Galatians 3:1-14 Law or Faith?

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?...Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness....For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, " Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "the righteous man shall live by faith." However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who practices them shall live by them."

Paul is getting to the heart of his letter to the Galatians. They were being taught by Pharisaical Christians that, having received Christ, they now needed to follow the Law. This is a proposition that Paul soundly rejects.

We are told in Ephesians, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." [Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB]
 
We are taught in most churches that we can come to Christ just as we are. We don't need to get cleaned up first. We don't need to make ourselves righteous or holy (as indeed we can't). Jesus loved us enough to die a horrible and painful death on the cross to pay the price of our sins, and He saves us by His grace.

But after we have been saved, why do so many churches - like the Galatians - add on rules and rituals that we are supposed to live by. Having received the Spirit of God by faith, we cannot grow in the Spirit by any work of the flesh, but only by faith.

The lesson of Romans 7 is that it is impossible to follow the Law, or to gain righteousness by following the law. If you say, "I don't follow the Law of Moses" but you have made your own rules for how to live righteously before God, then you have created your own Law, and are bound by it. If you agree to follow the rules set down by a church, then that church has place you under its own Law, and again, you are bound by it.

As we are told in today's passage, "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them." You bring a curse upon yourself if you try to live according to rules, because it is impossible to live by them. But Jesus died so you can be free from that curse.

To live righteously before God, you need to throw out the rule book. Some may ask, "Does that mean there's no such thing as right and wrong? Can I do anything that comes to mind without sinning if there are no rules?" Not at all!

Stop living by the rules and start living by faith in Jesus. The Spirit of the Christ is within you. Trust Him to lead you. He will never lead you into sin, but will cause you to grow in faith and righteousness.

If there is a particular sin that plagues you, such as gambling, lying, drunkenness, pornography, or whatever, the only path to true freedom from that sin is through faith. Abandon the law in your heart that says, "don't do this". You know from experience that the flesh keeps coming back to it in defiance of your own law. Stop working so hard to not sin. Any attempt on your part to not sin is itself and act of the flesh, and only strengthens your flesh to sin more.

When temptation comes, instead of trying to resist, turn your mind toward Jesus, and place your trust in the Holy Spirit who lives within you. He will show you a better way, and lead you into righteousness, as we are told, "the righteous man shall live by faith."

Galatians 2:11-21 Dead to the Law

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision....But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?...nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified....For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 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 gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

Paul condemns the hypocrisy of Peter (Cephas) and the legalism of James as further evidence that these apostles had nothing to add to the Gospel message he received from Jesus. I think it's worth noting that both James and Peter in their epistles teach a doctrine of righteousness by faith. Even James, who places more emphasis on works makes it clear that works are not a condition of salvation, but a result. He encourages his readers to look "intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty." [James 1:25 NASB]

This is important because it points out that anyone, regardless of reputation, can be in error. Honor your leaders. Learn from your teachers. But always judge what they say by the Word of God. And never let anyone persuade you to live according to their standards. "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." [Philippians 2:12-13 NASB]

The point of contention in this encounter is whether Christians should have to follow the Law of Moses. Remarkably, this is still a debate in many churches. We grow up in the church being taught that we need to keep the ten commandments. Yet, the ten commandments are the foundation of the Mosaic Law. All of the other commandments and rituals are built on this foundation. A prominent pastor was recently condemned by a large number of Christian leaders for saying that Christians do not have to keep the Old Testament Law.

What did Paul say about the Law? "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God." Romans 7:1-4 says, "Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."

Having died to the Law, we can accept the reality that "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

This principle has even broader applications. Any set of religious rules becomes a law. It doesn't matter if these rules are imposed by the church or by yourself. Any rules that you follow in an effort to please God are of the flesh and are counter to faith. That includes anything you do or don't do "for religious reasons".

Any effort on our part to be righteous negates the grace of God. "If righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

Galatians 1:11-2:10 The Revelation of the Gospel

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ...But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.  Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother...Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also...But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)-well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.

We can read about the conversion of the apostle Paul in Acts 9. He was on his way to Damascus to arrest and imprison Christians, when a bright light shone around him. He heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"  And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said,  "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. [Acts 9:4-5]. Blinded by the encounter, he was led into Damascus, where he waited three days before God sent Ananias to pray for him and heal his blindness. "and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”" [Acts 9:20 NASB]

We are told in Galatians 1:16-17, "I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus."

This isn't a contradiction. The word "immediately" is relative. It can mean "this very instant" or "in a relatively short amount of time".

Although it is not related in the book of Acts, it would appear that after his conversion, Paul initially went into the desert. By mentioning it in this context, he is implying that it was during this time that he  received the the Gospel through "a revelation of Jesus Christ".

Paul clearly states in Galatians 1:11-12 that he did not learn the Gospel from any man, but was taught directly by Jesus Himself in a vision. The Gospel that Paul preaches is the Gospel according to Jesus.

We are not told how long he stayed in the wilderness, but I don't think it was very long, because he returned to Damascus and began preaching the Gospel of Christ. It was quick enough that Luke described it in the book of Acts as "immediate".

He stayed in Damascus and preached for three years before going to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). The revelation of the Gospel that Paul received was complete. The apostles in Jerusalem - those who walked with Jesus - couldn't add anything to his message.

This is the Gospel that Paul is defending against false teachers.

As we read Paul's defense of the Gospel, let's keep in mind that what he teaches is not just one person's opinion. It is the truth that Jesus communicated directly to Paul.

Galatians 1:6-9 False Teaching

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Through the ages, the pure message of the Gospel has been contorted and perverted to serve the purposes of false teachers.

In Galatia, there were Jewish Christians teaching that they must follow the law in order to be saved. Oddly enough, in spite of Paul's scathing denunciation of legalism in the book of Galatians, some form of legalism has persisted in the church.

Strict adherence to church rules has become mandatory for membership in many churches, performing penance for forgiveness of sins - contrary to the grace of God. Adopting a moral code based on the prejudices of a prominent church leader.

