John 1:30-51 Home Group Meeting 27 Dec 22

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. Commentary: Here John definitely connects the Lamb of God (not the Christ) with the One. The people had a very hard time understanding Jesus pre-existence. Who pre-existed as God, (verse slain before)When he is witnessing, the One who lived before John was born, even though John was six months older than Jesus. Late Jesus adds further distress on the people when Jesus says, "Before Abraham was I ." 

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. Commentary: John tells the people he has never met Jesus until now yet he was sent in the past to bring salvation to Israel. A prophet who points to the future usually is limited in the revelation he gives, but John is clear in what he is saying and what he knows, "therefore I come baptizing with water." John knows what God told him. (do we?) Faith (Romans 10:17 Greek) 

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. Commentary: Here John the Baptist is a witness of the Holy Spirit and landing on Jesus. John the Baptist knew that the dove was a physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He saw through the physical beyond it and into the spirit realm. If we do not see (understand) that well it is best to admit it rather than to misjudge or move in presumption. 

 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. Commentary: Here John the Baptist is saying the One (God) who sent him to baptize is the same One who said He who the dove remains on is He who will baptize with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Revelation is always destined to become clearer as it progresses in a person or in time. At first John the Baptist did not know, but now he knows. 

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Commentary: Names matter to a Jew. Here we see another name for Jesus. Other names are Lamb of God, Savior, Messiah, Son of Man, but here Jesus is identified with His heavenly title, "the Son of God" which emphasized in order to point out the extreme extent of Jesus identity with man. John the Baptist said Jesus is the "Son of God." Now because Jesus is the Son of God does not mean He cannot be the Lamb of God or the Messiah. He is. Just because Jesus made the light does not mean Jesus cannot make darkness. (Isaiah 45:7) 

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; Commentary: Here we see John the Baptist had disciples. John was not to make disciples, but to redirect them all to Jesus, but this did not happen. I believe when Jesus entered the picture John the Baptist was to stop baptizing. To this day there are still disciples of John the Baptist still baptizing people in the Jordan River. 

36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! Commentary: Again John the Baptist see Jesus as the Lamb of God" not the Christ. Here John is giving vision which is critical to keep things (without vision (cast off restraint) the people perish) on track, but the work of the ministry required obedience. Revelation is needed it gives clarity, but obedience gives completion and fulfillment to the vision. 

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Commentary: Obedience is to follow hearing. One can hear and not follow, but in God we are to hear (like see) and understand then do (follow) what we have been told to do. To follow we must have a hearing ear (communication with the Holy Spirit) and a following heart (submission, clay on the potter's wheel) without both there will never be development in our Christian walk.. 

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? Commentary: Jesus is well aware the Holy Spirit is drawing (unless the Holy Spirit draws there can be no salvation) these two. Looking past these two men Jesus looks at their intention and the intention the Father has for these two men. This is how Jesus looked at Peter, Nathaniel (we must see Jesus, and US. 

39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. Commentary: They were received by Jesus and stayed with Him. Here Jesus seemingly steals John's disciples, but they were not John the Baptist's disciples they were really Jesus' prepared by God for service. 

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Commentary: Andrew was the first disciple that Jesus gathered. The Greek text lets us know Andrew was close to John the Baptist and he has an ear to hear from the Holy Spirit. So we see there is a relationship between hearing and being close to someone. For a time Andrew followed both Jesus and John the Baptist, but there came a time when Andrew just followed Jesus. 

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. Commentary: Amazingly Andrew proclaims Jesus is the Christ the Anointed One before Peter. Andrew must have received this revelation from the Holy Spirit or John the Baptist told him. I believe the Holy Spirit told him. The Holy spirit must tell us too. What as the Holy Spirit told us? 

42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. Commentary: Here Peter "Simon the son of Jona" (old man of the flesh) comes to Jesus. Peter was not impressed with Jesus and apparently was a disciple of John the Baptist. Jesus saw beyond Peter's character flaws (his lack of dedication in troubled times) and saw the finished product as He sees in our lives. Jesus saw a firm rock, "A stone." The meeting takes place at Bethabara (a House of Crossing Over) Peter now has a place to cross over. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Commentary: Time passes and another opportunity to gather disciples. Jesus knows of His limited time on earth remaining and had to get with it in collecting disciples now that His ministry has started. Philip maybe another disciple of John the Baptist was ripe for the picking he had the two main requirements: a hunger and a hearing ear. 

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Commentary: Bethsaida means House of Fishing. More fisherman were called as disciples by Jesus than any other profession. They had the right heart quality they would fish all night and get nothing. They would keep on fishing even in the face of discouraging news. Andrew was closer to Peter than to Phillip and he lacked the revelation Phillip had, but he did have zeal something we all must temper in US. (Rich Young Ruler) 

45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Commentary: Phillip's revelation was almost correct, "the son of Joseph," but that is okay. Phillip thought Joseph produced Jesus, but if we follow Jesus we know our revelation is to become greater and clearer as we go. Notice Phillip talks about the law of Moses and the prophets, Phillip knew his Old Testament. Which helped Him recognize Jesus when he saw Him. 

46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Commentary: Nazareth had a bad reputation which caused him to doubt the claim Jesus was the Messiah. Today it is the same. The unrighteous see the lifestyle of the "Christians" and turn away from the things of God. What is our reputation? We are to so let our light shine before men . . 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Commentary: Just like Peter and the rest of the disciples Jesus gazes into the depth of Nathanael. We are all as transparent to the LORD and in spite of our evil heart and waywardness God's love and forgiveness endures forever. 

48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Commentary: Jesus shocks Nathanael. Some people need a cattle prod to get their attention. The LORD knows how to get our attention when He wants. Nathanael was amazed to Jesus perception. yet the LORD's perception spans the ages: He knows our patience, our labors, our lack, our tribulation etc. 

49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Commentary: Nathanael is awed by Jesus' vision of him. Nathanael's revelation is correct, "the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel." Nathanael unlike John the Baptist (this will be trouble for John the Baptist in the future) did not have the revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He called Him "Rabbi" (teacher) and Son of God what else must he see? 

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. Commentary: Belief and revelation may not be the same thing. Jesus let Nathanael know there was some work needed in his life to believe. Most of the disciples believed without needing a sign. In any case the work was needed to develop greater revelation in them. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Commentary: Some of the disciples saw this saying of Jesus come to pass in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). When the heavens open revelation increases. Ones whole life is affected. The hungry heart is filled and the pure in heart see God.

