Controlling Anger

“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9 NASU)

[Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,]

A modern idiom of this would be “do not go about with a chip on your shoulder daring someone to knock it off.” Or, “do not be quickly or easily offended.”

[for anger resides in the bosom of fools]

A biblical idiom for anger is “fire.” A fool harbors anger until it, like a wild fire, burns out of control. But a wise man, caught with his guard down, may feel offence for a moment, but it cannot burn in him; it is a fire kindled which he immediately extinguishes.

“Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger.” (Proverbs 29:8 NASU)

“A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back (controls his anger).” (Proverbs 29:11 NASU)

Like laughter and sadness, human anger is a product of the emotion. In the same manner as laughter and sadness is a result of the emotion being stimulated by something being interpreted as being funny or sad, anger is a result of an interpretation of a statement, deed or circumstance as being negative or an offence. If left unattended human anger is a bitter root that fosters strife, malice and revenge and produces an attitude of hate; and hate, like a fire, destroys the soul.

”For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” (Proverbs 30:33 NASU)

The Apostle Paul saw outburst of anger as a basic element of the sin nature of man (Galatians 5:20); thus he writes:

BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Ephesians 4:26 NASU)

He seems to indicate here that anger can be present but when controlled does not lead to sin. Yet he shortly admonishes believers to avoid anger, among other vices.

“But now you also, put them all aside ANGER, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” — (Ephesians 3:8-10 NASU).

And he emphasizes again in the very next chapter,

“Let all bitterness and wrath and ANGER and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NASU)

And in another letter he writes,

“But now you also, put them all aside: ANGER, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8 NASU)

Then he writes Timothy saying,

“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath (anger) and dissension.” (1^st Timothy 2:8 NASU)

Other writers also acknowledge the presence of anger in a believer’s life. But the common counsel is, anger, like a fire that is kindled, must be quickly extinguished or it will soon burn out of control.

The Apostle James writes concerning anger,

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to ANGER; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19-20 NASU)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up ANGER.” (Proverbs 15:1 NASU)

Now since it is clear from the Holy Scriptures that human anger does not achieve the righteous life that our God desires and requires of us, how must we control anger?

Love, like hate, is an attitude; and they are opposites. Hate is of the flesh or the natural man. The attitude of hate is a result of anger stimulated by something believed to be an offence, inspired by the destroyer of the soul, Satan. Love is of the spirit, or the supernatural.

The attitude of love in the heart of man is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Rom. 5:5) granting the revelation of the true knowledge of Christ defending the soul from death at Calvary; inspired by a by a Holy Father who desires from His heart of love that all who believe should inherit eternal life (John 3:16).

This our Lord taught,

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:27-31 NASU).

This our Lord did,

When He became angry at the officials of the temple He performed acts of healing (Mark 3:2-6). Also, knowing that Peter would deny him, served him by washing his feet. And then there was Judas who would betray Him, He washed his feet also. When Jesus was unjustifiable carried before mock courts, mistreated, spat upon, cursed, beaten and crowned with a crown of thorns, he could have become very angry---but instead He uttered no threats against them. While hanging on the cross He could have became very angry and called down the armies of heaven to destroy His persecutors, but instead, from a heart of love, He prayed to His Holy Father to “forgive them for they know not what they do.” Love controlled His emotions and He was not provoked.

Therefore,

“Love-----is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered.” (1^st Corinthians 13:5 NASU)

Thus love is the key to controlling anger.

True believers must overcome anger and not sin—therefore we must put on Christ that we might have His attitude of love within us.

And,

“Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NASU)

And further, by the power of the Spirit that indwells you “---- prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does (James 1:22-25 NASU). Selah.

James C Sanford

Building His Church

Who is man that he can build for our Lord a church?

Christ is the Master builder of His Church (Matthew 16:18)! Placing our Lord’s name over the doors of buildings that are replicas of Babylonian temples and establishing a religious order does not constitute His Church.

Men of a religious order tried to build a tower into the heavens, but God came down and confused their language, thus they could not continue and their efforts failed and they became scattered or divided (Genesis 11:1-9). Men of today who are trying to build a church are as the men who tried to build the tower; their efforts are destined to fail also. These men are preaching from a different spirit and/or their own intellect many different interpretations of the gospel; as result there are many different beliefs, thus there is many different denominations; much division or scattering.

On the Day of Pentecost, when men stood up to preach, they were filled with the Holy Spirit of God and all were preaching one gospel, one truth in many languages, and this same Spirit gave understanding to men of many tongues or languages, bringing the penitent into a oneness of faith (Romans 10:17), united as one in the love of Christ.

Men who have taken to the pulpit of the congregations that have gathered in our Lord’s name must, by the Holy Scriptures, with the Holy Spirit as their guide, examine themselves to see if they are preaching the truth by the Spirit given on day of Pentecost. If they find that they are speaking by a different spirit or by their own intellect, then they will know their speech is confused and divisive. Only the pure truth that is taught by the Spirit of Truth and unites men’s hearts in faith and the love of Christ is the acceptable message of the Church of our Lord.

Men’s efforts apart from the direction of the Holy Spirit is poor and miserable and without the power to preach the gospel of Christ. Any person or group of people that substitutes a mere man for the Teacher that Christ gave to teach and guide His people into all truth will find themselves in gross error and will miss the kingdom of God. Further, men who establish their own religion and twist the Scriptures to agree with their doctrines will never enter the true Church.

The heart of the gospel message is---You must be born again (John 3:2 & 5)!! Being born again is not an option; it is mandatory if one is to become a member of the true Church. One must be called of God by His Holy Spirit and enter His Church with a broken and contrite heart (Acts 2:38) completely emptied of fleshly acts and thoughts and become as a little child (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17). Then Christ will feed and nourish His children with His word. Through the ever abiding presents of the Holy Spirit He will teach and guide His disciples into all truth, thus He is building His Church.

The summary is this---The true Church is the Church that Christ established on the day of Pentecost. His Church began with great power through the giving of the Holy Spirit; and by the power and boldness of the same Spirit, men appointed by Christ, preached His truths and three thousand souls were added to His Church that day (Acts 2). This same Spirit, working in men appointed of Christ who are preaching His gospel (Romans 1:16), is the power of His Church in the earth today. Hence the Church of our Lord is the converted souls of men, converted by the word and Spirit (John 3:5) and not of the intellect of man.

When one enters the Church of our Lord Jesus he does not become the builder and he is not allowed to take things from or add to, for Christ remains, to this present day, the builder; ---and His Church--- the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

James C Sanford

It Won’t Be Water But Fire Next Time

We have been praying for the residents of Southern California as raging fires have destroyed thousands of homes and resulted in the greatest evacuation since the Civil War. News reporters have used the word “hell” to describe the conditions as hot windstorms whipped the fire across thousands of acres... at one point creating what looked like a tornado made of fire.

A colleage asked a poignant question. Could this be judgement? Could God be telling us something?

