A Kingdom of Truth and Love

“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘what is truth?’”

(John 18:37-38)

In a sense Pilate was asking Jesus, do you admit the charge in any way that the Jews have brought against you, or do you lay claim to a kingdom of any kind?

Jesus answered in a form of expression denoting affirmation. It is equivalent to yes.

This does not mean simply that Pilate affirmed that he was a king; it does not appear that he had done this; but it means, “You affirm the truth; you declare what is correct, for I am a king.” I am a king and do not deny it.

Jesus continues to state that He was born into the world that He might set up and maintain a kingdom “not of this world” but a spiritual government. By this He showed what was the nature of His kingdom; this government is established in and by love and truth. It was not to assert power; not to collect armies and not to subdue nations in battle. It was simply to present truth to men; and He would close the establishing of His kingdom of truth with the greatest expression of love ever made toward man. Thus He writes His laws upon the hearts of men and exercises dominion only by the power of love and truth. Hence, the only power put forth in the kingdom of our Lord to restrain the wicked is in convicting the sinner, in converting the heart, in guiding and leading those who come to Him, cleansing and sanctifying them, by applying truth to the heart and mind through love. All that love truth, hears His voice and attends to the spiritual doctrines He teaches.

Therefore it is by truth and love that our Lord influences the minds and governs the people of His kingdom. Men are not forced to enter His kingdom. Through the hearing of truth they are made to see that they are sinners; and that God is loving and merciful, that they need a Redeemer, and that He is the One who loved them enough to pay the price for their redemption, and yield wholly to be governed by Him---the Living Word of God.

During the time our Lord walked the earth there were many opinions concerning truth; and some had even supposed that it was a thing utterly out of the reach of men. Pilate perhaps might have asked the question, “what is truth” in a mocking way; and in not staying to get an answer he indicated that he either despaired of getting a satisfactory one, or that he was indifferent about it. Nevertheless all truth in heaven and on earth was standing before him and he did not know Him.

To know Christ, the living Word of God, is to know truth, for Christ is the embodiment of all truth (John 1:14). Like Pilate, most of mankind had lost sight of truth and Jesus came that He might restore truth and righteousness in the earth. Apart from truth man cannot be in right standing with God, therefore man must seek to know God’s truth.

The word truth is defined as a statement or an act that conforms to fact or actuality. Fact is exact and cannot be altered; thus fact has no variation; and truth conforms to fact, and it too, to remain truth, cannot be in part, vary or be altered. Fact and/or truth are the standard by which all else is measured. To make a statement or to do an act that adds to, takes from or omits the facts is a distortion, a variation and a misstatement that does not represent and uphold the facts; thus it is not truth.

Truth establishes trust. Trust is defined as confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability and justice of a person or institution. If a person or institution is to be trusted they must be known for speaking and abiding in the truth. It is the element of trust in truth that has the power to transform the lives of men.

The Apostle Paul writes,

“I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

(1^st Timothy 3:15ff)

God’s word---His truth, is His expressed power and authority; therefore the power and authority of the Church is God’s truth. His truth has the power to deliver the souls of men from the prison of darkness---the dungeon of death, and to bring them into the kingdom of light and eternal life. I fear that in the these modern times ungodly men have crept in preaching a different “Jesus” than the One who suffered and died to redeem the souls of men---a different One than the Apostle Paul preached; and as the serpent deceived Eve they have led God’s children astray (2^nd Corinthians 11:3-4). Myths, fantasy, fiction, fables, lies, the practice of observing pagan holidays, rituals, idolatry, immorality, traditions of men and things like these---these have NO saving power---they are the opposite---they are of the kingdom of darkness. These have no place in the church of the living God; for the true Church is Christ body in the earth today, the embodiment of truth.

“These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you, but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”

(1^st John 2:26-27 NASU)

If indeed you have come to know the Son of the Living God stir up the gift of the Spirit that is within you. You are without excuse for you have the power within you to know, understand and walk in love and truth. To be a member of the body of Christ, the Church, one must be faithful to seek to know and be obedient to---and faithfully speak the truth. Keeping God’s truth is a key element of divine love. One who knows God’s love has and is obedient to His truth.

“And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself walk in the same manner as He walked.”

(1^st John 2:3-6)

When trials or tribulations come to the true believers, they stand because their foundation is laid by the word of their Lord. They know the truth and do not profane or pollute the name of their Lord with the lies of paganism.

“‘As for you, O house of Israel’ thus says the Lord God, 'Go serve everyone his idols, but later, you will surely listen to Me, and My holy name you will profane (pollute) no longer with your gifts and with your idols’.”

