Understanding

11-13-07

Understanding God’s Word characterizes man’s walk through this life as a journey on one of two possible paths or ways. Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” It is eternally critical that a man come to the correct understanding as to what specifically places him on either the broad way or the narrow way.

Man is counseled:

“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” AND Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (also Pv 16:16).” Man is further told: “Through thy precepts I get understanding (Ps 119:104).” Ephesians 5:17, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” This message is going to consider true understanding from God’s perspective. The Lord says: Psalms 111:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” AND Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 4:5,

The Lord reveals: “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me (Is 45:5-6).”

AND “there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me (Is 45:21).” Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 43:11, “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” – “a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me and there is none like me (Is 45:21, 46:9).” God created man, gave man life and sustains man’s life. Romans 11:36, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Man must look to God alone and none else. Man must walk with God in the Lord’s truth.

God defined Himself to Moses as “I AM” and as “JEHOVAH (meaning strength, Ex 6:3, also Ex 13:3, 14, 16, 14:27, 15:2, 13, 32:11, Num 23:22, 24:8, Deut 3:24, 4:34, etc. ).”

God is absolutely Supreme and Sovereign over all of His creation. The Lord says: “I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right (Is 45:19).” Therefore, righteousness is conformity of heart and life to what God declares to be right. JEHOVAH has the strength and ability to enforce His declared truth.

However, there is a rebellious creation that competes for God’s glory. These are given to pleasures (self seeking, which is pride), that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me (Is 47:8). Isaiah 47:10, “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.”

So, those on the “narrow way” understand God as “I AM” and live their lives accordingly. Those on the “broad way” see “self” as “I am” and live their lives accordingly. The “narrow way” leads to God and the life that is only found in the Lord and is walked in truth, which are those things that God declares to be right (Is 45:19). The

1

11-13-07

“broad way” leads “away from” or opposite of God to death, which is the opposite of life, and is walked in disobedience to the Lord’s truth or declared way.

All of this hearkens us back to the beginning – as all “created” things have a beginning and an end. God says: Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

In the beginning, God created (made) man in His image and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen 1:26-27, 2:7). Genesis 2:9, 15, “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” God then declared things that are right (good) and things that are wrong (evil). Genesis 2:16-17, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Let us fully understand God’s purposes. Man was created in the image of God. Man was created with a free-will. The Lord declared the “tree of life” to be good. Man’s obedience to God would certainly result in life. The Lord declared the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” to be bad (wrong) or forbidden fruit for man. Partaking of this fruit would be disobedience to God and it would result in the condemnation or death – “thou shalt surely die.” Man retained the ability to choose - to “obey” or to “disobey” God.

The Bible is God’s written Word to man. So, whenever the term “in the beginning” is used it is applied from the perspective of the creation of man. Obviously, there are many beginnings that pre-date the creation of man. For instance, a host of angelic beings were created prior to man. These angels have a hierarchy and they perform the will of God ( Ps 103:20-21 104:4, Dan 10:13, 12:1, Mt 4:6, 13:41, 24:31, Mk 13:27, Lk 1:26, 2:10, 22:43, Acts 10:22, 12:11, Heb 12:22, Jude 1:9, Rev 1:1, 12:7, 14:6, 22:16).

Thus, angels are created beings that submit to and obey God the Creator

(Heb 1:6, 1 Pt 3:22).

There was an angel, who was an anointed cherub that covereth, who was responsible for watching over God’s creation of man in Eden, the garden of God ( Ez 28:13-14, 31:9). His name was Lucifer and he was beautiful so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him (Ez 28:13, 31:9). Ezekiel 31:8, “The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty.” God said of him: “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty (Ez 28:12).”

However, there was a problem.

“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground (Ez 28:17). Thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty (Ez 27:3). Isaiah 14:12, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” Ezekiel 28:15,

2

11-13-07

At the beginning, or creation of man, Lucifer did an evil thing (due to jealousy of man – loss of place and position). Lucifer turned his eyes off of God and placed them upon “self (his own beauty).” Isaiah 14:13-15, “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Notice the inclination toward “self” in the “I” statements.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Lucifer no longer feared God. Lucifer fell and is now known as the devil. By the fear of the LORD one departs from evil or that which opposes God (Pv 16:6). Lucifer became that which opposes God in exalting “self.” A good understanding have all they that do His commandments (Ps 111:10). Lucifer rejected God’s truth and became the author of a great lie. Jesus said of him: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (Jn 8:44).”

The devil’s lie is that the creation can seek its own will in its own authority apart from the Creator. In order to establish his lie, the devil must undermine or destroy the truth, which is God. This presents a problem because the Lord keepeth the truth forever ( Ps 146:6, also Ps 100:5, Ps 111:8) and God’s Word stands (Is 39:8, Joel 2:11). The devil and all those who follow him in his lie are the enemies of God and His truth. The devil is a murderer because he leads God’s creation in rebellion away from God (and thus life) into death. The creation has no life apart from God. The Lord gives and sustains all life. Thus the devil’s lie shall not stand and he shall be greatly cast down and all those who follow him ( Is 14:15, Jer 8:12). God says: “I AM against thee (i.e. Jer 50:31, 51:25, Ez 5:8, 26:3, etc.).” Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.” Jesus, the Word of God made flesh says: “He that is not with Me is against Me (Lk 11:23).” Conversely, Mark 9:40, “For he that is not against us is on our part.”