Earlier, I was enjoying a sermon by Pastor Mike Macintosh in which he mentioned a disturbing law recently passed by the governor of California.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed a bill into law that defines gender as “sex, [including] a person's gender identity and gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth.” This means that terms such as “mom” or “dad” are practically outlawed in California schools.

This also suggests that a boy who considers himself transgendered can go into the girls’ showers... and vice versa.

Could this be judgement, or simply coindicence?

Type rest of the post here

Elimelech

We have our latest “Seven Minutes of Wisdom” about a man who left an uncomfortable position and moved to a place that wound up killing him. Click the link below to give a listen:

Click Here to Listen

¹IN THE days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, his wife, and his two sons.

²The man’s name was Elimelech and his wife’s name was Naomi and his two sons were named Mahlon [invalid] and Chilion [pining]; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem of Judah. They went to the country of Moab and continued there.

³But Elimelech, who Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.

⁴And they took wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They dwelt there about ten years;

⁵And Mahlon and Chilion died also, both of them, so the woman was bereft of her two sons and her husband.

⁶Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in Moab how the Lord had visited His people in giving them food.

⁷So she left the place where she was, her two daughters-in-law with her, and they started on the way back to Judah.

(Ruth 1:1-7 AMP)

The Bell

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you are!?

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
p.s. Don't ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Thank you Marilyn for sharing this with us

More Signs of the Times

I was contemplating the news about Israel considering giving half of Jerusalem to the Palestinians may have slipped under the radar. Israel is considering this as a means for bringing peace. But, according to the Bible, this move signals the soon return of our Lord.

¹BEHOLD, A day of the Lord is coming when the spoil [taken from you] shall be divided [among the victors] in the midst of you.
²For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses rifled and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Zechariah 14:1-2

This news is exciting (for some), for it lets us know that the things that are happening in the world are signs of the return of Jesus Christ. It is not time for the church to be sleeping. Rather, the church needs to get busy doing the work of the kingdom.

I hope you have made and secured your travel arrangements!

Get right... or get left!

A Babe Born of Christ

Material things are all temporal; and most are mere shadows of the spiritual things, things that are eternal. As we look deeply into the material, the things that are natural, we can see into the spiritual, the things that are the eternal supernatural. Doing so gives us a better understanding of the things that the Holy Scriptures is teaching; but we most do so by the guidance of the Holy Spirit or we will fall into error.

With the Holy Spirit as our teacher we look at the natural birth of a child to better understand the new birth of a child of the spirit, a child born of the Spirit and of the imperishable seed of God (1^st Peter 1:23).

When a baby has reached five months from conception in the mother’s womb, the baby begins to hear. When the baby reaches six months, the eyes have developed to the point of opening and closing and can detect light; while the baby is being birthed the eyes are closed because of the fluids; until the nurse cleans the eyes they are still closed; even when the eyes of the baby are first opened, because of the bright light, they see poorly.

As the eyes adjust to the light, sight improves daily and is fully developed after two to five months. But upon birth, of the five senses, only the hearing, feeling (sense of touch), smelling and tasting are fully functioning. Thus the learning process begins without the benefit of fullness of sight. As the infant begins to hear the sweet voice of the parents even while still in the mother’s womb, and also, after birth begins to feel their tender touch, smell the fragrance of their loving presence and taste the warm milk from the mother’s breast the character of the child begins to form. Thus the nature of the parents is the foundation of the child’s life. The child has no part in the conception, birth or the beginning of his character; this is all the work of the parents.

“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17 NASU)

The analogy is this: One must be born into the kingdom of God in the same manner as the conception and birth of a little child or he does not enter at all (John 3:2&5); a babe born of the Word of God (John 1:1-2), born of Christ (John 1:14), hearing the voice of his Lord (Romans 10:17; John 10:27), feeling the tender touch of His spirit, smelling the fragrance of His loving presence and tasting the sweetness of His word---living by faith (Rom. 1:17)---spiritual eyesight improving from “faith to faith”---being created in the likeness of his Father (Ephesians 2:10); these are the children of the kingdom of God.

James C Sanford

Saving Sex City

Repentance and Prayer

Prayer is not a religious abstract theoretical recitation of empty chatter that only derives some sort of temporary physiological relief or benefits for the mind of man. Also prayer should not be thought of as a mystical experience in which people lose their identity in the infinite reality. Neither does prayer involve a ritual of bowing the head, closing the eyes, falling to the knees, pounding of the chest and etceteera. Prayer is not propelling oneself into an imaginary realm of dreams, false hope and wishful thinking.

Prayer is simply speaking with God in a reverent conversational manner as a child speaking to a loving, compassionate Father who understands the immaturities and weaknesses of His children. Understood in this conversation is the fact that the one who is praying is both humble and expectant; absent of mere wishing or being demanding. Any outward physical acts such as closing of the eyes, bowing of the head and kneeling should be a spontaneous sincere expression of humbleness and reverence from the inner man before his God. Further, prayer is also an exchange of confidence: the one who prays assumes the posture of a trusting child and prays with faith that is made complete by obedience; God remembers his frailty, loves him as His child, hears and answers his prayers.

God speaks to His children by His Holy Spirit and His children in turn speak to Him, spirit to Spirit (1^st Corinthians 2:10-13). Assured by the Holy Spirit through the revelation of Scripture that God is a personal, living, active, all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful and caring Father; as a result of the work of His Spirit we know that He does hear and help us in our time of need.

Before entering into conversation with man’s righteous Creator one must be in right standing with his heavenly Father. Therefore prayer is a time of confession and repentance. Awareness of God’s holiness leads to consciousness of our own sin nature (Isaiah 6:5). Also, by learning of the vicious nature of sin we realize it not only destroys the sinner but also hurts those closest to him and destroys his relationship with God (Genesis 4:1-16); sin is violation of God’s laws which has been given to govern our relationships with Him and one another (Psalm 51:4).

The great prophet Isaiah wrote:

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Fellowship with God requires a heart that is empty of sin and worldliness. A heart filled with disobedience, earthly projects, carnal interests, ambition, thoughts of becoming rich in worldly goods, and with the love of the luxuries and pleasures of life is a candidate for repentance.

In order to repent one must recognize his sinful condition and turn his back on sin and turn with faith toward his Savior, Jesus Christ, for forgiveness. This is accomplished only through convictions brought about by the leading of the Holy Spirit; resulting in a deep sorrow and remorsefulness for crimes committed against God.

Thus repentance is the empting of one’s soul of sin through the merit of the shed blood of Jesus and preparing the heart for fellowship with a holy and righteous God. We must confess our sins to God and repent to get right with Him. He, in turn, forgives us of all unrighteousness (1^st John 1:9).

“God is love.” (1^st John 4:8)

To the “born again” prayer is a response to the love of God. This great love was expressed by our heavenly Father in the giving of His Son for the atonement of man’s sin at the cross of Calvary; and in His resurrection in victory over death, as well as His continuing abiding presence and fellowship through the Holy Spirit. Thus we understand that the love that is from God conditions the heart of the believer for prayer. And so it is that the very cornerstone of the prayer of faith is the love of God expressed in His living and abiding Word, Jesus Christ.

