Pure Words and Testimonies full of Breath of the Most High

“1 ¶ and now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the judgments which I am teaching you to do, so that you may live and go in, and possess the land which Jehovah the god of your fathers is giving to you. 2 you shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, to keep the commandments of Jehovah your god which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:1-2 LIT) “and it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Jehovah your god, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;” (Deuteronomy 17:19 LIT) “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalms 119:11 LIT) “Lamed. your word is settled in heaven forever, O Jehovah.” (Psalms 119:89 LIT) “Nun. your word [is] a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105 LIT) “119 [as] dross you have made all the wicked of the earth to cease; so I love your testimonies. 120 my flesh has shivered because of your fear; and I have feared your judgments. 121 ¶ Ayin. I have done the just and right [thing]; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 be surety for your servant for good; let not the proud oppress me. 123 ¶ my eyes fail for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness. 124 ¶ deal with your servant by your mercy; and teach me your statutes. 125 I [am] your servant; make me consider and I will know your testimonies. 126 ¶ [it is] time for Jehovah to work; they have broken your law. 127 ¶ so I have loved your commands, more than gold, even fine gold. 128 so I count wholly right all the precepts; I have hated every false way. 129 ¶ Pe. your testimonies [are] wonderful; so my soul keeps them. 130 ¶ the entering of your word gives light, instructing the simple ones.” (Psalms 119:119-130 LIT) “so shall my word be, which goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in what I sent it to do!” (Isaiah 55:11 LIT) “16 every Scripture [is] god-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 so that the man of god may be perfected, fully furnished for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 LIT) “6 the words of Jehovah [are] pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. 7 you shall keep them, O Jehovah; you shall preserve them from this generation forever.” (Psalms 12:6-7 LIT) “5 every word of god [is] tested, he [is] a shield to those who seek refuge in him. 6 do not add to his words, that he not reprove you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6 LIT) “18 truly I say to you, until the heaven and the earth pass away, in no way shall one iota or one tittle pass away from the law until all comes to pass. 19 therefore, whoever relaxes one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven. but whoever does and teaches [them], this one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:18-19 LIT) “the heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will not at all pass away.” (Mark 13:31 LIT) “but it is easier [for] the heaven and the earth to pass away than one tittle of the law to fail.” (Luke 16:17 LIT) “for whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that through patience and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 LIT) “but [the] word of [the] lord remains forever." and this is the word announced as gospel to you. [Isa. 40:6 -8]” (1 Peter 1:25 LIT) “18 for I testify together with everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to these things, god will add upon him the plagues having been written in this book. 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, god will take away his part from the book of life, and out of the holy city, and of the things having been written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19 LIT)

I Will Cause Your Name To Be Remembered

I Will Cause Your Name To Be Remembered In All Generations; Therefore The Peoples Will Give You Thanks Forever !!

door Julia Ann op maandag 10 oktober 2011 om 1:01

I Will Cause Your Name To Be Remembered In All Generations; Therefore The Peoples Will Give You Thanks Forever And Ever=Psalms 45:17
Malachi 1:11

My Name will be Great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My Name, Because My Name will be Great Among The Nations," says YAHuah of hosts.
Malachi 2:5

My Covenant with him was one of life and peace (Shalom), and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared(Respected) Me. He stood In Awe Of My Name.
Malachi 2:1-5

 1  And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.

 2  If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My Name, said YAHuah of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings:, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

 3  Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

 4   And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, said YAHuah of hosts.

 5  My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before My Name.



My Name For All Generation!!

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God loving people justified

“Hear, O, Israel. Jehovah our God [is] one Jehovah. And you shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart. And you shall carefully teach them to your sons, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (De 6:4-8 MKJV)

 “If you fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin and are convicted by the Law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.” (Jas 2:8-10 MKJV)

 “You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment. You shall not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; [but] you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.” (Le 19:15 MKJV)

 “For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Ga 5:14 MKJV)

 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” (Ga 6:2 MKJV)

 “Master, which [is] the great commandment in the Law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt 22:36-40 MKJV)

 “And coming up one of the scribes heard them reasoning, knowing that He had answered them well, he asked Him, Which is [the] first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], "Hear, O Israel, [the] Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love [the] Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This [is] the first commandment. And [the] second [is] like this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mr 12:28-31 MKJV)

