is living and active." God's Word has Divine qualities because it comes from Him. Note carefully, the Word does not lose those attributes after it has come to us. It is not, for example, living and powerful in the original, but lifeless in the English. Is there any one who would care to affirm Scripture has lost its power?--in any age, or to any people? When Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63), He powerfully conveyed the consistent impact of His Word--even after it was written. That, of course, is why His words are recorded. They are not merely there for information, or intellectual data. The Holy Spirit is still associated with the Word of God and His Christ! It is His sword, through which he cuts and divides within us.

– Given O. Blakely

GOD’S WORD IS PIVOTAL

2010-06-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

" . . . for You have magnified Your word above all Your name." (Psalm 138:2, NKJV)

THE WORD "PIVOTAL" means central, or primary. The Word of God is not a novelty. It is a primary necessity. Without it, there can be no association with God, no experience of His great salvation, and no clarity of spiritual thought. This Word – God's Word – reaches higher than any other word. It has broader implications, and deeper meanings than any other utterance. This Word is more than a mere body of information; it has creative and transforming power. In the beginning, God created the "worlds" with His word. As it is written, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Heb 11:3, NASB). If God can call a multiplicity of universes into existence by His word, what can be done with that Word among the sons of men? What other word is like His Word?

EXALTED ABOVE ALL HIS NAME. Of all of God's qualities, He has, among men, exalted His Word above all. He has hung His own integrity upon His Word. Our reliance upon Him is directly related to His Word. If His Word can be trusted, everything about Him can be also. If His Word cannot be trusted, He Himself is untrustworthy. Thus our text reads, " . . . for you have exalted above all things Your name and Your word" (NIV). " . . . thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name" (ASV, KJV, NKJV). The intention of this expression is to show the supremacy of God's Word to men. This text emphasizes that this has been done in accordance with God's own nature. It underscores that God's Word and nature are in harmony, thereby requiring that His Word be honored, and regarded with reverence. It also confirms that of all Divine qualities, His Word is to be held in highest regard. This does not allow men to despise any of God's characteristics, and that is certainly not the intent of the verse. Rather, it accentuates that the only way we obtain an intelligent view of God is through His Word. That is where we learn of His love, mercy, longsuffering, and purpose. If we cannot depend upon what God says, there is no hope of trusting Him in any sense!

THEREFORE, HE HAS PLACED the priority upon His Word, because that is the appointed means of becoming acquainted with Him. To put it another way, the Lord has made no provision for acquaintance with Himself, spiritual advance, true understanding, or the attainment of glory, apart from His Word. Candidly, that is a staggering consideration.

EVERYTHING IS MEASURED BY THE WORD. In God's Kingdom, everything is measured by His Word. Individual identity with God is evaluated by this means. Moral progress is assessed through the Word. How graphically this is portrayed in Christ's parable of the sower. " . . . When anyone hears THE WORD of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart . . . he who hears THE WORD and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of THE WORD, immediately he stumbles . . . he who hears THE WORD, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke THE WORD, and he becomes unfruitful . . . he who hears THE WORD and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matt 13:3-8, 18-23, NKJV). A few observations will suffice to illustrate the absolute importance of the Word of the Lord.

SATAN'S ACTIVITY. The devil is objective; i.e., he has a goal. Stated in summary, it is to drive a wedge between man and God. He knows the best way to accomplish this diabolical aim. It is to take away the Word of God – to make it impossible for the individual to think about it, ponder it, and meditate upon it. Jesus pictured some individuals as those who did not understand the Word. These are vulnerable to Satan, and he never misses an opportunity to fulfill his will in them. His activity is directly related to the subjection of men to the Word. Hear Christ's words again. "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."

NOTICE, THIS APPLIES to "anyone" that "does not understand" the Word. Their deficiency is not their mind, but their heart. This is not a child, or someone deprived of mental capacities. It is the person with a hard heart. Such have steeled themselves against the Word of the Lord. It "flies," so to speak, over their heads. God's Word is central! It cannot lie dormant in an alienated mind, and foolish is the person who thinks it can! Jesus makes it plain. He pictures Satan as a bird hovering over the hearts of those that hear the Word of the King. If that Word is not understood, the devil "comes and snatches away what was sown in" the heart of the hearer.