God’s greatest desire is that we love Him with our total being (Matthew 22:37). Our love should be expressed, as His has been expressed, in both deeds and words. Each time love is expressed, in words or deeds, it grows stronger. People sometimes find it difficult to say to others and to God, “I love you.” But when love for God fills our lives, we will express our love for God by loving one another and in prayer to the one who is ultimately responsible for all that we are or ever hope to be.

Prayer is not only a response to God’s grace as brought to us in the life and work of Jesus and the teaching of Scripture; it is also a tool to supply the needs of others. The prayer of faith can reconcile marriages, move mountains, change lives, heal the sick, raise the dead, cause the lame to walk, the blind to see and etc.; hence proper prayer releases and directs God’s divine love, authority and power into any given situation and circumstance.

What hinders answers to prayer? Several hindrances to prayer are mentioned in the Holy Scripture:

• Iniquity in the heart (Psalm 66:18)
• Refusal to hear and obey God’s law (Proverbs 28:9)
• An alienated or estranged heart (Isaiah 29:13)
• Sinful separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2)
• Waywardness (Jeremiah 14:10-12)
• Praying to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5-6)
• Pride in fasting and tithing (Luke 18:11-14)
• Lack of faith (Hebrews 11:6)
• For those of us who are married, relationship with one’s spouse (1^st Peter 3:1-7)
• And then there is also double-mindedness (James 1:5-8)

⁵But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
⁶But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
⁷For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
⁸being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
(James 1:5-8 NASU)

Our heavenly Father desires that we have a loving, compassionate relationship with one another. Therefore, He has promised to answer our requests when we:

• Start helping the hungry and afflicted (Isaiah 58:9-10)
• Forgive others (Mark 11:25-26).
• Trust Him; thus He answers when we believe that we will receive what we ask (Mark 11:22-24)
• Honor our Savior and ask in Christ’s name (John 14:13-14)
• Abide in Christ and His words abide in us (John 15:7).

Also, God is Spirit, thus we must pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:8) and obey the Lord’s commandments (1^st John 3:22); and lastly, ask according to His will (1^st John 5:14-15). The Apostle James writes,

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:13-16 NAS)

Thus, prayer can be seen as a practical and powerful tool granted to the penitent, humble believer by a loving and responsive, living, infinite and Almighty God.

Finally, repentance and the prayer of faith bring peace and rest to the soul and assurance that he has been heard by a loving and responsive Holy Father. Selah.

James C Sanford

Faith Working by Love

For change to take place in ones life it is necessary to change what he believes. Most people just don’t want to change or they do not feel that change is necessary.

A person’s acts, deeds and the words he speaks---his character, define him; that is who he is. If you are not what you say you believe then you don’t really believe it and you deceive yourself.

If you believe the world you will become like the world.

If you are religious and believe false doctrines then you are a living religious false doctrine.

If you believe the word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit, then you will become the word of God (Galatians 4:19).

Faith is expressed through love.

If you have not the love of God it is impossible to have a saving faith (1^st Corinthians 13:1-3).

Love is the reality of faith---further, acts of faith (obedience to the word of God) are expressions of love toward God.

Biblically defined faith is hearing God, believing Him and obeying from a heart of love (Rom. 10:17).

Thus, these three:

1. Divine love as the foundation
2. The word of God as the corner stone, and
3. Obedience, is divine faith working in the true believers life.

When our Lord was here on earth He was the embodiment of the word of God, He was God’s truth, the word of God in the flesh (John 1:14).

The true church is the body of Christ in the earth today (Ephesians 1:22-23).

A member of the church that our Lord is building must become like his Teacher (Luke 6:40).

This can only happen through faith working by love (Galatians 5:6 ff).

If we will only love, believe and obey God He will create us to be Christ body (Eph. 2:10), a church that is a “pillow and support of the truth.” (1^st Timothy 3:15)

James C Sanford

Consider the Works And the Gifts

Consider the works that Jesus did, and then consider the works that we who say that we believe should be doing.

¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do , he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father (John 14:13 NASU).”

James is writing to the church here.

¹³ “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:13-16 NASU).

¹⁷ “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.”

(James 5:17-18 NASU)

Do we really believe? Then why do we still suffer? Does our unbelief hinder us? Is there a body of believers practicing these truths today? Or do we just have a “form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.”

Then James points to the prayers of Elijah as an example, a man of like nature as our own:

Where are the Elijah’s of today?

Now consider the gifts of the Spirit:

The gifts of the Spirit are for the edifying of the body of Christ, the church. Tell me, where are the gifts truly working in the church of today? We are not speaking of emotional demonstrations with no lasting results, but true gifts working with life changing results.

⁶ “There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

⁷ But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

⁸ For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

¹⁰ and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

¹¹ But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

¹² For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.

¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”

(1^st Corinthians 12:6-13 NASU)

If we were baptized into one body and all made to drink of one Spirit then why are there divisions among us?Could it be because of carnal mindedness (1^st Corinthians 3:1-4) or unbelief (Matthew 13:58)?

Consider the works and the gifts---can we now say we believe?

Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.

James C Sanford

Children Shooting Up Their Schools

But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in fierce anger (fury), because he knows that he has [only] a short time [left]!
(Revelation 12:12b AMP)

Columbine was a horrible event in American history. Yet, it paled in comparison to the Virginia Tech killings. We all cried about that and wondered how things could get so bad.

There was one thing we did not suspect, however. We did not suspect that it would happen again.

And, again...

There was a rampage in an Ohio school when a young man named Asa Coon. This troubled young 14-year-old killed himself after a shooting rampage at his school.

A potentially worse tragedy was averted in Philadelphia when a young student was caught with high-powered weapons and plans to “Columbine” his school.

People are asking about warning signs... but Revelation 12 tells us the greatest warning sign. Satan realizes that his time is short and is doing his best to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

These are the last days. Jesus is coming soon. Get ready.

Repentance is...

Repentance is the empting of one’s soul of sin and preparing the heart for the sowing of the good seed, the word of God. This is accomplished only through convictions brought about by the Holy Spirit; resulting in a deep sorrow and remorsefulness for crimes committed against God. Just as the farmer tills the soil and prepares it for the sowing of the seed, like so is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man.

The word of God requires a heart which is empty. A heart filled with earthly projects, carnal interests, ambition, thoughts of becoming rich in worldly goods, and with the love of the superfluities and pleasures of life is not fit to receive the seed of the kingdom. (John 8:37)


James C Sanford

Thanks to DD2 for this...

One Sunday morning a usually long-winded pastor preached gave his shortest, but one of his most effective sermons ever. He said, “My sermon this morning has only three points.”

“First, over three million people in the world today are homeless and many are starving.”

“Second, most of you don't give a damn.”

“And third, it is a shame that more of you are upset by the fact that I said the word, ‘damn,’ than by the fact that over three-million people are homeless and starving.”

Either you forgive or you don't…

My mom sent me this email, and it touched me deeply because if you haven’t lived a perfect life you often find your actions under scrutiny. Even though God has forgiven our sins others find it necessary to bring it up again and again.