(Ezekiel 20:39 NASU)

God’s people of faith are members of the true Church that will endure (James 1:2-4).

• They refuse to bow to heathen gods even though they may go to the fiery furnace (Daniel chapter 3) or to the lions den (Daniel chapter 6).
  

• They will not take the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13:14-18; 14:9-12) because they love not their life “even unto death” (Revelation 12:11).
  

• They bear the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 3:8-9) and present their bodies a living and holy sacrifice (1^st Peter 1:13-21) acceptable to the service of God, not being conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2), but being transformed to the image of their Lord (Galatians 2:20; 5:22-23)
  

• When the “tares” (the children of lies) are removed, the “wheat” (the children of truth) will be gathered into the barn” (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43).

“O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill, and to Your dwelling places. Selah.”

(Psalm 43:3)

James C Sanford

A View of the True Church

A View of the True Church

By Randall Walton

In this twenty-first century of the Christian era, there is a massive array of religious organizations that are known as “The Church.” Most of these institutions consider themselves an example of the true and accepted church of God, or as having God’s stamp of approval.

But of the hundreds of different denominations scattered abroad, no two are exactly alike, by which we know that they are most certainly not all “God-ordained.” In fact, it is our solemn conviction that there does not exist anywhere on earth a “true church,” or one that follows the pattern that is laid out in the Book of Acts. It is our contention that the body which was established by Jesus Christ through His apostles is/was the only corporeal Body which has ever met the demands and standards of its Founder, and it is quite evident that it was very short-lived!

While it remains true that a handful of faithful followers have existed down through the dark centuries since the passing of the apostles, it is also true that the divine pattern, which they knew, has never been replicated. We seriously wonder how anyone can refer to their own religious company as a “New Testament Church.”

Let us substantiate this claim with a brief profile of that pristine body which was established by none other than the Lord of Glory Himself, and which existed but a few short years due to carnality that was allowed to go on unabated and unchecked.

1. They were all with ONE ACCORD (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1; Acts 4:24; Acts 5:12).

It is doubtful that this condition has existed at any time since those days. There have been attempts made to require everyone under some regime to conform to certain set of ideas and beliefs, but all of these have failed to succeed because it is “with the heart” that man believes; no regime or order has been able to conquer, control, or change man’s heart. The 120 saints who gathered in the upper room were united in their fervor, zeal, and aim/purpose. We do not assume that they believed every minor and major point exactly alike, but they were of one accord in their desire to please God and to see God’s will done.

2. They were baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:5; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-17; Acts 19:6).

Just prior to Jesus’ ascension, He told the apostles to remain in Jerusalem to receive the promise of the Father. “For John truly baptized with water; but YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). So it was just seven days later that Pentecost was fully come and these saints (about 120, both men and women) were baptized with the Holy Spirit, the evidence of which was that they all spoke with “tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.”

3. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8 & 31; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:9 & 52; Ephesians 5:18).

There is much talk today about “Spirit filled churches,” “Spirit filled preachers,” etc., but the early church bore the signs thereof. Where are Spirit-filled people today? Just because a person speaks in tongues, or rolls on the floor, or dances a holy jig does not mean that person is filled with the Spirit. Filled means FILLED. Being filled is not the same as an anointing of the Spirit, either. Too many people claim to be filled with the Spirit who are not filled at all.

4. The early church was a channel of power (Acts 1:8; Acts 5:5-10 & 12-16; Acts 9:36-42; Acts 12:4-10; Acts 20:8-10; etc.).

“But ye shall receive POWER (dunamis, [dynamite] Grk.), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Supernatural power was one of the earmarks of the church. There was power over sickness, sin, Satan and death. Jesus had stated that “he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

Very little power is demonstrated among believers today. Sin and lawlessness dominate most of the religious scene today, whereas in the early church, even liars were smitten by the power of God (Acts 5:1-10). Demons were cast out of those who were possessed; an ungodly man was struck with blindness (Acts 13:11); a fornicator was turned over to Satan (1 Cor. 5:4-5).

5 5. They had all things common (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-37).

One of the outstanding out comes of the Pentecostal experience was the selflessness of the people, a condition which is sorely lacking among the professors of the Christian faith today. The outpouring of the Spirit not only changed their manner of worship, but also their manner of living. Now, no man called anything his own, but distribution was made of all the resources according to each one’s needs.

6 6. The FRUIT of the Spirit was manifest:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith(fullness), meekness, temperance”
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Fruit is a product, or the result of certain action having taken place. In this case, it is the Holy Spirit at work in the heart supplying the necessary impetus and spiritual nutrition to produce the expected results.

