GOIN’ FOR THE GOLD

WHAT IS, THE "GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH"??? 5


I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.  

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phil. 3:10-21

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Cor. 9:24-27

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:6

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.   

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.  

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb. 10:19-25

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Heb. 11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb. 12:1-3

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet. 1:3-5

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1:10-1

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Pet. 3:13

TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING AND TO PRESENT YOU BEFORE HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE WITHOUT FAULT AND WITH GREAT JOY, TO THE ONLY GOD OUR SAVIOR BE GLORY, MAJESTY, POWER AND AUTHORITY, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, BEFORE ALL AGES, NOW AND FOREVERMORE! AMEN. Jude 24-25

(Next: The Struggle)

WHAT IS, THE “GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH”??? 4

 

THE STALKING OF MANSOUL

 

BE ALERT AND OF SOBER MIND; YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR. 1 Pet. 5:8

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:     1 Pet 1:1-2

To the elders among you,... to you who are younger… be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Pet. 5:8-9

So we know that those elect individuals that the Apostle Peter was admonishing, and who were chosen by God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood were being STALKED BY THE DEVIL. We know that it was the devil’s intent to devour them. Whatever that means, it cannot be good!

Do you believe that once these Christians left this world to enter glory some 2000 years ago that the devil retired? (If you do, please stop reading here.) Or did he continue to this very day to “seek someone to devour” who names the name of Christ?

If so, do you believe he is stalking you?

If not, why not? Do you believe that you are exempt from his designs upon you? If so, why so?

DEVOUR:

Strongs - katapinó: to drink down; swallow, devour, destroy, consume.

Websters 1828 - To eat up; to eat with greediness; to eat ravenously, as a beast of prey, or as a hungry man.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He (Jesus) also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through FEAR OF DEATH were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14

The devil’s power of death is his ability to paralyze us by augmenting our own heart’s temptation to FEAR - THE FEAR OF OUR OWN DEATH. The temptation arises in our own hearts in many forms, some subtle and some overt. Given our natural drive for self- preservation in a cursed and fallen world, every economic setback, physical malady or failed relationship poses a temptation to fear that our quality of life is being threatened by a form of “death”. Add to this the reality that at any moment we may actually perish accidentally, by the hand of another or a sudden heart attack, and we become vulnerable to the temptation of unbelief even to the point of apostasy. Thus the Lord would say, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12

(Next: What are we fighting for?  What’s to be gained?)

 

 

 

 

  

WHAT IS, THE “GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH”??? 3

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Heb. 11:1

THE BATTLEGROUND OF FAITH IS THE SOUL

Now there is, in this gallant country of Universe, a fair and delicate town, a corporation called MANSOUL; …a town that I may say of it, “There is not its equal under the whole heaven.”  As to the situation of this town, it lies between the two worlds: and the first founder and builder of it, so far as by the best and most authentic records I can gather, was one Shaddai; and he built it for his own delight. He made it the mirror and glory of all that he had made, even the top-piece, beyond anything else that he did in that country. And as he made it goodly to behold, so also mighty to have dominion over all the country round about.   This town of MANSOUL had five gates, at which to come out, and at which to go in. The names of the gates are these: Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate and Feel-gate.

Well, upon a time there was one Diabolus, a mighty giant, made an assault upon the famous town of MANSOUL, to take it, and make it his own habitation. (Holy War, the sequel to Pilgrim’s Progress by the English Puritan- John Bunyan)                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Bunyan’s classic work dealing with Spiritual Warfare identifies the Battleground of Faith as the Human Soul, MANSOUL if you will

You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; …and, "You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.…Deut. 11:18-19

And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,  "this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the lord: I will put my laws UPON THEIR HEART, and ON THEIR MIND I will write them, " He then says, "and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."…Heb. 10:15-17

HEART - The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure. The seat of the understanding; the seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intentions or designs.   WHAT WE “FEEL”

MIND -The intellectual or intelligent power in man; the understanding; the power that conceives, judges or reasons. WHAT WE “THINK”

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:1

 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. John 12:37-41

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jer. 17:9

The heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Ecclesiastes 8:5.

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jer. 17:10

"I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream!'  "How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal?…Jer. 23:25-27

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.  For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting …Rom. 16:17-18

Behold, I (Jesus) will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.  'And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.  'But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them-- I place no other burden on you.…Rev.2:22-24

The LORD judges the peoples; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.  My shield is with God, Who saves the upright in heart.…Ps. 7:8-10

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.        Isa 26:3

 

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col. 3:1-

What we hear, see, taste, smell and feel greatly influence our heart’s desire and our mind’s contemplation.

