So truthful, it hurts!
The Lighthouse Sentinel
VOL. II NUM. II
2016 HOLY SPIRIT ALL RIGHTS PRESERVED
MARCH / APRIL
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-21
PAID IN FULL
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 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: 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: - Ephesians 3:8-13
Today's
News
Grace & Peace from God
Galatia, Turkey - Don't make the same mistake the church in Galatia did! Let Our Lord Jesus Christ speak to you through His word and live out the liberty that we have in Him. Don't be a fool!
The Risen Lord Jesus Christ told Paul to tell us that we have GRACE & PEACE with God The Father as well as with Him! The church at Thessalonica was a model body of believers but they wanted to know what would become of those that died before them. Read this short letter, (especially chapter 4) to find out! click here to read 1 Thess.
When you hear the phrase "The Second Coming of Jesus", what is your first thought? Is it "look busy"?? In Paul's second letter to the saints at Thessalonica he wanted to assure them that they were not of those that were asleep behind the wheel.....
COMMUNION: Why has the church complicated such a simple command? Starting in verse 23 of this letter to the church at Corinth, our apostle of grace was instructed by the risen Christ about things he had received and now wanted to deliver to us as members of the Body of Christ!
CONTINUED IN NEXT COL
Corinth, Greece - The apostle Paul wrote two letters to this carnal fellowship who were not walking in The Spirit. As a result they were not demonstrating lives that would be consistent with how God viewed them; "complete in Christ". While the first letter dealt primarily with Paul calling them out on division, contention and fornication he reminded them that they were to be as faithful stewards of the mystery of God commencing in unconditional love towards one another.
Rome, Italy: There is therefore now is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 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. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. - Romans 8:1-11
Prophetic
News
Jerusalem, Israel: -
The book of Joel (click here to access) was designed to call the nation to repentance on the basis of the disaster of the locust plague, a token of the more devastating judgment of the coming "Day of the Lord". These judgments fall right in line with what God proclaimed according to the course of curses in Leviticus 26. The prophecy was also intended to comfort the nation with the promise of a future restoration and prosperity in the Day of the Lord, a day of deliverance for Israel and destruction for her foes.
But this great plague is but a mere microcosm of much greater judgment and wrath to come, and it ultimately looks toward the future “day of the LORD.” The book is divided into two major sections:
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The first section deals with the locust plague (1:1–2:17), which includes an actual description of the plague (1:1-12), a prediction of a future day of wrath (1:13-20), and a call to repentance (2:1-17).
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The second section presents promises of future blessing (2:18–3:21) including the land’s restoration (2:18-27), an outpouring of the divine Spirit (2:28-32), and the judgment of enemy nations and Judah’s renewal (3:1-21).
Joel prophesied of a coming destroying army of locusts, God’s punishment for sin being overwhelming, dreadful, and unavoidable. When His wrath occurs, there will be no food, no water, no protection, and no escape! The day for settling accounts with God for how mankind has rejected His word will be dealt with during this time. During times of stress it appears plainly that the cares of this world are most real to us but during this future day of reckoning—not the weather, mother nature, the economy, finances or threats from a foreign invader will matter. mankind will not be able to ignore or offend God forever and he will be forced to pay attention as His wrath is delivered.
This book of prophecy and future judgment of God is in direct contrast to how God is thankfully dealing with us today under this wonderful dispensing of grace! For the last two thousand years, Jesus Christ told Paul to proclaim - Grace and peace from God The Father and from Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Listen to Daily bible here and get through the bible in 1 year!
COMMUNION:
What have we done to such a simple command??
Part I
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Starting in verse 23 of this letter to the church at Corinth, our apostle of grace was instructed by the risen Christ about things he had received and now wanted to deliver to us as members of the Body of Christ! Jesus Christ, on the same night He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread and said: "Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
In verses 25 and 26, Paul who is inspired by the Holy Spirit writes further about Christ's instructions (to us) in the same "template" as before: "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
It is essential that the diligent bible student must first understand who the bible is addressed "to", who is spoken about, and in what context words or a passages are used. If we use that same principle here, we can find out some awesome aspects of what Jesus Christ told Paul to tell us about "communion". I am afraid though, that what Christ would want and would approve of today under His administration of grace, is quite different from what is practiced and taught in many churches across the world. With context and audience in mind, many scholars would agree that Paul is quoting from what Christ told the 12 apostles (ref: Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20). However, we must note that starting in verse 24 of 1 Corinthians 11, that Paul "received of the Lord to deliver to us" that when we break bread or drink we are to remember Christ until He comes again. This foundational principle is cross-dispensational in that its principles apply to all programs of God:
1)Present day saints or those members of the Body of Christ, who in this current age of grace have simply believed that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-10). We are most certainly instructed to think of Him when we eat and /or drink!