 “Therefore be it known to you, men, brothers, that through this One the forgiveness of sins is announced to you. And by Him all who believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.” (Ac 13:38-39 MKJV)

 “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.” (Ro 7:14 MKJV)

 “[Is it] not to break your bread to the hungry, and that you should bring home the wandering poor? When will you see the naked and cover him; and you will not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isa 58:7 MKJV)

 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have of God? And you are not your own,” (1Co 6:19 MKJV)

 “This [is] My rest forever; here I will dwell; for I have desired it.” (Ps 132:14 MKJV)

Dutch speaking readers can read the article and reactions on justification: Zo maar gerechtvaardigd?
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Rebirth and belonging to a church

In continuation of  Quit griping about your church and  A Bible Falling Apart Belongs to Someone who isn't

Continuing our thoughts about the belonging to a Church we are looking after what comes really in the first place. Should we stick to standard ways of thinking and hold to the "commonplace of Christian thought"? Can we just get baptized in every community and then be reconciled with God? Whether is it important that we first make some choices and then we submit to a baptism in full compliance with the autonomy of God?
Some assume that the rebirth lies in the membership of a church, a denomination or community, an ecclesia. Jesus had a different idea about the rebirth.

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again (“from above”), he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3.

  The new birth is the only way to salvation: “Except a man be born again,” he cannot see, much less enter, the kingdom of God. Everyone should be interested in this question, because there is normally in man a desire to be saved, at least from physical death; and this should be manifested in a desire to be saved from eternal death.

  Now Nicodemus wanted to discuss the Messiahship with Jesus. He acknowledged that he believed Jesus to be a teacher sent from God; for, he said, “no man can do these miracles that you do, unless God is with him.” But Jesus waved this all aside, and directed his attention to the greatest of miracles, the new birth. “You must be born again,” Jesus said.

  The new birth is indeed a miracle, greater than the miracles of healing, cleansing lepers, opening blind eyes, and opening deaf ears. The new birth is a new creation: “Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

   

The Bible teaches that the agencies that work to accomplish the new birth are the same that worked in the creation of the world. In the original creation there were the Spirit (Genesis 1:2), the water (verse 2), and the word (verse 3; Psalm 33:6, 9: Hebrews 11:3). In the new birth there are the Spirit (John 3:5), the water (verse 5), and the word 1 Peter 1:23).

  Since the new birth is the only way to salvation, it is man’s greatest need. Though Nicodemus wanted to discuss the theories and doctrines regarding the coming Messiah, he actually laid bare his greatest need. Jesus emphasized that theories, doctrines, and ritualism were not his need. He needed a change of heart. “You must be born again.”

  Nicodemus was startled to think that he was not already saved. I am a Pharisee, he probably said in his heart. I am a member of the true church of God. I pay tithe, and keep all of God’s commandments. I am not an idolater. I am a moralist, and am in no need of regeneration. These words might be appropriate if spoken to a Herod, a Magdalene, a Judas, or a Zacchaeus; but not to me a Pharisee. But Jesus pressed the truth upon him, “You must be born again.”

 No, church membership is not the new birth; for no one will dispute the fact that there are many members of churches who give no evidence of changed lives, many who have no hope of eternal life. Judas was a church member, but he betrayed his Lord. To the church has been committed the proclamation of the gospel of salvation; still no church can save anyone. To be saved, one must be born again. It is rather sad that some churches do not teach the new birth for salvation; it is no part of their creed. They teach that men are saved by being initiated into the church through the church’s ritualism.

  Some seem to believe that they have been born again because they have been baptized. But while baptism is important for salvation, it is plain that many have been baptized in water, but have not experienced the new birth and have not renewed their minds and hearts to live and think for the Lord as a new creation. It is for this reason that there are always two classes to be found in the church - the wheat and the tares.

  The new birth does not consist in mere outward conformity to the law of God; it does not consist in merely making good resolutions; it does not consist in being merely a good moral person. A moralist needs the new birth for salvation as much as the worst sinner.

  What is it then? It is a new life from above. It is a transformation of heart and life by the direct work of the Word inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is a new creation. It is a new being created spiritually in the image of God. It is the impartation of the nature of God by the regenerating power of the Spirit. Jesus said further in explaining the new birth: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, you must be born again.” John 3:5-7. The new birth is the essence of the kingdom of God implanted in the heart. It is not an improvement on the old sinful nature through education or refinement, but the implanting of a new nature in man, the divine nature.

