Laying the Foundation
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ we are expected to continue in his Word. Before we are able to move ahead into the deeper things of YHWH we should be assured that we have the proper foundation to build upon. This in my opinion is a spiritual connection where we have been intrduced to the teacher who leads us into all truth. We know some of the basics that are outlined in scriptures like repentance from dead works and learning certain things about Jesus and Yahweh/God that are shared by all true believers. Many can memorize doctines and practice ceremonies but they can be mostly only empty traditions with no life of God in them. Each level as we grow up takes further commitment to not only follow him but become like him. This includes being yielded and obedient to all the will of God; perfected in holiness. What we show on the outside is to be a reflection of the glory we already have inside, hidden in our inner man. Ephesians chapter 4 shares that when we have learned to speak the truth in love we will all gain spiritual strength (edification) to become completed in the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ.
Many times the Lord has reminded me that believers are not able to continue in His word and walk further because of a faulty foundation which includes keeping traditions of man and dead letter doctrines. This is an opportune time to dig out and replace those "bricks" that are not able to hold up God’s completed temple of the Holy Spirit (not made with hands). We are shown the consequences of the building built from the works of the flesh compared with those that are of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. This example is about one dwelling that was made of things that were temporary and flimsy like wood and straw. The second had many precious jewels and metals that were not consumable in the fire. We can't ignore the warning of MAlachi about the last days bringing the refiners" fire to purify the sons of Levi. God's inheritance was the Levitical Tribe which perhaps speaks of the elect those who receive rewards as they walk into the Kingdom while alive.
Even though salvation was in place, ( the incorruptible seed), the works of the first dwelling were all burned up in the fire “in that Day”. There will be a time a great testing upon the whole earth before the Kingdom is established that will "prove" the hearts of all men. We have a choice every single day to yield to the direction of the Lord or to do things our own way. Our lives have been influenced by the dictates of the world's systems ( educational, economical political, social, etc.) so it takes much diligence and discipline to become retrained to follow Christ. We are already made new but must break down the walls of our flesh; things of selfishness that separate us from total connection to the life force that abides in our hearts. It takes practice; just like in our physical bodies, we must exercise our muscles. In our spiritual life we must learn to "exercise our spiritual senses".
Another parable that Christ gave us was the story of the house built on the sand which could not withstand the winds and waves of adversity. The Lord warned us to count the cost (of completing the building) for we must endure many things enabling us to mature and become pure. One part of the test is the saying; "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks". When the pressures of the firey trials become more intense we will find that our words and actions will prove who we actually call Lord and submit to. It is important to bring grace and edification rather than allowing bitterness or other selfish attitudes (corrupt communication) come out of our mouths. Our self/soul must be dealt with first, (sanctified), or we can’t be overcomers and obtain God’s promises. Recently the Lord shared with me that no one has been perfected yet, we all are on the pathway to perfection/
Our salvation began as an incorruptible seed that needs to be nurtured so that it will grow into a fruitful tree. It is not too hard to realize that when things are easy that people don't spend much of their efforts trying to please God. When people gotheough hard times they tend to seek the Lord to find answers to life's pertinant questions. A few become bitter and reject the grace of the Lord who is there to teach and comfort those who come to Him and call upon His name in sincerity. The most effective circumstances to bring people to their knees are afflictions that help us to draw close to God and deny our flesh, i.e. opinions and emotional responses. To go through the chastening/discipline of the Father will complete us as mature Sons. Those who are built upon the rock of revelation knowledge stand strong and stable through the storms. We are also built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Christ as our chief cornerstone.
Hebrews chapter 6 tells us we must go on to perfection not laying again the foundations of our faith, which are repentance, abandonment from dead works through faith in God, by which we received our salvation. It continues sharing about baptisms and laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead and eternal judgment. I have stated before that we must be missing something in that we are not performing even the beginning works of Christ. Multitudes, tired of playing church, are still yearning for something real. The best way to find the truth is to build a persdonal relationship, with the Lord in aloneness. Quiet yourself and seek to hear His still small voice. I believe this is part of what He admonished us to do which is called "Entering into His Rest". Learning to walk according to the Spirit and only do what the Father shows us to do will finally bring the church into it's place in God's power and authority. ONly a small remnant of beleivers will attain to this stature of maturity and grace.
