Commandments

Coming Out and Being Separate

Peter
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Do Not Love the World

Peter and Rohnel, servants of Jesus Christ, separated from the world and called as ministers of the Gospel, to our fellow pilgrims in the faith: Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Before we address the primary subject, we begin with a reminder of how pervasive the Commandments are in our thought life and every action. Having entered into the household of faith, we are always to be about the Father’s business, which is doing what pleases our Heavenly Father. The Scriptures give us examples of when they and we now gather.  Jesus Christ is the living bread of life.  The church’s focus is on the breaking of the bread, which, in spirit, is the teaching of the Commandments.  Teaching the commandments is how the Risen Christ is made known to us and comes to dwell in our hearts and minds.

Luk 24:30  And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 

Luk 24:31  And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight

Those who see the risen Christ pass it on in the same way they received the revelation.

Luk 24:34  Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 

Luk 24:35  And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 

We know Christ and the Father through the Commandments.  It is not a new doctrine; it is the same truth we have heard from the beginning.

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

2Jn 1:6  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 

Knowing Christ and the Father is the very definition of eternal life.  Knowing is not only the hearing, but the doing of what pleases our Father.

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

We always focus on the Commandments, striving to obey them in every way. They are written into our hearts and minds, and we bind them upon our hands, symbolizing our deeds, so they are always in view.

Deu 11:18  Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Our success in overcoming depends on the Lord, who is working all things.   The risen Lord, living in our hearts and minds, is the Deliverer and the Savior.  We work and strive for the Gospel’s sake, but never mistake on whom our salvation depends or where the power comes from.  It is all of the Lord and nothing of our own strength.

Psa 37:39  But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 

In the belly of the beast, Jonah came to know, as we do, that we are in the hands of the Lord.  Salvation is the Lord’s that we fervently pray for.

Jon 2:9  But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. 

In answering the question, “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus Christ tells us just how hard it is to be saved.  In our own strength, it is not even possible, but with God, all things, including our overcoming is possible.  We learn that through our own riches, meaning our strength, we cannot enter.  Until we sell all and walk by the faith in the power of the Spirit given to us, we do not overcome and do not enter into eternal life.

Mat 19:22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 

Mat 19:23  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Mat 19:24  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 

Mat 19:25  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 

Mat 19:26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 

The Lord makes it happen in the appointed time.  Knowing these truths, we therefore preach obedience to hasten the Lord’s coming and manifestation in our lives.  We tarry, we wait for the day of the Lord to come, when the Promise is poured out through the former, and then the latter rains and the Lord begins to make a new heaven and a new earth.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

With this extended introduction, let us now look at the Commandments to come out and be separate, not to be yoked with unbelievers, and to abstain from being entangled or loving anything in the present world.

Come Out and Be Separate

We are the temple of God, and there is to be no mingling or communion of the clean with the unclean, light and darkness, and believers with unbelievers.  We are commanded to come out from among them and remain set apart.

2Co 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

2Co 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

2Co 6:16  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. 

2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

By the Lord’s design, we live in a filthy and dark world ruled by the power of Satan, the carnal mind of men who are all beasts at heart.  We cannot be yoked, meaning tied together, with unbelievers and also serve the Living God with our whole heart.  We do not waste our precious time on unproductive things, being tied to unbelievers.  Instead, we redeem the time wisely

1Jn 5:19  And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 

Eph 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them

This does not mean we cannot interact with the people of this world.  The only way we could do that is to be taken out of the world, and that is not the Lord’s purpose or prayer in raising us from the dead.  We are to be the light unto the world.

Joh 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 

Touching not the unclean is abstaining from engagement in the world’s carnal reasonings, which is spiritual death [see Rom 8:6].  As priests of God, we are forbidden to touch that which is dead, as the types of the Old Testament reveal.

Lev 21:11  Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother; 

Lev 21:12  Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD.

All things are being made new when Christ comes, and we are coming out, separating and severing relationships and interests that have kept us in bondage to the world.  We do not touch the unclean anymore, as we are the chaste virgins being prepared to marry our Husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Making ourselves ready as the Bride requires a major separation that those in the world do not understand.  Entering eternal life entails forsaking the old in obedience to our calling and election.

Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 

Until we escape the corruption that defines the present world, our progress is greatly hindered.  We cannot disobey the Lord in order to keep peace with carnal men in our various surroundings.  We stand for Christ, and we separate ourselves in our deeds and thoughts, if not also physically.  If we remain yoked together, we become partakers of their sins.  It only takes a little leaven to defile us.  Beware of the resulting corruption.