Bizarrely, some modern churches have a strict form of legalism in their rituals, then endorse outright sexual perversion in the pulpits. They are those of whom Jesus said, “You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" [Matthew 23:24 NASB]

Cults and false religions have been founded over the years, almost always by a single "prophet" who has received a fresh revelation apart from the Scriptures. Or if they don't claim an extra-biblical revelation, they re-translate the Bible to say what they need it to say to uphold their claims.

Be warned. If you follow a religion or ministry built on the personality of its leader instead of the message of the Gospel of Christ, you will be following your blind guide right off the edge of a cliff.

The message of the Gospel is simple. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins. On the third day He rose again. He was seen by many witnesses for 40 days, and then ascended to be with God the Father, where He lives today. One day, He will return to establish His kingdom on earth.

The word "gospel" means "good news". The good news for us is that Jesus paid all the penance for all of our sins, and, by His grace, freely offers salvation to anyone who will believe.

Anyone who preaches a "gospel" contrary to what is in the Bible is cursed by God. Do not follow them. Any preacher who never preaches the Gospel, but builds a ministry around a message of prosperity or social responsibility is to be suspect. These messages often have the appearance of wisdom, but deny the power of Christ.

This is why it is so important to read and study the Bible. Let the word of God be an armor for your mind. When you hear teaching that is contrary to scripture, you should recognize it for what it is, and reject it. If you are unsure, then go back to the Bible and study the matter. With modern Bible apps and online tools, word and subject studies are easier than ever before.

I pray that the Spirit of God will guide us all into all truth.

Galatians 1:1-5 Rescued

Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.

In writing to the Galatians, Paul is addressing a specific heresy that is being taught in the region. Jewish Christian evangelists who still follow the law of Moses were teaching that Christians everywhere needed to follow the law. Not only the Jews, but also that the Gentiles couldn't become Christians without converting to Judaism and being circumcised.

They also attacked the authority of the Apostle Paul in order to strengthen their position.

Paul begins Galatians by addressing these issues, even in his greeting, when he makes it clear that he was not sent by men, but "but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead".

Again, Paul uses his greeting to set the stage for his forthcoming arguments. He calls on the name of Jesus, "who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age".

Let's make this clear. Jesus didn't "receive our good works". He didn't "accept our adherence to the law". He didn't give us a set of rules. He gave Himself for our sins. To say anything else cheapens the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

"...So that He might rescue us from this present evil age." We need to be rescued from evil. Jesus taught that Satan has authority in this world. "“I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me;" [John 14:30 NASB]

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan claimed authority over all the kingdoms of the earth, and offered to give them to Jesus. Jesus did not refute him, but said, "Go, Satan! For it is written, ' you shall worship the  Lord your  God , and  serve  him only .'" [Matthew 4:10]. 

Paul makes it clear that before we were Christians, we were subjects of Satan. "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience." [Ephesians 2:1-2 NASB].

For a time, Satan has authority in this world, and all who are not in Christ under his authority, and need to be rescued by Jesus.

When we are born again, we receive the Spirit of God within ourselves, and are no longer subject to this world. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household," [Ephesians 2:19 NASB]

We have been rescued from this world, and are now citizens of the Kingdom of God, and we are subject to God's authority, and are recipients of His grace and peace.

Ephesians 6:18-24 Prayer

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak... Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

"Pray at all times in the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray without ceasing."

When I was in Bible College, we students debated the meaning of these scriptures. Being semi-educated and lacking much experience, we came to the consensus that it didn't really mean "pray without ceasing" because we would run out of things to say, but that we should pray consistently, or don't stop setting aside time to pray. As we understood it, we would have to stop praying so that we could go about our life.

In other words, we explained away the clearly stated truth of Scripture to rationalize what we couldn't understand.

The problem is that we didn't understand the nature of prayer. The inexperienced Christian sees prayer as a time to confess and offer petitions to God. When you pray, you pray for something or someone. This is one aspect of prayer, and we are told to do this. But what does he say? "With all prayer and petition". So we see that there is prayer that is not petition.

Praise is also a part of prayer. We are told in Hebrews, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." [Hebrews 13:15 NASB] Again, we run into the problem of being able to sustain continual praise throughout the day.

Unless we learn to pray in the Spirit. It deserves reiterating that the context does not in any way refer to praying in tongues, but being in the Spirit while praying.

The Bible refers variously to "walking in the Spirit" ("But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." [Galatians 5:16 NASB]) "Abiding in Christ" (“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." [John 15:4 NASB]), and "Resting in Him" (“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30 NASB]

Since the Spirit of God lives in your heart, being in the Spirit is as easy as turning your mind toward Jesus and being aware of His presence. Christians stumble over the simplicity of it, because we expect it to be hard. But remember, His yoke is is easy, and His burden is light. He doesn't expect or want you to work hard at walking in the Spirit. It is God's grace freely given to you, and it is received by faith.

If you work hard at being in the Spirit, you will fail. All the fastings, deprivations, flagellations, and effort will come to nothing because they are all your effort, and of the flesh. You cannot know the Spirit through acts of the flesh, no matter how well intentioned. 

If you are a Christian, the Spirit of God is already in you. This is not something you worked for, earned or deserved. He is there by God's grace. To know Him, you have to stop trying to know Him. Rest in the fact that His presence is already with you. By faith, think about Him, and be aware of Him. The more you practice awareness of Christ in you, the easier and more natural it will be.

When you pray in the Spirit, fully aware of His presence, your prayers take on a new dimension as you interact with God, speaking to Him and waiting for His response. Your petitions will be guided by the Spirit in you, instead of relying only on a list on a piece of paper or in your mind. As you rely on the Spirit in your prayers, your faith in His answers will increase.

And when you run out of things to say, you can continue in silent communion with Him throughout the day, regardless of your activities, so your prayers never cease. If you are resting in God's presence, you don't have to speak to be in prayer.

If you are not in the habit of resting in the Spirit of God, I urge you to rest in Him, and let Him transform your life.

Ephesians 6:10-17 Spiritual Warfare

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For 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.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having  put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Spiritual warfare is a popular subject in Christian circles. It also seems to be a misunderstood subject.