The devil (serpent,

Rev 12:9, 20:2) came to man in the garden and told him with regards to the forbidden fruit: “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:4-5).” The devil told man the opposite of what God had told man. In other words, God declared the truth and the devil declared the opposite of the truth which is a lie. The devil led man opposite of God (Who is light, 1 Jn 1:5) into darkness and death. The devil led man into disobedience and transgression of God’s truth. The devil is not constrained by the truth.

Notice, that the fruit from the forbidden tree would open man’s eyes to decide right and wrong for himself such that he could be as a god. In other words, man would sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me (Is 47:8). What does it mean to be a god? The one true God says: “I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right (Is 45:19).” This is truth! The lie opposes the truth. A corrupt creation says: “I declare things that are right in my own eyes” and “I shall seek the imaginations of my own heart.” This is what opposes the truth! In other words, to work things by the counsel of your own will like the true God does (i.e. Eph 1:11). Who shall reign supreme – the Creator or the creation? God declares what is right, not the creation (Is 45:19). For man to be a god, there would no

3

11-13-07

longer be a need for the one true God. The creation would usurp the place of the Creator. This is a disregard and hatred of the true God and Creator. The devil thus changed the truth of God into a lie, that the creation is to be worshipped and served more than the Creator (Rm 1:25).

The devil’s lie states that the creation can seek its own will or way in its own authority – to be as a god. The devil’s lie says, “do what thou wilt.” The devil’s lie requires that the creation renounce the authority, place and position of the Creator and this is rebellion. You cannot serve two masters or walk in dual wills (Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). You will either hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Whosoever maketh himself a god speaketh against God (i.e. Jn 19:12).

Man freely chose to “follow” the devil, or that which opposed God. Man made a covenant (solemn agreement) with death, and with hell are we at agreement ( Is 28:15).” They are a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts (Is 65:2). They are void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them ( i.e. Deut 32:28). The mechanism for man’s rebellion was the lusts and desires of the flesh. This is where the devil ALWAYS makes his appeals. Man is weak through the flesh. Man’s lusts and desires seek his own way and not God’s truth. The Lord refers to such as “workers of iniquity (Mt 7:23, Lk 13:27, Job 31:3, 34:22, Ps 6:8, 28:3, 36:12, 64:2, 92:7, 94:4, Pv 10:29).”

God’s way is quite the opposite and requires denial (humbleness, meeknesss) of the flesh and a supreme love of God – heart, soul, mind and strength (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27). Jesus said it like this: Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it (also Mt 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25).” In other words: live for self and die; die to self and live. Luke 9:25, “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” You cannot serve God and mammon ( Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). Mammon is material wealth and worldly gain. 2 Corinthians 5:15, “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

God defines pride or self seeking as: “doing what is right in your own eyes” ( Deut 12:8, Jdg 17:6, 21:25, Ps 36:2, Pv 3:7, 12:15, 16:2, 21:2, 30:12, Is 5:21)

AND “seeking the imaginations of your own heart (Gen 6:5, Deut 29:19, Pv 6:18, Jer 3:17, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17, Rm 1:21). Imaginations are what the creation perceives to be right and proper, good, or evil. Self fulfillment is the chief desire of the corrupt nature of fallen man.

In the quest for “self,” the devil leads man to sacrifice God foremost and then one’s neighbor for the benefit of self. This is hatred of God and others. This is the violation of the two great commandments which state: Mark 12:29-31, “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Love is the sacrifice of self for the benefit of another – God foremost and then your neighbor.

4

11-13-07

The seeking of your own way (pride) results in distinct fruits or works. This is the fruit of your doings (Jer 17:10, 21:14). The fruit of your labor, the way in which you walk through this life (narrow or broad) results in a product. Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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.” AND Ephesians 5:3-5, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Paul further states concerning unrepentant and rebellious man: Romans 1:29-32, “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Many take pleasure in iniquity (unrighteousness) through their chosen sources of entertainment. God says: 2 Thessalonians 2:12, “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” – “Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved (2 Thess 2:10).” For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Lk 16:15).

All pursuits of the flesh lead to assured addictions and bondages, for God hath deemed it so. Those who are in darkness are bound and in bondage (Ps 107:10, Gal 4:3). This is the bondage of corruption (Rm 8:21). For of whom a man is overcome (the devil), of the same is he brought in bondage (2 Pt 2:19, also Lk 11:22). Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Jesus came: Isaiah 42:7, “To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound (Is 61:1). Jesus came to bring liberty to become children of God ( Rm 8:21). Christ frees from the yoke of bondage (Gal 5:1). Jesus said: Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What can we “learn” from Jesus? Christ didn’t come to seek His own will, but only to do the will of the Father (Jn 5:30, 6:38, Heb 10:7). He lived by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Mt 4:4, Lk 4:4). Jesus loved God and this love was shown/revealed through Christ’s obedience to God the Father (Jn 14:31, 15:10). Jesus said of God: “I do always those things that please him (Jn 8:29).” Jesus was sent to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities (Acts 3:26). Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God – also the righteousness, sanctification and redemption (1 Cor 1:24, 30).