Many believers wonder why after years of study and other "Christian" activities they seem to be still struggling with the same problems. Others are comfortable with their one hour a week status quo programs and ceremonies and have never considered that there is anything more to their faith. Most have not even started to do the works of Christ or have any clue about the unity of the faith or overcoming power or other ways to live a victorious life. One answer is that one main part of the foundation that is missing is discipleship. Originally, 2000 years ago, the new believer was established with the practice of the things of the Spirit, not just head knowledge. In most families our efforts are to teach the ways of the world in our education systems and businesses for the most part with little instruction on how to serve God or others. Actually many things of the spirit are imparted through and by the Spirit like humitity, patience, truth and justice an education from our Holy Spirit teacher and comforter.
The whole community of faithful ones lived and worshipped together with peace, mutual respect and commitment to the "GOOD OF ALL". It brought deeper separation from the ways of the world than what we see or experience today. The new convert was linked to other strong, faithful believers who could stand with him until he was established in the faith. Accountabilty and availability go hand in hand. A new born child needs to be nurtured and eventually trained to become the man or woman of integrity and purpose that is needed for a fulfilling life. Godly instruction takes much more than an hour of Sunday school and a confirmation ceremony after then learn a few doctrines and scriptures. Another problem has been that many people become saved through either a ministry on television or an evangelistic crusade that is not from the local church but passing through. If there is not a place for the new born Christian to be established in the truth then the word that is in them dries up and cannot bear fruit according to the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.
A major piece of the beginning foundation message is the requirement of salvation of the soul (including the renewed mind). This commitment of death to one's self has been also been abandoned from our foundational teachings. To gain this life in the Spirit takes much pruning; death to the flesh. By walking in the Spirit, the outward existence with it's propensity for sinful behavior and even attitudes will be crushed/annihilated so that it won’t keep springing up to trouble the soul (like a weed that keeps coming back from a root that has never completely been killed off). We are told to put the axe to the root to show forth the fruits of repentance that will glorify the Father. We haven't arrived when we become "born again" that takes a life time of walking with the Lord and obedience to His revealed will.
This can only be through a submitted life in all areas, even our very thoughts and the motivations of our hearts. The work that was done on the cross brought forgiveness for all sin but our inner selfishness, the root of sinful thoughts or deeds, must still be dealt with. This is what Paul meant in carrying the cross daily. We "Die to our selfish acts and attitudes each day. We can find the will of Yahweh in all we say or do if we are diligent to . He abides in us to work in us His ever increasing light (glory) as we yield to Him. When we learn to abide in the presence of the Lord we have joy. It is in trusting and worshipping Yahweh alone that we are able to keep the commandments. We know that they are broken down into one Great Commandment; to loe God and to love each other, unconditionally and sacrificially. This is never a call to legalism or becomming a Pharasee but a restoration of the true Law of Liberty.
Many are finding that they are being brought back to the "Hebrew roots". This is most likely a part of the foundation that might need a further look. By disconnecting the practice of many historical and religious traditions that were a reality to Jesus/Yahshua and the disciples we have lost a lot of context to help us understand the scriptures and actions of the early church. For instance we would be able to identify the Seven Trumpets and other prophesies of Revelation with the fall Feasts of the Lord. I want to make clear that traditions in themselves can be a hindrance if they are kept just for their own sake in a superficial way with little thought or commitment to their teaching. Many have a deeper message that reveals some of the will and ways of Christ and God. They can confirm a repeated principle or work of God. Through the centuries diverse Pagan traditions became mixed into the universal religious practices replacing freedom with bondage. I believe many false doctrines or beliefs corrupted the true faith way before Christ was born. He had "issues" with the religion of that day that had perverted and hidden the truth from the common people.