A MEDITATION ON CHRISTMAS

When I meditate on this time of the year and what we call the Christmas (word not found in the KJV of the Bible) season I must conclude this is the most divisive time of the year just ahead of Easter. I wonder why these two holidays divide so many people in the world. Now I will tell you from the start Karen and I do not celebrate Christmas how can we the word is not in the KJV Bible, but we do celebrate the birth of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christianity began to spread many were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs among their converts. We even see this throughout the New Testament Church as Paul constantly battled against pagan and cultural traditions from taking root in the young Church. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Bible historians claim that the Christmas celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also to the Persians (Babylonian Chaldeans) whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. Oddly enough it was during this period the three Wise Men (also Magi) (Matthew 2:1) learned of the Star of Bethlehem by reading the prophecies of Daniel the Great Magi (Daniel 1:1-7). Sadly this religious deception continues today, even though the faces and names has been changed the spirit and intent has not. We Christians seem to be good at making up things to satisfy our flesh for fulfillment. Now as I said Karen and I do celebrate the birth of Christ, there is a huge difference. As we watch the news we cannot believe all of the fighting to keep Christ in Christmas. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask us to remember His birth? Now I can find plenty of Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus has asked us to remember His death, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Who wants to remember Jesus’ death when we can remember His birth? Yet few Christians really remember His death (Romans 6:3) while they go crazy in remembering His birth. I wonder why? Yes there is a wonderful story about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, but where are we commanded to make His birth an annual holiday like we in American have made: Independence, Veterans, or Valentine Day even Halloween? And when you merge religious with traditions and customs you have an unbeatable national money maker. Is not Jesus’ birth much more? Yes my friend I am afraid we have gotten off track and the merchants of the day (and for 100s of years) have capitalized on our selfish greed (maybe only in America, but I think not) and great presumption. The same way Hollywood has recently discovered the untapped market for Christian movies. I find it really strange how many Christians today would rather go to a movie then to Church to hear about Jesus. I wonder why? It is not about fighting to keep Christ in Christmas or even about a baby in the manger. You know we really like seeing baby Jesus in the manger, but you know my friend Jesus is not a baby any more, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) Today Jesus is not a defenseless baby in the manger He is our victorious King of kings, Lord of lords, and someday soon He is coming back to earth not as a baby, but as a judge (to kick butt) and rule (to set righteousness in order) in the earth. Something else we are puzzled about is why Christians want to beat up on the Atheist in Washington State who put a sign beside a manger display in the Capitol building. I thought we were to witness to them and tell them about Jesus? There is not much of a Christian witness when we shake our fist and gnash our teeth at someone over a wooden display. How can this sign destroy the eternal timeless message of our precious savior Jesus Christ? It cannot and will not. Has the love of God been displaced by Christians wanting their traditional religious symbols? I too can speak for God and sadly I must say yes. Jesus did not come so that we could decorate our trees and yard with gold and silver balls or blinking lights. Jesus did not come so Christians could deck the halls with a blow up Santa Claus and reindeer on their roofs and lawn. What do we do with these verses? “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4) Maybe we should ignore them or maybe the Holy Spirit made a mistake? I think God is very clear in what He is saying, but we continue in the lie with Christmas trees (a German custom) out from our American tradition (now transported to the world) and because we do not want to offend family members. Just look at the Christmas trees in churches today? What do we do with these verses? The answer will be what we do with Jesus. Never forget the Gospel message of Christ is very offensive and at times even divisive to the non-believers, but truth is truth. Either we will stand for truth or compromise for the lie for the sake of peace on earth. The truth is Jesus did not come so we could have songs to sing at our annual Christmas musicals. It is amazing how old Christmas recordings from people long ago come back to life every Christmas. Jesus did not come so we could run ourselves to death, buying presents for people, while going further into debt. It is no wonder support in America for missionaries and humanitarian programs dwindle to almost to nothing this season of the year. I am afraid the true character and nature of man comes out during Christmas. We even plug in a written list to a jolly fat man in a red suit that drives a sleigh of reindeer around the world in one night to make sure we get want we what for Christmas. Why do we think we should get a present on someone else’s birthday? Our selfishness and self-centered nature really comes shining through. Oh Lord please forgive us for the indulgence of our wrong attitudes, greed, and lust. Jesus did not come to give us a Christmas season to feed our passions. The Bible is very clear why Jesus came. Jesus tells us in His own words, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came so that we “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” not to get a bunch of Christmas presents to satisfy our flesh. Jesus came so that we might (our choice not His) have the life of God dwelling within our heart and lives. The creative eternal life of God moving in us and out from us to the world. Also in John Jesus tells us, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus came so that we might have life eternal (one part of salvation) which is knowing His Father (and ours), so that we too could “know the only true God” as Jesus did. So we too could know the sublime unity of knowing God as Jesus did. I would think that would be worth far more than anything we can buy each other. Did you know, Jesus (even though the Prince of Peace) did not come into the world to bring peace as many of the major denominations and religions of the world tell us. Religious deception always leads us away from Christ into the traditional religious worship of the customs of man (like Christmas and Easter) and into a good works salvation thinking. Oh no Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance (Strong’s #1639 to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, sever) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus has come to cut our hearts out of the world with His word, the sword. Jesus has “come to set man at variance against” or sever every relationship where we love someone or something more than Him. Jesus came so that we could take up our cross (not Jesus’) and follow Him. Jesus came so we could lose our life so that we could then find our life in Him. We know and are persuaded if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. We also know many of our friends will disagree (we hope and pray this is not the case) with this article, but that is okay getting the truth of the Gospel message out is more important than our friends getting offended at us. If they get offended at us over this article we know they probably are not our friends anyway. We have learned this truth the hard way. Please do not allow yourself to be deceived (your choice) by any pastor or person that says, “it is not a Heaven or Hell issue or it does not really matter” oh really? This thinking my friend is just spiritually wrong and a very subtle form of deception that has been carried on for 100s maybe 1,000s of years by the religious denominations and merchants both working hand-n-hand to get customers. Sadly at the heart of why we focus on the Christmas story and baby Jesus in the manger is so we do not have to deal with a risen Savior. How much more religious can we (like the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17)) who could not totally sell out be than to bow down and worship the Christmas story and the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger? This satisfies our religious flesh and helps to ease our guilt and feeling of disobedience from rejecting God’s word to us. Who wants to allow God to deal and judge in their hearts exposing areas where we must allow Him to work? It is much easier singing another song about Christmas as we buy presents for our family or even as we buy a present for some poor people who live down the street who we neglect the rest of the year. It is far less painful to go to every church musical and spend all we have than for God to be able to show us who we really are. Who wants to allow God free rein in our heart and lives to conform us into the image (icon) and character of Jesus Christ? Very few people do and the rest continue in this traditional religious lie year after year. I think I will end with a very sobering word; if you need a traditional religious holiday to know God sadly my friend your heart is very far from Him and you will never come to know Him. Let us turn our hearts away from the religious traditions of Christmas and allow God to bring the truth of His character and nature to us. It is our choice whether we desire presents on Christmas morning or the knowledge of God, we cannot have both. Written by David Stahl