2) The kingdom saints (Little Flock - Luke 12:32) or what Christ told the 12 apostles in regards to remembering Him. (ref: Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20).
3) The Tribulation saints who will embrace Christ as their King and await for Him to physically touch down on the earth (Zechariah 8:3-8), should indeed remember Him when they eat and drink.
"However, we must note that starting in verse 24 of 1 Corinthians 11, that Paul "received of the Lord to deliver to us" that when we break bread or drink we are to remember Christ until He comes again. This foundational principle is cross-dispensational in that it applies to both programs of God...."
You may be asking then, "Brother, what are you driving at??"
Here's my point: Do you think people in general like to eat? How about in your home town? How many restaurants, burger stops and other fast-food joints are there.? In my little Italian-American hometown, there are dozens of restaurants, parlors and diners of which one can choose to eat at. The choices are unlimited! God in His infinite wisdom, love and perfection was definitely on to something! If on average, we eat three meals a day (some more some less) than at a minimum should we not think of Him three times? We should indeed think of Him more, but at least when we eat and drink, shouldn't we ponder His finished work on our behalf? Shouldn't we dwell on the One that gave up so much for us so that we can bask in His grace, liberty and freedom??? In my home, communion has a taken on a different meaning nowadays. It's not because we are model Christians or holy beyond perfection but instead, sinners who have embraced a truth of what God would approve of concerning the completed, sufficient and finished work of His Son! Folks, I am not talking about making a public, prayer demonstration to show ourselves super-Godly. I am talking about a thankful heart!
Continued in next column
Look for Communion
A letter from friend...
Part I
Special note to the reader: The following article is based on true events I edited some dialog to clarify for readers as well as update things that I have learned along the way about Christ and His sufficiency!
But most of this is from the actual dialog that occurred nearly nearly 20 years ago. The name has been changed in respect to the privacy of the individual involved. It is my hope that the following dialog and questions will edify anyone trying to understand the distinctive message the apostle Paul brought to believers today as he received it from the risen Lord Jesus Christ (2,000 years ago). This message is otherwise known as the Gospel of Christ. ("Jim-Bob's" questions and dialog will be in BLUE. My responses and dialog will be in RED - Rick)
Q: "I was reading in Acts 18 this morning where Paul was ministering to both Jews and Greeks alike and people believed and were baptized. I thought you told me that Paul didn't baptize people. I could be wrong though...
A: There is a bit of confusion here. I never said Paul didn’t baptize, because he himself stated he baptized the household of Stephenais, Crispus and Gauis in 1 Corinthians 1. Paul himself was baptized. The issue here is whether or not water baptism is still relevant today as our doctrine. Paul by logic would have to have been saved while God's dispensing of the law (or the prophetic program) was still in place of which water baptism was required according to what John the Baptist preached; read John 1:29-31.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
As to why water baptism was performed in the above verses, ask yourself if this is the same reason why we should be baptized today. Do we get water baptized to testify of Christ’s earthly kingdom to Israel? Where then in scripture can we find any relevance to water baptism outside of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts?
Notice the association with “believe and be baptized”. Paul not only baptized; he also healed such as the cripple at Lystra (Acts 14:10). However later in his ministry, he told young Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach troubles. Why didn’t Paul simply heal Timothy of his ailments? Because gradually, healing went away along with other signs and outward wonders including tongues per 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
The “that which is perfect” is not Christ (although He certainly is perfect…). In its context, it means; “that which is finished or brought to a close” or here Jesus Christ’s revelation to Paul. Everything, which is in part, shall be done away with. That is why Paul could no longer heal Timothy. If everything such as signs, wonders, healings, tongues, supernatural knowledge, prophecies etc… have ceased, why was water baptism not a part of this “ceasing”??