1Co 15:33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 

Being separated is the mark of the disciples elected by God who are chosen to work in His Kingdom.  Being set apart from the world is an essential step in advancing us toward maturity in Christ.  Christ’s coming sets in motion separation and division at many levels.  It is the sword, the Living Word of God that is doing the division and separation.

Luk 12:51  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 

Mat 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 

The call of our faith of Jesus Christ comes with the Commandment to leave our country, our kindred, our carnal mind (father’s house) and go to a new land that is the promised land.  The truth is foretold us in the story of Abraham, the father of faith, as a type and example for us today.

Gen 12:1  Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 

We, as Abram, go not knowing the details about tomorrow, yet we follow the Lord in obedience to His Commandments.  As the elect of God, are looking for the Holy City of Heavenly Jerusalem.  We sojourn as pilgrims and strangers by faith in the world, knowing the promises to come and we wait upon the Lord.  Being faithful, we receive a new name when we enter into the Lord’s covenant by receiving the promised Holy Spirit.

Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 

Heb 11:9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 

Heb 11:10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

Heb 13:14  For here have we [the elect, household of faith, true Israel] no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 

Coming out of the world, we are no longer entangled with the affairs of the world, nor loving the things of this world, keeping all things in subjection to the Lord whom we love with a love that is growing in our hearts.

Love Not the World

While we still love the world and the things in the world, the love of God, the seed of the Living Christ, that is the Commandments, is yet to take root and grow in our hearts.

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

John shows us that all that is in the world yokes us back into bondage to the lusts of our flesh and the pride of life, all the things we have escaped by carrying our cross.  Loving the things of the world does not mean we cannot enjoy the things the Lord has made and given for our purposes of living and enjoyment.

Gen 1:31  And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good

Ecc 3:13  And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 

What it means is that nothing in this world can hinder or diminish our love for God and desire and ability to obey and please Him.  We are to serve no other gods or idols, but only the Lord.  If an activity or interest takes us away from doing what is commanded, then we leave that activity behind and serve only the Lord.  Doing such is obeying the first and greatest Commandment to love the Lord with all our heart, mind and strength.

Exo 23:24  Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. 
Exo 23:25  And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

We are the apple of the Lord’s eye, a special and peculiar people who are the chosen people of God and who are given the Living Word by the Spirit.  We are thence being made into His image, are sent as He was sent, and following after His example.

Joh 17:14  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

Joh 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 

Joh 17:16  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

When Christ comes to dwell within us, we are not of this world anymore. All who once knew us know us no more, and those with whom we interact think of us strangely, as we no longer follow or engage in the same behaviors and dissipations as they do.  As He is, so are His chosen ones in the world.  A new heaven has been made, and a new earth is soon to follow.

Joh 8:29  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 

We do not conform to the world, its ways, customs, or traditions.  We take the opposite tack, being set apart, and are being transformed into a new creature, having a new mindset focused on the Father’s Commandments.

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. 

We cannot have it both ways and serve the Lord in sincerity while holding on to the things of the world.  The narrow way has us seeking peace with all men while not becoming entangled, burdened, or tempted by any of the world’s traditions and customs.  These include not keeping any days, times, months, or years as the world does, but the separation is far broader in its breadth and importance.  The Lord is our Husband and Maker, and we are faithful to Him alone.  We get there by first being rebuked for our adultery in not being faithful, by remaining friends with the world, and not living a set-apart life focused on holiness.  We are all guilty of this, as the Lord makes perfectly clear in our time.

Jas 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 

Being involved in the affairs of this world, be it sports, politics, patriotism, schools, or even ministries, takes our focus away and yokes us back with unbelievers who hinder growth and development into the fullness of Christ.  We simply cannot be involved in the affairs of the world, serve the Lord, and faithfully work in His Kingdom.  We follow orders like soldiers and are engaged full-time in the fight of faith.

2Ti 2:4  No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

These truths are the narrow way that flesh finds offensive and not loving at all.  Following Christ brings hatred and persecution upon us.  There is no other way, as the world loves its own.  When we stand and walk as Christ, the world persecutes us, and it is promised to come.  If one is not being persecuted, it is a sign that they remain in the world.  When the trials come, we stand fast in Christ and do not shrink back from the Word and the doctrine we have heard.  Obeying the Lord shall surely bring the promised persecution.  The further we walk, the greater the gulf between us, and the more rejection falls upon us.

2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

2Ti 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 

2Ti 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 

We are the redeemed of the Lord.  Thus, our allegiance and citizenship is in heaven as we belong to the Lord once we receive the promise of the Spirit.  This is to be our attitude even while we wait upon the Lord to come.

