The Commands of Christ Jesus, the power of an endless Life
Rohnel, and my beloved husband, Peter, servants of God and Christ, unto the twelve tribes scattered in the world beloved of God, called to be saints, to the little children and to the faithful: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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,
Psa 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Adorning the Gospel of Christ
Deu 8:6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Commandments in the Church E-I
Herewith are the Commandments of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as written in the Church and given by His Apostles, in alphabetical order [my own] E-I.S ome Commands are overlapping in other letters, some are left out here, but after you, the Reader, reads all the letters regarding the Commands of Christ, Jesus, you will know what they are. This is the Bread of Life, which we eat every day and make us wise unto salvation. Also, some Commands carry a lot of Scriptures, and it is safe for us to read them all, binding them as a sign upon our hands so it may be as frontlets between our eyes.
- Entertain Strangers
- Examine Yourself
- Faith
- Flee Evil
- Flee Sexual Immorality
- Follow Christ
- Forgive
- Gentleness
- Give no Heed to Fables
- Give Thanks
- Glory in Tribulation
- Go unto Perfection
- Greetings
- Heretick
- Hospitality
- Humbleness
- Idolatry/Idols
ENTERTAIN STRANGERS
The Lord loves the stranger. We are commanded not to forget strangers, and Christ tells us that we were once strangers, speaking spiritually, in Egypt. We were strangers in the world of bondage, the world of carnal reasoning, the world of hard labour, the world of gaining knowledge without Christ, trying to establish our own righteousness. We were strangers in times past because we were without Christ, being aliens, and strangers from the covenants of the Promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Our names, however, were written in His Book before the world was, and the Lord has chosen us before we were born. The Lord came and gave His Holy Spirit to some at this time, and He is returning to those still waiting for Him in this age and in every generation. We are no longer strangers but have become the true people of God, His very own. Thus, we welcome strangers in our midst as long as they hold fast to the Doctrine of Christ. Some Apostles even address their letters to the strangers scattered abroad, think 1 Peter 1. Spiritual widows, those who are mature in the Faith of Christ, lodge strangers. These are spiritual words. Every word in Scripture has a positive or negative meaning. There is also a negative meaning to strangers.
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3Jn 1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
EXAMINE YOURSELF
Examine yourself, judge yourself, and see if you keep the Commandments of Christ. If we judge ourselves, we will not be judged, but if we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord. The Lord judges His people, and we, as His people, judge ourselves and all things. We examine our own selves and judge ourselves with righteous judgment and not according to our flesh; that is to say, we do not examine and judge ourselves according to our carnal minds. Christ asks us why we do not judge what is not right? The carnal mind accuses and excuses us within ourselves, but the Commandments of Christ judge us righteously; Christ in us is doing the work. There is no boasting; Christ in us, the Hope of Glory, does the work.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
FAITH
There is the faith in Christ Jesus and the Faith of Christ Jesus. What is the difference? The faith in Christ Jesus is believing in Him, that He did it all on the cross for us, and it is finished. We are saved. If this is all there is to our faith, this is another Jesus. The Faith of Christ is the Faith that we have to die with Christ daily on the cross because as He is, so are we, in earnest, in down payment. We have to obey His Commandments and die daily on the cross, denying ourselves and not doing what we want to do, and instead doing what He commands us to do. There is a big difference.
The faith in Christ cleans nothing on the inside but gives us a form of godliness. The Faith of Christ justifies and purifies us and makes us righteous before God. Therefore, are we justified before God. This Faith of Christ stands in the Power of God and is not the faith that leads to lasciviousness. It is tested daily by fire and is a race run to the end of our physical lives. We press on toward the prize, which is our crown of righteousness. The Power of God is the appearing of the Father and Christ a second time spiritually within our hearts and minds to give us the power to overcome and forgive our sins.
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 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
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.
FLEE EVIL
Abstaining from evil includes avoiding the appearance of evil. Evil is everything against the sound Doctrine of Christ, and it comes from within our hearts. Scripture teaches that the heart is desperately wicked; who can know it? We have evil thoughts, pronouncing them with our lips. The opposite of evil is perfection; we know that love is the bond of perfection. Behold, the fear of the Lord is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. The Psalmist writes and advises us to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking guile. Evil speaking and evil doing spoil our souls; therefore, we hide from evil. We foresee evil and do not pass on, so we are not being punished. If we hate evil and overcome evil with good, the Lord is gracious to us according to His will.