OUR EVERYTHING

Let me start off with the good news, Christ is our everything, our all and in all. But do we believe this? I look around the nominal "Church" (organized religion and denominationalism and not the called out group or assembly of Believers of Christ) and wonder how did we Christians get it so wrong. How and when did we miss it? Well, Paul talked about the Body of Christ not the "Church." We will look at that point later. But in Acts 2:46 we see the lack of revelation and shear delusion the Apostles had that contributed to getting off track, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46) What were they doing at the temple? Well, they were good Jews and all good Jews keep the Mosaic Law. So, what were they doing at the temple? Answer, keeping the Jews commandments of animal sacrifice and ritual purification while at the same time trying to honor the Lord (Jesus). Little "Lord" in the Scriptures always refers to Jesus where big "LORD" always refers to God the Father. In verse 25 we see where the early "Church" (not the Body of Christ) "sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Some today would call this socialism. It was no wonder they were extremely poor and Paul in his travels had to keep sending money to the "Church" in Jerusalem. In so many areas the early "Church" missed it, but thank God for Paul who received the revelation "by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Even in all of the Apostles Jewish worship God still used them to further His message to the world as God uses the "Church" today in spite of her waywardness and rebellion. It was not till the sixth chapter of Acts we begin to see the "Church" get off track from what Jesus wanted for His Children. Nowhere in the Scriptures did Jesus tell the Apostles or disciples to build a "Church," a denomination, any organized religious structure. After all, Jesus constantly railed on this type of man-centered religious system. Read the Bible my friend. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, "I will build my church." Jesus is the master builder not man. In Psalms 127:1, Solomon said, "Except the LORD build the house they labor in vain who build it." Make no mistake my friend there is a lot of vain laboring especially in the American "Church." Now, not all "Churches" in the world, but most of them. We have been to some that was heaven on earth, but we too have been to some "Churches" in the world that God needs to (in my humble opinion) shut down to save souls. I believe the intent of the LORD for those called out of the world through His Son were to continue "breaking bread from house to house," and just living their life "with gladness and singleness of heart." But, sadly it is what it is. What we see on TV, on social media, and the message we hear from the pulpits every Sunday is what most "Churches" have evolved (some even apostate) into based on their belief statement and cultural practices and have not repeat not believed in the truth, what the word of God teaches. So, knowing God who is full of mercy and grace will work (like with the early "Church") with the people in their religion, self-centered, and selfish heart condition and hopefully bring some out of the spiritual lack they are in. This is one reason why we have a home group meeting (sometimes twice a month) in our home. Another reason is we cannot find a "Church" in our area that teaches the truth from the word of God. Oh, we have looked, but after we get to know the pastor and the people the pastor usually asks us to move on fearing we are trying to steal members from his flock to start a "Church" (laughable) or our writings are talking are hitting too close to home. After all the pastor has a rice bowl to protect. So, we move on "eating our meat with gladness and singleness of heart" and doing what the LORD wants. One of the biggest (maybe the biggest) areas where the "Church" missed it is with Christ. The "Church" has substituted Christ, the person for the "things" Christ gives us. After all what tastes better the fruit of the tree or the root? Well, the typical, normal person would say the fruit, but if you enjoy the fruit and care not for the root then your life is short lived. The life of the tree is in the root not the fruit. So too with Jesus. The life of being a Believer (and not just a Christian) is only found "in Christ" and not in the things Christ gives us. Now please pay attention here. God's end is Christ, so also God's means is Christ. It is through Christ to be "in Christ." In Colossians, Paul reveals that God has not only caused Christ to have first place "preeminence" in everything, but even more, Christ is to be our all and in all. Again Paul helps us, "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:17-18) So Colossians discloses Christ as the means as well as the end of God. It is no doubt the Book of Colossians is my favorite Book of the Bible. God's end is to let Christ have the first place in all things. In order for us to realize this truth God must have Christ as all things. Only by Christ being all things and dwelling in all things can Christ sum up all things both in the heavens and upon the earth. And if Christ is all naturally then all things are summed up in Him. Now that we have this behind us we can now understand what Paul was saying in Ephesians, "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4 here is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;5 One Lord (Jesus), one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:3-6) So if Christ dwells in all, and is above all, and in all what else can all things be? Okay let us take this thought of Christ being our everything a little further. According to our world and spiritual viewpoint there are affairs (things in our lives, even troubles, problems) and matters (things we focus on from our troubles, etc.) out from our day-to-day lives, but according to God's estimate Christ is all. And one day we will realize one thing which is, Christ someday will sum up all things into Himself. I believe this has already started to happen today in some lives, but it need not happen only in the future as the Bible foretells, nor only become true when God's eternal purpose is finally reached. Oh no, I believe God is opening eyes (who desire truth) to see that in the "Church" today that Christ is even both the affairs and matters. And as the "Church" begins to understand this point the more the "Church" will begin to move back into the spiritual realm. But if the "Church" continues to see matters and affairs (even spiritual matters and affairs) as being more important than Christ then it merely proves she has yet to behold Christ. You know there is a colossal problem which exists among God's children today. The Christianity which we have been taught, thus we know is quite fragmented. Now please pay close attention here my friend or you will miss the heart of the meaning of this article. Our concept today is we obtain a little grace, we receive a gifting, and we may speak a little in tongues. There may even be a change in our conduct, our measures of love and patience may increase, and we look and sound more gentle and humble. This commonly is called Christianity, but is this Christianity? Christianity is not a reward for changes in our behavior or lifestyle, neither is Christianity what Christ gives us. Now, here is the point Christianity is Christ Himself. Christianity is none other than Christ "in us." Did you get that my friend? For years (most of my life) the "Church" has based Christianity on what we do for Christ or what we get from Christ. I so hope you all see this truth. It was a real eye opener for me. But, Christianity is Christ giving Himself to us. It is Christ who becomes our humility, gentleness, our patience. It is Christ in us the living Lord and this is what truly Christianity is, Christ "in us." Now here comes the Biblical definition of Christianity, "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:26-27) Okay let us go a little deeper. Please note that there is nothing at all impersonal to Christianity. Every matter in Christianity has to do with personality and the person involved with Christ. To put it another way our patience it is not a thing, is a Person, our sanctification is not an experience it is a Man, our justification is not things it is a personality, our righteousness is not a behavior, it is Christ Himself "in us." This is what Christianity really is: our patience, our humility, our gentleness, our love, and so on is the Lord Himself, not things. Many will ask how we can say Christ is all? Let me tell you that is when you truly know a living Christ then you would have no trouble acknowledging Christ as all. Most Christians and some Believers I know say they know Christ, but their lives reflect a life filled with a void of His words and character. Seldom do these folks mention their love for Him or His children. You know I love Karen my wife and I love telling her I love her. It is easy to see the love in our words because the love for someone or something will come out of our mouth. Lastly what is the Gospel we preach? We announce that God has given us the Savior, but after we pray and repent we say God has given us salvation. Let me tell you my friend God has but one Son and His Son is named Jesus, our salvation. Yes Christ is our salvation, our all and in all, He is our everything. Serve Him long enough, study your Bible, and open up your heart to truth and you too will come to the conclusion Christ is our all and in all, our everything. Written by David Stahl