Most Christians can tell you that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, and that the battle is a spiritual one. Until they start talking politics and social issues. They rail against the politicians, labeling them, and calling them by degrading names. They carry signs, chant slogans and yell about social issues such as abortion or sexual perversions.

If we believe that the battle is spiritual, why do we wage it in the flesh, attacking the doctors, or protesting the lost? I have heard it said, "if I stand by and do nothing, evil wins." Are you God? Are you the one who will defeat evil? Is prayer nothing? If you pray, will God not answer? Is He powerless? Of course not! So why do you act as if He is?

What are we told to do against the schemes of the devil? Stand firm. We are not told to storm the gates of hell, but to "be strong in the Lord in the strength of His might." We are to put on defensive armor, while God fights for us.

In a very popular Christian movie, we see the prayer warrior talking to the devil. She tells him that he is defeated and has no power over her. It's a powerful scene, well acted, but ignorant and foolish. "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”" [Jude 1:9 NASB]

It is God who fights for us, and our job in spiritual warfare is to put on the armor of God and stand firm.

I have had people tell me that they put on the armor every day. They pantomime putting on the breastplate, belt, shoes and helmet and taking up the sword and shield. They have missed the point. The armor is a metaphor. It is the character virtues that matter. 

The armor of God is truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation and the word of God. These are not use to cut down those who oppose us, but to bear us up against the schemes of the devil.

He is the father of lies, but I know the truth. He will tempt me, but I have the righteousness of Christ by His grace. The devil wants me to doubt my Savior lives, but I know the Gospel. He would have me be afraid, but I have faith. He wants me to despair, but I know that I am saved. He would lead me into error, but I study the word of God.

Three times, we are told in this passage to stand firm. We are not told to advance. We are not told to attack. We are told to "take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Relationships

...and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.  Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her... for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife , and the two shall become one flesh . This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church... Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right... Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord... Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;... And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

In another place, Paul said, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;" [Romans 12:10 NASB]

Men, I hope none of you are the type who will take this verse out of context, "For the husband is the head of the wife..." [Ephesians 5:23]. For generations, this has been the rationalization of "religious" men who abuse their wives. They conveniently overlook verse 21 that says we should be subject to one another, and also the following verses that say that husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the church "and gave Himself up for her."

Jesus would never abuse the church, and so a man should never abuse his wife. Instead, as we are told in verses 28 & 29, "So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church." 

Women, being subject to a husband isn't the same as being enslaved to him. Therefore, there is no need to rebel against him. Neither should you nag or berate him or be domineering. Instead, be subject to him as you are subject to Christ. Give him a chance to lead, and support and encourage him. You may think that he is weak, and that you need to step up and be in charge. But, if you act according to scriptural standards, you will be blessed for it.

This may be hard for some to hear, but there are real differences between men and women. In marriage, God has given each of us our role.

Marriage has been devalued in our modern culture. More and more, people of all ages forego marriage and just move in together. But marriage is a holy thing, ordained by God. In it, we symbolize the relationship between Christ and the church. The Bible says, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." [Genesis 2:24 NASB]. This symbolizes the spiritual truth that the church (the bride of Christ) is one with the Lord.

The other relationships - between children and parents, employers and employees, (adapting it to modern culture) - are all based on mutual respect. It is understood that there are hierarchies of authority. Parents have authority over their children, as well as an obligation to patiently train them in the way of righteousness. And children have an obligation to obey and honor their parents.

Employers also have authority. With it comes the obligation to treat their employees with dignity and respect, knowing that Jesus has authority over both of you. Employees should do as they are told, doing their work as to the Lord.

In every relationship, we are to be in subjection to one another "in the fear of Christ." That is, we should put Christ first in our own lives, and treat one another as members of the body of Christ. If you would show respect to Jesus, then show respect to one another.

Ephesians 5:20 Give Thanks For All Things

Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.

There is a lie that Christians like to tell each other: "We're to give thanks in everything, but not for everything." As today's scripture makes clear, that is a load of codswallop.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. Even people of the world are thankful for good things. It's easy to adopt the attitude, "the good things in life are from God, and the bad things in life are...from where? Satan, the fallen world, circumstance, randomness?

I believe that Satan is real, but he doesn't have any power over me. I live in a fallen world, but Jesus is Lord of all things.

I don't believe that God spins a cosmic wheel of fortune, then sits back and lets the pieces fall where they may. No, I trust that God is actively involved in every aspect of my life. Jesus said, "“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." [Matthew 10:29-31 NASB]

It takes faith to thank God for all things, because not all things are pleasant, and we don't always understand His purpose.

A couple of years ago I almost died from a lung infection. The treatment destroyed my kidneys. I am currently on dialysis and waiting for a transplant.

In that moment, I chose to praise and worship my God. The drugs that they were giving me to fight the infection were playing tricks with my mind, but in a moment of lucidity, I asked my wife to play Christian worship music for me. When I chose to praise Him, the mental effects of the drugs went away. Clarity of thought came through worship.

To this day, I can't say that I understand all of God's purposes in allowing me to go through this. I am still going through it, looking forward to more years (potentially) of dialysis, a transplant surgery, and a lifetime regimen of anti-rejection medicines. 

And I thank God for it all. I know that He does have a purpose, even if I can't see it. 

Through it all, I have drawn closer to God than I ever thought possible. I have a fresh perspective on life and death. I know that when the time comes for Him to take me home, I am more than ready to go. While raising funds to pay for the transplant, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and generosity of people; not only of friends, but also of complete strangers. In it all, I have seen God's provision. I have never had a lot of money, and medical expenses can be devastating, but God has somehow made a way. I see His hand in it all.

I thank God for it all.

Ephesians 5:18-19 Music

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.

Let's not get hung up on the categorizing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I'm sure musical historians can tell you the nuances and characteristic of each of these, but I really don't think that's the point.

The point, as I see it is variety and creativity in our worship of God. There are some churches that only sing the old hymns. If that's what they like, then that's great. There was a trend in the '70's and '80's to set the Psalms to music, and scripture songs were sung in church every service. A lot of modern churches sing contemporary songs in the church services, sometimes straight off the radio's Christian Top 40. That's also great. In a number of southern churches, you're going to hear country gospel.