The Blood of Jesus

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart.

She responded to God’s call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.

But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church.

She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor’s son.

The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.

This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor’s son.

The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.

The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor’s son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.

He began to speak and his statement was this:

My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here.

What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin.
Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters.

Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:23

If God can forgive me who are you to judge?

Not one is perfect none, not one.

Jesus became our perfect lamb. He led a perfect life so that we could be washed free of our past.

And what a feeling it is to find yourself finally white as snow. Who can do that for us but Jesus?

I pray constantly to be like Jesus and how I fall short. But I continue to pray in hope that over

Time I will become like him. Able to really forgive, able to really love. Jesus love was gentle, he didn’t threaten

And scream at people His actions spoke more of His life than anything.

What do your actions say about you?

Isaiah 43:25

“I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”

Worship Together This Week

WORSHIP TOGETHER THIS WEEK

Free Sheet Music
O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
The Glory Of It All
Everything Glorious

New Song Cafe
O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing with David Crowder

Now Playing in the New Song Jukebox
Every song on David Crowder Band's new CD, Remedy!

Featured Bible Study
Our Love Is Loud by David Crowder

Featured Article
My Pastor Doesn't Understand Me

Featured Worship Leader
David Crowder*Band



REMEDY: FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD & STREAM THE WHOLE ALBUM
David Crowder*Band is back with their next collection of music! The new CD, Remedy, is full of great new songs that your church can sing. This week you can listen to the entire Remedy album plus get a free MP3 Download of "Everything Glorious"! So sit back, open up the New Song Jukebox and enjoy the new music. You'll be blessed and refreshed!

Right-click here or on the image above and choose "save target as" or "save link as" to easily download the FREE MP3 file!

REMEDY SONGBOOK
This songbook includes Piano/Vocal/Guitar Sheet Music, Lyric Chord Charts and Overhead Masters for every song on David Crowder Band's new album Remedy including The Glory Of It All, O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing, Everything Glorious, Rain Down and more! Buy it now!






FEATURED ARTICLE: MY PASTOR DOESN'T UNDERSTAND ME
There's no doubt about it. It's the most common single issue that crops up among the many worship teams I've talked to: conflict between worship team and church leadership. It gets expressed in a variety of ways: “the vicar insists on choosing all the hymns... our pastor doesn't believe in worship leaders... the leadership team never give us any direction... we're never given space to try out new things”. These and many other comments are the staple of worship team discussions up and down the land. So if you can identify with this, don't feel it's unique to your church! Why is the relationship between worship teams and church leadership so often fraught with tension? More...




DAVID CROWDER BAND: REMEDY CD
David Crowder*Band took us on a musical journey with their last project A Collision. That journey leads us right to their next release Remedy, an album that is filled with singable eclectic worship songs - songs of hope, encouragement and challenge as evidenced by the radio single Everything Glorious, the title track Remedy and the memorable Never Let Go. More...

Worship Together This Week

WORSHIP TOGETHER THIS WEEK

Free Sheet Music
Hallelujah, What A Savior - Vicky Beeching
Join The Song - Vicky Beeching
Everything Glorious - David Crowder

New Song Cafe
Hallelujah, What A Savior with Vicky Beeching

Now Playing in the New Song Jukebox
O, For A Thousand Tounges To Sing - David Crowder*Band
Remedy - David Crowder*Band
Hallelujah, What A Savior - Vicky Beeching
Great Is Your Glory - Vicky Beeching
Everything Glorious - David Crowder*Band
Join The Song - Vicky Beeching

Featured Bible Study
The Greatest Gift

Featured Article
Remedy Is Coming - Listen To 2 Brand New Songs

Featured Worship Leader
Vick Beeching




DAVID CROWDER BAND PREVIEW - LISTEN TO NEW SONGS
We've been listening to David Crowder*Band's new album Remedy and couldn't wait to let you all hear it so we're letting you listen to 2 of the new songs - "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" and the title track "Remedy" - this week before the album comes out next Tuesday. Make sure check out the site next week for brand new content from Crowder!

Listen to these great new songs in the !





RECOMMENDED SCORCH UPGRADE
About two weeks ago we identified an error occuring with the printing function for some of the Scorch purchased sheet music. Sibelius has corrected this issue and released a new version of the software, version 5.0.4 build 4.We strongly encourage that you upgrade to this new version. When you use Scorch to get the free sheet music download or to purchase sheet music you will be prompted to upgrade to this new version.

Download the new version of Scorch HERE!

If you have ordered sheet music in the past few weeks and have had trouble printing, the links that you have been experiencing trouble with should print after you install the new version of Scorch. If you have any questions or are still experiencing trouble with your sheet music please contact http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=33cb1acf649a9d4d6ae11fa60c2f9e317431ddab&composeto=order@worshiptogether.com&composecc=&subject=&body=




GUITAR SONG LEARNER DVD: VOLUME 3
The Musicademy Song Learner Series for Worship Guitar - teaching contemporary worship songs in the context of a 12-20 minute lesson which enables you to master appropriate strumming patterns, find easy shapes for complex sounding chords, cheats for quick chord changes plus hints, tips and techniques which will further your playing beyond learning the song itself.

Each lesson is significantly more than a quick run through of how to play the song. As experienced educators, we at Musicademy realise that students new to a musical principle need to have the information broken down, repeated slowly and then consolidated in the context of a song. The DVDs therefore show each new section of a song, play it through a few times before each element is bolted together in a step-by-step way. Using this methodology not only does the student understand the technique and how to apply to other songs, but also gets each sequence into muscle memory. More...

Nobody's Perfect

Our latest MP3, seven minutes of wisdom, is entitled Nobody’s Perfect.

Click here to listen!

We Are The Class of ‘54

We are the class of ’54 looking back to the days of our youth, the days of our morning sun. To the days that followed the “Great Depression,” to the days when this nation’s “Greatest Generation” was rejoicing with the coming home of our troops from WWII; in those days our parents struggled to recover from the pain of the economic depression and the heartbreak of war. We are the children that were born in the mid-thirties reflecting of the days when the front door was always open, back before locked cabinets or childproof lids were on the medicine bottles, the days when Castor Oil was a cure all---to the days when chicken was caught off the yard and cooked and served as a delicacy on Sunday---but only when the preacher or other company came. In those days the little boys played cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers using their fingers as simulated guns and the little girls played with imaginary dolls; in those days the Sears and Roebuck catalogue was truly a “wish” book. In those days we who lived in rural areas studied by lamp light while awaiting the arrival of electricity---TV was yet future as we set around the battery radio to listen to the “Grand Ole Opry” on Saturday night.

In those days most all of us were poor, but never hungry, challenged but never deprived and the skill of innovation was learned out of necessity. We were blessed with parents and teachers who were experienced in the struggle against the pain of heartbreak and the misery of hardship; and it was they who taught us hard work, loyalty to good causes and dedication to our commitments, along with honesty in all our dealings. These were complimented with teachings of integrity, courage, toughness and tenacity that prepared us to reach to the next rung of the latter; giving up was not an option. They taught us to be responsible and they held us accountable for our own actions. Promotions to the next grade level and rewards were given only when earned; there were no free rides. Humility was a virtue and boastful pride was viewed as a flaw in character. The word “NO” was an answer that did not require an explanation and “time out” was a term used only in sports.