BE ALERT AND OF SOBER MIND. YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL PROWLS AROUND LIKE A ROARING LION LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR. 1 Pet. 5:8

THE JOY OF SEX

 

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. ADAM AND HIS WIFE WERE BOTH NAKED, AND THEY FELT NO SHAME. Gen. 2:23-35

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” THIS IS A PROFOUND MYSTERY—BUT I AM TALKING ABOUT CHRIST AND THE CHURCH. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Eph. 5:31-33

At 70 years of age, it is my testimony that the sexual union between a man and a woman produces the most delicious pleasure that can be enjoyed in this life. Surely God designed the enjoyment of that pleasure irresistible so that we do sex so often that no matter “how careful” we are, we make babies! And so, the world goes on from generation to generation according to His plan.

As to the actual joy experienced “in becoming one flesh”, I believe it is a preview of the intensity of joy and pleasure each member of Christ’s body will experience personally in the presence of the Lord. “There are pleasures at my right hand forevermore!” Ya gotta love God for His gift of sexual intercourse as well as for sooooo many other blessings. But, “you haven’t seen nothin’ yet.”  The best is still yet to come. Every time you have sex, thank God, and look forward to the “Fullness of Joy” in His Presence!!!!!!!

WHAT IS, THE "GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH"??? 2

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

BUT YOU, MAN OF GOD, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1Timothy

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines “Fight” as:  A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; it is to strive or contend for victory, in battle or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms.

So, we find several elements to this militaristic directive: an actual engagement of contestants; an actual striving for victory over an actual enemy; a strategy to defeat the enemy; and a use of weapons to accomplish total victory.

SO, HOW DOES ONE “KEEP THIS COMMAND” TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.

What and where are the battlegrounds?

What are we fighting for? Why fight at all? What’s to be gained?

Who or What are we to strive against?

What are the strategies for attaining victory?

What weapons are available to defeat the enemy?

How do we prepare and train for battle?

How do we deal with the losses we suffer in “combat”?

How do we deal with the victories gained in “combat”?

The immediate context of the Apostle Paul’s words of exhortation to Timothy, and to all who count themselves to be a man or woman of God, addresses several areas of conflict.

1. One’s relationship to wealth. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  Remember Lot’s Wife, Judas and Demas all loved this present evil age!

2. One’s confession of faith. “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,…”  Remember the apostle Peter’s warning. “…just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 1 Pet 2:1 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Cor 10:13

And what about “the good confession” that Christ Jesus made before Pilate?

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” John 18

 So, what constitutes a “good confession”?

The public confession that you serve the Lord Jesus Christ who is the King of the Kingdom of Truth that derives its power and authority not from men but from God who rules in the affairs of this world according to His will.

WHAT’S IN YOUR CONFESSION?

Next: The Battleground


(Enlighten us with your thoughts on the FB thread!)

 

 

 

 

 

IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT

 

WOMEN FEEL RESPECTED WHEN THEY ARE CHERISHED, AND MEN FEEL LOVED WHEN THEY ARE RESPECTED.

 

I do take thee to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to CHERISH, till death do us depart.

CHERISH - To treat with tenderness and affection; to give warmth, ease or comfort; to hold as dear; to embrace with affection; to foster and encourage; to treat in a manner to encourage growth, by protection, aid, attendance, or supplying nourishment.

“Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, BUT THEY SEEMED LIKE ONLY A FEW DAYS TO HIM BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR HER. Gen. 29:19-20

“A wife of noble character who can find? SHE IS WORTH FAR MORE THAN RUBIES. HER HUSBAND HAS FULL CONFIDENCE IN HER AND LACKS NOTHING OF VALUE. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Pro, 31:10-12

HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, JUST AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR HER. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”  Eph. 5

 

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Pet 3:7

 

Is this the way you feel about your wife?

 

 

Wilt thou have this man to they wedded husband? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, HONOR, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

RESPECT - To view or consider with some degree of reverence; to esteem as possessed of real worth. To esteem or honor with deportment or course of action which proceeds from regard; as, to treat a person with respect.

A WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER WHO CAN FIND? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. SHE BRINGS HIM GOOD, NOT HARM, ALL THE DAYS OF HER LIFE. Pro, 31:10-12

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, WHO OBEYED ABRAHAM AND CALLED HIM HER LORD. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. 1 Pet. 3

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Eph. 5

Is this how you feel about your husband?

HOWEVER, EACH ONE OF YOU ALSO MUST LOVE HIS WIFE AS HE LOVES HIMSELF, AND THE WIFE MUST RESPECT HER HUSBAND. Eph. 5:21

 

IN THE END, IT IS RESPECT THAT IS THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE!

THERE IS LYING, AND THEN THERE IS LYING

 

/THE SIN OF OMISSION


You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Lev. 19:11

Our national Media and Institutions of Learning have been dealing falsely with the American People for at least the last 50 years by cleverly manipulating us through the “Strategy of Omission". Journalists and Teachers have selectively edited from their reports and from their curriculum information that would block the establishment of the agenda that they intend the American People should adopt and follow. The revision of our Christian history, the legalization of abortion on demand, same-sex marriage and the presidency of Barak Obama are a few examples of just how successful the enemies of Christ have been in implementing the “strategy of omission".