God is creative, and He made us to be creative as well. The musicians in the Temple were held in an exalted position. They understood that God gave them the gift to create music and lead His people in worship.

Throughout the Bible, music is used as a part of worship and praise to God. It is also useful for teaching and uplifting the saints, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." [Colossians 3:16 NASB]

Music is a part of our lives, whether we are musically inclined or not. Chances are, there is a song running through your head right now. We seem to be wired for it.

The natural response to joy in your life is to sing. In James 5:13 we are told, "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises."

We are told to speak or sing to each other. I don't imagine this means we are to live in a Rogers and Hammerstein musical where we break into song every time we have something important to say. (Well, apparently I can imagine it, but that's just me.) Actually, this clearly refers to communal singing.

The style of music may change over the centuries, but the essence remains the same. The people of God coming together to sing in praise and worship to Him.

We are also told to sing and make melodies in our hearts to God. I find that songs stick in my head very easily. I can walk into a grocery store for a loaf of bread. I will walk out with a loaf of bread and whatever song was playing running through my mind.

If I'm quick enough, I can head prevent that song from getting entrenched by singing a spiritual song to myself. If I'm going to have something rolling around in my brain, I would rather it be something that is uplifting and praiseworthy.

We are told, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." [Romans 12:2 NASB]

One aspect of that renewal is in the music we listen to and in what we sing in our hearts. Which do you think is more pleasing God, a song about wanting Jesse's girl, or a song about wanting more of Jesus in your life?

I'm not one of those people who think that all secular music is demon inspired or evil. I think God made us to be creative, and people will create music. If they don't have God in their lives, they will create secular music. Some will be dark and nasty, and some will be bright and cheerful, but none of it will be dedicated to pleasing God.

If a Christian musician is being led by the Spirit of God, he will create music that is pleasing to God, and uplifting to God's people. 

Years ago, I made the choice to listen to music that uplifts God, and exalts the name of Jesus. This day, I choose to let godly music be the song that is sung in my heart.

Ephesians 4:18 Be Filled With The Spirit

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...

Alcohol is a poor substitute for the Holy Spirit. People drink alcohol for any variety of reasons. Some drink to forget heartache, or a lost love, or a failed business venture. Others think they will have more fun if they drink. The alcohol lowers inhibitions, and allows the inner party animal to come out. Many drink out of habit or addiction, or they need to drink in order to feel "normal".

Here, we are given a choice. Fill yourself with "spirits" or be filled with the Spirit. I call it God's "One Step Program". Be filled with the Holy Spirit and He will free you from the bondage of alcohol.

Some may say that I am oversimplifying, but my own testimony bears witness to the scripture. I was an alcoholic. When I received the Holy Spirit, I was delivered from alcohol. I don't consider myself a recovering alcoholic. I am a former alcoholic.

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? There are two major spiritual events in the life of a Christian as described in the Bible. The first is salvation, and the second is baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Just as salvation is a singular event followed up by a life time of ongoing sanctification, so baptism in the Spirit is an event which is followed up by a life time of being filled with the Spirit.

The baptism of the Spirit is promised by Jesus, "for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”" [Acts 1:5 NASB].

As for the baptism in the Spirit being a separate event from salvation we are given this example the book of Acts. "It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying." [Acts 19:1-6 NASB]. So they believed and were baptized in water before receiving the Holy Spirit.

Being filled with the Spirit is also an ongoing lifestyle. We are told of the early disciples, "And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." [Acts 13:52 NASB]. Paul said, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." [Galatians 5:16 NASB]. Again, he said, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." [Galatians 5:25 NASB].

How do you receive the Holy Spirit. In the same way you received salvation - by grace through faith. In addressing the crowd on the day of Pentecost, Peter said, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." [Acts 2:38 NASB] Paul said, "that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." [Galatians 3:14 NASB]

If you are not sure if you have ever been baptized in the Holy Spirit, then talk to God and ask Him. This is a gift that God wants to give, and He will not hold back, Ask in faith, expecting God to answer, and He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all you can ask or think.

Ephesians 5:15-17 The Will of God

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

A wise man understands what the will of the Lord is. How do you know His will?

First, by knowing the Word of God. Read the Bible. Study it. If you know what the Bible says, then you know it is God's will that you stay with your wife and not run off with your secretary (for example). God has expressed His will for how we live our lives in the Scripture, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live according to that will.

Second, we know God's will by knowing God Himself. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." [Proverbs 9:10 NASB].

When the Bible speaks of the heart, it isn't talking about the blood pumping organ of the body, but the innermost part of who you are, where your spirit is. When your spirit is reborn at salvation, God sends His Spirit into your heart. "Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”" [Galatians 4:6 NASB].

His Spirit and your spirit become one. "But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him." [1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB]. Jesus said, “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." [John 14:20 NASB].

Because He lives in you and is part of you, if you learn to quiet yourself, and listen to God in prayer, He will speak to you and teach you. "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." [1 Corinthians 2:11-14 NASB].

Don't expect to hear an audible voice thundering from the ceiling. Hearing God's voice isn't "hearing voices". It's a communication that takes place deep in your heart. It is in your thoughts. You may mistake the voice of God for your own thoughts. In fact, I think the biggest legitimate question people have is "is it me or God?"

Let's try an experiment. Right here, right now. Well...after you've read this paragraph. Close your eyes and think about Jesus living in your heart. Ask Him what He thinks about you. Then - be quiet. Wait. Allow yourself to hear.

Did you hear God speak to you? Some will say "Yes! He said..." Others will say "I didn't hear anything." That's okay too. Don't be discouraged. Every day, every time you pray, take some quiet time to listen for Him. Ask Him a question, then wait for a response. 

Some others will say, "I don't know. I may have heard God, but it may have been me just telling myself what I expect to hear." That's possible, but not probable. James said, "But 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. But 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." [James 1:5-6 NASB]. If you ask a question of God, believe that He will answer.