  What are the results in a man’s life when the new birth is experienced? He leaves the life of sin for the life of righteousness. Romans 6:2, 12, 13. He passes from death to life (1 John 3:14), from the reign of the flesh to the reign of the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:8, 9). He leaves behind the domination of the carnal mind which “is enmity against God” and “is not subject to the law of God,” and takes up the rulership of the spiritual mind, the mind of Christ. Verses 5-7; 1 Corinthians 2:16. He passes from the rule of the flesh in which one “cannot please God” (Romans 8:8) to living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

 The Corinthians, to whom the Apostle Paul preached the gospel, were guilty of the grossest sins - adultery, fornication, drunkenness, and sodomy; but when they were born again, they were delivered from these sins. Paul, writing to them and naming these hideous sins, says: “And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:17.

  The results of the new birth are the same today as they were in the days of Paul. Through his first birth a man inherits a nature wholly incompatible with the nature of God. To enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again.

 - John Aldersley

Dutch translation / Nederlandse vertaling > Wedergeboorte en lidmaatschap tot een kerk

The Law of Christ: Law of Love

The Exhortation to the Apostles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"... we find that the law of love is the basis of all the instruction given by Christ and his Apostles. They often mentioned details which would not have occurred to us, but the details are all strictly related to the fundamental principle presented in the law through Moses and stated by Christ to be the foundation of his teaching: the whole-hearted love of God, and the self-sacrificing love of man.

The Lord Jesus gave a new impetus and even a new significance to the old command. Some disciples have been puzzled by his saying: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another" (John 13:34). In view of the fact that this law was so old and Christ had emphasized its fundamental character, why did he call it new? It is easy to find the answer to this question, and when found it becomes perhaps the most moving and searching of all thoughts for disciples.

The Mosaic law commanded that a man should love the Lord his God with all the heart, soul and strength, and that he should love his neighbour as himself; but these were not, and could not be, the laws by which a man could be judged before any merely human tribunal. The feelings and thoughts of a man's mind cannot be assessed correctly by a human judge. The law courts of mortal men can only judge in a negative manner. That was inevitably true in the old dispensation, and so a man who in no way injured his neighbours was legally correct in his social behaviour, even though wrong feelings were in his heart and wrong thoughts in his mind. Human judges were guided by the sight of their eyes and the hearing of their ears. Christ is under no such limitations. Even in the days of his flesh he knew what was in man, and needed not that any should tell him. When he comes as the ruler of mankind, he will not judge after the sight of his eyes or the hearing of his ears. With an all-penetrating knowledge, he will look into the heart of a man, and judge him by what he really is, and not what he appears to be. For us to be acceptable disciples this law of love must be in our hearts. There must be not merely an outward show of piety, but the reality of love for God, not merely a formal show of solicitude for a neighbour's welfare, or conventional acts of charity, but a real love of man. The Lord will look into our inmost being, and require that the reality of love shall be there."

- Islip Collyer
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The Law of Love
What it Means to be a Christian

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A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life

A LIVING FAITH

Our Manner of Life

Previous: A Living Faith #8 Change

When we consider the great price that has been paid for us and the great love extended towards us, really it is very reasonable matter that we are asked to respond to that love. If we truly do love the Lord our God, then we will strive to obey His Word and put the Commandments into practice day by day. In addition we will earnestly desire the return of the Lord Jesus and strive to diligently prepare for that great and glorious day.  By way of exhortation Peter asks:

“What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” 2 Peter 3:11-12

That word ‘ought’ means: ‘it is necessary’, or ‘there is need of’, or ‘it is right and proper’. It is indeed only right and proper, that as children of the Almighty, we live our lives striving to be holy, separate and undefiled to the best of our abilities. There is a great need for personal conduct to be upright and to be ‘Christ like’ in our way of life and behaviour. Indeed Paul speaks of this as being our ‘reasonable service’. So we read:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 

That word reasonable means, logical or rational. Reflecting upon the great price paid for our redemption, the great mercy extended towards us and the divine love shown towards us surely must inspire a willing, wholehearted response. The rational response is to demonstrate loving appreciation by obedience to His Word. Our manner of life must change as we grow in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith and love will be shown not merely by our words, but by our actions.