This is why Paul boldly stated that "Christ sent me not to baptize, but instead to preach the gospel". We are “dry cleaned”, baptized by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6). Nowhere in Paul’s epistles will you find the phrase that we should be baptized as an outward sign of an inward change. Under Paul’s teachings, Christ told him that there is no longer any national distinction that Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female could be saved by simply believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again for our eternal justification. This simple faith (that Paul called “the faith”) required no expression of faith, no action, no deed, and no water baptism. This was not so prior to the dispensing of grace. The confusion lies in what repentance means. Repentance always means a change in mind. That’s a big difference with what most bible believing Christians think that it means today Jim-Bob. By taking God at His word (faith), we change our mind as free will agents as to what we believe the Father says about His Son concerning what His D, B & R did for us. It’s that simple. Anything else is a works salvation. Now, should there be a life change?? You bet!! That’s what Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church are about. However, he never, never, questioned their salvation according to their conduct.
Q: I don't understand where you get this whole "kingdom gospel" thing because nowhere in the Word as far as I know does God distinguish a difference between a "kingdom gospel" and a I guess what you would call a "grace gospel".
A: Let’s look at some verses because you ask a good question:
Kingdom Gospel:
Matthew 4:23 - And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Matthew 9:35 - And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mark 1:14 - Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Grace Gospel:
Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
1 Corinthians 3:10 - According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2 Corinthians 9:14 - And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Note: Although I called out The book of Ephesians 1:1-19 in my response back to my friend, the epistle is dedicated to Paul's distinctive ministry, the mystery, the grace of God and other doctrinal components. As in any dialog with ANY topic, you pick the best that comes to mind at the time - RCC
Look to the right in computer view or scroll down if using a smart phone for "LETTER" to continue this article
Coffee Corner
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER TODAY
By Cornelius R. Stam
Grace and faith are the characteristic features of this present dispensation. Not only is salvation now declared to
be by grace, through faith, but the Spirit also operates in the believer by grace, through faith. He does not take possession of us and cause us to do what is right, but dwells within each believer (I Cor. 6:19) to provide needed guidance and the strength to withstand temptation, and we may avail ourselves of this provision by faith. The Spirit, who first imparted life to us will also impart
strength to withstand temptation and overcome sin. In our inability to even pray as we ought, "the Spirit... helpeth our infirmities" and "maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:26).
In our weakness we are "strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16) and God even stoops to "quicken [our] mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us" (Rom. 8:11).
"THEREFORE, BRETHREN, WE ARE DEBTORS, NOT TO THE FLESH, TO LIVE AFTER THE FLESH" (v. 12).
The implication from the above passage is that though sorely tempted we are debtors to the Spirit who dwells within and provides overcoming power.The question, in times of temptation, is generally whether we truly desire to overcome, for we may overcome in any given case by grace, through faith. In this present dispensation it is not true that it is not possible for the believer to sin, but it is blessedly true that in any situation it is possible for him not to sin, for the Spirit is always there to help.
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Letter from a Friend CONTINUED
Please tell me if I am wrong. The Gospel of the Kingdom was that Jesus Christ preached that He was Messiah and would set up His kingdom (it was at hand…) if Israel as a nation believed He was the very Son of God. At that time, before Calvary, before Paul came on the scene to reveal what the risen Christ now had to say, you were saved if you believed THAT good news message. Does simply only believing that Jesus is the Son of God save us today under grace?? Do you think there is any difference? Do you think there is still only one gospel or one set of good news messages? In Galatians 1, Paul was most assuredly talking about different "good news" messages:
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Again in Galatians 2, Paul was clearly telling the saints that he communicated a distinct gospel:
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
It was at this time that the 12 led by Peter were beginning to recognize a change in marching orders. They had more to divide over than many ministries do today, yet they were unified in Christ! Paul condemned those who would bring the message of the circumcision to the uncircumcsion. Peter never reciprocated. In fact he said in HIS 2nd epistle, chapter 3, verses 14-18:
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
Q: Why would Peter ask those people in Jerusalem to repent in conduct if they didn't have the power to do any of that...
A: The certainly had the power to change their mind. Their signs, wonders, healings, washings and tongues were to prove that Jesus was the Christ, the very Son of God. The 12 were instructed by Christ to continue to minister as He did and if Israel believed then as Peter said in Acts 3:17-26 God The Father would send Christ back to earth:
And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Earth News
Athens, Greece- While at this Greek city awaiting the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul took notice of something very troubling to him to the point that it stirred his spirit! He became aware of the city being given over to idolatry which had become a foundation for its core beliefs. Paul disputed with the Jews in the synagogues (the self-righteous and religious) and the teachers in the market places (the unrighteous and neo-religionists).