In a study of the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament, it is very easy to find evidence of each of these divine qualities, thereby confirming the fact that the Holy Spirit was actively at work within them, aiding in the production of these characteristics of the divine nature.

7. They had the Gifts of the Spirit.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of WISDOM; to another the word of KNOWLEDGE by the same spirit; to another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of HEALING by the same Spirit; to another the working of MIRACLES; to another PROPHECY; to another DISCERNING of spirits; to another divers kinds of TONGUES; to another the INTERPRETATIONS of tongues” (1^st Corinthians 12:7-10).

The operation of these gifts in the church made it a vibrant, powerful, living body of which Jesus was the Head.

While it is true that there are many claims today of apostolic succession and the use of the gifts of the Spirit, it is probably safe to say at least 99%+ of these claims are false. We do not know of any place where these nine gifts (or even one) are in existence. We have witnessed many counterfeit attempts to display these spiritual manifestations, but to this present hour we have not discovered the genuine.

These nine spiritual gifts set the early church apart from all other religious orders. There was never anything like this before, and there has not been an equal to it since it slowly faded into oblivion.

8. They had God-ordained Ministries.

“And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

These 5 ministries or offices are generally referred to as the “Five-Fold Ministry.” There are several religious bodies that claim to have these ministries. Frankly we doubt that all of these offices are in existence today. It would be truly wonderful if this was true, but the record speaks differently.

Compare today’s professed apostles with the apostles in the Scriptures. Based on the information we have, these modern apostles are man-made, not God-ordained. And if God has not sent them, they are not true apostles.

The same can be said of the prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Too many professing ministers of the gospel have chosen their careers as a vocation. God did not call them: they chose their particular job. This is not to say that there are no God-called ministers, for some are surely bearing good fruit, but it is a skinny minority to whom this applies!

A Restoration Promised

Would you like to see a truly New Testament Church? On the basis of what we have covered thus far, it is plain that no such creature exists on this planet today (This includes People of the Living God).

However, we have the assurance that God is going to restore the Church to its original splendor and glory, and that before Jesus returns in the clouds:

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it: That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word; That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

“And He shall send Jesus Christ…Whom the heaven must receive (keep) until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (from “of old,” Grk)” (Acts 3:20-21).

It is on God’s program---this restoration of all that once belonged to the people of God: the same glory, the same power, the same ministries, gifts, manner of life, and experiences. The greatest display of spiritual might and power is due before Jesus comes back to judge the world in righteousness.

But the church (lit. the people of God) must first be sanctified and cleansed. There exists too much worldliness, carnality, and fleshly activity for this restoration to take place presently. If you are a member of the “called-out-ones” expect some sever trials and testings for these are instrumental in the cleansing process to which He will subject His elect.

For a preview of these things, we encouraged you to read the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

And when the restoration is completed we believe these eight factors will be plainly visible:

1. The saints will be of one accord.
2. They will be filled with the Spirit.
3. They will be baptized with the Spirit.
4. They will be endued with power from on high.
5. They will have all things in common.
6. They will have the fruit of the Spirit.
7. They will have the gifts of the Spirit.
8. They will have the God-given ministries of the Spirit.

Truly, that will be a glorious Church!

Copied by permission from a monthly magazine titled “The Testimony of Truth” published by “The People Of The Living God;” A Non-Sectarian Back To The Bible Movement.

Truth

What Is Truth?

“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said to Him, ‘what is truth?’”
(John 18:37-38)

During the time period when Jesus walked the earth, there were many opinions concerning truth; and some had even supposed that it was a thing utterly out of the reach of men. Pilate perhaps might have asked the question, “what is truth” in a mocking way; and in not staying to get an answer he indicated that he either despaired of getting a satisfactory one, or that he was indifferent about it. Nevertheless all truth in heaven and on earth was standing before him and he did not know Him.

To know Christ, the living Word of God, is to know truth, for Christ is the embodiment of all truth. Like Pilate, most of mankind had lost sight of truth and Jesus came that He might restore mankind in truth. Apart from truth man cannot be in right standing with God, therefore man must seek to know God’s truth.

The word truth is defined as a statement or an act that conforms to fact or actuality. Fact is exact and cannot be altered; thus fact has no variation; and truth conforms to fact, and it too, to remain truth, cannot be in part, vary or be altered. Fact and/or truth are the standard by which all else is measured. To make a statement or to do an act that adds to, takes from or omits the facts is a distortion, a variation and a misstatement that does not represent and uphold the facts; thus it is not truth.