Our faith began from a totally different perspective that was lost in the first couple of centuries after Messiah came. Abraham being the father of our faith believed YHWH's Word and received not only righteousness but the promises that were given. He was obediant to what was spoken to him just as Jesus shared that he only said and did what the Father told him to do. Those men of faith written of in Hebrews chapter 11 as the faithful followers of YHWH were also those who heard and obeyed His still small voice and this was done before the scrolls were written. It is still is possible to hear and obey the living word for "man does not live by bread alone but by every word that (still proceeds) form the mouth of God".
The modern false gospel seldom teaches the converted ones that they need to exchange their life to receive the power of Christ for deliverance and joyful living. This is not legalism with a set of rules that rejects those who don’t conform. Rather, the relationship with the Giver of life and love expressed in the glorious gospel sets them free. This freedom is shared with the destitute and downtrodden ones to bring healing and reconcilliation. Each believer is expected to be a minister of the good news of the Gospel. We are all called to different diverse functions/anointings in the Lord's Body. Each person must be able to learn of the Spirit of God individually and then bring edification to others not just as they meet together but also as they walk through the streets of their community. Since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit we have His presence no matter where we are.
Another forgotten part of ministry is the fruitfulness of "reproducing after your own kind". We replenish "the earth" by bearing natural children ; the same is true for spiritual children who can speak and act like Jesus. Unless a grain of wheat dies it stands alone. When we die to ourselves we then can live in the newness of life. We should have the goal of serving in bringing others to a place of spiritual growth and blessings. Much of our focus is on what we can get or do for our self or immediate family. This selfless serving is the testimony of Apostles and Prophets upon whose foundation we are built. They are underneath, so to speak, holding the others up. Humility of spirit is the opposite of what people would try to accomplish in the world’s system. That ego driven attitude is used to compete, to gain control and status. We know envy and strife cause confusion and evil works, according to James.
Many “ministers” see their gifts as their own rather than corporate - belonging to one another. They are lifted up as a celebrity rather than being a servant. We can respect the elders who have proven their faithful service but they would be the first to reject being placed upon a pedestal. Too many operate a “ministry” like it was a business always looking for the bottom line financially or how they can benefit rather than looking for the good of all. Most missionaries only visit the mission field like it was a vacation, setting up meetings for a couple of weeks then going on to the next national or internationel gathering. To be a true minister we are to identify with sinners and the homeless and even partake of their meager lifestyle. Jesus did that same thing for us as written in Isaiah 53.
This is seen in many other aspects of what we call ministry. The Lord showed me a few things about many believer's conventions and conferences in that they are on a superficial level. You can stop in foe a few days and get a "high" but when you get home you have to deal with people who either don't care or don't know or relate to your esxperince. The local church must become functional on a deeper levrel perhaps because we all know each other too well are we avoiding fellowship on most levels. Many will never attend a service again becuase they don't like those who attend or they have been ostracized for amny diffrerent reasons. You need to read my message called "church split syndrome" where I describe the problems that are happening with those who want to grow up and those who want the status quo of empty traditions. Even more difficult is than many desire to serve God but no one who can relate. So many divisions and disagreements. We all know there is a honeymoon period when people first beging to form commitments in many organizations.
This includes selling the gospel through books and other materials that should be given for the use of the body without charge. A person can have passion for a good cause; even salvation of souls, but miss having the COMPASSION necessary to truly convert the heart and bring wholeness. Love never fails.
We are to use our gifts, emparted by the Spirit, to flow forth as the Lord wills/directs in a multi membered Body. There is accountability and balance in the whole entity of the living stones fitly joined together. As people mature in their faith they realize that the foundation of true authority grows with humility. All must work together to enable every part to fulfill their calling and gifts. Each part of the body must grow into a functional, anointed, mature believer. We are only as strong as the weakest link; we can cover one another and bear each others burdens to strengthen and deliver from all oppression, falsehood and poverty. Ephesians 4 gives an account of this corporate calling and function in the Spirit. When love is perfected the gifts will pass away, 1st Cor.13. Proof of being accepted by the Lord is not seen in the doing of miracles but in a transformed life with a servants heart.