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

Php 3:20  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

We are in good company when the world hates us for doing righteousness.  When the world hates us for obeying the Commandments, we should rejoice, as our names have already been written in heaven.

Joh 15:18  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 

Joh 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 

It feels lonely at times walking the narrow way that few of us are given to find.  We lose much, selling all we once based our life to follow Christ.  We lose family, friends, brethren, hobbies, interests, and much more as our very lives are given up. The love of God put into our hearts makes us willingly lay down our lives for the house of God in obedience to our high calling.  The life we now live is one we live by the gift of faith that has us dedicated to doing the works that please our Lord and the Father.

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

While we are separated, we are not alone.  The Lord is always with us, and there is always a remnant, a little flock, in every generation that He is bringing together. We are receiving the Kingdom, so be encouraged to stay the course and be patient until the Lord comes.  Keep our thoughts on the incorruptible, the treasures in heaven, and not the things of the world that are passing away.

Luk 12:32  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

Luk 12:33  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 

Luk 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen our faith and correct us when we fall.  Remember the Commandment to pray daily for the Lord to come and reveal Himself and for His Kingdom to be revealed in us.

Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

May the grace of the Lord be with you all.

Letters

In Patience, We Possess Our Souls

Peter
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An Inheritance Reserved in Heaven

Peter and Rohnel, servants of Jesus Christ,  to the scattered pilgrims in the faith. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

This letter is written to encourage the brethren to remain faithful and to endure their continuing struggles and a seemingly inability to overcome their sins.  We are in the last days, and our man of sin is being revealed to us as the Commandments shine a bright light upon our earth.  We continue to grow daily through trials in the understanding that only the Lord can heal us.  Jesus Christ and no other is the Spiritual Physician.  Our hearts and minds are surely being turned unto the Living Christ, who is now leading us to be holy in all our behavior.

1Pe 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 

1Pe 2:25  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 

We are the chosen of God, having been marked for salvation.  The fact that we cry and bewail our sins is proof of the inner fight we are now engaged in fighting full-time.

Eze 9:4  And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 

Only the Lord can deliver us and save us from our sins.  We wait on Him and cry out for Him to come and heal us.

Psa 147:2  The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 

Jer 17:14  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Rom 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 

As the elect of God, we possess the power of the Living Christ in us, yet we await the Lord to teach us and mature us how to walk in the anointing.   Through the Holy Spirit, we can do all things, even overcome our sin.  The gift of faith grows quickly once planted in our hearts and minds, but it still takes the times and seasons the Lord ordains.  Young disciples are given power over the unclean and all manner of sicknesses [See Mat 10:1] yet need to learn patience and hope through many tribulations. Some victories come easy, some require prayer and fasting as we later learn from the Lord.  We are growing in the faith which is growing in the Spirit and the power to overcome sin and cast out all devils.

Mat 17:19  Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

Mat 17:20  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. 

Mat 17:21  Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

The anointing those chosen of God receive is what teaches us righteousness and, in due time, causes us to obey all the Commandments, bringing our salvation from sin.  This is the promised inheritance in Christ that we are now realizing and pressing towards daily.

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 

1Jn 2:29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 

The Lord has declared that it is done, and thus our salvation comes to pass.  We merely wait for the Lord, who is faithful, to finish the good work He has begun.  The waiting is our big trial, the many tribulations we now endure, and through it all, the Lord is teaching everyone patience.  We are looking to Christ, lifting up our lives to the Commandments, asking to be taught to obey Him as David prayed before us.

Psa 25:1  Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 

Psa 25:2  O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 

Psa 25:3  Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 

Psa 25:4  Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 

Nobody has arrived yet, so we run to the finish line and get the prize at the end. We are always pressing onward to the mark of perfection, forgetting our past failures but learning the lessons.  The Apostle Paul wrote of the struggle and the ongoing engagement to be diligent and always pressing towards Christ.

1Co 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 

1Co 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The growing and appearing of Christ in us, our bearing spiritual fruit, is likened unto the growing of crops.  It takes time for a seed to be sown, take root, and then grow into maturity.  During the growing season, it takes the coming of spiritual rain, that is, the Spirit of the Lord, to accomplish salvation and bring forth the crop.  We, as the land tillers, wait patiently for the early and the latter rain, keeping busy, working in the kingdom of God.

Jas 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 

Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 

We are promised an incorruptible inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven, meaning in the spiritual realm. We have a down payment now and the fullness to come once we depart the clay.  Our light or compass that guides us is now the Commandments, which is the power unto our salvation.  We are kept on the narrow road, falling down, getting back up, all by the power of God, who has us in His hands.

