Working and Embracing the Fire
Blessed be the Lord and the Father who kindled the light of truth within us and drew us near for salvation. May these words awaken those chosen to a greater focus and zeal for the holy things of the Lord and His House.
This admonition is written to encourage the young in the faith to press into the Kingdom of God with greater zeal, standing with Christ through obedience, and willingly suffering persecution and rejection from a carnal world. Christ is at the door; He is near, and in these latter times, we are warned about falling away and being led astray by a slothful spirit. It is time to press into the Lord, His commandments, and not shrink back. Be alert, watch, and keep doing His business until the Lord comes.
The Zeal for the Lord’s House Consumes Us
Knowing the Lord means becoming intimate with the Commandments that sanctify us and lead us into salvation. The Lord is our Maker, and as clay in His hands, He is the One who gives or takes away the zeal [drive] needed to work in the Kingdom. Nonetheless, that zeal must be present to lead us deeper into the things of God and separate us from our many worldly idols and pursuits. We are the Temple and house of the Lord. As Christ was in this world, so are we to be likewise. Christ had great zeal, a fiery jealousy, and inner drive for His Father’s house and Temple. Like Christ, we take the necessary steps to clear out the Temple within us of everything that defiles it.
Joh 2:14 And Jesus found in the Temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Joh 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the Temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
Joh 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.
Joh 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
We are the Father’s house, the Holy Temple where God has chosen to dwell. We are a house of constant prayer, meaning a house of obedience, no longer engaged with spiritual merchandising, which is the accusing and excusing mindset representing the carnal mind. We obey the commandments, and we do not rebel against them. Doing good is the work and the sacrifices that are pleasing to the Lord.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Preparing ourselves for Christ’s coming means being washed by the commandments, which clear and sanctify the Temple, preparing us for the Lord to dwell within us. The commandment to wait and tarry for the Lord to come does not nullify the other commandments that require us to always be about the work of God and making ourselves ready. Waiting for the Lord is our time of preparation, when we fill our lamps with the commandments, the oil that makes us ready for the Spirit to come. We no longer trust in our knowledge, the mountain of Samaria, and be at ease in Zion.
Amo 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!
The Gospel has been preached and continues to be taught. We are past the Prophets; it is time to press forward and seek first the kingdom of God, which is the living Christ, the commandments coming to dwell within us.
Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
We all need chastening to spark us to work and cease being idle about the Father’s business. When Christ, who is the living commandments, comes, the hearing phase of our walk gives way to the doing. Our apathy towards the Lord’s work is also called lukewarmness. The church of Laodicea is us when we are haphazard in our work and preparations for the Lord’s coming. The Lord loves us and therefore rebukes and chastens us to become zealous.
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
The daily opportunity to get in the fight and start working for the Lord is to begin standing up for the commandments when the trials of faith come. We embrace the costs and are willing to take the heat, enduring persecution without concern or fear of the opinions of the world in our stance for the Lord. The Lord’s gold is purchased, and the Temple of God we are becoming is only built by suffering many things, including the loss of the old life. One cannot be friends with the world and friends with God. We cannot serve two masters; when we try to have it both ways, we are lukewarm, and the Lord is not pleased.
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.
If we lack the zeal, hunger, and thirst for righteousness in our inward parts, we need to be fervently asking the Lord for it. It is the Father’s good will to give us gifts and all things we need to accomplish salvation from sin in our lives. When we put the Lord first, giving Him the first fruits of our day, He promises to provide us with everything we need. Eliminating the world that clutters our minds and takes up our time, we invest this time into the Lord’s treasury.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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.