Yes, they, our parents and teachers, also knew how to love; they knew the strength, gentleness and the toughness of love. And by example they taught us respect for others and how to pray and to love God, country, family and each other. They knew as we approached our day that the cool morning would give way to the heat of the noonday sun and they did their best to prepare us.

The heat of the noonday came and our strength was severely tested. We too faced wars, recessions and other problems of our time. There was sweat, tears, pain, anguish and just plain ole heartache; we were knocked down, but not defeated. Like our parents before us we never counted that the world owed us anything, not even an apology. We felt the pain of loss but we never lost the will to succeed. We got up, brushed ourselves off and tried again---eventually we met with the sweetness of success. Hard times gave way to laughter and joy. Oh no! Our success is not measured in money and material things, but in the accomplishment of things that were for the common good of everyone around us. As we look back we see an accumulation of many friends, and children have been added also. And soon, in the mid-afternoon hours, there are grandchildren and later in the day the exciting expectation of great grandchildren.

Yes! Oh yes! It is a lovely day filled with the greatest treasures one can possess in this life. And now is our time to encourage the younger generation with the smile of wisdom in the early morning of their day. Now is our time to give love and compassion to our children and their children, to listen, to comfort, to brush away tears, embrace and give a helping hand in the heat of their noonday sun. And now it is our time to settle back and enjoy the fruit of our labors as we watch our treasure grow.

Yes, every day has its sunset and most of our parents and teachers and even some of our classmates have already seen the closing of their day. The time of the setting of the sun on our day will come as well, and we, the class of ’54, will behold it with a sigh and welcome its peaceful beauty as it closes our day. The evening hour will find us joining our loved ones in a restful sleep, waiting the dawning of that bright eternal day---God is so good.

James C Sanford

In the Midst of the Storm

“Traditions of men” are customs, guidelines, principles or beliefs viewed as a consistent standard of practice. Such precepts, doctrines and traditions are usually passed along orally and/or by practice influencing the present; and may vary somewhat from one generation to the next. Even such traditions passed down with written instructions are subjected to each generation’s interpretation and scrutiny and will vary somewhat because of their understanding.

If there were ever any foundational truths in such traditionalism it is lost in the evolving process. Following the tradition of men, or even “traditional thinking,” is described biblically as a state of “hard heartedness. ”In modern day language we might would say that a person has become “set in his ways” or that he is “hard headed. ”Such a condition causes a person not to see, hear, understand, believe or even effectively remember the things of God {Mark 8:15-21}.

Quite often the word of God is “neglected” or “set aside” {Mark 7:8-9} or made of “no effect” {Mark 8:13} in ones life by the insistence upon following the “tradition of men. ”Sometimes it takes a storm in our life to shake us loose from traditionalism that we may experience the truths of God. To effectively learn the things of God we must be freed from the tradition of men and turn to our Heavenly Father for Him to open our minds to His ways and teachings.

We begin with an account of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Immediately after Jesus had fed the five thousand men, plus the women and children {Matthew 14:15-21}, He commanded the disciples to get into the boat. The Scripture reads as follows,

“And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away” (Matthew 14:22 NAS).

Another account tells us that He commanded them to “go to the other side to Bethsaida” (Mark 6:45).

Note that the NAS bible says, “He made them.” The KJV bible says, “He constrained them. ”The word “constrain” means to demand, compel or to make. Now our question is, why was it necessary for Jesus to demand, compel or have to make the disciples get into the boat and go to the other side to Bethsaida? Scripture does not tell us in print why; but the Scripture does tell us of the frequent storms on the Sea of Galilee. It also tells us that all of the disciples, except Judas Iscariot, were born and reared around the Sea of Galilee. Most were fishermen who spent a lot of time on the sea earning their living. They knew that the sea, at certain times, could become a treacherous and deadly place to be because of the sudden violent storms. Traditional wisdom of men taught that a person just did not go out on the dangerous Sea of Galilee with night approaching and risk their lives to go to a unrepentant “cursed city” (Matthew 11:20-21). Therefore, the Holy Spirit is indicating that they were leaning to their own traditional wisdom and knowledge (Mark 7:8).

As a result of their traditional thinking they apparently resisted or opposed Jesus, the Word of God, and made it necessary for Him to compel them. They had been amazed and astonished at the miracle of the five loves and two fishes. But it meant little more than a magic show for they did not really comprehend in depth His love, mercy and grace and the power and authority that belonged to Him. Pre-conditioned or traditional thinking, biblically known as “hardness of heart,” had caused them to attempt to “set aside” the words of the Lord Jesus. They must be shaken loose from their traditionalism and learn to lean upon and trust in Him. By now they should have known that if they obeyed His command to “get into the boat and go to the other side” that absolutely nothing could stop them from completing their journey.

“And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already many stadia away from the land (in the midst of the sea), battered (or tormented) by the waves; for the wind was contrary (opposing them). And in the fourth watch (between 3 and 6 AM) of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, ‘It is a ghost! ’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid’. ” (Matthew 14:23-27 NAS)

Quiet often, after a day of ministering, Jesus would go to be alone to pray and fellowship with His Father. While the disciples were in the boat without Him their worst fears came upon them; the dreaded storm began raging against the boat in the midst of the sea while Jesus was on the mountain praying. Traditional wisdom of men would tell them that they were doomed! !

This brings us to our next question. Why would Jesus send the disciples out to sea knowing they were going to encounter a violent and potentially deadly storm?

Experience is a great teacher! One does not quickly forget the things he has experienced under extreme circumstances. Their experience with the storm would test and build their faith. Jesus knew He would soon suffer and die on the cross leaving them in the midst of another violent storm. Traditionalism would be a hindrance in the cross experience; it would take a strong faith in God to see them through. Like a coach conditioning his players for the competition that lies ahead Jesus is preparing His disciples for the struggle that they unwittingly face.

They had been struggling against the storm for some time when Jesus came to them walking on the sea. When they first saw Him they did not recognize Him. They thought Him to be a ghost, considering the fact He was walking on the sea, and they became even more frighten. Jesus greeted them saying, “be of good cheer” (KJV) or “take courage” (NAS); “it is I; do not be afraid. ”The lesson He is teaching, to them and to us, is the storms will come because of the enemy; but we are to resist the storm and take courage or be of good cheer (stand fast in faith) knowing that if we are where He has commanded us to be--He will not abandon us---He, the Master of the sea, will come to us in the midst of the storm

As we continue the account of the storm we find Peter calling out to the Lord saying, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. ’And He said, "Come! " And Peter made his way down out of the boat and began to walk toward Jesus as the storm continued to rage. But Peter, taking His eyes off of Jesus, looked upon the storm and fear and doubt overcame him; immediately he began to sink. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me! ”And Jesus, being filled with love, mercy and grace stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him,

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt? ” (Matthew 14:28-31)

It took faith, trust and courage for Peter to leave the boat to walk on stormy water toward Jesus. If he had continued in faith he would have made it to Jesus walking on the sea in the midst of the storm. We all, like Peter, have our moments of faith and trust; to continue in faith and trust we must not look upon our adverse circumstances but continue to look upon (Hebrews 12:2f) the One who has beckoned us to “come” to Him.