Yet as always being so prone to forgetfulness we need constantly reminding about the true values in life. We must maintain the right perspective, thus Jesus commands us to remain in his love lest we stray:

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.”If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  John 15:9-10

Now the Commandments of Christ booklet is a loved and valued reminder of the principle teachings of Christ.  Our manner of life must manifest obedience to those commandments, if faith is to be something that is living, vibrant and active in our daily lives. Ask yourself the following questions:

Ø What do those commandments mean to me personally? 

Ø What effect do they have upon my daily life?

Ø How am I as an individual, personally putting them into practice?

These questions are very pertinent for Jesus must come first and above all else in our lives. Indeed he is our life! Did not Jesus say:

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

What does bearing a cross daily mean? Clearly, it means a sacrifice of self, a crucifying or putting to death the ‘old man’ and following Christ daily. In other words, not our will, but doing the will of Yahweh as expressed in the commandments so clearly laid out in scripture.

So then what do I mean by suggesting that the commandments of Christ are personalised? Well, firstly consider the greatest commandment of all, Jesus said:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30

What does this mean in practical terms?

Personalising this commandment might go something like this:

Ø  Service to God must be first in my life: Matthew 6:33

Ø  I must work in the Lords service faithfully and diligently to the best of my abilities: Isaiah 66:1-2; Matthew 24:45-47; 1Tim 2:15

To give another example of personalising the commandments of Christ we can recall that Jesus provided the means by which in his absence his disciples would be reminded about his ministry and resurrection. We read:

“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20

What does this mean in practical terms?

Well, if we honestly desire to remember Jesus and all that he represents, then again personalising this commandment might go something like this:

Ø  Jesus must be my example in everything and I will try to be like him. 1Peter 2:21-23; John 13:15-16

Ø  Only through Jesus can my sin be covered, therefore I must remain in him.  John 15:5-7; Heb 2:1-3

Ø  My aim must be to prepare diligently for when Jesus Christ returns. Because of this, I will not get too engrossed with the work and interests of this life. Matt 24:44; Luke 12:35-38, 40; 2Peter 3:10-14

For a third example of personalising the commandments of Christ consider these words of John:

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1John 1:6-7

What does this mean in practical terms?

Well before answering that question let us first reflect upon some more scripture:

“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6

Without the Word of Yahweh there is only utter spiritual darkness. Therefore our manner of life must be subjected to the scrutiny of His Word which alone can illuminate and guide our feet in the way of life. There can only ever be one Truth, any other gospel is a lie and will not save. Therefore personalising this commandment to “walk in the light” might go something like this:

Ø  I cannot have fellowship with those who live in darkness, but must set an example to others: Eph 5:11

Ø  I cannot have fellowship with those who turn away from sound doctrine and/or practice: Gal 1:6-9; 2Thess 3:6,14; 2John 8-10

To be continued...A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2

 Andy Peel

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A Living Faith #8 Change

A LIVING FAITH IN ACTION

Change

 Previous: A Living Faith #7 Prayer

The ways of Yahweh are unchanging and in an ever changing and uncertain world, we can derive great comfort from that knowledge. We know for certain that what He promises, that He will also do. As Malachi records, Yahweh says, "For I am the LORD, I do not change” (Mal 3:6). Therefore, if we desire reconciliation with our Creator, if we desire to attain His mercy and if we desire to be part of His purpose, then it is we who must change. Yet how hard that process of change can be!

Now thus far we have considered faith as something that must be a living and active force in our lives. Faith requires diligence and effort to sustain; it is not gained by a one off effort and once acquired, faith can be easily lost if it is neglected. Therefore patience and perseverance are required to sustain and develop faith. Further, a willing sacrifice of self and a humble acceptance of the absolute authority of Yahweh is also required, if faith is to be a living and active part of our daily lives. Obeying the Word, obeying the commandments and following the principles of God, must be the fulcrum around which our lives revolve.

Above all there must be a conscious recognition that not by our own strength or abilities will we gain a living faith. We have no inherent merit, we deserve only condemnation, but Yahweh has graciously extended His mercy toward us. He has demonstrated His willingness to count our faith as righteousness. More than this, He has invited His children to commune with Him through prayer. Thus active personal prayer is inseparable from faith. Yahweh will hear and answer sincere prayer that flows from a humble, contrite and honest heart.