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
FLEE SEXUAL IMMORALITY
Sexual immorality is fornication. Fornication is to have relations with consent between unmarried parties. Spiritual fornication is very serious to the Lord. Once we encounter Christ, we belong to Him and do not stray from Him or His Doctrine. Christ is His Doctrine. He is enough for us. We do not glean in other fields; that is to say, we do not stray and look at other teachings, ideas, fables, lies, and genealogies within and without. We don’t go elsewhere where the Lord has not put His Name. We do not believe the idols of our hearts and turn away from them. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord; we go straight, forward, and up, and do not look to the right or left. Ruth is a wonderful example of faithfulness, and she only gleaned in Boaz’s land by his maidens. She did not glean in another field. Ruth represents types and shadows of us. Fornication is spiritual idolatry, that is, when we are never content with what we have and keep on pursuing after worthless knowledge, forgetting about the Lord and His Gospel. This is all by the Lord’s design. There comes a Day, the Day of the Lord, when He turns us back and makes us faithful. In the Day of the Lord, no stone is left untouched, and Christ breaks down His Temple, which we are, to make us anew.
Act 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
1Co 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
1Co 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1Co 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
1Co 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
1Co 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1Co 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
1Th 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
FOLLOW CHRIST
Paul writes to the Churches to follow him and them [Silvanus, Timotheus] as they serve as an example to the Churches of God. We follow after the ones who teach us the Word of God. Why? Because they labour night and day, and do not eat any man’s bread for naught. We have them for an example, we consider their faith, and the end of their conversation. We consider their walk, what we learn, receive, hear, and see in them. Follow their Faith. Consider these Scriptures below:
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
FORGIVE
We forgive all people every day so we may be forgiven. Forgiveness is taught to us in our daily Prayer, which we were taught by Christ Himself. There are also cases where we have to rebuke our brethren for trespassing according to the Scriptures and the written Command, and in these cases, we/they have to repent first. Without this repentance following the rebuke, there is no forgiveness and no fruit worthy of repentance. Christ forgives us when we repent and see the error of our ways. When we humble ourselves, seek His face, and turn, the Lord forgives us. We err on the side of forgiveness but are careful to stay true to Christ’s Commandments clearly given, and, in some cases, there has to be a forthcoming repentance before we forgive. There also needs to be godly sorrow from brothers who are cast out, which brings about godly repentance with the fruit as evidence, which leads to salvation. This repentance brings forth clearing of ourselves, fear, vehement desire, and zeal.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
GENTLENESS
Moderation means gentleness. Here is a clickable link to the study on http://www.truthinscripture.com that goes more into depth about the Command of gentleness. The Command to Be Gentle. A Gentle answer turns away wrath, and gentleness is to have our emotions under control. A Wise man is considered to be gentle. There is a time for everything. In our appointed seasons, there is a time to be far from gentleness when we rebuke sharply. The meek will delight in the abundance of peace. The meek of the earth are the true Bride of Christ who does not harden her heart against her husband, Christ. She has a quiet and gentle/meek Spirit. Humbleness and gentleness go hand in hand.
Php 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
GIVE NO HEED TO FABLES
Fables are commandments of men; that is to say, fables are produced when we think above what is written and are the lies and stories we believe in our spiritual immaturity. Fables in Scripture are linked to the lie that there is no resurrection, which overthrows the faith of many. We are commanded to instead give heed to godliness, that is to keep the Commandments of God. Vain babblings deny the resurrection of Christ. Keep to the Gospel of Christ, keep to His knowledge and His Commandments to be safe. We are commanded to avoid foolish questions that contribute to and create strife. Our hearts have to be established with discipline; that is, our hearts are to be established with the Grace of God and not with knowledge. The knowledge that does not profit, as it is the dainty meat that cannot save. These are spiritual words. Meat that cannot save is the dainty meat of the world within and without. It is the fables, stories, and lies that we believe in at first. This meat has no substance and cannot keep us alive. It is useless and fit to be disregarded when Christ comes in our flesh, that is, when the Comforter comes to us. Paul counted all the spiritual treasures of his past life as dung once He received the Power of the Comforter. Many Scriptures warn us about this matter, and we had better take heed not to be deceived by the deception of the lawless.