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 

We rejoice in this promise, yet learn it requires enduring much heaviness in various tribulations that reveal our sins and bring the necessary chastening to write the Commandments into our hearts and minds.  For what we do not yet see, we hope in the promises to come, and the appearing of the glory of Christ in all our behavior.  Salvation, our overcoming, is the end of our faith.

1Pe 1:6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

1Pe 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 

1Pe 1:9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 

The Lord is faithful even when we are not.  He is not forsaking us, and His judgment shall not fail to bring forth righteousness.  We are commanded to wait for it and believe.

Psa 94:14  For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. 

Psa 94:15  But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. 

Our inheritance is Christ, and the further we walk, the Commandments become our most prized possession.  The love of God, our focus and obedience to the Commandments, is being shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  We are being taught to possess our lives in righteousness, and Christ begins to be seen in all of our thoughts and deeds.  Sons of Aaron and Zadok symbolize the elect of God in the shadows of the Old Testament.

Eze 44:28  And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession. 

Num 18:20  And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. 

When the Lord comes and puts His Spirit in us, we have been begotten and are Sons of God. Our righteousness all derives from the faith of Jesus Christ that is given to us.  We find peace with God through our obedience to the Father.  Thus, the planting of love, that is, our obedience to the Father, is put into our hearts and minds.  It then grows and, in time, makes its way to the outside of our cup.  Our hope and patience continue to grow through the many tribulations we experience.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

Rom 5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 

Rom 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 

Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

As Sons, anything we ask in His name is given to us, and we are taking possession of the Promised Land, gaining dominion over sin.  The strongholds of flesh that kept us in captivity are broken as we are instructed in righteousness and begin to judge our earth by the Commandments.

Psa 2:7  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 

Psa 2:8  Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 

Psa 2:9  Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. 

Psa 2:10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 

Our gift of the Spirit is only an earnest deposit.  We await the fullness to come, and yet have many things to learn and grow in understanding.  Thus, the purposes of the Lord are to bring us many trials and cause us to err from His ways.  It pleases the Father to disciple and chasten us.  We are the beloved sons of God and are being made holy and blameless.

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 

We walk by the faith of Christ that is now given to us.  We are not inheriting the promised land based on our works of the flesh.  We are learning to wait, to tarry, and have patience for the fullness to come.

Gal 3:18  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 

Disciples inevitably advance themselves further along in the process of maturity than they have actually obtained.  The Lord has a way of humbling us and showing us the work [the sin] that we yet await His deliverance and remaking.  We are fulfilling all the signs of the end spoken of, and through it all, the Lord tells us to be patient, meaning to wait on Him.

Luk 21:19  In your patience possess ye your souls. 

Overcoming our sin, our salvation, goes hand in hand with the appearing of Jesus Christ in our lives.  They are opposite sides of the same experience.  When we obey the Living Word that now dwells in our hearts and minds, Jesus Christ is seen.  Thus, the mystery of salvation is being revealed and seen more and more, little by little.

Exo 23:30  By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

Each day, the path gets brighter until we are perfected.

Pro 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 

We are bearing more fruit, increasing in knowledge, and growing in His grace as we abide in the measure of the Spirit we are given, waiting for more to come.

Col 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

Our waiting entails suffering and patience, and there is no avoiding it.  We are being saved not by what we see now, but by the hope of the promises of God that now live in our hearts.  Happy are we knowing the faithfulness of our Lord and the Spirit that now guides us in all our behavior.

Jas 5:10  Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 

Jas 5:11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 

The Lord wastes nothing and is using our sins, revealing the abomination of desolation, all for the purposes of delivering us from those sins.  All things happening in our lives are working together for the greater good of our salvation, right on the Lord’s schedule.

Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 

Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 

Flesh does not want to wait on the Lord.  But all farmers know, it takes many seasons, hard work, and patience to bring forth a bountiful crop.  So it is, therefore, also in the Spirit as Christ takes time to be fully formed and seen in all of our behavior.  We do not understand it until we fulfill it.

Mar 4:26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 

Mar 4:27  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 

Mar 4:28  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 

The Lord does not come before we exhaust our own efforts and see the futility in striving to save ourselves.  We learn we are chief of sinners and that no good thing dwells in our flesh.  The Lord knows when we come to the point of being at our wits’ end, and then He delivers us.  These are the wonderful works of the Lord to His children.

Psa 107:27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. 