As Jesus lifted Peter from the water they walked to the boat as the storm continued. When Jesus and Peter were both in the boat the sea became calm. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying,

“You are certainly God’s Son! ” (Matthew 14:32-33).

Their personal experience with Christ in the midst of a storm made them realize that He is the Son of God. His miracles were no longer just something that amazes them but they were now seen as loving acts of God bringing about His will in caring for His people.

In the presence of Christ there is an atmosphere of serenity. The sea became calm and peaceful and the disciples began to worship and praise Him as the Son of God. Something else of interest followed. Remember that Jesus had commanded them to cross over to the cursed city of Bethsaida? The events of the storm had changed their course and they were being taken toward Gennesaret, the place known as “the land of miracles;” there they would be gladly received.

“And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; and they began to entreat Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured” (Matthew 14:34-36 NAS).

The people of Gennesaret recognized the great love, mercy and grace that the Son of God has for His people and they came bringing their sick expecting life saving miracles.

All of God’s people face trials and troubles, or what we are calling storms in this lesson. Storms come in many different forms; sickness, financial difficulties, losses of different types, religious persecutions and etc. Temptations to do evil are not storms! ! God allows storms to come upon us but He never tempts anyone with evil. If we respond correctly to storms we will have a personal relationship with Christ like we never had before. In the midst of the storm He teaches us that we can trust, lean or depend on and draw nearer to Him. We learn how and desire to talk to Him more. In other words, our prayer life greatly improves. Our love for our Savior grows and our love and respect for others is greatly increased. We learn who we are in Him and how to exercise the authority that He gives us in His name (Matthew 16:19).

The Apostle James writes,

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4 NAS).

The testing of faith produces endurance and the perfect results of endurance is fortitude, determination, strength, courage and staying power; a state of perfection and completeness in Christ lacking in nothing. The purpose of such conditioning is for standing firm against the powers of the devil when we are tempted with his evil (Ephesians 6:10-19).

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NAS)

The following words were written by the apostle Paul who laid aside the traditions of men (Philippians 3:8-12) and weathered the storms, following the example of his Savior, and now he has gained the prize he so faithfully sought (Ephesians 2:6).

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NAS).

James C Sanford

the Judge

Sadly, we are critiqued,
By the people that we know.
By title or occupation,
And by the possessions that we show.

We judge by skin color,
Or by awards received.
By church denomination
And by what we believe.

We're judged by what we spend,
Or by what we give.
We're judged by age and gender,
And by where we live.

We're judged by our past,
And by our education,
By the language that we speak,
Or by our nation.

We evaluate cosmetically.
We judge both fat and small.
We judge by ones appearance.
Fact is, we judge it all!

Some judge because they're paid to.
Some judge intentionally.
Some judge to build self worth,
Some unwillingly.

BEWARE, for there is only One,
Who evaluates every stain and smudge.
Good luck amateur critics of humanity,
When you face that Judge!
by: B.G. Wetherby


2 Corinthians 5
(14) We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death.
(15) He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.
(16) No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time we judged Christ according to human standards, we no longer do so.

Galatians 2
(6) ...God does not judge by outward appearances...

Galatians 5
(4) Those of you who try to be put right [or teach others to be put right] with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace.
(5) As for us, our hope [thru His Son] is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith.
(6) For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack [the laws] of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love.

Why Go to Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I've gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”

This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

The Hebrew Covenant

The Biblical meaning of the word “covenant” appears to indicate “a special bond”, which emphasizes the relationship of faith and trust that is the basic of all covenants. A divine covenant is not like a contract, which involves a person or person’s special skills or talents and has a time limit. A divine covenant involves the whole being of the parties involved and is eternal, ---everlasting. A covenant is oneness; meaning in harmony, in full and complete agreement; the two parties are one. It is a covenant of promise; and of faith, hope and love.

To understand a divine covenant it is helpful to have at least some knowledge of the Hebrew laws and customs given to them by God. The believer’s relationship with our heavenly Father is based upon a divine covenant between God and His Son and a covenant between God’s Son and the believer. When the believer has knowledge of a divine covenant it gives understanding of many of the doctrines of God’s Holy Scriptures.

A covenant is always made between a greater and a lesser person. The one is greater in love, faith, knowledge, wisdom, authority, and etc. To study the covenant ceremony we will break it into eight parts. The ceremony is full of meaning both to those making the covenant and to the witnesses of the covenant. We chose to study the covenant in eight parts because the number eight (8) is a symbol of infinity or everlasting and eternal. As we study we will carefully examine each part of the covenant to broaden our understanding of our own covenant relationship with God through Jesus, His Son.

Part one in making covenant was the exchanging of robes. Once the decision was made to make a covenant the two parties met, usually in an open field, in the presence of witnesses. Mount Calvary would be an example of such a place. The first step was the exchange of robes. A likeness is seen in the covenant made between Jonathan and David that is recorded in 1^st Samuel beginning in chapter 18.

In verse 1 we read that “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.” Jonathan’s soul had become one with the soul of David and he loved him. Jonathan recognized David’s love and faith toward God and saw that through his acts of faith he had become the savior of Israel. (read 1^st Samuel chapter 17). Even though Jonathan was the king’s son he saw David as being the greater person and desired to become one with him. He wanted to have the same love and faith toward God that he saw in David.

“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Then Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David,----. (1^st Samuel 18:3-4f)”

The exchanging of the robes symbolized the putting on of one another. It meant that one person took on the identity of the other and vice versa.

When, by revelation we receive the gift of faith (see Romans 10:17), we recognize Jesus as the Son of Man and the great love He has for His heavenly Father and for man, we see and understand the great faith He exercised in the defeating of the enemy and becoming the Savior of the world. Our souls become knit with the soul of Jesus and we love Him as we love ourselves. When this happens we desire to become like Him and enter into covenant with Him. To make covenant with Him we must, by faith working through love (see Galatians 5:6), meet Him in the open place of Mount Calvary outside the camp where the sacrifice has been made. By faith working through love, on the cross with Christ we give Him our cloak of flesh, which is a cloak of sin. By faith working through love, we become one with His death and we die to sin. In exchange for our cloak of sinful flesh He gives us His cloak of righteousness, His heavenly nature, His divine image; He gives us a cloak of eternal life and fellowship with the Father.

The Apostle Paul writes,

”I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The second part is the exchanging of the belts or girdles. The belt is a symbol of strength. After giving David his robe Jonathan gave David his belt. The exchanging of the belts is symbolic of the strength of the lesser being exchanged for the strength of the greater.