5

11-13-07

Many listening to this message shall recognize most of the aforementioned fruits of the flesh to be bad. However, these are just manifestations of the greater evil of pride – seeking your own imaginations (what is right and wrong in your own eyes). The devil appeals to the flesh – its lusts and desires. The devil blinds your eyes to the truth of God by keeping you focused on the flesh. The truth is hid from those who are wise and prudent in the flesh, but are revealed unto babes (Lk 10:21, 1 Cor 1:26-27). Walking through life in such a way is walking the broad way unto eternal destruction.

We must come to understanding:

Romans 8:8, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” There is a battle raging and you must overcome the flesh. 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Faith is the “fear of God,” meaning that one departs from that which opposes God. Faith is your love, submission, obedience, trust, honor and devotion toward God.

Those who are truly “born” of God shall absolutely depart from those things that oppose God. If one cannot agree with that statement then they have no understanding of God. Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Job 28:28, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Let us fully pursue understanding:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Romans 8:4-5, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” Those of the flesh and those of the Spirit seek different things. Those of the Spirit seek God’s truth and walk God’s path (narrow way). Those of the flesh seek their lusts and desires and walk the devil’s path (broad way). John 3:6,

Your walk is manifested through your actions – your doings. A man’s actions shall clearly be revealed by what he embraces and what he forsakes. Consider the fruits of those who walk after God’s Spirit (Holy Ghost): Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self control): against such there is no law.” AND Ephesians 5:9, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” A seed dies to be “born again” as a plant that produces much fruit (Lk 12:24-25).

Here is the great distinction:

Galatians 5:24, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Jesus said: John 12:46, “I AM come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” The Lord had stated: “the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me (Jn 14:30).” If we truly crucify the affections and lusts of the flesh, then the devil shall not have place in us. Recall: the devil ALWAYS tempts through the flesh to “do what thou wilt.” Jesus said: Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (also Mt 7:16).” We must understand our actions and their consequences. Galatians 6:7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for

6

11-13-07

whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain ( 1 Cor 3:18-20).

Jesus said you MUST be “born again” with a new nature. John 3:5, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This is a complete change of life as one knows it.

To be “born” of water is the baptism of repentance. Repentance is completely turning from your way – doing what is right in your own eyes and seeking your own imaginations, unto God’s truth. This is a complete forsaking of your way. Repentance is to the acknowledging of the truth (2 Tim 2:25).” Everything centers on “knowing” and “walking” in God’s truth. This is known as “repentance unto life (Acts 11:18).”

Repentance is turning to God from idols to serve the living and true God ( 1 Thess 1:9). What is idolatry? We are told: “stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry ( 1 Sam 15:23).” Stubbornness is a refusal to yield to God’s truth ( Jer 7:26, 7:24, 26-27). Stubbornness places your will “ahead of” or “in advance of” God’s will. Idols are anything that one places “ahead of” God in their lives. Therefore: stubbornness is as idolatry because it deems your way as superior or more worthy of observance than God’s way. Stubbornness is founded in pride and vanity. Vanity is the food of fools. A “vanity” is also a small piece of furniture with a looking glass (mirror) in which one sits in front of to admire “self.” Vanity or self-centeredness leads to certain death. Recall: Lucifer’s heart was “lifted up” in pride by reason of his brightness and beauty.

Paul summarized your old way in saying:

Ephesians 2:2-3, “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: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” God says: Isaiah 55:7-9, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Repentance is a turning to God’s way.

Repentance is making a complete u-turn from the broad way unto the narrow way – a turning around – a change of direction. This is to turn from the devil’s lie unto God’s truth. Jesus came: Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Recall: the devil led man into the darkness of his lie and blinds by appealing to man to seek the lusts and desires of his flesh – to “do what thou wilt.”

7

Matthew 4:16,

“The people

11-13-07

which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Psalms 85:11, “Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.” Jesus came to bring God’s truth to man and lead him out of the darkness. Luke 1:79, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Truth is what overcomes a lie. Jesus guides us back to peace with God through mercy and truth.

Repentance is turning to God and the opposite of repentance is rebellion which is turning away from God – going backward rather than forward (Jer 7:24). Repentance is only obtained through meekness (dying to self). Rebellion is only obtained through pride (seeking of self). Repentance places God ahead of self. Rebellion places self ahead of God. Repentance gains God’s mercy and rebellion garners God’s condemnation. It is an eternal fact that obedience to God brings life and disobedience to God brings death. God’s mercy is never granted for one who continues to walk in darkness. God will not justify the wicked (Ex 23:7). God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children of them that hate Him (Ex 20:5, Deut 5:9). Iniquity is a certain transgression of God’s will that is repeated over and over as a lifestyle – an addiction. God says: Proverbs 8:36, “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.”

Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, came to destroy the devil’s lie with the light of God’s truth (Jn 1:1-4, 14). John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace (the Holy Ghost) and truth.” 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Christ destroys the works of the devil by leading man in the truth. This is the second part of being “born again” – you MUST by “born of the Spirit (Jn 3:5).” The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth. John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” The Holy Ghost leads, teaches and empowers man to walk in Christ’s perfect example.

We are told: John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” The Holy Ghost is the power from on high (Lk 24:49). But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you (Acts 1:8).” Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power (Heb 1:3). Acts 2:33, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”

The scripture states that Jesus gives “power” to become the sons of God. To become is a process – a walk of faith. Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (also Hab 2:4, Gal 2:20, 3:11, Heb 10:38).” Being “born again” places you at the start of the narrow way and not at the end of

8

11-13-07

the narrow way. There is a path to be walked. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Rm 1:16). Notice the verse states “unto” salvation. The gospel is 1) repentance unto God and 2) receiving the Holy Ghost for power. The combination of the two leads unto salvation – that is restoration.

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rm 5:5). John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” What did Jesus do? John the Baptist said: Mark 1:8, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost (also Mt 3:11, Lk 3:16, Jn 1:33).” So, God’s grace, His love in our hearts is the Holy Ghost whom Jesus gives. The gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many (Rm 5:15). By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (Rm 5:18). Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Rm 5:21).

So, how does one become a son of God? Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” To be led is to be taught to live and apply God’s truth to your life as you love, submit to, obey, trust in, honor and be devoted to God. This is “to become” a son of God “unto” salvation. In other words: Galatians 5:5, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Therefore: we walk in newness of life (Rm 6:4).

The devil also taught man. “The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie (i.e. Jer 28:15, 29:31).” Thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD (i.e. Jer 28:16, 29:32). The devil is a false witness that speaketh lies, uttering from the heart words of falsehood (Pv 6:19, Mt 15:18-19, i.e. Is 59:13, Jer 23:36). The Lord God shall cast such from off the earth (i.e. Jer 28:16)

It was stated earlier that man sits in darkness bound in the bondages of the flesh. It was also stated that Jesus came to bring liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” By following the Spirit in God’s truth, man has the power to overcome the bondages of the flesh. This is freedom. Jesus said: John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Christ actually gives “born again” man power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy (Lk 10:19). “The Way” to destroy a lie is through “The Truth (Jn 14:6).” Walking in the lie brought death, so walking in “the Truth” shall bring “The Life (Jn 14:6).” Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jn 14:6).” Recall: God speaks righteousness and declares what is right and true ( Is 45:19). Jesus was deemed wellpleasing by God and is right (good) and true. Matthew 12:18, “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake (Is 42:21). Truth proceedeth from the mouth of Jesus Christ, who is truth! Jesus is the narrow “Way” unto “Life.”

When man forsakes his rebellion (seeking self) and turns to embrace God’s will (repentance), then God grants mercy or pardon from the condemnation of “thou shalt 9

11-13-07

surely die (Gen 2:17).” Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Through mercy and truth God saves us. Mercy is never granted to walk in the flesh (darkness, transgression of God’s will). 1 John 1:6-7, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Mercy is unto truth. Mercy and truth must lead a man to depart from that which opposes God. Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light (Jn 12:36).

So, here is great understanding:

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 24:25, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 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.” Galatians 5:16,

We can now make some important conclusions regarding one’s life on this earth. There are ONLY two ways in which a man can walk: the broad way and the narrow way. These ways can also be characterized as follows: Light or darkness Spirit or flesh Life or death Faith or unbelief Love or hatred Sight or blindness

Good or evil Truth or the lie Natural birth or “born again” Obedience or disobedience Repentance or rebellion

You choose your path and walk therein. Even so, understand this: “for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Sam 2:3).” Jeremiah 17:10, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Your actions give your heart away. Furthermore, Christ looks at the very thoughts and intents of one’s heart – and it shall tell the story of you. Jesus proclaims to the churches: “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works ( Rev 2:23).” Jesus further says: John 5:29, “And (they) shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation ( Jn 5:29).” In other words, the few who walked the narrow way arrive at life and the many who walked the broad way arrive at death and destruction (Mt 7:13-14). Your intended and chosen path has a predetermined destination (predestined). When you walk one way, then you undoubtedly forsake the other way. You cannot simultaneously walk two opposing paths.

Now when talking about they that have done good or evil, recall: that to do “good” is to “obey” God and thus eat of the tree of life. To do “evil” is to disobey God and thus eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil – to decide right and wrong for yourself – in your own eyes – through the imaginations of your own heart. The “good” obey God on a narrow way that leads to life and the “evil” disobey God on a broad way that leads to death. Its really not that difficult to understand.