Psa 107:28  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 

Psa 107:29  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 

Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 

With God, all things are possible, even the overcoming of our sins.  He is the deliverer and we wait upon Him to come and bring us into the spirit of the New Covenant

Isa 59:19  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 

Isa 59:20  And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 

Through the Spirit of Christ within us, we wait for the hope of our faith.  Hope does not disappoint as Christ appears more in our walk, life, words, and deeds.  We are overcoming, as our faith in the Spirit of Christ waxes stronger in us as we mature.

Gal 5:5  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 

Coming out of spiritual Babylon, which has fallen within us, begins the final workings of salvation.  All flesh worships themselves, their beast, and their carnal thoughts and reasonings.  Thus, we are all most certainly going to be drinking the wine of the wrath of God that is poured out in indignation to save us from our sins.  This season of torment is our many tribulations by which we are entering into the kingdom. Enduring the bowls of wrath against our flesh, we are taught patience as we seek and are caused to obey the Lord by the chastening that is our judgment.

Rev 14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 

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

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 

Eze 36:27  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 

What we know in heaven is now being tilled and spread into our earth. His Kingdom is coming to us little by little as we are growing into trees of righteousness.  We are being set free, our prisons of bondage to the flesh are no more.  The waste places are being destroyed and rebuilt.

Isa 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 

Isa 61:2  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 

Isa 61:3  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. 

It takes longer than our flesh desires, and thus we all cry out asking the Lord why we continue to see our sin and why salvation seems far off.  These are the words we are all asking for in our time.

Hab 1:2  O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 

Hab 1:3  Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 

Isa 63:17  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. 

This is the same as Paul, trying to obey, but not being able.

Rom 7:22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 

Rom 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 

The Lord’s answer to Habakkuk is that the holy city within us needs to be trampled upon by the Gentiles, made desolate by our enemies, and then the end comes.  The Lord is a God of vengeance and takes vengeance for His Temple, which Temple we are.  We are just waiting for it to come to pass.  The Spirit of the Lord is setting us completely free from the law of sin and death that had ruled in our members.

Jer 50:28  The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple. 

Those risen with Christ, having the indwelling Commandments working righteousness in them, are looking on things above and not of the world.  Our hope and desires are all to please our heavenly Father, and we persevere in the hope of these promises being fully manifested in the appointed time.

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

Col 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Col 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

We never take comfort in our sins or turn grace into justification for lasciviousness. The Lord is showing us areas of our lives that need to be repented from and turned away from.  But also, do not lose hope, know that the Lord is working and causing all things, even your very sins, to teach us all things and make a new heaven and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells forever.  Take all lies and unbelief captive and stand strong in the faith and the hope of the promises yet to be revealed in you.  Christ shall appear, and we are learning patience in waiting for Him.  We often remind one another to stay the course, remain steadfast, and to keep working in the Kingdom, as our flesh is indeed weak.

Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Rom 12:11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 

Rom 12:12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer

Be encouraged, Saints.  The Lord is good.  May the Lord direct your hearts into His love and to patiently wait for Christ to appear.

Commandments

Do Not Strive With Men

Peter
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Avoiding Contention and Arguments

We are looking deeper into the works of the flesh, to understand them and thus more readily catch ourselves straying from the Commandments and engaging in what we are commanded not to. Strife and variance are the works of the flesh that are the focus herein. Strife and variance inevitably occur when we engage in arguments and debates with carnal people.  Variance, emulation, and strife, also known as quarreling, dissension, and arguing with our fellow man, are activities that we are commanded to abstain from in being set apart.

We often speak to one another of these works of the flesh, so we remember the Commandment.

Gal 5:18  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 

Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

The children of the Living God are peacemakers. They abide in the Prince of Peace who now lives in their hearts and minds. Peacemakers make peace and obey the Commandments and do not engage in strife, contention, and arguments as the world does.

Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

Any of our knowledge of the world’s wisdom or even of Christ’s wisdom amounts to nothing if we do not bring forth love that is the keeping of His Commandments.

Gal 5:6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 

The back and forth, tit for tat, accusing and excusing reasoning of our carnal minds has been crucified. This is to be our attitude in responding to the world’s stimuli.  The lusts of our flesh are put to death, being submitted unto the Father. If possible, we strive to live in peace at all times.  We cannot control what others may do or say, yet we always seek to obey the Lord.

Rom 12:17  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 

Rom 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 

The simple Commandment is to pursue peace with all men. Obeying gives us no room to engage in strife and contention with others. We need to be alert and watchful not to be pulled into such contention unwittingly. Avoiding these exchanges and not wading into them is the straight-and-narrow way.  It does not matter if they are about spiritual things or carnal things; we are avoiding engaging in strivings that keep us bound to the law of sin and death.