1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1Ti 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
1Ti 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
1Ti 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2Ti 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2Ti 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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.
Heb 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
GIVE THANKS
Paul gave thanks for the Ephesians and petitioned the Lord to provide them with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. We give thanks to the Lord for our brothers in whom the Lord has revealed Himself, and we give thanks to the Lord that He gave and is giving us the knowledge of Him in all wisdom and revelation. The Lord is working all things to His counsel, and we sometimes do not understand. His ways are much higher than ours; therefore, we give thanks in everything because, although we do not understand or can see in the moment, He works all things for our best interest because of His great love towards us. We give thanks for all our brethren, no matter where they are in their walk. We thank the Lord for all He is doing in their and our lives.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Eph 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
GLORY IN TRIBULATION
We thank the Lord exceedingly for all of our trials and tribulations. Why? Because it is proof that God is working with us, it is proof that God is judging us and that His Spirit of Glory is resting upon us. Judgement is now on His House. Tribulation gives us patience and hope; trials make us experienced in the things of the Spirit. Trials try our faith, and we obtain our inheritance in Christ slowly over time, but once obtained, it is as gold tried in the fire. We cannot enter into the Kingdom of God without trials and tribulations. Tribulation and temptation are the same thing. Tempting is to be tempted by Satan, that is to say, we are being tempted with our own carnal thoughts, accusing and excusing ourselves and others within or without straying from the Lord’s Commandments. Once we overcome these temptations and tribulations, we are grounded and settled in His love. All of this only works well in us, making us vessels of honour for His Glory. It can be no other way.
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.
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in Prayer;
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:
Php 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
GO UNTO PERFECTION
The six milk doctrines are needed and are the milk of the Word. We hear only. To go on to perfection on our third day of our walk, spiritually speaking, is to obey what we have heard from the Beginning. If we only hear and do not do, we crucify Christ over and over again and put Him to an open shame. It is like the silly women always learning [the six milk doctrines] but never coming to the Truth of Christ’s Doctrine [the Gospel]. It is likened unto a silly dove. A Dove has single eyes, we have six milk doctrines, not looking to the right or to the left, yet we lack perfection; therefore, we are likened unto a silly dove. Lacking perfection means we do not go unto the meat of the Word to do Thy will Oh Lord.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
GREETINGS
Greetings to one another, we are commanded to greet or salute one another with a holy kiss, which means we greet each other by speaking with one another about the Doctrine of Christ, the pure, undefiled, and Holy knowledge of God, the Faith of Christ. We greet one another with a kiss of love, which means we greet one another with the Commandments of Christ, reminding one another of the Gospel of Christ. To salute means to show respect when we come or go, when we arrive or depart. To greet means to address upon arrival and to welcome in a stated way. The way this letter began is an example of this.
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
1Co 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
2Co 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
Php 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
Php 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.
1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Heb 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
1Pe 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
HERETICK
Anybody denying the Living Christ IS come in our flesh, is an anti-Christ, and we are told there are very many. Any other Gospel or doctrine that is different from that which we have heard from the beginning is a false doctrine, and we are commanded to avoid or withdraw from such brethren. We have to try the spirits to see if they are of God. Usually, these brothers cause division, are disorderly, and have no love of God in their hearts. If someone hears us, they are of us; if someone does not hear us, denying what we say, disagreeing, they are not of us. Do not receive such a one, they are anti-Christ, and do not even bid them Godspeed. Do not be a partaker of their evil deeds. Turn from those who deny the Lord. These have faith in Christ, another Jesus, and not the Faith of Christ. The difference between the two types of faith, namely the faith in Christ Jesus and the faith of Christ Jesus, is discussed under Faith in this letter.
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
1Co 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Tit 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Tit 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
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.