All members of the Body of Christ have a role and a part to fulfill in the Body, no matter how big or small it may be. Everyone should desire to be zealous for spiritual gifts that enable them to become more active participants in our gatherings and assemblies. A little effort in this regard will go a long way toward keeping our focus on the Lord and giving us reasons to study and think of Him beforehand. Everything we do should be for the church’s edification when we come together.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
It is more blessed to give than to receive, and the Lord rewards those who give with even more of His precious treasures and anointing. Come prepared to our fellowships and gatherings with a little something.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Bringing gifts that edify the church is essential to our spiritual growth, and performing it adds to our faith and boldness for the Lord. Everyone has something to offer, and our offerings can be questions about the faith, a commandment, or the Scriptures being studied. Such questions provoke all present to think, and the answers bring greater understanding to the whole church. We have seen this in recent studies where Q&A exchanges took place, and all those present were blessed. We need more of this engagement, and we encourage the young in the faith, or those naturally shy, to step out in faith and engage actively rather than just listening. Offering a gift may take some effort and homework ahead of time. Take some time to read the studies beforehand, read the Scriptures, and meditate upon them. The Lord blesses those who desire to give good gifts to others. All gifts to the Lord are sacred, and nothing offered to the Lord in sincerity is rejected; instead, it is always blessed.
1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Scripture witnesses to how the entire congregation contributes to building the tabernacle, which is the house of God. Building the tabernacle of God requires many different contributions, which are symbolically enumerated in Exodus when the first tabernacle of the congregation was to be constructed. Everyone in the flock is to bring an offering.
Exo 35:4 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,
Exo 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,
Exo 35:6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
Exo 35:7 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,
It takes the entire flock to provide for these broad needs and work together to make them as commanded. Most of Exodus 35 is omitted here for brevity, but read it to see the complete list of physical items that are parables of the spiritual things the spiritual house of God contains. The Lord stirs up the hearts of the Israel of God to bring offerings and work together in building the house of God. Every part and every labourer is needed in the Kingdom. If one lacks the zeal to work, seek it and keep asking for it. The Lord hears us and stirs up our hearts to zealously serve Him.
Exo 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
Exo 35:22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD
Our carnal-mindedness, that is the devil, seeks to dissuade us from bringing offerings by diminishing them and/or telling us we are not worthy of such a calling. Do not heed these lies.
We have many stories, miracles, and parables showing the Lord multiplying the gifts and offerings of His saints for the benefit of many. One example is the parables of Christ feeding the thousands [Mat 14, Joh 6] from a few loaves of bread and fish. An Old Testament example is the parable of the widow of Zarephath [See 1Ki 17:11-15], to whom Elijah was sent. She only had a morsel of meal to offer, yet it fed them for many days as the Lord continually increased it. Think spiritually. The morsel of meal is the widow’s gift, and it is your gift to offer as you tarry for the Lord. Offerings can be questions that expand or clarify the study. It can be a comment, a Scripture, or a personal experience to support or confirm the message. Your offering can be anything the Lord puts on your heart to share. Bring your morsel and share it with the assembly, which is Christ, when we come together to eat the Lord’s supper. Nothing is wasted, all good gifts are multiplied by the Lord, and the flock is fed.
Also consider the parable of the widow who cast into the treasury, meaning that she gave the church of God the only two mites she had. She gave more in the Lord’s eyes than those the Lord made rich who cast in out of their abundance [See Mark 12:41-44]. Do not be afraid to give; be zealous to cast in your two mites, whatever they may be. Give all the Lord has given you, be it little or much.
Christ says, “Give and it will be given unto you.” We reap what we sow, and the more we sow, meaning the more we give, the more we reap in the appointed times. Thus, it is more blessed to give than receive. Please be encouraged to sow into the flock of God with input, questions, Scripture, or anything that edifies.
2Co 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
When we come together before the Lord in the place where He has chosen, we are commanded not to appear empty but to bring our gifts, which the Lord uses to bless, admonish, wash, and edify the church.
Deu 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
Deu 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
Follow the example of our Lord and even wise natural parents who know enough to teach their children a strong work ethic from an early age. Christ was always at work in the Father’s Kingdom, years before His earthly ministry of preaching the Gospel began. The adolescent [12-year-old] Christ was always about doing His Father’s business. Likewise, we are zealous for the Father’s business, even in our youth, as we wait on our future appointment to the ministry of the Gospel.