LEAST OF ALL

If the life of our Lord is to be seen through our lives, there is to be a reduction of all human abilities that must first take place. In Matthew, Jesus used a parable to teach this critical truth that I am afraid the church has forgotten: Jesus shares, “Another parable put He forth to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:31-32) Being the “least” of all seeds, this mustard seed, which is likened to the Kingdom of Heaven, is so small that the natural eye can barely see it. The Kingdom of God being like the smallest of seeds tells us that it is not how much we have done that is important to God, but rather how we do things. The church-world is busy doing things for God, going here and there, traveling overseas fulfilling the great commission, and yes these need to be done, but the going and doing is not the work God desires to do in our lives. The work that God desires to do in our lives is to be able to work on us. To become the work of God we first must become the least of all. But that is not what we hear in the world, that is not the message you hear in most churches. We hear, brother be all you can be in God. Take the things of God even by force, after all the violent take things in God by force. Jesus writes in Matthew 11:12, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12) Now, Jesus was NOT saying Believers and even some Christians are to "take" things in the spiritual realm, oh no. What Jesus was saying is the kingdom of heaven suffers from violent thinking, from the wrong motives, most from the wrong character. I know of some Christian folks who take this verse literally and think this verse gives them license and liberty to be violent (not really sure what that means) in the spiritual and in the earthly realm. And why? Well, they have never been reduced by God. They have never become the least of all. If we have been reduced by God then there is nothing He cannot bring into our lives that will not edify our heart and lives. Because it is in the reduction process is where we discover our spiritual growth and maturity, which is what God is looking for in our lives. Not much done, but little done, we become small, we become reduced, we become the least. I wonder what the least of the least looks like? Well, in the plant world it is the mustard seed. Did you know in that day every farmer knew exactly what Jesus was talking when He said, "the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed." And every farmer there said, oh how I hate mustard seed. Because once mustard seed takes root in a field that field is only good to grow mustard seed. No matter what you do it is impossible to grow anything else. Now, since the mustard seed is very small we hear preaching about the size of the mustard seed and compare it to faith, but no Jesus was not talking about the size of the seed, but of the capability of the seed. Jesus was saying the things of the kingdom of heaven is to get into every area, every nook and cranny of our lives. So, not size, but pervasiveness. I have seen mustard seed grow out of a rock, now that is pervasiveness or spreading wildly through an area or a group of people. But, unless we become the least of all we shall never be what God wants us to be. Only as God can makes us the least of all, by His work in our lives through His dealings and judgments in our lives will we be what God wants us to be. Now that is a critical point. Then and only then is He able to work on our character, our motives, our plans not so much our abilities and talents. You know we think God is after making us better singers, musicians, preachers and teachers, but oh no. Did you know God is more concerned about our truthfulness and character, our integrity, our honor than He is about our service to Him? In Ephesians Paul tells us the same exact things, but much better than I. Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) We my friend are the work of God not some ministry or a building we call a church. We the people are the church. And us being “His workmanship” means that we have given the LORD the right and permission to produce within us the ability to release spiritual life into another as He works on us. Just as Jesus gave Himself for us, we are also to give ourselves for others. So if we never allow God to work in us, if we never become the work of God, then we will never be able to impart the life that God has given us to others. Not in salvation, but in Godly service, Godly example, in compassion, and in care. These “good works” refer to the method or process which the LORD uses to reduce our self-life to zero and produce within us that which He can use for His purposes. The better zero we can become in God the more of God's life we will discover. We have come to the end of all seeking for self-satisfaction and fulfillment. Instead, we have submitted ourselves to the will and purposes of the LORD and we are living for the benefit of others. It is not easy for any of us to give up the right to our own life experience or our being able to go and do as we desire. For this to happen we must go through severe dealings, but on the other end we discover we have been reduced and are becoming the least of all. We simply need to place ourselves in the hands of the LORD and give Him permission to do whatever it may be necessary to cause us to become that which He desires. To a person who is submitted and committed there is no such thing as secular or spiritual. Everything in our lives becomes important and has a purpose. A few weeks ago Pastor Julian Chevakula from Sankaraguptham, India visited for a few weeks, what a wonderful time we had as we preached him around Virginia and Eastern North Carolina. Well, there was a certain church in our area that I felt the LORD saying needed to hear Pastor Julian so I contacted the pastor. WOW, it was like pulling teeth to get the pastor to return my calls and my texts, sadly he never did. Karen said I should read between the lines if you know what I mean. Now, I know pastors these days are very busy, but I have never met a person who was so busy they could not return a text or phone call, especially if they have a secretary. I thought forget it they missed the opportunity, but God said no, go to the church and talk with the pastor so I did. You probably know how that conversation went, but we did line up a time to meet for lunch so Pastor Julian could pass muster to be able speak at his church. Knowing the pastor's communication skills and lack of integrity I texted him on a Friday and then the day of our luncheon to remind him and one and half hours before the luncheon I get a text from him saying he is driving back from a big city in the north, very very far from Sneads Ferry and he could not make the luncheon. I guess I should have been happy he texted me so we would not be sitting at the restaurant waiting for him with another set of friend as planned, but if I had not texted him prior he would not have let us know he would not be able to make the luncheon. Now, you may ask how do you know that? Well, that is easy, not contacting me was his character, it is his nature, it is the way he handles his folks (I have talked to them) at church. He is not too concerned about them, oh no, he is more concerned about himself and what he can get. He is selfish and self-centered He has never been reduced. He does not want to be the least of all, oh no, he wants to be the greatest of all. And how do I know that? Well, out of his mouth speaks what is in his heart and who he is. Sadly, Pastor Julian never made it to one of the churches God wanted him to speak at. The losers were the people the pastor is to serve and Pastor Julian's coming did not fit this pastor's heart condition, he would not be the star of the show, and I do mean show. Just because God wills something does not make it happen. Only as man engages with God, will God's will be done on earth as it is done in heaven first. Yes, man can stop God's will. Many Christians would say no way, well, God wishes none to be lost no not one, but we know sadly people die every day and go to hell, not according to God's will, but man's will. In this case God's purpose and desire was NOT accomplished. Jesus told the disciples THE standard for leadership in the Body of Christ and THE standards to be called a pastor: "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:25-26) Did you get that pastors who think the people are there to serve you? Oh no, pastor you were placed in leadership by God because He choose you to serve your people. And not only serve your people, but become a slave to your people. In other words, if you want to be the greatest (pastor, deacons, leaders, etc.) among the people, the "chief," then you must be a servant to the "younger," or to the least of the people. The word "serve" here in the Greek is "dolant" or slave. So, he who would desire to be the pastor must be a slave to the people. Not too many pastors want to be a slave to people. Maybe that is why not too many churches these days are doing well spiritually. Oh, the emotionalism is there in great ways, but what happens after the music stops? You know, a void and despair because they have not touched God's heart in all of their running around and outward expression. My Bible teacher Charles Haun told me babies run around and do a lot of crying in church. If we allow God to work in our lives we will settled, we will become an established tree, we will be planted by the River of Life with direct contact with Jesus, the Tree of Life. We will have all manner of fruit for the healing of the nations, and there will be within us, a stability and strength that others can lean upon and trust, and how do we get this life? By first becoming the least of all. Written by David Stahl