2Ti 2:23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 

Tit 3:9  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 

If one does not receive our words and our actions that are consistent with the Commandments, and our correction, we don’t work against the Lord’s purposes. The Lord has blinded them, and to argue the truth with those who are blind and deaf is foolishness and sin.

Exo 4:11  And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 

1Jn 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 

Only the Lord can open one’s eyes in His mercy to receive the truth and take hold of the Gospel and embrace the Commandments. The truth is foolishness to the carnal mind, and we likewise are foolish trying to correct one who cannot hear.

1Co 2:14  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. 

Pro 20:12  The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. 

Knowing these things, we always speak softly, not in the wrath of man, but we also know when not to speak and hold our peace.

Pro 15:1  A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 

Pro 15:2  The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 

Paul commands us to walk wisely with those outside the faith, being careful to guard our speech so we are not snared into sinning.

Col 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 

Col 4:6  Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 

The world loves strife and promotes it at every turn. TV shows and news formats routinely feature panels of people with differing viewpoints to spark strife and arguments for entertainment’s sake. Those in Christ are to have nothing to do with such error that only engages further the lusts and pulls of our flesh.

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

Our only striving is to enter the narrow way of Christ by obeying all His Commandments, including this one to not strive with men. The struggle is within us in taking our carnal thoughts and pulls of our flesh captive to all the Commandments. Few are given to do this in this age, but with the Spirit of the Lord given to us, we are entering in.

Luk 13:24  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

To strive is to fight or to labor; the same Greek words in the New Testament are translated into all three English words. We are commanded to fight and labor, but only for the Gospel’s sake. It is this meat that nourishes us and grows us in Christ, and moves us onward to maturity.

Joh 6:27  Labour [strive] not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 

1Ti 6:12  Fight [strive] the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

Being in the world but not of it, we have ample opportunity daily to obey or disobey the Commandment to not engage in strife and arguments. So how do we perform our duty of obedience in such instances? We strive, fight, or labor in the Spirit, taking our fleshly impulses captive to the obedience of Christ.

2Co 10:3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 

2Co 10:4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds

We bear spiritual fruit when we remain in the vine, being anchored into the Holy Commandments. Christ is the vine, and except we stay connected, we are not bearing fruit unto righteousness.

Joh 15:4  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. 

Abstention or avoidance is the best course of action. The Lord was tempted many times in the Scriptures to engage in strife, contention, and arguments. He showed us the way as our example. Christ either said nothing, or He spoke the Commandment to those tempting Him.  This is integral to our dying to self, carrying our cross.

Mat 27:12  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 

Mat 27:14  And he answered him never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly. 

The other approach is to answer with the Commandments, nothing more or less. For all three temptations of Christ, the answer from the Lord was the giving of the Father’s Commandment.

Mat 4:6  And the devil saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Mat 4:7  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 

The Apostles, likewise, when confronted by Pharisees to stop preaching, gave the Commandment rather than engage in ongoing strife and contention.

Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

When our words are rejected and unheard, we do not stay to engage in strife and debate. We shake off the carnal reasonings, the dust, and move onward.

Act 13:51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. 

Far better to say nothing when we are tempted. We are not defending our honor or pride; we are dead to those lusts. We are obeying the Lord and willingly and gladly bear the reproach of the unbelieving carnal world, who speak evil of us for not embracing its ways.

Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 

1Pe 4:4  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 

We are counting it all joy when these temptations come, and we stand the test and do as Christ commands.

Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 

Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 

In these last days, we learn to control our tongues and be wise about when and how to speak, if at all. We live quiet and set-apart lives and pursue peace with all men.  Spiritual violence that is carnal reasoning is not found in the promised land within us anymore.

Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 

Mercy and peace be multiplied unto all the saints.

Commandments

Possessing Our Vessels in Sanctification

Peter
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Honoring the Father and the Son

Peter and Rohnel, bond servants by the will of God, to those who share our precious faith of Jesus Christ; grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Christ our Lord.

We are commanded to possess our bodies in sanctification, which honors our Lord and our God. These Commandments from the Lord were passed down to the Apostles and to each succeeding generation, including ours. Part of all things being made new is the dramatic changes in how we live and possess these clay vessels for the remainder of our time in the flesh.

1Th 4:2  for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 

1Th 4:3  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication

1Th 4:4  that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 

1Th 4:5  not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 

Fleeing sexual immorality, or what is more properly translated as “fornication,” means not engaging in any relations outside of marriage, in the physical with our spouse, and in the spiritual with the Lord, meaning apart from His Commandments.  Any other behavior, apart from obeying the Commandments, is known as spiritual fornication, which we are to refrain from.  This is the essence of one being sanctified and honoring the Lord.