Now then, a word of caution. God speaks to your mind, but not every thought that enters your mind is God speaking.

There are, of course, some things that are simply not in God's nature to say. He will never say "I hate you". He will never tell you to hurt another person. He will reveal truth from the the Bible, but He will never contradict the Bible. If you think you have received a revelation from God, measure the truth of it against Scripture. Many heresies have started this way, when someone receive a "fresh revelation" from a lying spirit. They then found it necessary to amend the Bible, or re-translate the Bible to say what they want it to say, or to omit sections of the Bible that they find "objectionable".

This is why it is so important to know what the Bible says, so you cannot be led astray.

Hearing God's voice speak to your mind is part of getting to know Him. In some ways, knowing God is like any other relationship. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will get to know Him. The more you know Him, the more intimate your relationship will be. You will become familiar with His voice and find that you spend much less time wondering, "was that Him or me?"

Ephesians 5:1-14 Imitate God

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks...for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord...For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

The apostle Paul tells us to "be imitators of God".

This echos what Jesus told us in Matthew 5:48, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

God wants us all to be like Him. This doesn't mean giving up your individuality. He doesn't want a bunch of "mini-me's" running around. If He did, He could have created perfect little automatons, incapable of free choice. But He wants us to be like Him in character, in righteousness and holiness, and in love.

We know that in our flesh, we don't have the ability to live up to God's standards. But by His grace, and through faith we can. So when He says that we should abstain from immorality, impurity and greed, we can do so by walking in His power.

It's not just our actions He's concerned about, but our words. "And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." In other words, cussing, dirty jokes and foolish talk are not fitting for a Christian.

He also warns us, "For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." [Ephesians 5:5]

Yes, God loves us and forgives our sins. His grace is boundless. Having come to Christ, if you sin, God will be gracious and forgive you. The blood of Jesus is sufficient to cover your sin, and by the grace of God, you will counted as righteous and holy.

But if you continue in a lifestyle of immorality, impurity or greed, your heart is not with God, and you will lose your salvation.

Remember the parable of the sower, "“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 

“The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 

“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 

“And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”" [Matthew 13:19-23 NASB]

There are those who would argue that such a person was never saved in the first place. Perhaps so, but Hebrews 6:4-6 says, "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame." 

Therefore, be careful how you live.

As Christians, we are the light of the world. Therefore we should "walk as children of Light". That is, we should walk "in all goodness and righteousness and truth". We must walk in the Spirit so the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in our lives.

Paul said we should be "trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord". When we are saved, God doesn't perform a "data dump", making us fully mature and perfect. At the moment of salvation, our spirit is reborn. That begins a process of growth from spiritual infancy, through adolescence to maturity. It is expected that every believer will mature, overcome sin, and learn for himself how to please God.

Let us pray for God's grace, and believe by faith that He will teach us how to walk in His light, so that His light will shine on us and through us to the world.

Ephesians 4:25-32 Overcoming Sin

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one  of you  with his neighbor , for we are members of one another. be angry , and  yet  do not sin ; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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.

This passage refers to previous verses, "that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." [Ephesians 4:22-24 NASB]

We are then given examples of what it looks like to put off the old self and put on the new.

• Tell the truth instead of lies.
• Let go of your anger
• Give instead of stealing
• Clean up your language
• Be kind to one another - don't be mean.

Again we face the problem of not being able to do this in our own power. Perhaps we can make it work for a while, but in the end Romans 7 comes in to play.

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate...For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want...I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. [Romans 7:15-23]

In Romans 7, Paul is not lamenting his failure to live for God. In the full context, it is clear he is using a literary device to show the futility of trying to live according the Law. This applies to any set of rules we place upon ourselves that we try to live by. Simply, in the flesh, we cannot please God. 

But see how he ends his argument, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death...so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." [Romans 7:24-8:4]

So, there is freedom from the trap of sin, and it is found in Jesus. 

The principle is this: the more you try to overcome your sin, and live according to your moral code, the more you will fail because the very effort of trying is an act of the flesh. And the flesh cannot please God.

If you give up trying to overcome the flesh, and instead put your faith in the Spirit of Christ, then He will overcome sin for you. We are told in Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

The church in Galatia was reverting to strict code of rules to maintain holiness. Paul wrote to them, "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" [Galatians 3:1-3]

Sincere Christians want to see the righteous requirements of God in their lives. They want to overcome sin.

In order to overcome sin, stop trying to defeat it in the flesh. The Holy Spirit will overcome sin for you, if you have faith to let Him do it.

To live a life free from the bondage of sin, walk in the Spirit. Turn your mind toward God, be aware of His presence all day long (yes, you can do that), and rest in Him.

Instead of carrying out the desires of the flesh, He will produce fruit in your life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." [Galatians 5:22-23]

Ephesians 4:17-24 Renew the Mind

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness....that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Sinners gotta sin. That's why they're called sinners.

The mind of an unbeliever is depraved. By denying God, they keep themselves in darkness. They think themselves to be wise and claim moral superiority even as they advocate the murder of newborn children. They claim to be open and tolerant, and in the same breath condemn Christians for disagreeing with them. Because of the ignorance in them, they don't see the contradictions, and are blind to their own hypocrisy.

They walk in arrogance, claiming that they don't need God, or denying Him altogether. "The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”"[Psalm 14:1 NASB]

Christians should be different. We should stand out in the world. We should demonstrate to the world what it is like to walk in the grace of God. We need to be examples of godly behavior.

You should be righteous - not self-righteous. If you think like the world, you will act like the world. Sinners act out of ignorance, their minds being blinded because they don't understand God's goodness and mercy. Being of the flesh, it is natural for them to indulge the flesh.

But if you are a Christian, and you act the same as the world, with drunkenness, sexual impurity, and greed, you don't do it out of ignorance. You know the love of God, and what Jesus did to save your soul. You know that He has called you to a life of purity and holiness.

You are told to lay aside the old self and its corruptions, and "be renewed in the spirit of your mind".