Truth establishes trust. Trust is defined as confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability and justice of a person or institution. If a person or institution is to be trusted they must be known for speaking and abiding in the truth. It is the element of trust in truth that has the power to transform the soul.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
(1^st Timothy 3:15ff)

God’s word---His truth, is His expressed power and authority; therefore the power and authority of the church is God’s truth. Myths, fantasy, fiction or any other form of a lie has no place in the church of the living God; for the true church is Christ body in the earth today, the embodiment of truth.

To be a member of the body of Christ, the church, one must be faithful to know, be obedient to-- and faithfully speak the truth.

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

James C Sanford

Seven Minutes of Wisdom: True Religion

Our latest podcast presents seven minutes of wisdom entitled “True Religion.” We see people like Al Qaeda who feel that their religion warrants blowing up innocent men, women and children (despite that the Qur'an teaches the opposite). We see people like Ted Haggard preaching against homosexuality yet winding up in an embarrassing situation. Then, there is poor little Britney Spears who was raised in the church but lately seems only determined to raise hell.

We can point fingers at the aforementioned... or others. But truth be told, we all have sin in our lives. We just haven’t been caught (yet). So what exactly is true religion... and how do we live it? Download this seven-minute podcast by clicking or, right-click the icon below:

You can also download all of our podcasts and/or other resources from our download site, http://www.link2power.org.

Here are the scriptures that we referenced:

---

Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 The Lockman Foundation

⁸[^[a]You behave as if] you are already filled and think you have enough [you are full and content, feeling no need of anything more]! Already you have become rich [in spiritual gifts and graces]! [Without any counsel or instruction from us, in your conceit], you have ascended your thrones and come into your kingdom without including us! And would that it were true and that you did reign, so that we might be sharing the kingdom with you!

1^st Corinthians 4:8 (Amplified Bible)

---

²⁶If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren).

²⁷External ^[a]religious worship [^[b]religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

James 1:26-27 (Amplified Bible)

Disciples of the Spirit of Truth

Have you ever wondered how a student of the Holy Bible, a preacher of the gospel, a pastor, priest or even a Bible scholar could commit adultery, be a child molester, a thief or murder?? How is it possible that a member of a Christian church could steal from the treasure? Or a deacon takes another man’s wife or molests his children??? How is it that a person can memorize the Holy Scripture form Genesis to Revelations and his heart still be filled with hate? Can we know a sure and true answer to these questions?? Yes we can, but we must not be offended by what we learn.

Let us begin with a study of the word “disciple.” The word “disciple” is translated from the Greek words “mathetes” and “manthano” meaning “a learner” or “to learn and endeavor to adhere to” a shaping of character.

Thus, the word disciple is a name given to a student who is being trained, or rather disciplined, for the purpose of developing specific attributes of character. When Jesus called men to be His followers they had to forsake all, including their former self or character, and be obedient to Him; thus they were known as His disciples {John 8:31-32 NAS}.

Jesus said,

“A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” {Luke 6:40 NAS}

This rule can work both in a positive and in a negative way. If a person is a disciple of the Spirit of Truth, that of course is positive, he is being disciplined in rightness with God, or in righteousness. But if a person should happen to be caught up in a false teaching, the spirit of error {1^st John 4:6 NAS}, the result is very negative, even devastating.

For an example of the negative we turn first to the Pharisee’s, Sadducee’s and other religious sects of that era. There existed a deep division among the people pertaining to the laws of God and the traditions of their forefathers. Each sect or denomination (as they are known today) had their own schools, teachings and doctrines. Each had their own scribes {lawyers} who interpreted the laws of God and set forth the doctrines and traditions for the people to abide by {Matthew. 23:1-7}. A disciple of the teachers of the Pharisee’s {Matthew. 22:16} who became fully trained or disciplined in the doctrines and traditions of the Pharisee’s was molded into the attributes of character of a Pharisee; he was a vessel in the image of the Pharisee’s.

Jesus said to them,

”Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel about on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” {Matthew. 23:15 NAS}

The same was true of the other sects as well. Each sect was known by their attributes of character and their own traditions. The way they dressed, the manner in which they spoke, the rituals they performed, the way they prayed and the things they believed identified each group. It could have been said of them that they all studied the same law and worshiped the same God; and in the end all would be in the kingdom of God. This proved not to be so!!

Jesus spoke to them plainly saying,

”You serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell?” {Matthew. 23:33 NAS}

The children of Israel were called of God to be a nation of kings and priest, a keeper and teacher of His Law. They were to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth with His glory. Instead they were caught up in debates, which lead to divisions. They departed from faith working through love and lost their great opportunity.