We are putting to death all the various lusts that live in our flesh.  Doing so is impossible, but through the indwelling Spirit of Christ, it is accomplished in making all things perfect. If we belong to the Lord, the Living Word fails not, and thus we are being sanctified after we receive the Promise by the outpouring of His Spirit.

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Rom 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 

We learn to be diligent and vigilant in the fight of our faith, as the enemies, these fleshly lusts and carnal thoughts, are always seeking an opportunity.  We are truly strangers in this dark world, always reminding one another of the Commandments to abstain from the worldly lusts that war against our souls.

1Pe 2:11  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 

1Pe 2:12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 

Our victory in Christ does not happen in an instant by any means; however, meaningful progress is evident unless we have received the grace of God in vain.  We do not reason within ourselves of what is right or wrong, as we know the Commandments, and thus we no longer justify ourselves by the carnal law of sin and death.  Just obeying the Commandments justifies us.

Gal 5:4  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 

We are admonished not to receive the grace of God in vain, but put it to use by separating from the ungodly things within and without ourselves.

2Co 6:1  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 

2Co 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 

2Co 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

Our obedience and remaining set apart from the unclean bring honor to the Lord and show our reverence for His Commandments.  Thus, the purposes of judgment, to save us and cause us to obey the Lord, are being realized and manifesting today in our lives.

Joh 5:22  For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 

Joh 5:23  That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 

Pro 3:9  Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 

The Lord received honor and glory from the Father, and so shall we in our appointed time.  We are the beloved Sons of God in whom the Father is well pleased (speaking of things that are not yet as if they already were).  When we serve the Lord first by our obedience, the Father honors us as His sons.

Joh 12:26  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

2Pe 1:17  For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 

Formerly being brute beasts in the flesh, we overcome our sin and bring glory and honor to the Lord our God.  There is no boasting except that we now know the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.  There is no more pride, no more rebellion, all is submitted to the Lord, and we sing praises with our tongues for the great salvation He has wrought in our lives.

Rev 19:1  And after these things I heard a great voice of many people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Holiness is the by-product or the result of our being sanctified.  To sanctify is a verb; it is an action, and we likewise are proactive in choosing and striving to speak or act congruently with our faith. Doing so, we thus wash ourselves and one another’s feet [symbolizing our walk] daily with the Commandments.

2Co 7:1  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. 

Joh 13:14  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 

Once we hear the Gospel, the first coming of Christ to us, we tarry and wait for the Lord.  He comes suddenly with the power of salvation that is the Promise. We are thus washed and purified in the fire of the Commandments as Christ, the Promise of God, has come to us. The Lord works quickly and is a swift witness against our fleshly lusts that defile us.  The Living Christ is come to sanctify us and make our offerings righteous and pleasant to the Lord.  The promised Savior has now come; today, we are being visited.

Mal 3:1  Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 

Mal 3:2  But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 

Mal 3:3  And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 

Mal 3:4  Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. 

The living Word of God, the Commandments, are washing us clean and purifying our evil consciousness, that is, the carnal mind.  A new way, the Living Christ, the bread of life, has been made available to us.  We draw near to those Commandments in full assurance that God is able to deliver.  The Lord is preparing us to be His chaste virgin Bride.

Heb 10:20  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 

Heb 10:21  And having a high priest over the house of God; 

Heb 10:22  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. 

All of our unrighteousness is being washed away; this is our sanctification, which is salvation.

1Co 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Both our heaven and our earth are cleansed by the Living Christ, beginning with our mind.  In due time, the fire of God works its way across our entire earth, purifying all our behavior.  This is accomplished by truth and by grace, which is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  First comes truth, the Commandments, and then comes the grace, the fiery trials that transform and change us into holy vessels.

Psa 76:8  Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, 

Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

We are not departing these clay vessels, passing onto the spiritual realm, before all this is fulfilled in our lives. Today is the day, and the fervent heat of our trials, the great tribulation, is making all things new.

Mat 24:34  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 

Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth [YOURS] shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 

Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 

The sooner we engage the fight, earnestly contending for our faith, the sooner we are hastening the appearing of the Lord and the remaking of a new you.  If we do not fight for the faith, contending against our sins, we are overcome and do not grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.  The battle for purity and sanctification starts in our heaven, and the Commandments are the weapons of warfare.

Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heaven 

We flee from all evil, which includes our lusts, and strive to obey the Commandments, taking every contrary thought captive in obedience.