Luk 2:49 And Christ said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
There is always the work of the Father to be done in the house and Temple of God. The work is not always about ourselves and the inward Temple, as we are the Lord’s witnesses on the earth, the light unto the world. The work of God is bringing His light and His love to all that the Lord prepares and puts into our path.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Standing For Christ and Entering the Fire
All faith is proven by works, and when we prove faithful in a little, He gives us more faith and even greater trials to test the increase. Growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord is the process of our salvation. Progress is our obedience, which are the good works being seen in our walk. We begin to stand for the commandments and do them rather than only hear them.
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:
In the same way, those first precious steps of a toddler bolster their confidence to walk, so does our beginning to stand on the Lord’s commandments. Once we demonstrate that we do not fear men, or the rejection of the carnal-minded world that includes those of our own household, the Lord begins to increase us and gives us greater confidence and zeal for His Kingdom. The Lord’s principle is to reward the faithful with even more, and this is how we grow in faith and in the zeal for His house.
Luk 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Fear, which is not of faith, keeps us back. Following Christ costs us everything; we are willing to forsake all. The cost of being a disciple is high, and we count the cost and embrace it to keep walking with the Lord. We do not look back and hold onto the old way of life. Remember Lot’s wife, who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, signifying that progress towards the kingdom was halted as she ceased following the Lord’s angels sent to rescue her and Lot from Sodom. All things are yours to fulfill.
Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
The Parable of the Talents also teaches us what happens to those who fear men and squander the little they are initially given. Take heed and press into Christ, get to work in His Kingdom within yourself, and make yourself ready. We start with the servant who hid the talent given him in the earth, meaning the works of the flesh. If we squander the Lord’s talents, it is unfaithfulness to what He has given. The Lord’s way is to take away what little we may have rather than give us more.
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat 25:26 His Lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Waiting for the Promise absolutely does not mean we are not to be at work earning interest, an increase on what the Lord has already given you. We have been blessed to see and receive the Gospel, hidden from the world and only revealed to a precious few. The Work of the Lord is always to be done, so when the Lord returns, He finds us faithful, watching, and sober. Then we are rewarded handsomely with much more of Him. We do His business every day until He returns to us with the Promise or appears more in our walk as we mature in the grace of God.
Luk 19:13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’
The Parable of the Minas imparts the same lesson as the parable of the talents. To those who have been given much and put it to work for the Kingdom, even more is given. Conversely, those who do not increase their faith and show good works while waiting for Christ to return, even what they do have, shall be taken from them. Do not lose your minas.
Luk 19:26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
When the Gospel that is the Living Commandments comes to us, it does not come to bring peace but a sword. Our following Christ is our following the Commandments, and when we do this, division and separation from all carnal interests, people, and pursuits is the result. The baptism of Christ, the coming of the Promise to us for salvation, requires this division.
Luk 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Following the commandments [Christ], the old life is lost, and we lose relationships with the world we once valued. But the glory is far greater to know Christ and become one with Him in our obedience and stance for the commandments. It is a blessing to be set apart and divided from the carnal world around us. Do not miss the Lord’s coming.
Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
The Book of Daniel has an excellent story of obedience and faith. The story of the three Jews who stood for Christ’s commandments and against the commandments of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is an excellent affirmation of how faith in action works. When we obey, the Lord is glorified in us; we are not harmed but are blessed. These three refused to obey the command to bow before the image of the man-made false god. They were made ready and willing to take the fire and persecution and being killed [hated] by the carnal inhabitants of Babylon. They stood their ground with the Lord, and the Lord used their obedience to bless them and promote them. [See Daniel 3 for the whole story].
Those of God do not bow to the flesh, and the image of gods and men set up in their carnality. We only worship the Lord, meaning the commandments, by obeying them. Shadrach and the others’ answer is the faithful one: choosing to obey God rather than please men. Obeying God quickly brings fire and persecution into our lives. These trials are the furnace of affliction by which the Lord saves us from sin. Standing and obeying the commandments and being tried and tempted to disobey is the lake of fire experience that saves all men in the appointed time.