Jesus said to them,

”You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life.” {John 5:39 NAS}

The sects of that era were so disciplined in the traditions of men that as God sent His prophets to them with words of warning and correction they were rejected and killed {Matthew. 23:29-35}. When Jesus came to them they did unto Him as they did the prophets before Him. They sat among the people by Him not to learn of Him, but as spectators, censors and spies to find in Him something on which to ground a reproach or accusation that they might kill Him also. They found fault with His miracles and viewed His words as a tale told them and not a message sent to them. They mocked, cursed, spat upon, and by the hands of the gentiles, they crucified the Living Word of God. They were so blind they did all these things thinking they were doing a service to God!! They were disciples of mere men, deceived children of the flesh.

The following statement will cause some to cringe and gnash their teeth. Some will be offended and complain that his words are too harsh. Others will see the truth and apply the lesson of it to their own lives if needed. Nevertheless here is our statement.

We observe a great likeness in the Pharisee’s, Sadducee’s and other sects of that era to that of many among the Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Charismatic, the so called Church of Christ and all the other denomination of today. There exist a great division among the people of Christian religion today just as it did in the nation of Israel in the days that Jesus visited them. Today each denomination has their own interpreters of the Scriptures, their own schools and universities and their own set of doctrines and teachings that mold their disciples into their own image. Each has their own rituals, dress codes, manner of speaking and praying. These and other attributes of religious character can identify each individual and group. Many seat themselves in the congregation for men of God to preach before them but not to preach to them. They have their secret meetings to plot against the pastors that God has given them. They sit as judges and criticize and ostracize and drive out from among their mist men of God who do not conform to their standards, traditions and beliefs. They have a form of godliness and have the appearance of righteousness but are like “whitewashed tombs filled with dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” {Matthew. 23:27-28. Many have a Sunday morning religion but live their lives in such a way that they become stumbling blocks to those who might would have come to know the truth {Matthew. 23:13}. Many excuse their differences with others with the saying, “we are all seeking the same God and are all going to the same place.”

Jesus answers,

”Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” {Matthew. 7:13-19 NAS}

Judas Iscariot was called to be a disciple of Jesus but he never was His true disciple; he was never converted. He had the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of the church. He walked with Jesus for three and one half years just as did the others. He heard the words of Jesus but he never received them as words of spirit and words of life. He witnessed His power and authority and seen all His miracles but in his heart he had selfish motives. Unlike Peter and the others he never received the revelation from the Spirit of God that Jesus was the Son of God {Matthew. 16:16-17}. He aligned himself with the Pharisee’s and Sadducee’s to betray the Son of God. Thus he became an accessory to the murder of Christ. In the end he became a murderer by killing himself.

Just as Judas Iscariot was called of Christ so are many called today to minister the gospel. But like Judas many of them have inward selfish motives and they miss their opportunity of being ministers of the truth in the kingdom of God. Instead they become false ministers, child molesters, adulterers, thieves, fornicators, murderers, liars, and much more. Like Judas before them they align themselves with the world and betray the Son of God who calls them.

Now we turn to the positive effects of a person becoming like his teacher. A person who is being trained or disciplined by the Spirit of Truth develops the attributes of the character of God; he becomes the image of God. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to teach the Scripture, to guide and direct the disciples of the Living Word of God {Jesus} into the paths of righteousness. He brings gifts of faith, hope and love and empowers us to put to death the nature that lives according to the lustful flesh and imparts to us the nature of Christ, who is the image of God.

The Scripture teaches thus,

“And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” {1^st John 2:27 NAS}

Jesus said,

”And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” {John 14:16-18 NAS}

He continues,

”But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said, that He takes of Mine, and will disclose it to you.” {John 16:13-15 NAS}

A student of God’s word should never make the mistake of trying to intellectually interpret and understand the Holy Scriptures or rely solely upon someone else’s understanding.

The apostle Peter tells us to

“--- know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a Matthewer of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” {2^nd Peter 1:20-21 NAS}

Neither is learning God’s truths an act of the human will or intellectual process; but is rather a disclosure or teaching by impartation from the Holy Spirit to those who seek, believe and obey {1^st Corinthians 2:11-13}.

The Apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work {2^nd Timothy 3:16-17 NAS}.”

God’s word should never be viewed in a remote, impersonal, unattached, non-practical or non-participating manner; the Holy Spirit does not teach a person with such an attitude. Only those who hear the Spirit of God, believe and obey Him are trained in righteousness and become adequately equipped for every good work. Like clay disciplined by the hands of the potter are those who are the disciples of the Sprit of Truth.

James C Sanford