We are told, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." [Romans 12:1-2 NASB]

The renewal of the mind is part of your sanctification. God has called you to be holy, and that means you must renew your mind. But there's a catch. You can't do it. You can concentrate all your effort on renewing your mind and it won't happen. You can spend the day thing good thoughts about puppies and daisies, but that won't renew your mind. Yet you are commanded to do so.

You are also commanded to be saved. We know that nothing we do can save us, but we are told, nonetheless, to be saved. We know that salvation is an act of God's grace, but it also a decision on our part to accept His grace. It's an act of faith. Sanctification is the same. Having begun by grace through faith, our sanctification (growing in holiness and our relationship with God) must continue by grace through faith.

So, when God tells you to renew your mind, it is His grace and power that will make it happen, but it is also your decision and faith that allows Him to work in you. 

Talk to God, and ask Him to give you the grace to renew your mind. If you find your thoughts returning to their old patterns, don't be discouraged. Just ask God again, and He will meet you where you are.

Faith is something that grows as you use it. The more your faith grows, the more it will show in your life, as He transforms you into His image.

Ephesians 4:7-16 Gifts Part 2

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

God gave gifts to the church which we recognize as offices of ministry.

• Apostles are emissaries or ambassadors of God sent out with a message. Besides the original twelve apostles, there are others in the church who are gifted and called to be an apostle.
• Prophets hear from God. They may sometimes predict future events, but mostly they give clarity and direction to the church.
• Evangelists preach the gospel to the unsaved. In the modern church, they may serve the church as evangelists or missionaries. 
• Pastors are shepherds. Their ministry is primarily to the saved people within church. The pastor will comfort the bereaved, visit the sick, and be an ear to those in need. In the modern church, we generally call the leader of a local church a Pastor. But the biblical definition doesn't bear that out. 
• Teachers study the Bible, find insights, and teach those insights to others in a way that they can understand. Their ministry is also primarily to believers.

This is not a complete and definitive list of ministry offices. There are more in 1 Corinthians 12:28. These are, however, the ones the churches define as "clergy". You don't generally see an ordination for "helps" and "administration".

There is a biblical precedent for ordination. Paul reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery." [1 Timothy 4:14 NASB]. But I think the church has come to rely too much on "professional ministers", to the neglect of its members.

Bob the welder loves his job. He works 40 hours, has benefits, and gets paid well. He is also gifted as a pastor. This doesn't mean he should leave his job, go to seminary and become ordained. Bob can be a welder and visit the sick, or listen to the lonely man who needs someone to talk to. But he won't because his church has a professional "minister of visitation".

Don't think that I am opposed to full time professional ministry. I am not. But I think we need to remember why God gave the church these gifts: "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ."

The purpose of these gifts is to equip the saints to use these gifts.

We are trained to go to church on Sunday morning, maybe attend a prayer meeting during the week, and let the professional staff do the business of ministry. That is not the biblical model of a church.

Each member has a gift and a ministry. I want to see a church where the member are equipped to do the work of the ministry. Teachers learn, and in turn teach others. Pastors are trained and given opportunities to counsel, encourage, and walk alongside fellow members. Evangelists are sent out with the message of truth. Prophets are recognized and allowed a voice in the church. Apostles are recognized and sent out into the world.

Perhaps there are independent churches that operate this way. But the church overall does not.

Do you possess one of these giftings? If you have the opportunity, use it. If you don't see an opportunity to use your gift, pray that God will open the door for you do so. He is the one who called you. He is faithful, and He will open the door.

Ephesians 4:7-13 Gifts Part 1

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. ...And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

This passage contrasts with Romans 12:6-8. "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." While Romans is describing gifts given to individuals, Ephesians describes offices in the church that use certain gifts.

First, we are given apostles. By definition, an apostle is a delegate, or an ambassador sent on a mission from God to the world. There are two classifications of apostle, the most obvious being "The Twelve". The twelve Apostles are the twelve that walked with Jesus in His earthly ministry, and were chosen by Him; with an exception. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, and was no longer counted among them. 

Peter took it upon himself to try to replace Judas by casting lots. "And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles." [Acts 1:26 NASB]. Notice that the scripture does not say that he was counted with the twelve apostles. And nowhere else in the scripture is he counted as one of the twelve.

Paul counted himself among the twelve, "For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles." [2 Corinthians 11:5 NASB]. While he did not walk with Jesus in His earthly ministry, Paul received instruction directly from Jesus. "Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." [2 Corinthians 12:2-4 NASB]

Besides these, there are others in the Bible who are called to be apostles who were not of the twelve. Barnabas, "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out" [Acts 14:14 NASB]. Andronicus and Junias, "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." [Romans 16:7 NASB]. Paul included Timothy and Sylvanus when he said, "nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority." [1 Thessalonians 2:6 NASB].

Next is the office of prophet. The book of Acts demonstrates that the gift of prophecy was active in the New Testament church. Agabus received words concerning the future, "Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius." [Acts 11:27-28 NASB]. 

We are told of prophetesses, "On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea." [Acts 21:8-11 NASB]. 

Other prophets that are named are Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Judas and Silas. "Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." [Acts 13:1 NASB]. "Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message." [Acts 15:32 NASB]

Most traditional and evangelical churches don't recognize the office of apostle or prophet. Yet there is nothing in the scripture to indicate that these gifts have been taken away. In fact, we are told in Romans 11:29, "for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."

Because of disbelief, and a stubborn insistence on following tradition instead of the Scriptures, the church has robbed itself of these wonderful gifts of God. 

Some would say that the modern day missionary is the equivalent of the scriptural apostle. Yet Paul said, "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles." [2 Corinthians 12:12 NASB]. The gift of apostleship is more than just church planting and administration. The ministry of a true apostle will be accompanied by "signs and wonders and miracles".

Of course there are some churches that recognize apostles and prophets.

If the church is to recognize a man as an apostle, we must also be careful. "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ." [2 Corinthians 11:13 NASB]

Just because someone stands up and says, "I am the apostle of the church of ...", it doesn't make it so.