HGM ON 22 NOV 22

 HGM 22 Nov 22

John 1:15-29

¹⁵  John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Commentary:  Here John the Baptist communicates that which he sees (perceives) and knows by revelation.  He knows Jesus enters the world after he does , he knows Jesus when he comes unto His presence.  He knows of the pre-existence of the LORD.  He knows of the LORD's preeminence

¹⁶  And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Commentary:  Grace is that which gives and moves above that which is required or expected.  The degrees of grace are progressive. What we could not do five years ago now we can do.  The giving, the sacrifice which could not have been made 10 years ago is now being made.  The grace you have today may not be sufficient to bring you to the obedience and sacrifice which our Father is asking from us.  In its place there will come a greater grace which will enable us to give that which pleases God.  The disciples learned to reach out for grace, and for fuller grace to take the place of the lesser  grace.  How does one reach out and take grace?  Well how does the disciples do it? It is the yearning of the heart, the desire which directs and extends itself towards the Giver and His gifts.  Do we yearn for it? What price are we willing to pay?
¹⁷  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Commentary: The law (taste not, touch not, feel not) came by Moses.  All 619 laws, but grace and truth came by Jesus.  Rather than instruction, rules, and regulations.  Both grace and truth incorporated instruction.  Grace is first and must always be in that order to truth.  Many folks project truth without grace in most cases the result of such projection is that people are repulsed by the graceless truth.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹  Not of works, lest any man should boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9) we must strike the correct balance of grace and truth.

 ¹⁸  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Commentary:  It is entirely truthful to say some have seen God and to say no one has ever seen God.  God is unknowable is true and God is knowable is also true. One statement refers to arenas of the being and ways which one cannot now know and some areas which may never be known.  The other statement refers to that of His existence in ways which we can know.  But we can see God and Creator as He emptied Himself and came to be born of a virgin and thus became the only begotten (Son) God!  We then can declare His good works.
¹⁹  And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Commentary: The priests and Levites were investigators.  Not that they sought truth.  They sought out people who were disruptive to their religious laws and traditions.  They figured that the totality of religious authority and valid teaching rested in themselves.  Therefore John said, "who do you think you are? What do you mean taking such authority to yourself.
²⁰  And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
Commentary:  The Jews were seeking the Anointed One or Messiah.  If John was the Messiah they wanted to know about it.  This would be their way out from Roman rule.  John did not tell them directly, but he gives them a divine disappointment to who Jesus is.  Disappointing folks with the truth has not been popular and so too today.  Withholding truth while giving false hope does more damage in the long run.
²¹  And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
Commentary: John the Baptist declares he is not Elijah. John again hands them a disappointment.  The masses come to God and want to overhaul Him so that He will conform to their ideologies.  People seek to make God their servant, but God is the Master.  
²²  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
Commentary:  These investigators must get to the bottom of who John the Baptist is. They want to know, but knowing something often can get us into trouble.  Eve wanted to know and got us all in trouble.

²³  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

Commentary:  John tells them he is one "crying in the wilderness."  John the Baptist often identifies with the Prophet Isaiah.  In Isaiah we read, "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ⁴  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:"  (Isaiah 40:3-4)  John the Baptist was telling the people Jesus will set things "straight" and make life bearable.

²⁴  And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
Commentary:  The Pharisees were almost unswayable into their prevailing views and religious beliefs.  They were the law givers the religious folks of the day.
²⁵  And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Commentary:  Here they question John the Baptist's authority to baptize people.  They questioned John's call to be the forerunner of Christ without a connection to the Old Testament (Torah) or the prophets.
²⁶  John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Commentary:  Here John the Baptist does not argue or defend his authority while boldly letting the Pharisees know he is starting a new movement.  He openly declares he is rebelling against the old way of doing things.  John the Baptist is presenting the new way, the new light, the new truth, the new life.   
²⁷  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Commentary:  John the Baptist has a revelation of the exalted Christ. This is vast contrast between the established religion and the lowly servant.  Only the humble and poor and spirit will be able to enter into the kingdom of God
²⁸  These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Commentary:  Tells where John was baptizing and talking with the Pharisees.  Bethabara means "crossing over."  Bethabara is the place the people crossed the river Jordan.  It was no accident John choose Bethabara to share this new message.  The Jordan River is the place of new beginnings and now John the Baptist shares the greatest new beginning known to man.  
²⁹  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Commentary:  After telling the Pharisees about this new beginning Jesus come on the scene.  Jesus comes to be baptized by John the Baptist to fulfill the requirement to be called a rabbi.  In the Greek it reads, "Behold (stop and pay attention) the lamb of God He who takes upon Himself the sins of the world." Jesus did something much more difficult than to remove sin (sin is still in the world) from the world he took upon Himself the sins of the world. 