10

11-13-07

The Creator shall always prevail over a rebellious creation. For he is strong that executeth his word (Joel 2:11). For wherein they dealt proudly God is above them (Ex 18:11). Therefore: Psalms 18:30, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him (also Deut 32:4, Ps 33:4).” Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints (Rev 15:3). God shall prevail, but whosoever loveth and maketh a lie shall forever be cast down ( Rev 22:15). Recall: the Lord is JEHOVAH, a God of strength. Who shall be able to stand when he appeareth (Ps 130:3, Mal 3:2, Rev 6:17)? Jeremiah 10:10, “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.” Isaiah 2:11-12, “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.”

No one is stationary, you are either walking forward on one path or the other in this life. You are either walking toward God or away from God. Those who walk toward God are becoming closer to Him, meaning more like Him. The fruits of the Spirit are becoming more manifest in their lives.

Jesus is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. Jesus was well pleasing to God (Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2 Pt 1:17, etc.). Man is told: Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” God predetermined that fallen man must conform to the image of His Son who is the image of God the Father. Recall that man was created in the image of God. Man fell and became the image of that which opposed God. Jesus leads and restores repentant and “born again” man to be reconciled back to God – to have peace. Psalms 23:3, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Exodus 15:13, “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.”

How is this done? We are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor 3:18). The Spirit puts God’s truth in our hearts so that we freely desire it. Written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Cor 3:3). Let us fully understand this: Jesus said: Mark 7:2123, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” God’s Spirit changes your heart and what proceeds forth out of it. Hebrews 8:10-12, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more (also Deut 7:9, Heb 10:16-17).”

11

11-13-07

God’s mercy is given because man is now given a heart to walk in God’s truth. Recall: there is no condemnation to those who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit ( Rm 8:1). So, from within, out of the heart of “born again” man proceeds forth the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, righteousness and truth).

How is man taught? The biggest lessons in life are obtained through participation. God’s Word is a living Word and must be applied and lived daily. Christ is our example and we must follow. Colossians 2:6, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” AND 1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Therefore: we walk in the light, as he is in the light (1 Jn 1:7). Jesus said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23).” To take up your cross is to die to the flesh. You must “deny self” which is to walk meek and lowly in heart, placing God and others before self.

Jesus gave man a lesson in meekness and love by washing the disciples feet. Jesus then told them: John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” These same words apply to all that Jesus did and taught: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done.”

There are two natures: the prideful or fleshly exalt self and the humble or Godly abase self. The Lord says: Luke 14:11, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (also Lk 18:14).”

When one fully turns to God and takes up their cross, the Spirit leads and teaches along the way. 1 John 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.” The lessons are often very personal as applied to your life’s circumstances. Step by step, bit by bit, precept upon precept and line upon line you are changed and conformed to the image of Christ. The Spirit convinces of wrong and leads in righteousness. Proverbs 8:20, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.” The Holy Ghost never ever leads contrary to God.

The Spirit works: 1 Thessalonians 3:13, “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” To “stablish” means to make the condition permanent – holiness in this case.

Jesus gave power to become the sons of God. That “power” is the Holy Ghost who dwells within the true believer (Jn 14:17, 1 Cor 3:16-17, 6:19, Acts 5:32). The Holy Ghost leads in the way of righteousness. The Spirit’s role is so crucial to your salvation that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Rm 8:9). This is why blasphemy of the Holy Ghost is the unpardonable sin. Mark 3:29, “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation ( also Lk 12:10).” Why? Ephesians 4:30, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” It is God: 2 Corinthians 1:22, “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” 12

11-13-07

Jesus goeth before and His sheep follow after (Jn

10:4).

Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren (Rm 8:29). Brethren are brothers – they have the same Father. Where did Jesus go? John 16:28, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father (also Jn 16:5, 10).” I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God (Jn 20:7). Jesus leads (through the Spirit) on a narrow way back to God the Father. The way is narrow because your focus must narrow to God alone as you drawer nearer and nearer. You MUST love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27).

Those who walk away from God on the broad way are becoming ever more perverse or opposite of God in their thoughts, opinions, behaviors, desires, etc. When you live as the world and walk as the world, be prepared to partake of it’s burdens (Jer 4:18). This may be particularly hard when you see your children being overcome by all manner of wickedness. For he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth (Jn 12:35). One thing is for sure, those who walk in darkness are not going toward the light.

In Eden, the devil offered man forbidden fruit. The devil always offers forbidden fruit. “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” In a fallen world, that which is forbidden is always desirable. Filmmakers learned that the quickest way to obtain an eager audience is to make their film controversial with forbidden topics. In so doing, otherwise uninterested people suddenly become very “curious,” to put it a nice way. Proverbs 9:17,

Yes, the way of the broad way only becomes broader with respect to sin. The first time drinker eventually becomes a consuming alcoholic. The recreational drug user starts with marjiuana and is soon led onward to much more potent drugs such as cocaine, opium or LSD. The beginning gambler only becomes more excessive. The pornagrapher soon tires of mere photographic nudity and quickly desires that which is more perverse such as films, child porn, voyerism, sodomy, gender reversal, sadomasochism, swinging, bestiality, etc. The serious shopper is never satisfied with their current purchases or merchandise and always covets more – to excess (Lk 12:15). The investor is never content with his current or projected wealth. Ecclesiastes 5:10, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” These are but a few examples of things that easily become instilled in your lifestyle. Self seeking is always accompanied by loss of self control, known as bondage and addiction.