Specifically, the bible says in Acts 17 that he debated the Epicureans and the Stoics who each defended their own philosophy of life. Epicurus, from whom this system takes its name, was a Greek, born at Samos 341 B.C., who, in 307 B.C., founded a school at Athens, and died 270 B.C. The Stoic School, diametrically opposite to this, was founded about the same time, probably 310 B.C. Thus these two systems, having for their respective watchwords "Pleasure" and "Duty", sprang up within the first generation after Aristotle (d. 322 B.C.), each of them holding a half-truth and by exaggeration turning it into falsehood.
Stoicism is essentially a system of ethics which, however, is guided by a logic as theory of method, and rests upon physics as foundation. Briefly, their notion of morality is stern, involving a life in accordance with nature and controlled by virtue. It is an ascetic system, teaching perfect indifference (apathea; we might know it as apathy) to everything external, for nothing external could be either good or evil. Hence to the Stoics both pain and pleasure, poverty and riches, sickness and health, were supposed to be equally unimportant. They accused Paul of being a "babbler" or one who made his living through buffoonery via empty dialog. They knew him only as one who spoke of strange gods due to the fact that he preached Jesus Christ to them. These neo-teachers were only interested in what Paul had to say because it was something new to be heard. Paul, in his determination, stood at Mars Hill which is the equivalent of the center of town and admonished their false beliefs system through reasoning when he said: "Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious (Greek; religious - RICK.) For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (metanoeo: to change one's MIND) Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." Mostly all of the listeners mocked Paul. However, his efforts were not in vain as Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them embraced the glorious message of grace!
The Law of the Spirit
(continued)
Paul clears up the notion of conduct as an indicator of whether or not someone is a Christian in verse 7 of the above passage:
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Christians often consider themselves quite spiritual because they are able to overcome struggles or some vice that maybe others have not. Worse, with this form of self-righteousness, they claim great devotion to God while having nothing to do with resting in Christ and His sufficiency...
We must understand clearly that "BY THE DEEDS OF THE LAW THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT; FOR BY THE LAW IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN" (Romans 3:20).
We should have no illusions as to man's utter inability to please God by works in any age including this age of grace. Our good works should be in gratitude to God not to achive one patrticule of blessing, rightness, blessing or anything else that has not already been completed by Jesus Christ!
So, "The Law of the Spirit" has made us free from The Law of Sin and Death" then friends. Let's not confuse the two when we see someone step out of line lest we fall into the same temptation. Let's exercise brotherly love and help bring them back to right thinking so that they can continue to be a testimony of Christ.
COMMUNION: continued
Unfortunately today, communion has become a ritual, a rite, and in many instances a way of salvation. Jesus Christ never intended this and He through the operation of the Holy Spirit instructed Paul to teach us differently concerning this matter. How many churches argue or even divide over the amount of times in a month they should have communion? It is believed that we are to be quiet in the sanctuary or "solemnly reflect" in our attempts to get right with God, when in fact He has already proclaimed us "right" through Christ! In many churches the accomplishments of the cross and the riches of His grace would rather be replaced by pomp and circumstance, gold and silver as well as guilt and bondage. In the midst of it all and if we are really honest with ourselves, we are too busy trying to "look sorry" and too concerned with our outward demeanor in response to the "ceremony" at hand. The ironic thing of it all is that when the service ends and the coffee and donuts are served that would be the best time to hold communion! Man as always, perverts (or makes opposite) what God would approve of and it is no different in this particular issue. Please understand that Lighthouse Mystery Ministries fully embraces communion as a relevant part of the believers doctrine in this glorious age of grace. However, it is the method of how we as members of "The Body of Christ" execute these God given instructions that I challenge all believers to re-think! We must remember it was Paul who told us that he had received instructions from Jesus Christ that was to be taught to us for our learning and edification.
"Unfortunately today, communion has become a ritual, a rite, and in many instances a way of salvation. Jesus Christ never intended this and He through the power of the Holy Spirit instructed Paul to teach us differently concerning this matter."