Dan 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
We only fear God and not men or what men can do to us. These Jews were faithful to the Lord and forsook all to follow the Lord. The resulting fire kills the mighty men, representing the strength of the flesh.
Dan 3:20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
Dan 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
The fire did not harm the three, and their witness for the Lord was powerful in convincing Nebuchadnezzar of the Lord’s might. The Lord is with us in the fire when we obey Him, and some see Christ appearing more and more in our lives. While the flesh around us dies, the new man in us is not harmed by this fire and is strengthened and promoted as we obey.
We live by every Word, so we all first agree to work for the Lord, but then decide not to go. The good news is that we have another opportunity, as the Lord is long-suffering and patient with us, to work in His Kingdom.
Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Mat 21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
Mat 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
The fire of obedience is much hotter when we are in the midst of those without the faith who are naturally at enmity with Christ [the commandments] and His Christ. The story of Peter and all the disciples’ denials is our story as we are overconfident, untested, and at first merely warming ourselves by the fire.
Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Luk 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
Luk 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Despite all his knowledge and time spent with the Lord, Peter remained weak and unable to stand in the fire. When his faith was tested three times, he failed and did not stand. Instead, he denied the Lord. Warming ourselves by the fire makes us lukewarm and unprepared to stand for Christ when the inevitable accusations and criticism from unbelievers come.
Luk 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
Luk 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
Luk 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Luk 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Saying “we do not know the man” separates us from Christ, so we do not bear the enmity and persecution the world has regarding the Lord’s ways and commandments. While pursuing peace with all men is a commandment, we do not seek peace with the world by denying the Lord. We seek the Lord’s peace, which is standing in the commandments, knowing and expecting fiery trials and rejection of the world is guaranteed.
All deny Christ way more than three times on the road to maturity as God uses these trials of faith, the many failures, and the successes to teach and perfect us in the appointed times. The unconverted Peter, absent from the flock, could not stand in the fire when the trial came.
Luk 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
Luk 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
Luk 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Standing for Christ and exercising our spiritual senses requires practice. What sets those marked of God for salvation apart is that when we fail, we confess our sins, get right back up, and move forward, Lord willing, learning the lesson and being ready for the next time.
Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
We grow into the grace of the Lord and, in time, can eat the strong meat, meaning we have enough maturity to take the persecution and rejection of those the Lord has blinded to the Gospel. The world’s rejection of our stance for Christ becomes our food, making us even stronger. We have to start somewhere by standing for Christ.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
What seem like giants in the land at first, we overcome in Christ as we stand for the commandments. Those giants and the people we once feared rejecting or criticizing us become bread that now grows our faith. Fear not, says the Lord, I am with you.
Num 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
We encourage everyone, ourselves included, to be strong in the Lord. Put to work every talent and gift He has given you. Engage, fight for the Lord, and embrace the costs and rejection of the carnal world. The sooner one is given to do this, the sooner the Lord shall come with the Promise.
The diligent work in the kingdom and rule over their sin. The slothful remain under tribute, meaning bondage to them.
Pro 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Final Exhortations
Strive to actively participate in our weekly gatherings and bring gifts when and where you are able. Read and think about the studies ahead of time, looking for potential additions, questions, or contributions. Despise not the day of small beginnings. Everyone has to start somewhere, but starting is key. If one lacks zeal, we are asking the Lord to bring it. If we struggle with sin, know you are in very good company, as Christ came to save sinners of whom we are all chief. Christ eats with sinners, not with the self-righteous, who need no physician. Take captive contrary carnal thoughts.
The light of Christ is shining on all of us who have heard this Gospel. Our sins are now being revealed, and fiery trials are coming to teach us how to overcome them. Do not be ashamed of this Gospel and seek to actively dwell with your brethren who are the fire and those who have the Gospel.
Seek to become zealous for the Lord and His House. Our zeal is infectious and is used by the Lord to provoke others to become zealous for love and good works.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
The Gospel has been preached, the Lord is near, standing at the door. Open unto Him and work diligently to build and grow His Kingdom.
With Love and encouragement to the scattered saints.