Now it is certainly possible for the unrepentant man to overcome a certain addiction or bondage through much effort. God allows man his free will for good or bad. However, the unrepentant man is always adding new vices or bondages and usually seeks many in parallel to one another. Why? Proverbs 18:2, “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” The unrepentant live a lifestyle that caters to the flesh one way or the other. Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts (also Pv 12:15, 14:12, 16:2, 25, Is 5:21).” Even so, God advises: Proverbs 3:7, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Jacob

13

11-13-07

Isaac had twin sons – Esau and Jacob. Esau was firstborn and as such had the right of inheritance to the blessings God promised Abraham. Esau sought his flesh and did not esteem God’s promises as valuable. Genesis 25:29-34, “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.”

Esau sold his birthright for a mere bowl of soup. This was a very trivial benefit for self yet a great forsaking of the things of God. Multitudes will soon realize as they face eternity, that they have sold their eternal standing before God for less than a bowl of soup. They will have sought their carnal flesh and its pleasures over doing the will of God during this very short temporal life, but shall have lost an eternity with God that cannot be described for magnificence (Is 64:4, 1 Cor 2:9). Jacob saw the value of serving God and Esau did not. God said: “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated ( Rm 9:13).” The Lord says: “them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed (1 Sam 2:30).”

This situation should remind us of what transpired in the garden of Eden. Man had access to every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden (Gen 2:9). There was only one forbidden tree. Man traded his life and relationship with God for the sake of its forbidden fruit (Is 59:2). The lusts and desires of the flesh compete with God’s Word for rule in your life. Who shall prevail? The answer is of eternal importance. You must overcome the flesh in this life. Those who obey God’s Word shall be fully restored. The Lord tells us: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev 2:7).” Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Jesus was also tempted by the devil with food after He has fasted forty days and nights in the wilderness. The devil tempted Jesus to seek the needs of His flesh and turn stones into bread (Mt 4:3). Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (also Lk 4:4).” Esau sought his carnal needs over the promises of God. Jesus sought the promises of God over his carnal needs. Esau traveled the broad way and Jesus led in the narrow way.

Later, Jacob was sent to his mother’s family to avoid his brother Esau’s anger and potential violence. On his way Jacob made a vow to God. Genesis 28:20-21, “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God.” Notice that Jacob desired food and clothing and THEN he would make the Lord his God.

14

11-13-07

Now consider what Jesus later said:

Matthew 6:25-33, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (also Lk 12:22-31).”

Jacob had things reversed and out of due order. We must seek God first and foremost above all things. Jacob was making God his servant. He was tempting God. Jesus was once tempted of the devil to make God His servant. Matthew 4:7, “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (also Deut 6:16, Lk 4:12).”

During Jacob’s twenty years in Padanaram, God greatly humbled him such that he would have eyes to see. Jacob had many troubles. He had served Laban 7 years for his daughter Rachael, but was deceived and initially given her sister Leah (Gen 29:16-28). Jacob told Laban after he had snuck away to go to his father’s house: Genesis 31:40-42, “Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.” Later in life Jacob would acknowledge: “the days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been (Gen 47:9).”

It is only through humbleness that a man will take his eyes off of self and place them upon God – to seek God. It is often only through tradgedy than man will turn to God and acknowledge his inability and weakness. The prideful cannot be taught – for they seek their way. Psalms 25:9, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” To find God you must be meek and lowly in heart. Recall: Jesus said: “learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (Mt 11:29).” The narrow way is designed in such a way as to keep those who travel it focused upon God and His eternal Word. It cannot be traveled by the strength or will of the flesh. Those on the narrow way seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus is Man’s Life

Jesus proclaims: Revelation 1:8, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty ( also Is 41:4, Rev 21:6,

15

11-13-07

22:13).” John 1:1-4,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (also Heb 1:2).”

The Lord gives man understanding. Isaiah 48:16, “Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.” Ephesians 3:9, “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” When Jesus came, He said: “I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world (Mt 13:35).” – the revealing of the mystery (Rm 16:25, Eph 3:9).

This great mystery is that God shall restore man to the former good state through mercy and truth. This mercy and truth is only found in Jesus Christ and He is man’s very life. God’s Word came in the flesh, known as Jesus, and walked and taught God’s truth. Christ said: John 6:45, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” Acts 2:28, “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.” Jesus then offered up His “perfect” life of obedience to God’s will in exchange for man’s sins and then suffered man’s condemnation of death in the place of man to obtain God’s mercy for man (Jn 6:51, 10:15, 15:13, Rm 3:25, 5:11, 1 Jn 2:2, 3:16, 4:10). Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Let us fully understand: 1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life (Deut 30:20). Colossians 3:3, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Jesus said: John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Jesus is the Prince of life (Acts 3:15).