In our covenant with Christ by faith we exchange the sickness and disease of the flesh, our weaknesses, faults and failures for His strength. Where our love for the Father is weak, His is strong. Where our love for one another is weak, His is strong. Where our faith in the Father is weak, His is strong. When we give Him our weaknesses, in exchange He gives us His faith, hope and love; the same faith, hope and love that gave Him strength to overcome sickness, disease, death, hell and the grave. Jesus takes our sin, our failure, and our total inability to please the Father and in exchange gives us His total right standing before God. He takes our sin and gives us His righteousness. He takes our dead spirit and gives us the Spirit of life. He takes our defeat and gives us His victory. He takes our slavery and gives us His throne (see Col. 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:6).

Part three is the exchanging of armor and weapons. Jonathan also gave David his armor and weapons. Again, the lesser recognizes the greater superior armor and weapons. The exchange also symbolizes the fact that they have a common enemy. The enemies of one are the enemies of the other. If one of the covenant members is attacked the other is obligated to come to his aide.

“--- Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Since our struggle is not against flesh and blood, by the power of the Holy Spirit we must exchange the weakness of the flesh for the armor of Christ; having our loins girded with the belt of His strength which is His truth and putting on the breastplate of His righteousness, we shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace and take His shield of faith with which we will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. Also we put on the helmet of His salvation and arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We pray and petition at all times in the Spirit, that is the prayer of faith. These are the weapons and the full armor of God. For all who have been baptized in Christ have been clothed with Christ (see Galatians 3:27).

Part four is the killing of the sacrificial animal, usually a lamb, goat or a calf. The animal was killed and cut into two parts and laid aside; one half to the left and the other to the right. The purpose of the animal sacrifice was symbolic of dying to ones self and living for the other. The animal was the substitute for the actual death of the covenant partner. Apart from dying to ones self there was no covenant. The animal’s blood was the witness of the death and the sign of the covenant. As long as the covenant was not broken the death of the animal was sufficient as a substitute. If the covenant was broken there remained no longer a substitute sacrifice for death.

Christ Jesus is the believers covenant sacrifice. When we make covenant with Him and by faith die unto our self, Jesus is our substitute death. His blood is the testimony or witness of His death that He died for us and is the sign of the covenant. The Holy Spirit and the word of God agree and bear witness of His death.

“For there are three that bear witness, the Spirit and the water (the word of God) and the blood (the testimony of His death), and the three are in agreement (1^st John 5:8). ”

Part five was called walking into death or the path of blood. Actually it was the oath part of the covenant. The individuals making covenant would call upon God to witness the covenant as they walked around and through the two halves of the sacrifice making the figure 8 as they recited the agreement of the covenant. An oath was taken that went something like this---“May it be done to me as unto this animal if I break this covenant.” Or they might have said, “Lord, I swear to keep this covenant with my friend, and if I fail to do so, may the judgment that fell upon this animal fall upon me.” Or, again, it may have been a marriage vow---“I promise to love and be faithful unto death.” The covenant was so binding that to break it would warrant the transgressor’s death.

Adam broke faith with God and through his sin came death to all mankind. Because Adam allowed lust to enter His flesh the flesh became an enemy to God, therefore, it was a veil between God and man. Jesus is the sacrificial offering for man’s sins and in Him the veil is removed. He died in our stead and through the shedding of His blood we have forgiveness of sin.

At the cross where Jesus died we make our profession of faith,

“-------‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,’--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved, for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed’ (Romans 10:8-11). ”

“-----and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit.” (1^st Corinthians 12:3ff)

The Spirit of God knows the heart of man and bears witness of the proclamation.

Jesus makes the death walk with us through the sacrifice, which is His body, as we proclaim our oath of faith. The death walk is symbolic of our crucifixion with Him. Jesus gave His life for us, and according to the covenant, we must give our life for Him. Jesus was raised up for us and we are raised up with Him if indeed we die with Him.

Jesus was the veil of flesh that was torn that through Him we have entrance into the Holy of Hollies.

“Therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19-22)

The animal sacrifice being cut in halves is in likeness of the torn veil of flesh. The temple veil being torn when Christ was crucified was a sign of the veil being removed in Christ.

The sixth part of making a covenant was the cutting of the wrist, known as “the striking of the hands.” The individuals would cut their wrists just short of the palms of the hand, and each would allow the blood to flow. Then they would grasp each the others hand allowing the wounds to be bound one to the other. The mingling of the blood from the wounds was symbolic of each one’s life flowing into the other. Both bore the scars of the covenant. As they greeted others they would wave with an open hand. The person being greeted would see the scar and know that he was in covenant and the works he did was for the best interest of his covenant partner. The custom of waving or shaking hands in greetings, making peace agreements or even contracts is derived from “the striking of hands.”

By faith we believe we ”strike hands” with Jesus on the cross. By faith we believe when one comes to Christ he, by the Spirit, is crucified with Him. Not beside Him, above Him or even below Him, but with Him. By faith we believe that by the Spirit we hang on the cross with Him. By faith we believe that the nails driven into His hands are driven into our hands also; our hands touching His, wound to wound. This is the “striking of the hands.” By faith we believe His blood mingles with our blood. Our life flows into Him and His life flows into us. Also, by faith we believe that by the power of the Spirit we die with Him, are buried with Him, and the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead raised us up with Him. The life we now live in the Spirit we live for Christ and it is by the same Spirit that His life is manifested in us.

Man’s hands are often symbols of his works. The Holy Scripture teaches us to lift holy hands unto God. If by faith we believe we have been crucified with Christ our hands are indeed holy. They no longer do the works of Satan but now work for God. When holy hands are lifted toward God, by faith we believe that God sees nail scared hands that identify the worshiper as one whose sin nature has been crucified with His Son. The worshipers are identified with Christ and their works and praise are accepted as being a holy sacrifice unto Him.

Part seven is the blessings and cursing. Every covenant ceremony contains an oath of blessings and cursing. The people who are making the covenant stand before witnesses and read out a list of possessions. The purpose of this was to say, “All that is mine is now yours.” The second part of the oath was made up of blessings and curses.

In Deuteronomy, chapter 28, we find a good example of the blessings and cursing. These are a part of the “old covenant” God had with His people. The blessings are contained in verses 1-14 and the curses are found in verses 15-68. There are blessings for total commitment by faith to the covenant and penalties for breaking the covenant. This is even true of any agreement between men. If we keep our agreement it has its reward. If we break our agreement we not only lose our reward but we are faced with penalties.

Consider the blessings of the “new covenant,”

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:16-17)

And also consider Phil. 4:19,

“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Then there is Galatians 3:26-29, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all who are baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

And how much severer are the penalties!!!When we commit sin against the new covenant in Christ Jesus it also has its penalties. Jesus is our High Priest and is seated at the right hand of the Father continually making intersession for our failures and shortcomings, our sins. When we sin the Holy Spirit convicts us and then we are judged. If we judge ourselves and sorrowfully repent provision for our forgiveness has been prepared for us through Christ Jesus. If we do not judge ourselves and repent then this is willfully sinning and we place ourselves in jeopardy of “certain terrifying expectation of judgment” by God Himself.