Summary:  John verses 15 to 29 lays the foundation of who John the Baptist is, what is his purpose, the difference between John the Baptist and Jesus, and to announce to the religious folks and priests (Pharisees and Sadducees)  the new way, the new light, the new truth, the new life only found in the person of Jesus Christ.  They also begin to discuss the message of a new beginning for the people and the way into the kingdom of God (which is NOT heaven) and the revolutionary concepts of:   the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3), and blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8)      

John 1-14 BHG Bible Study 25 Oct 22

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Commentary:  On Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning."  Jesus is the "Word"  and "the Word was with God."  and the "Word" was God.

 ²  The same was in the beginning with God.

Commentary:  Talking about the "Word" (that would be Jesus) being with God from the beginning of creation and ALL times.
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb (Jesus) slain from the foundation of the world."  (Revelation 13:8)

 ³  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Commentary:   "All Things were made (not created) by him."  " In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  (Genesis 1:1).

 ⁴  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Commentary:  Only life is found in Jesus Christ.

⁵  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Commentary:   Double meaning of light

1.  Light in Creation

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. ⁵ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."  (Genesis 1:3-5)

2.  Jesus being the light of the world

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."  (John 8:12).

⁶  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Commentary:   Not John the Apostle, but John the Baptist

⁷  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

Commentary:  Talking about John the Baptist about Jesus Christ the light of the world "that ALL men through him might believe."  

 "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."  (Romans 10:17)

"Faith cometh by hearing a Word from God."  (Romans 10:17 Greek)

⁸  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Commentary:  John the Baptist was not the Light of the world.

⁹  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Commentary:  Talking about Jesus being the true Light. Word "true" in the Bible always speaks of the spiritual and not the physical realm.  Jesus aid I am the true vine.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ² Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ³ Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."  (John 15:1-5)

¹⁰  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Commentary:  Talking about Jesus being in the world, but the people in the world knew Him not even the Disciples.

¹¹  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Commentary:  Talking about Jesus came to his own people (the Jewish) in the world and they did not receive Him just like today.

¹²  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Commentary:  Talking about those who receive Jesus (cannot work for it) He will given them (men and woman) power to become sons men and women of God if we believe on Jesus' name which is the foundation of salvation.

¹³  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Commentary:  Talking about Jesus not be born of woman (like me and you), but lays the foundation for His virgin birth.

¹⁴  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."  

Commentary:  Talking about how Jesus came to earth as a man (Son of sorrow) and "dwelt among us" and some "beheld his glory" "full of grace and truth."                                                          

Summary:  John 1:1-14 tells the wonderful story of Jesus' love for man.  How He was with the God from the beginning and He left Heaven to be the sacrifice (became the light of the world) for our sin.  And for those who believe in Jesus, God (the Father) will give them (that would be us) power to be sons and daughters of God and we too will be able to see the grace and truth found in Jesus. 

BEFDL 18 (TAKEN FROM HGM ON 20 SEP 22)

BIBLICAL ELEMENTS FOR DAILY LIVING-18 TEXT: 

 "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." (Psalm 42:7-8) 

I. THE CALL OF THE LORD 

A. "Deep calleth" tells us that our Lord is a seeking God who is constantly calling out, seeking those who will respond to His desire for communion and fellowship. 

B. "At the noise of your waterspouts" This is seen as being "noise." In the initial stages of our being apprehended by the Lord, we do not understand His voice or dealings. Often our response may not be the one the Lord desired, but He ever calls (never stops our entire life) ever seeking to bring us higher, that He might enjoy times of communion with us. 

C. Even when we make mistakes, but if our heart attitude toward the Lord is right, then all will be well. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) He will continue to walk with us, knowing that we will gradually, increasingly, come to understand His voice and ways, and as a result the noise He hears will become a "new song" of rejoicing and worship from a song of complaining and strife. 

D. This song that the Lord so desires to hear is unique to our personal life experience. No one else could ever sing this song, as they have not walked as we have. The Lord will look to us, as if we were the only person in the universe, for the desires to hear our song. Rejoice Rejoice, again I say rejoice! 

E. Quite often, we should thank our Lord for His patience with us. He love us so. It is critical we believe this. His desire for us is so intense that He will ever continue (all the days of our life) to patiently wait for us. 

F. When Adam was disobedient to the Lord in the Garden of Eden, he hid from the presence of the Lord. It was the Lord God who went after Adam, it is the Lord God who come to man in their sin. It is the Lord God who came to you and me. The Lord God ever calleth, "And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9) He is ever calling (all the days of my life) David where art thou? 

G. When Adam responded with his excuse (noise), the Lord God took a step toward him, covering him with the skin of an animal that their fellowship might be restored. This was the first blood sacrifice for sin. "Sin" must always be cover with blood, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7) and "sins" is always covered with repentance, grace, and love. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" (Ephesians 1:7) 

H. In the parable of the sower, Matthew 13, the sower goes forth with seed. The Word tells us that this seed is, "the Word of the Kingdom." As we rightly respond to produce "good ground" this seed will gradually develop and the "noise" will become a clear pathway which leads to the Kingdom. "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. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:11-12) 

II. PARTING THOUGHTS 

A. In Revelation, it is the same Lord God who stands at the door, knocking, in order to seek out those who will hear and respond. From the beginning in Genesis to Revelation, the last book of the Bible, and all throughout the entire Bible, He "calleth." 

B. He is far more interested in us than we are in Him. This may be hard for us to believe, but it is so true. All we need do is to become quiet and listen, and the Lord will direct us to Himself. 

C. When we respond to His knock we will be brought up into His chambers, where our life becomes one with His communion and purpose. "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." (Revelation 4:1) 

D. All your waves and billows are gone over me." My life is now lost in His life. I am discovering the purposes for which I was created. Now my "new song" has merged into His song, and they have become one. "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." (Revelation 4:2) 

E. Now I have one purpose in life. To reflect the life and desire of the one seated upon His throne, our Lord Jesus Christ. The noise has indeed become a newer song that we will sing for all eternity and age upon age to come.