The Lord says: “If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine - for He hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (Ex 19:5, 1 Pt 2:9).” What sort of people shall we be? Galatians 3:26, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father (also Rm 8:15).” Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:18, “And (I) will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Jesus, The Son of God, was the firstborn of many brethren (Rm 8:29). Jesus is the faithful witness and first begotten of the dead (Rev 1:5). – the firstborn of every creature (Col 1:5). Those who follow become the sons of God and receive life by conforming to the firstborn’s image and being faithful witnesses. Christ said of His family: “My mother and

16

11-13-07

my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it (Mt 12:46-50, Mk 3:31-34, Lk 8:21).” Mercy and Sight (Truth) shall Save Thee

Christ’s works of compassion often had double meanings. Luke 18:35-43, “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”

The blind man was blind and bound in darkness. He cried out to God and the Lord was plenteous in mercy. Psalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Man tried to hinder the blind man from seeking God. The blind man requested sight and Jesus freed him from his bondage. Sight represents coming to the light and seeing God’s truth. God’s mercy must lead to sight or the acknowledgment of truth. What did this blind man do with his sight? He “followed” Jesus, glorifying God. Our sight must lead us to be “followers” of Christ – with cross in hand. How Must You Walk?

As discussed, man shall walk or live by either of two ways – God’s truth or the devil’s lie. There are only two ways and you are most certainly found in one of them. Be of understanding and trust ye not in lying words (i.e. Jer 7:4, 8). Jesus told God the Father of His disciples – I have given them thy Word and they have kept thy Word (Jn 17:6, 14). This is the distinction between the two paths. When one truly receives God’s Word then they shall undoubtedly keep God’s Word, meaning to walk therein. Christ’s Words must abide in us if we are to be fruitful unto God (Jn 15:7). One thing is certain of a true disciple: he shall ever be departing from those things which oppose God’s Word.

Jesus said: John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” To “sanctify” is to set apart and the context is for God’s kingdom. The Lord says, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you (Jer 7:23).” Christ specifically says: John 14:15-17, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Christ said of those who should believe on Him through God’s Word (Jn 17:20): John 17:21-23, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they

17

11-13-07

also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” It was stated earlier: Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” When a man obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished in him (Jer 7:28). In other words, he walks on the broad way to destruction (Mt 7:13-14).

Those who do not follow God’s Word are found in the devil’s lie. Since the truth and the lie are opposed one with the other, those walking in the lie hate those walking in the truth. The religious leaders said of Jesus: John 11:48, “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him…”John 15:25, “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.” Christ said: John 15:23, “He that hateth me hateth my Father also.” Jesus said: John 14:24, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” Lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them (Jer 8:9)?” O that they were wise, that they understood (i.e. Deut 32:29). Conclusion

So what is understanding? A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil (Pv 14:16). Proverbs 2:5, “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 8:13, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 16:17, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.” Let us take to heart what Christ taught and Peter later said: Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Remission of sins is God’s pardon from His condemnation of death. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19). This pardon is for the intent to be led of the Holy Ghost in truth to be a son of God. A true son loves, honors and obeys his Father. Jesus gave man a “perfect” example in this matter.

So, God grants mercy for the intent for man to walk in His truth which is the narrow way (it ends in life). God’s mercy is NEVER granted to walk in the darkness or broad way (it ends in damnation). Those who walk the broad way can NEVER arrive at life because it leads opposite of life into death. One MUST repent and walk opposite (U-turn) to be on the narrow way. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment. Why? Because God’s purposes are not to destroy men’s lives, but rather to save them (Lk 9:56).

Religion without understanding is eternally dangerous because it leads to a false confidence that is not founded in truth. Stressing God’s mercy without walking in God’s truth shall be eternally fatal. Mercy and truth is what saves man. Mercy must lead one to walk in God’s truth which is righteousness or the things God declares to be right. To solely claim mercy is to not have full understanding. To overstress “mercy” is to overcome the “truth.” Mercy must lead to the truth not void the truth. If mercy only justifies sin or that which opposes God, then mercy overcomes God and sin triumphs or prevails. Now consider this great error: would God give mercy to justify sin such that the 18

11-13-07

devil’s lie would overcome God’s truth? Did Jesus come that we might be justified in our sin or to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities (Acts 3:26)?

Those who overstress “mercy” at the expense of truth often state: we are saved by grace alone (i.e. Eph 2:5-8). However, they do not understand “grace” or “faith.” Consider grace: Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” So to realize salvation, we must live within what God declares to be right – truth. We must live godly. The acknowledging of the truth is after godliness (Ti 1:1). Notice that Jesus redeems from iniquity and purifies.

The Holy Ghost is God’s grace which is the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 Jn 5:6). Galatians 5:5, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” So, your faith submitted to the Spirit’s leading and teaching produces righteousness which is a life conformed to what God declares to be right.