1Ti 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

1Ti 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

We are reaping what we are sowing.  Glory and honor to God are reaped, meaning they come to all who are conducting themselves in the will of God, being sanctified and purified from the evil of the world. We are learning how to possess our bodies with sanctification and honor to the Lord.

Rom 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 

Rom 2:7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 

Rom 2:8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 

Rom 2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 

Rom 2:10  But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 

Being redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are now bondservants to our Lord and Master.  Bondservants live in subjection to their Master and strive to obey the Commandments. We are losing our lives, shedding blood in the Spirit, to overcome our sins.  Without the shedding of blood in spirit, there is no suffering, and thus there is no remission.  We resist all our fleshly temptations at great cost, enduring much suffering to please and honor God.

Heb 12:3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 

Heb 12:5  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

When we resist the devil until he flees, and we overcome the thoughts and temptations that live in our flesh.  One who is sanctified is dead to sin, and thus we no longer live in those sins or routinely practice them.  We are to examine ourselves to see if we are living in the faith or fooling ourselves.

Rom 6:1  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Rom 6:2  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 

Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

One who is dead to sin is bearing the fruit of righteousness.  A tree is known by its fruit, and we know we are on the right track when we see fruit budding forth in increasing volume.

Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 

Rom 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

All who used to know us know us no more, as we are changed, and all things have been made anew.  The life we now live is radically different from the life that defined us before Christ came to us.

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 

1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

The coming of the Promise, the quickening Spirit, raises us up from our spiritual graves, abiding in death, being enslaved to the carnal mind.  All men are in bondage to the devil, who is the prince of the world, before Christ comes and quickens us to new life.

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 

When Christ comes, judgment is come, and we are henceforth crucifying, meaning putting to death, the lusts that live in our flesh.  We are taking heed and following the truth that we know now and hear in our heavens speaking to us the right way to walk. The Scriptures tell us what these various lusts include that we are putting to death in our process of being sanctified. The light of Christ is revealing them in us, so we can be washed.

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 

Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Before we are sanctified of heart, we honor the Lord with our lips, but our hearts and minds are far from obeying the Commandments.  Being washed and purified in the fire is being cleaned on the inside, that is, our hearts and minds. What is on the inside works its way to the outside. Flesh prioritizes the outward appearance, and in our self-righteousness, we first clean the outside of the cup, paying no heed to the inside.

Mat 23:25  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 

Mat 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 

Mat 23:27  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 

Mat 23:28  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 

What comes out of us is what defiles us and reveals the true nature of our hearts.  Lord willing, we overcome and see much less of that which defiles coming out of our mouths when the grace of God appears to us.   We are made new into a new creation, no longer being defiled.

Mar 7:21  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mar 7:22  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 

Mar 7:23  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. 

Flesh concerns itself with the outside, but the Lord looks to the inside of our hearts.  It is there that He finds His chosen ones to be faithful, who are the apple of His eye.

1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

The outward appearance means nothing to God if the inward is full of death and sin.

We live by every word, including being Pharisees and faking it for a time, appearing righteous on the outside.  But we are not fooling the Lord with our lips and the appearance of righteousness. He sees everything; our hearts and thoughts are all open to Him. Bondservants of the Lord, do not fake it or play games to look good. We serve the Lord with sincerity and truth, having the fear of God in our hearts.

Col 3:22  Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 

In our day of judgment, the Lord is bringing these hypocrisies and insincerities to light so we can repent and turn back to the Commandments.  The Lord makes all vessels, those of honor and those of dishonor, according to His will for every man. The first vessel is always the vessel of dishonor, so it can be destroyed and remade in His hands, and thus make known the riches of His glory to those precious few being saved in this age [See Romans 9:20-23, Jer 18:1-4].

In these last days, our focus is on the Commandments.  The Living Christ, who is the indwelling Commandments, is the Spirit and the Truth, and what is, was, and will be sanctifying us through many fiery trials.  It is through these pure words, purified in the furnace of our many fiery trials and tribulations, that our hearts and minds are being cleansed of the fleshly lusts that wage war against the Lord.  The Lord prays for the truth to come to us and is sending ministers of the Gospel to build His church and, in time, brings the Holy Spirit to every man that cleanses us of all our sins.

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

Psa 12:6  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 

Rom 15:16  That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 

Knowing these truths, Peter asks what kind of man or woman we should be.  Those of faith are pressing into the Commandments, embracing the cross, the suffering, and thus hastening to the Lord and the remaking of their heaven and earth into one of righteousness.

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

We thank our Lord for His great mercy in opening our eyes to His Commandments and giving us the zeal to be cleansed and purified of all our sin.