DO NOT SUPPOSE FOR ONE MOMENT that this will not happen! The person who "does not understand" is the one who sees no relevancy in the Word of God. It does not appear important to him. He does not think it has anything for him, and consequently pushes it to the back of his mind. It does not impact upon his conduct, and certainly will not be allowed to mold his thoughts. Seeing this, the devil ensures he will not think upon it later. He "snatches away what was sown!" No other word can summon the devil into such instant activity. God's Word is central!

– Given O. Blakely

THE GRAND OBJECTIVE

2010-06-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

" . . . that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7, NKJV)

IN CHRIST JESUS, we have been relocated. From one perspective, God "has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Col 1:13, NKJV). From an even more precise point of view, the great God "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6). The "heavenly places" are the realm in which spiritual life is nurtured and maintained. They are the domain of safety and growth. They are the only realms where fellowship with Christ can be realized (1 Cor 1:9). Being in "the heavenly places" is what brings the privileges of having access to God (Eph 2:18; 3:12), being strengthened with "all might" (Col 1:11), and gaining and experiencing spiritual stability (Col 2:7).

WHILE THESE ARE INDISPENSABLE to living under the approval and blessing of God, they are not the ultimate objective realized in our salvation. God's purpose is "eternal" (Eph 3:11), reaching beyond "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4) and the restrictions of time. "The present time" is the period in which God's purpose is introduced, not fulfilled. There are things to be revealed beyond the border of time – a glory that excels all sufferings induced by faith (Rom 8:18).

A RELIGION THAT IS ANCHORED to and emphasizes "the present time" is flawed to the core. It has no place for hope, for it presents this life, this time, and this world as preeminent. It is not possible to grow in Christ as long as these views are maintained. In fact, they actually cause one to become "the enemy of God," because they nurture friendship with the world (James 4:4).

THERE IS A GRAND OBJECTIVE to our placement in these "heavenly places." There is a Divine purpose that extends beyond this time, into "the ages to come." These are "ages" that reach beyond human perception and present experience. They fade from earthly view and blend with eternity. No human faculty can penetrate into "the ages to come." Only faith can perceive their border now, and prepare for entrance into them.

THE GREATEST OF ALL EXPERIENCES, and the most prolific of all instruction, will take place in those "ages." Then the real work will begin, and the fulness of salvation will be perceived. Everything we have now is but introductory to what is to come. Considering the greatness of the "unspeakable gift" we have already received, how our anticipation is whetted for things even grander. They will not be of a different order, but an enlargement of what we have now begun to receive in Christ.

THE GREATNESS OF GRACE. Although "the grace of God" is not frequently mentioned in certain circles, it will be the subject of Divine exposition in the world to come. What has, and will be, accomplished by the grace of God transcends everything else that God Himself has wrought. The magnificent creation of "the worlds" recedes into the background when the grace of God is seen "in truth" (Col 1:6). Mount Sinai is overshadowed by the greater glory of the Divine benevolence brought to men in Christ Jesus. His dealings with Israel are but faint glimpses of the things grace has brought to the sons of men.

THE GRACE OF GOD has reached deeper, and extends higher, than any of the previous dealings of God with mankind. It is wider in scope, covering greater periods of time and a larger populous. It has a more profound depth, exposing our hearts and minds to more of God's nature and a greater familiarity with his "eternal purpose." The "grace of God" carries a greater measure of Divine kindness, and is more replete with provisions.

GOD HAS "made us sit together with Him [Christ] in the heavenly places" in order to prepare us for an even greater working. He has put us upon the heavenly "potters wheel" to shape and mold us in such a way as will unveil to heavenly intelligences how exceedingly wise and gracious He is.

WHAT GOD'S GRACE has produced will be the subject of earnest inquiry throughout the "ages to come." Already it has solicited the attention of angels, who long to look into the message of the Gospel, which proclaims what grace has already done (1 Pet 1:12). What glories will be unfolded throughout the coming ages? What marvelous associations will be made between the sons of God and the grace of God? How our hearts will burn within us as the great God of heaven unfolds the abundant riches that are resident in His matchless grace! Here, in the grace of God, is a Divine repository that is unexcelled. There are "riches" here that cannot be found anywhere else. Therein are provisions that our minds can scarcely perceive in this world. Let us become familiar with that grace now! You can "find" grace now "to help in the time of need" (Heb 4:16). That will prepare you for "ages to come."

– Given O. Blakely