It is written,

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. But a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace. For we know Him who has said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay. ' And again, 'The Lord will judge His people'. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God ” (Hebrews 10:26-31).

And the Apostle Peter writes,

“For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb,‘ A dog returns to its own vomit.’ and, ‘A sow. after washing, returns to the mire’ (2^nd Peter 20-22). ”

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, you may receive what was promised. ‘For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. ’But, My righteous one shall live by faith, and IF HE SHRINKS BACK MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.’ But we are not of those who shrink back to DESTRUCTION, but of those who have FAITH TO THE PRESERVING of the SOUL.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)

It is a sad mistake for anyone to depend upon a false doctrine for salvation while continuing to willfully sin. Salvation comes only by grace through a PRESERVING FAITH in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Jesus is our intercessor and the Holy Spirit is given as our helper, there is no excuse for failing!!God is on our side. (For an example of persevering faith study the life of Jesus and read Hebrews, chapter 11).

The eighth and final part of the covenant was the meal. Bread and wine was part of the meal. One would break a piece of bread and dip it into the wine and place it in the others mouth. Then the other person would do the same. The bread represents the body and the wine represents the blood, the soul or life of a person. The dipping of the bread into the wine was symbolic of the giving of both body and soul to the other. Each one feeding the other was symbolic of becoming one through the giving of each one’s total life to the other.

Partaking of the Lord’s Supper is the believers covenant meal. It is a time when we meditate upon the covenant and the meaning of our Lord’s death. Of how His body was bruised and His blood was poured out for us. It is a time for reflecting on how He “finished” His course of faith in the covenant with His Father (John 19:30); a time to remember the completion of His part of the covenant with us; a time to remember His great gift to us and to reaffirm our oath to be faithful to Him; a time of thanksgiving and a time of praise.

Jesus gives us the bread and the wine that is symbolic of Him giving His body and soul (or life) to us. But we do not have any bread and wine worthy to give to Him. One day our course of faith will be finished and the Passover covenant will be fulfilled in us; then we will be face to face with Him and be perfect as He is perfect (Luke 22:15-16). Then He will sit down and complete the covenant meal with us and we can share with Him the bread and the wine that He has given us (see Luke 22:15-18, Matt. 26:29 & Mark 14:25). Then it will be known as the marriage supper. If we are ever mindful of these things how could we break our sacred vow of faithfulness to Him??

James C Sanford

Let There Be Light

God and God’s word are frequently spoken of as lights or lamps to enlighten and guide the believer.

“And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all:.” (1^st John 1:5)

A person that does not know, or rather is not known by God, is said to be in darkness. It is the word of God that enlightens and restores the soul of man in God’s light.

It is written,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

The use of the word light in this manner is a figure of speech containing an implied comparison. Since light is used in such descriptive and symbolic terms concerning God and His word we may find it beneficial to study the origin and purpose of light.

Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines light as the form of electromagnetic radiation that acts upon the retina of the eye, optic nerve, and etc., making sight possible. This energy is transmitted in a vacuum at a velocity of 186,000 miles per second. To sum up Webster, light is a form of energy flow that travels in a vacuum at a very high rate of speed. When the energy rays make contact with the eye it activates sight.

In likeness to light activating the physical sight, the word of God activates the spiritual sight. Darkness is a type of blindness, for one cannot see where there is no light. The same is true concerning spiritual darkness. Man in spiritual darkness cannot see, know and understand the great attributes of God; he is in a state of darkness and death.

The Psalmist cried out,

“O send out Thy light and Thy truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Thy holy hill, and to Thy dwelling places.” (Psalms 43:3)

The Apostle John writes,

“In Him was life, and life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

It is the Spirit of life in the Word of God that enlightens the souls of those in darkness and gives the light that illuminates the way unto life. The Word of God is the light of God and is in perfect harmony with God; for He is the Son of God.

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary describes light as illumination; the opposite of darkness. From Webster’s and Nelson’s definitions and the Holy Scriptures we understand light to be radiant power; moving, active energy originating with God and is from God.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

When God spoke the command, “Let there be light,” by His word He created and released a dynamic energy flow that He called light. His “light” is the great beauty and blessing to all that exist in the universe. Light, generated by the word of God, is a beautiful flow of energy, power and authority that makes known God’s magnificent presence and manifest His radiant glory. Light, in likeness to its parent, is pure, righteous, eternal, and unchangeable and knows no boundaries. Light is in opposition to and takes authority over darkness; where light is there is no darkness. Light is a teacher, for it removes darkness and reveals that which was hidden in darkness and gives knowledge of that which was previously unknown.

Light purifies and restores and supports life but light cannot create or impart life; this quality is reserved for The Word from whence it came. Truly light is a reflection of the word and has many qualities of the Spirit who gave it.

“And God saw that the light was good---- .” (Genesis 1:4f)

The light was in harmony with the word of God and is just as God willed and appointed it to be. This harmony is why light is used in such descriptive and symbolic terms throughout the Holy Scriptures.

God is a Spirit, He did not need light nor darkness. Then the question arises; Why did God create light? Light itself is a manifestation of God’s glory and would also aid in displaying His marvelous works. God, being a spirit, was invisible. But all His great attributes would clearly be seen in all that He created under His pure light.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood by what has been made---.” (Rom. 1:20f)

His light would serve as a supporter, a guide and a teacher to all that He created. God, through light, would take a world of darkness and chaos and turn it into a Kingdom of Light. Light, and all of God’s creations would aid in His redemptive work and over power the evil that lurks in darkness. He would fill the earth with His wonderful light and radiant glory.

Why was light created in the beginning of the first day? Light was God’s grand entrance and announced His presence. God did not give the earth light from the sun, the moon and the stars until the fourth day. For the first three full days the command of His word was the only light given for the world. He wanted it clearly understood that He is the source of light. As great as light, the sun, the moon, the stars and all things created by Him may be, man was to see the great value of The Creator and worship Him, ---not the things created.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. And God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. And God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. And there was evening and morning, a fourth day.” (Genesis 1:14-19)

All that God created He gave for a specific purpose according to His perfect order and plan. The sun is not greater than its Creator, and the moon is not greater than the sun that gives the moon its light; and the stars are not greater than the sun and moon. But each has its place in God’s perfect order and each has its own radiant beauty and glory from God. In the same manner in the God Head there is perfect order; it is the Father who is the authority and He loves and honors the Son; The Son, The Word of God, is obedient to and glorifies the Father and He loves and honors the Father; and the Spirit embodies the Father and the Son and it the Father who gives His Spirit through the work of the Son and the Spirit speaks in the name of the Son and works to glorify the Son and the Father.

Each member of God’s house embraces and upholds the other. Therefore, perfect harmony and unity in love is the order of Gods house. All things, the universe, the earth and all that is in it, including mankind, are designed after the order of His house that all may be in harmony as one and embrace and uphold the other. There is no selfishness in God’s house; that is of darkness.

James C Sanford