With these thoughts in mind then, there is one further step for us to consider that will be an integral component of and arise from a living faith. An active faith will incorporate change and that change will ultimately be fundamental and far reaching in its extent.  Personal change is a product of having a living faith, there must be a complete renewing of the inner man. Paul writes:

“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Romans 6:5-6

We committed ourselves to ‘putting off the old man’, that is the old self that is self seeking and to be renewed according to godly characteristics. No longer enslaved to sin, but freed to serve the Lord our God. If this inner change takes place, then having been united with Christ in the likeness of his death, we will be uplifted in the likeness of his resurrection.  The resurrection to life is certain, becuase this is the express promise of Yahweh. A living faith will trust and believe His word. Yet how often do we doubt? How often do we consider the prospect of failure, rather than the prospect of being part of the divine purpose? Yes, most certainly life is a gift that we do not merit. However, equally certain is Yahweh’s love and mercy towards those who love Him, those who trust and believe in His promises. Paul writes that in Christ:

“all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 1Corinthians 1:20

Further through Paul the Spirit says:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

No condemnation! Free from sin and death! Now if those thoughts do not stir our highest emotions, our deepest gratitude and inspire a living active faith what will? A living faith will not see or contemplate failure, but rather be inspired to deny the flesh and live according to the spirit. It will desire above all things to be ‘Christ like’, being renewed in the inner man as Paul exhorts:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

Rarely are Yahweh’s children asked to forfeit their life in His service. No, the sacrifice and inner change demanded is greater than this. The giving up of life involves the giving up of all that is held dear in the present and dedicating all to His service. A striving to develop attributes of character that are moulded in the image of our Creator.

The death of Christ was the culmination of a life of sacrifice. The more we behold the glory and character of the Lord Jesus, the more we mediate and reflect upon his example, then the more we will grow to be like him. If we are ‘Christ like’ then our lives will exhibit a similar life of sacrifice that is engendered by a living faith. Thus we read:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Children of the light have nothing in common with and no fellowship with those in darkness. Consider the enormity of this wonderful promise:

"Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." 2Corinthians 6:17-18

The calling is to be separate and this will in no measure perturb those who have an active faith that desires above all to put the Commandments of Christ into action day by day. Indeed it will be their desire to keep apart from those who do not know the Lord and those who do not love and follow the Word.

They have noting in common with those who remain or stray into darkness. A living active faith desires one thing above everything, namely to know the Lord their God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. They desire to be in the image of their Creator and will shun all who do not have this image imprinted upon them. So Paul is moved to write:

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”  2Corinthians 3:18

How wonderful, how gracious, how longsuffering, how merciful and how loving is Yahweh! May our response be the deepest desire to have a living faith that in some small, albeit imperfect way, reflects His divine glory.

To be continued...A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life

Andy Peel

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In this series:
A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
A living faith #2 State of your faith
A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action
A Living Faith #4 Effort
A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
A Living Faith #6 Sacrifice
A Living faith #7 Prayer
A Living Faith #8 Change
A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life
A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2
A Living Faith #11 My place in the body of Christ and my ecclesia
A Living Faith #12 The Love for Jesus


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2013 + 2016 January update:

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• Wwjd
• I remember you in my prayers
• Increase our zeal for the Holy scriptures
• Always rejoicing Praying constantly Giving thanks for everything

No man is free who is not master of himself

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Geen mens is vrij die geen meester van zichzelf is

"No man is free who is not master of himself ...
Is freedom anything else than the power of living as we choose?"
- Epictetus

"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
for I delight in your commands because I love them."
Psalm 119:45-47

I am rich by following your law Lord.
In sincerity of my heart I thank you as I learn your righteous rules.
I want to be faithful to Your covenant requirements, let me not wander from your commandments. With all my heart I still find you, let me not depart from your bid.
My choice is made, for you I have chosen.
I fill my heart with your words, this is the only way not to sin and not to grieve you.
Blessed are you Jehovah, learn me all about your law and give me divine freedom.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 1:1, New International Version

Dutch version / Nederlands > Gelukkig de mens die niet de raad volgt van wie zonder God leven

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    So often sin and ungodly lifestyles are portrayed as glamorous. The way of blessing, however, is the way of God. His will is for our good, his commands spring from his mercy and protection, and his way is the path of life. We are blessed when we walk with God and do his will.

    Forgive me, Father, for believing the lies of the world and being deceived and enticed by temptations. I know that sin brings heartaches, complications, and problems. I also know that choosing the right things, standing up for truth, and living faithfully for you are sometimes very difficult. Please help my heart believe and my mind see that walking in your will brings me life. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.