2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2Jn 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jud 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
HOSPITABLITY
We see a lot of hospitality displayed in the Apostles’ lives, and their requests to receive and help others sent by them. We are talking about natural hospitality, but we are also talking about spiritual hospitality. We welcome and are hospitable in the Word and give generously of the Gospel to others. We give joyfully and do not grumble because God loves a cheerful giver. Look at the example of hospitality shown by Abram, who became Abraham in Genesis chapter 18. The Lord appeared to Abram as three men. Abram gave the three men water to wash their feet, that is, the pure knowledge of Christ in type and shadow [for sanctification], and Abram set meat and bread before the three men, which are the Commandments of Christ in type and shadow. Abram communicated to the three angels, and that is the fire of the Word that justifies us when we obey. Angels are messengers sent by God. Do not grumble against the angels; they bring a message from the Lord. Always be ready to entertain strangers who may or may not be angels from the Lord. To do good and share the Gospel and communicate are sacrifices that are well pleasing to the Lord.
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Php 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Php 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Php 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
HUMBLENESS
Paul served the Lord with humility of mind. A Man’s pride will bring him low, but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Consider Christ, who humbled Himself as a servant. He became poor so that He may make many rich, although He was and is God. We follow after His example. Our only boasting is in the Lord. The Lord looks at the heart; He hates a proud and lofty look. We humble ourselves before Him, and we also esteem others better than ourselves. These Scriptures below speak for themselves. A True man or woman of God has a humble and thankful heart. The more wisdom and understanding we get, the more we see that we are only clay in the Potter’s hand and have nothing to be proud about except what the Lord wrought and is doing in our lives. The pride of life is terribly proud; who can know it? It sports against the Lord, that is to say, it rebels against the Lord, which is the sin of witchcraft. To be humble means so many things. It means we are content, know who we are in the Lord, know we are chief of sinners, and are thankful for the abundance of blessings the Lord provides. Humility is precious in the sight of the Lord because He looks upon a poor and bruised spirit. Humility comes before praying and repenting of sins. The Lord says if we humble ourselves, pray and repent, seek His face and turn from our ways, He will hear from heaven, forgive us, and heal our land.
Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Jas 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Jas 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
IDOLATRY/IDOLS
All the gods of the people are idols. Idols are the work of men’s hands. They are carved images of men, and we commit whoredom with them. This is spiritual language. Idols have eyes and ears that do not see and hear. They, that makes them like them, not having eyes and ears to see and hear. It is none other than the man of sin, the man of lawlessness, the abomination of desolation, that we set up in our hearts, in the Temple of God, which Temple we are. We set up idols in our hearts because we are so impoverished because of a lack of food; Christ is not on the throne of our hearts. We say to the Lord, Do not come near us because we are holier than Thou. We worship ourselves instead of the Creator because we covet to have more and more of our own imaginings, lies, fables, tales, stories, and think that through all of this, so-called knowledge, and our own treasures, we can save ourselves and enter into God’s Kingdom. To Covet these spiritual so-called riches is idolatry.
In the Scriptures below, we are told there are many gods and lords, many that is to say there is a lot of knowledge out here [meat], and the weak brother does not know that this meat/knowledge does not profit to save us from the wrath to come. We are commanded not to make our weak brothers stumble, occupying ourselves with this knowledge, because the weak brother will then also occupy himself with this knowledge and lust thereafter. Have this knowledge to yourself only if you do. We are to always return to the Commandments of Christ when we deal with our weak brethren and ourselves. Idols are nothing. What do we do then? We ask no questions when this knowledge is set before us; we just listen. If a weak brother points out that our knowledge is offered unto idols, that is to say, unprofitable, we stop eating it for the weak brother’s sake and also for our own conscience’s sake. We do not offend anyone. We have the Spirit of Christ, which is one of Power and a sound mind.
1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
1Co 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
1Co 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
1Co 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1Co 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1Co 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1Co 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
1Co 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
1Co 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Co 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1Co 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
1Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
The Commandments of Christ Jesus in the Four Gospels, the Commandments of Christ Jesus regarding our Assembling together as His Church, the Commandments of Christ Jesus regarding Marriage, Divorce, Husbands, Wives, and Others, plus the five letters containing the Commandments of Christ Jesus, given by the Apostles in the Church, can be found on the Truthinscripture.com website. Here is a clickable link to the Commandments index page on the website. Commandments
Many ask what the Commandments are, and we pray that after reading all of the above, the Reader will better understand what the will of God, the Father, through His Son, Christ Jesus, is, and that is to love, by keeping the Commandments.
Receive ye the Gospel. Receive ye the Holy Spirit.