LED BY THE SPIRIT

As with all spiritual writings one MUST have an open heart and spirit or they will get offended and stumble on the truth and miss the understanding. Please miss not this point because if you do you will miss what the LORD wants said in this article. Pastor Julian from Sankaraguptham, India just left recently after spending 16 days with us while we preached him around eastern North Carolina and Virginia. What a wonderful man, 55 years old, how he loves the LORD, his father Pastor Wilson who founded Gospel Assembly a work God established in 1955 (when I was born), his family, and his people. Oh, the persecution even unto death Pastor Julian and other Believers face from their own government for sharing the Gospel. We had such a warm and rich time as we traveled over 1500 miles, ate many meals, well you can guess the enjoyment we had and the not so fun times sitting and waiting, but all in all the LORD was with us in a great way. There was much learned during these 16 days which is the LORD's idea and purpose any time His children come together to glorify Him. Did you know there are only three ways we can make our assent to the heart of the Father? That is right there are only three ways we can try to get to the heart of the LORD: through our emotions, through our intellect, or our spirit. Paul in Romans tells us, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:13-14) I hope you get that. If we live after the flesh, our emotions and intellect, "ye shall die," but "if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." It is the learning of Him, His ways, and His children (the good and the not so good children and their ways) and NOT the singing and dancing, the emotional assent or even the intellectual assent or approach to the LORD that matters to the LORD, but it is in the Spiritual assent we find the LORD's purpose and intention is discovered. So the last morning as we finished breakfast I turned to Pastor Julian and asked him after spending almost 40 days (he stayed 23 days at Calvary Tabernacle Campground in Ashland, VA) in the States what was his most favorite memory, without thinking he said mowing the grass. We cut the grass at our home twice while he was here and he did a great job both times. He ran the push mower, the weed eater, and the blower, he is not afraid of hard work. But I knew what he meant. I too enjoy cutting the grass because as I do, I think on the LORD or on spiritual issues, people, different things where I need the LORD to speak to me, and do you know what, often He does. I was quite surprised, but then again I was not. So then I asked him what was his worse memory after almost 40 days in the States, without batting an eye (he must have been thinking about this) he said, "the lack of spirituality and heart for God by the people in some of the churches. WOW, I shuttered, because I too see this and know of the great lack of genuine spirituality of people in churches in America. We had recently (about 1 1/2 month ago) came back from Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine twice, what a love for the LORD, what love for the things of God, what a real and genuine love for God's children, not for the money they can bring (they have no money), but for the unity and purpose they can bring to the local Body of Christ. I know what he was talking about, I too know about this. So, I would like to share a few experiences with some churches as we look at being led by the Spirit of God. I will not mention the names of all of the churches or some of the people so that I can protect the innocent, but if they read this article they will know who I am talking about and may the LORD use this article to show them, (like us all at times) where they missed it and were not led by the Spirit. I would like to set up this segment of this article with a few Scriptures: Paul writes to the Church at Corinth and us, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." (1 Corinthians 2:13-15) Did you get that? "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." The natural man does not have the ability spiritually to know the truth or even know what God is doing, because he operates in the natural realm and has no spiritual discernment. This is a critical point my friend. Now, I have a very special friend, I love him and his wife very much and would give him a kidney if he needed one, but he twice shared with me how it is important for Pastor Julian to come to the States a few times, get known, be seen, get his name thrown around, then he will get invitations to speak. And sadly, at the time I said, well maybe, but you know I was dead wrong, it is not true in God. If we are TRULY led by the LORD, by the Spirit of God, it does not matter if you know the guy or not. Most pastors think they have something to lose if they let someone speak who they do not know Well, first of all they have nothing to lose, because the church that they wrongfully think is theirs, is not theirs, but the LORD's. Jesus said, "I will build my Church." Hey, pastors open your hand, let go, and let the LORD do His work in the lives of the people. When I pastored in Germany some of the greatest services we had with a special speaker, I almost missed it in the LORD, because I was afraid what this guy would say, I did not know him, and thought who is this guy? Well, I learned if God moves a man of God from one continent to another it behooves us to hear what the man has to say. But what should I expect, my dear friend tried hard to get an invitation for Pastor Julian to minister at his church. For months I tried and tried to contact my friend's pastor and time after time for months he blew me off never returning my calls or texts. I was told well that is the way he operates. So, I said okay LORD the folks there at that church has missed it, but the LORD said no go to the church and face to face ask the pastor. So, I did and we arranged a time for the pastor to meet Pastor Julian to see if he passed muster, but to the pastor's shame two hours before the arranged luncheon I texted him by way of a reminder and he replied, oh I am sorry (no he was not) he said he was driving back from New York and could not make the luncheon. I texted him back and asked, when were you going to tell me? No reply. This tells me all I need to know about this pastor's integrity, honor, and Godly character. Another local pastor I contacted through a good friend said they would love to host Pastor Julian and I thought WOW a real man of God led by the Spirit, but when I gave him the dates Pastor Julian would be in town he told me, oh sorry, I have a special friend coming to preach a three week series of messages on Wednesdays. I said okay maybe since we have never been to your church we will come by for a visit, he said great. Well, the Wednesday Pastor Julian would have spoken at the church we drove out to the church and found out they were having Vacation Bible School (VBS), no special speaker or even a service at all that night. I will leave this conclusion with you, but I know what the LORD told me. My friend do not follow such pastors who are NOT led by the Spirit. Be not deceived by their hyper-spirituality. Many pastors use their seemingly spiritual ability to control and manipulate their members. The church is full of such pastors who are naturally gifted speakers, seemingly spiritual to the novice, knowledgeable in Scripture AND in the ways of the natural world, a very ungodly, dangerous combination. I know 1,000s if not more, all nice guys, but they are lacking woefully in God when it comes to truthfulness, integrity, giving honor where honor is due, honesty, all character issues that the LORD holds far greater to be a minister of the Gospel than the natural, beggarly skills and abilities. Take heed not to learn the ways of pastors not led by the Spirit of God, if you do you will find yourself acting like them. Oh, they think they are being used of God and even fool many folks, but in reality their character flaws shine as a light in darkness to warn those people who know the difference. And being found lacking in character they disqualify themselves by God for His service. Oh, they may pastor a church, but in the end they too know the truth, God will see to that. Now let me tell you of a different experience, one where the pastor was led by the Spirit. As we were coming out of Ashland, VA we stopped by (another very special friend of mine who I would give a kidney) John and Trudy's home for the night. John lined up a Church of God in Bassett, VA for Pastor Julian to share in. Now, the church was in the country, plain, not fancy, but had a great Spirit. Pastor Jason (a fiery young man and quick Spirited) did not know Pastor Julian, me, or Karen from Adam or Eve. John knew Pastor Jason through a Bible Study during COVID times and contacted him to see if he would host Pastor Julian and he said, yes. Funny how things just work out when we are led by the Spirit. WOW what a service we had. The Spirit of the LORD was present in a great way. It has been some time since I have felt the presence of the LORD like that. This young man sitting in front us was freed from depression which I believe was going to take his life in few months. When we are led by the Spirit of the LORD He shows up and the broken hearted are set free and lives are touched, liberty is declared to those in bondage, but if not led by the Spirit then all you have is an emotional fleshly or intellectual (with our mind and knowledge) assent to the LORD which never reaches His heart. That night: Pastor Julian shared, the LORD really moved, Pastor Julian played a song on the piano and sang in his native tongue, and they took up an offering for the work at Gospel Assembly, and before we left (no one wanted to leave) Pastor Jason handed me a check for Pastor Julian for almost $900. This is what happens when we are led by the Spirit of the LORD His purposes happen, we learn more about His wondrous ways, and yes, we learn more about His children. Let me close with another experience we had. Since they were having VBS at the church we planned to attend that Wednesday night and since we were already dressed up we decided to drive back into town and attend probably the biggest church in the area. I think they have three services every Sunday of over 1,000 people per service. We got there a few minutes late and they were already up on the stage singing. From the parking lot I could already hear the head banging music boom, boom, boom. When we entered the church building there was an army of people all wearing different colored shirts greeting us. From the door about 15 feet was the welcome desk with two or three ladies wearing matching colored shirts. Another 15 or so feet was another echelon of people wearing matching colored shirts, but different than the ladies, directing us to the sanctuary, and at the sanctuary door another rank of people, that's right, wearing a different colored shirt opening the door for us. After we fought our way through all of the "so glad to see you all tonight" and NOT how are you doing or where are you from? I mean it was easy to see Pastor Julian was not from around here, but you know I really do not think they cared. So when we entered the sanctuary it was dark except for the insanely gigantic projector screen that changed colors and shapes with the sound of the music. In front of the projection screen on stage was a group of singers and musicians making all of that head banging noise, then they would strobe and flash lights around the auditorium, boy did that get your emotions running wild. Some of the people were up at the stage dancing and shaking their fist with the singers on stage, while others were in their seats getting their groove on. Pastor Julian leaned over and asked me why I took him to a movie house. We stayed hoping for some good preaching, but all we got was singing, dancing, and their leadership teams praying for church needs and programs. They (the church) were turned inward to themselves and not outward to the lost world. They (the church) was selfish and self-centered. Not one person mentioned anything outside the four walls of the church. One lady even thanked God they had such a wonderful building to worship God in. At the end of the service we fought our way out though the different colored shirts and still no one asked us who we were or where we were from, all we got was "thank you for coming." Sadly, these folks did not know God had NOT showed up that night in the service, yet they worked themselves up into a sweat. The Bible says, "He send His words and healed them and delivered them from their destruction." (Psalms 107:20) But, no preaching, so I guess no healing. On the way home I asked Karen and Pastor Julian if they felt the presence of the LORD tonight and they both said, not in that church. And the sad truth was the folks did not know the LORD did not show up they were too busy trying to get to the LORD through their emotions in their brand new God -- their church building, well this will never work. Written by David Stahl