Is his message true? Does it line up with the Scriptures (without bending them to fit the message)? Does he show the signs of an apostle with healings and miracles? Does he exalt himself as an apostle, or does he downplay his role so that Jesus will be exalted? Does he surround himself with wealth and the trappings of this world? Without exception, the apostles were humble before God and man, putting other men before themselves.

It is understood that a New Testament prophet is not writing the inspired Word of God. Rather, his purpose is to give clarity and direction to the church, which is to judge the prophecy. No matter the authority or spirituality a person claims or appears to have we should judge their words. "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment." [1 Corinthians 14:29 NASB].

God has given gifts to the church, and we should be eager to received them. I urge the church to seek God for wisdom regarding His gifts and how to use them.

Ephesians 4:7-10 Paradise

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "when He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."  (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

We all know that Jesus died, and three days later he rose again. But what happened during those three days? The details are very scant, but we know that He wasn't passively unconscious.

Jesus said, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." [Matthew 12:39-40 NASB].

The nature of death changed when Jesus died. We have a brief description of the afterlife before the death of Jesus.

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. “And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 

“Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. “In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. “And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. ‘And fnbesides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ “And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ “But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ “But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” [Luke 16:19-31 NASB]

When people died, theirs souls descended to Hades - the place of the dead - which was divided into two parts. The evil souls were in torment, while those who received God's favor went to Paradise (not Heaven). They couldn't enter God's presence until the redemptive work of Jesus was complete. The blood of bulls and goats was not enough.

Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43 NASB].

Today's passage says, "when He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives." Those souls which were captive in Hades, now redeemed by the blood of Jesus, were led on high to be in the presence of God. 

Paul tells us, "Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." [2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NASB]. 

Again he says, "But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;" [Philippians 1:23 NASB]

Jesus' redemptive work changed the nature of death. Now, because of Christ, when we die, our souls do not descend into Paradise. Paradise has been relocated. We can look forward to leaving this body, and being in the presence of God in Heaven.

Ephesians 4:3-6 Unity

...being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

 The Church is called to unity. This isn't the "unity" that some would preach: that all religions are right, there is no wrong, and it doesn't matter what you believe. To the natural mind, that sounds very high-minded and fair. Some would think that it is wisdom. But it is false teaching.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." [John 14:6 NASB]. And the apostle Peter preached, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12 NASB].

If you will call yourself a Christian, you must believe that the grace of God through faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation.

Unity implies agreement. Of course, there will be differences in opinions, personalities, ministries, financial situations, lifestyles, jobs and so on. But about the basic beliefs of the faith there should be agreement.

There is one triune God, who is manifest as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is not three gods, but one God.

The state of the natural man is that he is fallen. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," [Romans 3:23 NASB].

We can do nothing to earn our salvation; it is God's gift to to those who believe. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" [Ephesians 2:8 NASB]

And, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." [Romans 10:9-10 NASB]

We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that one day He will return and gather the living saints to Himself. “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven." [Mark 13:26-27 NASB]. And "He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." [Revelation 22:20 NASB]

Somehow, we in the Church have let peripheral ideas divide us. Paul says in today's passage that there is "one faith, one baptism". He uses the example of baptism. In Paul's time the practice had started wherein people would baptize in the name of their favorite evangelist or apostle. So one would be baptized in the name of Paul, another in the name of Apollos, another in the name of Peter (1 Corinthians 1:12). These were foreshadows of today's many different denominations.

Some churches baptize infants, others do not. Some baptize by sprinkling and others by immersion. Some churches don't recognize the baptism performed by other churches, and require that you be baptized in their church before you can be a member and take communion. Baptism is only one example of division in the body of Christ.

Just as Paul condemned the divisions in his day, I am sure that Jesus mourns the divisions in today's Church.

I am not an influential person. I have no expectation that what I write here will influence denominational leaders, and heal divisions, and bring about unity in the Church.

I can't influence the world, but perhaps I can have some influence in my small part of it. I am acquainted with Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, and "non-denominationers". We all have our differences. I can choose to let those differences separate me from them, or I can seek unity and acceptance in knowing that we all believe in Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the throne of the Father.

In the end, differences in worship style and understanding of scriptures regarding gifts of the spirit, or the timing of the Rapture will be sorted out by God. That doesn't mean ignoring truth. Study and be convinced in you own mind what it is that you believe. Know why you believe it. Stand by your convictions, but be willing to be taught. There have been times in my life when I was convinced I was right about some belief. But a fresh understanding of Scripture, either through self-study or someone else's teaching caused me to change my mind. I am still learning.

You don't have to convince another Christian that your way is right, and his is wrong. The more confident you are in your own belief, the more you are able to accept another where they are.

Ephesians 4:1-3 Lifestyles

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

When you become a Christian, your lifestyle needs to change to reflect the changes that God is making in you.

For some, that means a radical change from such things as drugs, drunkenness and sexual promiscuity. For others, changes may seem more subtle on the surface.

When I was first saved, I was a teenager still living in my parents' home. I was a "good kid" growing up. I didn't go through the teen rebellion phase that so many do. I didn't do drugs, I was respectful to my parents, and I got good grades in school.

Nevertheless, my parents noticed a change in me after I accepted Jesus as my Lord. An avid reader, I always had a book in my hands, but now that book was the Bible. Instead of staying home on Sunday, I got out and went to church. As I got to know people in the church, my circle of friends changed.

It didn't take long for my parents to ask me about the changes in my behavior and general attitude and outlook on life. I'm also thrilled to say that within a year of my salvation, both of my parents were also saved.

We are called to live a lifestyle that is different from the world. The world admires power and influence. The most admired people in the world are celebrities, politicians (at least those of our own particular political leanings), and billionaire CEO's. These people also tend to be the most arrogant, clawing their way to the top, and stepping on those below them.

But we are called to be humble and gentle. We are told, "to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you," [1 Thessalonians 4:11 NASB]. Yes, God give some a gift for earning wealth so that they can do good. But that is not a universal constant. Don't mistake your ambition for God's calling. Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” [Mark 10:25 NASB].

We are called to be patient and tolerant for one another. These days the word "tolerant" has taken on political and social overtones. We are not talking about the tolerance that the world promotes. They demand tolerance for themselves, and spew hatred for anyone who disagrees with them.