It was stated that Jesus gave a “perfect” example. What does it mean to be perfect? Jesus defined it as follows: Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” To be perfect is to conform to the image of Christ, who is the Word and truth of God made flesh. You must be found in the image of God. Jesus said: Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” You must have God’s laws written in your mind and heart and serve the Lord with a pure heart (Mt 5:8). Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth (i.e. Josh 24:14). 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Therefore: 1 John 3:3, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Jesus further stated: Luke 6:36, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (as in Lk 10:29-37, 17:4).” Our nature must reflect God’s in our behavior toward others.

This message has presented the way of righteousness or path to salvation as Christ defined it in the “blessed” statements from the Sermon on the Mount. You must seek God with a whole heart and be poor in spirit, mournful, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, pure in heart and merciful (Mt 5:5-8). In doing so, ye shall have peace with God and your fellow man (Mt 5:9). Even so, be prepared to suffer for righteousness sake because the devil is an adversary to all that is of the truth (Mt 5:10-12, 1 Pt 5:8). In this world ye shall have tribulation (Jn 16:33). Christ sends us forth as lambs among wolves (Lk 10:3). The prideful seek self over others and are as predatory wolves – they seek gain to the loss of others (Ps 53:4). Lambs never attack wolves – for they are humble. Jesus said: John 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.”

The issue between those who love God and those who disregard God shall always be the Lord’s Word or truth. To the prideful and rebellious, the Lord’s Word is a reproach and

19

11-13-07

they have no delight in it (Jer 6:10, 19). Jesus said: Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (also Mk 13:31, Lk 21:33).” Christ further stated: John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Mark 8:38, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Psalms 96:13, “Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”

A man’s fruit, works, deeds, ways and doings shall be judged by Christ’s Words or God’s truth. This is the truth that the devil despises and leads man to forsake. Despising God’s Word, meaning to not live by it, is the path to eternal damnation. This also applies to many a religious man. You can be religious and yet lost and ignorant to God’s truth. God says: Jeremiah 4:22, “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”

What are man’s works to be? John 6:29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” You must believe on the Word of God who was made flesh and follow His Words and example (Jn 1:1-4, 14). The Lord loves judgment and says: “I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant (solemn agreement) with them (Is 61:8).” Jesus came to teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do (Ex 18:20). As discussed, Jesus sent His Spirit to write these laws in the minds and hearts of those who believe for an everlasting covenant (Heb 8:10-12, 10:16-17). Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Heb 8:6). Hebrews 10:9, “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first (old covenant written in stone), that he may establish the second (new covenant written in the heart).” This was sealed in Christ’s very blood which is man’s mercy before God (Rm 3:25, 5:9, Eph 2:13, Col 1:14, 20, Heb 13:20, Rev 1:5, 5:9, etc.).

Man must overcome the devil and his lie. Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him (beast – the personification of the devil) by the blood of the Lamb (God’s mercy), and by the word of their testimony (walking in God’s truth); and they loved not their lives unto the death (placing God’s will above all things as Christ their Lord did).” Consider their Lord: Revelation 19:13, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood (God’s mercy): and his name is called The Word of God (God’s truth).”

Man only overcomes the devil and his lie by God’s mercy and God’s truth. Jesus is God’s mercy and truth. Psalms 57:3, “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.” Jesus came to this earth to bring God’s truth. Christ said: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice (Jn 18:37).” 1 John 5:6, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the 20

11-13-07

Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” The water is repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth and the blood is Christ’s atonement to obtain God’s mercy for man. Godliness is after the truth (Ti 1:1).

Jesus teachest the way of God in truth (Mk 12:14). Jesus spoke only the Fathers Words in perfect obedience. Christ said: “He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him (Jn 8:26).” John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” AND “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (Jn 14:10).” John 14:24, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” So, we can conclude that the Word of God was made flesh and spoke truth to man (Jn 1:1-4-14). Everyone that is of the truth hears what Christ said (Jn 18:37). John 3:33, “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” Conversely, those who seek their own way only endorse (sanction) the devil’s lie and oppose God’s truth. Let God be true, but every man a liar (Rm 3:4)

Jesus tells the prideful: John 5:40, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” This is the condemnation and the broad way that leads away from God. The self seeking will not turn unto God in repentance and acknowledge His truth. The Lord shall tell them: “when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not (Is 65:12).” Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations (Is 66:3). John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God (also Eph 5:13).”

In closing, understanding is to “know” God and walk in His truth, which is a narrow way. John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Also: 1 John 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life (also Rm 15:8).”

My friend, this message is a call to repentance (Lk 15:7, 10). Turn from what is right in your own eyes. Turn from seeking your own way. Embrace God and His eternal truth and walk therein. God says: “Ezekiel 33:11, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Eternal separation from God and death shall only be realized through your own free-will. God shall give you what you desire – a separation from the God you despise and whose ways you do not honor. You shall experience the opposite of God which is a hellish nightmare that cannot be comprehended.

21

11-13-07

Jesus always said, “Come follow Me.” Who shall follow? Its not too late, but time is fleeting. Isaiah 55:6, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” Jeremiah 29:13, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart (1 Sam 12:24). David – the Lord’s servant

22