Many Preachers, Teachers and Elders have followed in this Way of Balaam and remained steadfast in their refusal to engage their flocks in the ongoing dialogue as to how we American citizens will live together under law in the United States of America. They have failed to inform the flock as to what the whole Word of God has to say to the ethical and moral issues of our times; and to encourage believers to speak the truth of Scripture to Power. This omission of the Scriptures as part of our national dialogue has been partially responsible for the Culture Rot, the election self-serving, lying politicians and even the slaughter of millions of babies while still in the womb. Thank God, these evils are only to be endured temporarily.

But, all the damage done to our culture by the aforementioned examples of evil is insignificant when measured against the eternal consequences to be endured because many Pastors, Bible Teachers and Christian Counsellors, who have been entrusted with the pulpits of our Christian Churches in America, have purposely avoided their duty to fully declare the whole council of God as it regards the truth of Eternal Judgment and The Lake of Fire, both of which are not temporary but eternally permanent. Their reasons for doing so they will explain at the judgment seat of Christ!

We are told by the writer of Hebrews that Eternal Judgment is one of the six basic teachings about Christ. (Heb. 6:1-2) We CANNOT fully understand the love of God, the necessity and true significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or the wonderful grace of God without an accurate understanding of the Day of Judgment and The Lake of Fire. WE CANNOT!

The proclamation of the truth that God is Love MUST NOT be separated from the proclamation of the truth that God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. God's justice will not be mocked. What a man sows that also shall he reap. We will “get away” with nothing!

The Apostle Paul confidently declared that, "I am innocent of the blood of all man. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."  He makes it clear that those who are entrusted with declaring the Gospel will be held responsible by God for failing to clearly warn all those who are in their charge of the reality of Eternal Judgment and The Lake of Fire.   

“If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself." (God to the Prophet Ezekiel) (Ezek. 33:8-9)

"I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike - the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
I declare today that I have been faithful. I am innocent of the blood of all man. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."
So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his own blood - over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. I know that false teachers, like wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. WATCH OUT! Remember the three years I was with you - my constant watch and care over you, warning you night and day, and my many tears for you."* (The Apostle Paul's words to the elders of the Church at Ephesus) (Acts 20:20-31)

"And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment." (Jn. 3:36)
   

WHAT IS, “THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH”???

 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH.  1 Tim. 6:11

I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.  2 Tim. 4:7-8 (The Apostle Paul)

Our sister Brenda, the evangelist, has proffered her opinion on the definition of “Fight the good fight of faith”. She said, “The Lord opened my eyes a while back to see that this fight is a good fight because we were called to this fight by God and given His Eternal Life to enable us to fight the good fight which is our confession to others that our God is able to do superabundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power which operates in us. Ephesians 3:20

So, how about you? What is your understanding of the Apostle Paul’s words, “Fight the good fight of faith”?

 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

 

Years ago I traveled to Eastern Pennsylvania to teach a seminar on The Tabernacle and Its foreshadowing of heavenly things (but that’s a discussion for another day).  It was the second week in   April, and it was cold! My first morning there I bundled up and attempted to go jogging. I lasted 2 blocks because I thought my lungs might freeze. The next morning, having given up on the idea of jogging, I decided to just walk.  As I stepped through the door to leave I felt l like I just landed in Hawaii!

SPRING HAD SPRUNG!!!!!!!

The sky was so blue, the air smelled so sweet, the birds were chirping a symphony, the trees were flowering, you could literally watch the grass grow, the children were frolicking in the street and everybody was smiling and greeting one another with cheer as a result of Spring Fever. But, alas, the Fever only lasts about a week!

The earth was sloughing off the deadness of winter and clothing itself with the glorious newness of life exactly in accordance with God’s direction. No matter what corner of the planet that we call home, once in every four seasons of the year the Lord infects us with Spring Fever to give us a yearly reminder of the wonderful DAY that He has appointed to renew the Heavens and the Earth.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. FOR THE CREATION WAITS IN EAGER EXPECTATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD TO BE REVEALED. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, IN HOPE THAT THE CREATION ITSELF WILL BE LIBERATED FROM ITS BONDAGE TO DECAY AND BROUGHT INTO THE FREEDOM AND GLORY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD. ROM.  8:18-21

So, an eternal case of the Spring Fever?! Hmmmm?!

EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Pet. 1:13-15 (The Apostle Peter)

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor. 5:1-5 (The Apostle Paul)

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Rom. 8:11 (The Apostle Paul)

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I WILL GIVE YOU LIFE AS YOUR VICTOR’S CROWN. (The Lord Jesus Christ)

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. THE ONE WHO IS VICTORIOUS WILL NOT BE HURT AT ALL BY THE SECOND DEATH. REV. 2:8-11

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Tim. 6:12

“And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”  (The Apostle John) Revelation 20:12-15

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his EXCEEDINGLY GREAT and PRECIOUS PROMISES, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to  perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1:3-11