BEFDL 16 (FROM HGM ON 17 MAY 22)

 BIBLICAL ELEMENTS FOR DAILY LIVING-16

TEXT:  "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." 

(Romans 13:1)  

 I.   BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR SOUL

       A.  God has make our soul with capabilities that allow us to be able to do certain things well enough that we can do them without asking God to help us, without praying about it.  We can simply do them because God has already that in us.

       B. The real test is to know which things we can do for God because He has already gave to us this capability and the things we cannot without God's help and strength.  In Matthew Jesus shares this very important spiritual truth,

          "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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."  (Matthew 17:20)  

We are to speak to the mountains in our life, those situations and circumstance that block our progression in God.  Those areas that we come short of the glory of God, those areas where we are ever learning, but never learning. 

        C.  This also is why He said,

             "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Not to suffer temptation above what He is able, but what we are able because He has already made a way of escape by giving us things in God and putting a capability in us to work correctly in Him.  He has put in capability there.

      D.  This capability is to bring itself under authority.  A soul can actually give itself to authority; whether it is the authority of Satan or whoever, to anything and to God.

           "Incline your ear, (we can actually to that) and come unto me:(we can actually to that)  hear, (heed this NKJV)(we can actually to that)  and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." 

(Isaiah 55:3)

      E.  The soul has the capability of directing itself.  Do not bury your head in the sand, be responsible and a keeper of your soul.

           "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, (that is our responsibility) lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, (this is a hint on how we should keep our soul) and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;"  (Deuteronomy 4

     F.  We should be concerned at the direction of our soul.

           "Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them."  (Proverbs 22:5)

We need to keep our soul from not going near the thorns and snares of life we come across in life and the thorns and snares we make from the words of our mouth and deeds of our hands.

     G.   As to our soul's dedication and the responsible, Jesus shares provides this guidance,

 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."  (Matthew 22:37)

This is to be our dedication.  That is how, or the direction, of its whole hearted dedication towards the Lord. 

     H.  There should be a desire for cleanness for our soul, "Ye shall not make soul abominable with any creeping thing . . ."  (Leviticus 11:43)     

     I.  Do not subject your soul with all the filth of the world by taking that into your soul. It is not God's responsibility to keep your soul clean.  Keeping your soul clean, that is your responsibility.  If you soul is polluted with the things of the world it is not Satan's fault it is yours. 

      J.  As to our position, that is also our responsibility

          "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."  (Psalms 24:4)

Our soul shall not be lifted up into vanity and live in the area of vanity.  That is not your position for your soul, that is very detrimental for your soul.

 II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

      A.  In the Proverbs we see the provisions for our soul,

           "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."  (Proverbs 13:4)

Be diligent! God's responsibility is to make you fat, but your responsibility is to be diligent.

     B.  In Luke we see our responsibility for patience,

          "In your patience possess ye your souls."  (Luke 21:19)

         "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19 Greek)

If you check this thing through on patient waiting you will see many things that come through patient waiting.  If you are going to provide a lot for your soul you do it through patient waiting.

    C.  Many are on the spiritual quest. some for truth, some for power, some for faith, some for wealth, some for health, some for a formula, some for the maximum liberty allowable.  The only legitimate quest is fir the Lord and His and His will in us and through us.