Christians are called to tolerate sinners and their lifestyles. After listing many ways in which the world has devolved into sin, we are told in Romans 2 that we are not to judge them, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" [Romans 2:4 NASB]

We are also told, "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?" [1 Corinthians 5:9-12 NASB]

The people of the world do the works of their father the devil, and they are not ours to judge. God is tolerant and patient with them, drawing them to repentance. If they refuse God, then He alone will judge them.

Within the church, we are not to tolerate a willful, sinful lifestyle. But we do need to tolerate one another's weaknesses and personalities and differences. Unity in the church doesn't mean everybody is the same. It does involve bearing with one another. Romans 12:8 says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

Ephesians 3:14-21 The Love of God

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ...that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Some things can only be comprehended on a spiritual level. We can draw many comparisons to the love of God. Parents understand the of love of a parent for a child. I know that I would gladly give my life if it meant saving my son.

A black bear is actually a timid and gentle creature most of the time. But there are few things in this world that are more dangerous than a mama bear if she thinks her cubs are threatened.

We are able to understand this violent devotion to those we love. But our minds are not able to understand the love of God. All comparisons pale next to the love that God has for us.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." I can understand giving my life for my son, but I can't comprehend a love that would allow me to give my son's life for someone else. God loves you enough to let His Son die in your place.

Jesus  gave His life for a world that mocked him, beat him, and crucified him.

He doesn't offer eternal life so that you can walk down streets of gold. I have heard people talk about the streets of gold and mansions in Heaven as if they are being rewarded with great riches. Do they think that they're going to chisel gold out of the streets and spend it? No.

God gives you eternal life so He can spend eternity with you. If you really love someone, you want to spend time with them. God wants to spend time with you forever. That is His love for you.

Try to imagine the vastness of the universe. It stretches to infinity in every direction. Think about all of that space containing the love of God. It is not enough.

The love of God can't be understood with the mind, but you may be able to comprehend it in your spirit. Seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Allow the love of God fill you completely. Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you may experience the fullness of His love.

If you ask and believe, He has promised to do "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us."

Knowing the love of God, I agree with Paul in saying, "To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-16 Strong In Spirit

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.

The "inner man" is referring to the spirit of a man. This is opposed to our physical bodies, of course, and also to our "natural man". The natural man is the natural mind that is full of desires, greed, lust, wrath, and all of those things which we associate with "the flesh".

For those without Christ, the outer man and the inner man are the same. But those who have been saved have been born again, the inner man being made new; pure and holy, and able to receive God's Spirit.

Paul said, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NASB]

The natural mind is concerned with things that we can see. Religion, politics, the environment; all these things are important to the natural mind.

But the spirit of a Christian is concerned with things that are not seen; holiness, righteousness, truth, love. These things are eternal. The spiritual mind is turned toward God, the author of all things eternal.

A newborn baby is weak, but we expect it to grow up and become strong.

A new re-born Christian is also weak in the spirit. And we should expect him to grow and become strong in spirit.

If a 30 year old man is still soiling his diapers and drooling on his bib and hasn't yet learned to walk, we would agree that there is something wrong with his development.

So, how can we think it normal that a person who has been a Christian for 30 years still stumbles in sin every day of his life, spends a minimal amount of time in prayer (if any) and doesn't listen to the voice of God.

Remember, Paul said, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." [Galatians 5:16 NASB]

As long as you continue fulfilling the desires of your flesh, you will remain weak in spirit.

You must be strong in spirit. But how?

This is a stumbling block for many Christians. You can't strengthen your spirit through any effort of your own. You might think it's an act of will. But acting on your will is a work of the flesh. Perhaps you think that if you exercise your spirit it will grow stronger. Like a muscle. Your spirit is not a muscle, and any "spiritual exercise regimen" that you create is another work of the flesh.

Galatians 3:1-3 says, "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" [Galatians 3:1-3 NASB]

You were save by grace through faith, not by works. If you are to grow, it must be by grace through faith.

People often quote Romans 7 as an excuse for continuing in sin. But Paul didn't write it as a lament for his weakness, but as a warning of living by the Law instead of by faith. If you read on in Romans 8, you can see the conclusion of the argument, "For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace," [Romans 8:3-6 NASB]

If you set your mind on the flesh, you will do the works of the flesh, and weaken your spirit. If you set your mind on God, then you will grow strong in spirit, and overcome the flesh.

Again, this is not an act of will. Pray for God's grace to keep your mind turned toward Him as you go about your day. If you don't think you can keep your mind focused on Him, that's okay. He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” [2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB]. Ask God for the grace you need.

It is God's great pleasure to strengthen your spirit according to the riches of His glory, by the power of His Spirit.

Ephesians 3:11-13 Approaching God

This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." [John 14:6 NASB]

When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, everything changed.

Prior to this, all the world's religions had one thing in common, whether it was Judaism or idolatry. That one thing was sacrifice.

The book of Leviticus gives detailed instructions for the sacrifice required before the high priest could enter the Holy Place and approach God.

"The LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. Aaron shall enter the holy place with this: with a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. ...Then Aaron shall offer the bull for the sin offering which is for himself, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household. ...Then Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and for his household, and he shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. ...Moreover, he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; also in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times." [Leviticus 16:2-14 NASB]

This is only a part of the ritual involved in approaching God.

The pagan world was similar with the requirement of animal sacrifices and rituals.

But when Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross, everything changed. "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever." [Hebrews 7:26-28 NASB]

So then, we don't need to offer a sacrifice when we want to approach God. "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4:16 NASB]

We have bold, confident, direct access to God the Father. We don't need a priest to intercede for us, or to offer sacrifice for us. We don't  need to perform acts of penance before we come to Him, because Jesus' sacrifice paid it all.

We call Him God the Father because we are his children. "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." [Galatians 4:4-7 NASB]

As a child approaches his father without fear or groveling, so we approach our Heavenly Father without fear. 

How can we not avail ourselves of this opportunity to approach God in prayer, who is there for us day and night. 

We are always welcome in the presence of God our Father.