All believers have received the power to move mountains and speak in other tongues yet these works amount to nothing if not glorifying the Father or bringing help to His children. A believer can preform good works but still deny the true knowledge of Christ. We make our calling and election sure by obtaining the Divine nature of Yahweh through following the higher law of liberty (2 Peter 1). This is why we must let the Word of God, spoken by the Spirit of God, divide in us the soul from the Spirit. Hebrews 4:12 states; Indeed,the word of God is living and active,sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing until it divides soul from spirit,joints and marrow;it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden,but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. We cannot serve two masters or be double minded. Only the pure in heart shall see God.
Psalm 137 shows us another key to this dilemma. It states that He exalts His Word even above all His name. If we continue in the revealed, rhema Word of the Lord then we are His disciples. Another thing to note is it soon becomes apparent that the higher level of truth believers walk in the less popular they will be. Many afflictions will arise to try to drive the Word from a faithful one’s heart but that same revelation/Word brings power and deliverance if we stand in that truth that sets us free. We can do nothing in our strength for we are promised that the Word that proceeds [continually] from the mouth of God brings forth the power to accomplish what has been spoken. WE are expected to ABIDE or dwell fully in the Word of the Lord.
Doubting the message of the Father was the root of Adam and Eve’s sin in eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan came to plant seeds of unbelief to keep them from inheriting the promise of eternal life; partaking of the Tree of Life in the Third Heaven. The devil’s cunning suggestion questioned the faithfulness of God by asking; “did He say you shall not eat of every tree in the garden “? He deceived them into thinking that they would not die but that their eyes would be opened to know good and evil. The wages of sin is death; anything not of faith is sin. We must contunually look away unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. We must learn to focus upon (behold) our Father’s goodness and merciful nature to restore our foundation of hearing and obeying the Word of God who created the Universe though the Word of His Power.
Another thing to consider in these last days is how to come out of Babylon. This is the political, economic and religious system of the modern world. We were never meant to chase after the materialistic things of mammon. Our desires for and what we do with our worldly goods will be judged along with other works. Have we withheld anything thinking that it’s not our responsibility? In seeing the Body as one unit we need to see what we have as belonging to the whole group as the first century church shared all that they had with the needy. It’s too easy to look the other way because there are programs that provide for the “poor”. (Those who are truly needy in this country are rare compared to other nations.) Most families have luxuries that are considered well above the poverty level. It will be harder for us when catastrophes do strike because most don’t know how to handle even the most simple survival situations and have no skills at all to find food or shelter.
Consider the TV Survivor shows but with people working together rather than competing for personal gain. Everyone will be at the same level when we lose everything except for those who have prepared themselves spiritually and physically. In the real world most families are only days away from destitution and don’t know it. Without an income it takes about 30 days for that comfortable lifestyle or financial security to be greatly diminished or gone. God never intended for us to be slaves to mammon. Understand that it is not really prosperity to be in debt for 25 years or more to pay for a home or education. Our needs/greeds seem to be increasing while bills accrue with interest daily. God says that He hates a haughty look and rebukes the lusts of the flesh and pride of life.
Many have bought into the lie of the Prosperity Gospel that justifies materialism, thinking that godliness is gain. Yes,the Lord gives wealth to establish His covenant is recorded in Proverbs which does not mean to live self indulgently. I feel that it is wise to get out of debt and help others to leave this system of financial slavery as soon as possible. It will be done for us when the economy turns volatile with major consequences. “Babylon is falling” is the warning but it’s also good news if you are determined to leave “her” behind. Where your treasure is you heart is also.
The first century church showed us the way to live with one another sharing our goods and labor. They knew how to be inter-dependent and inter-submissive. As we prepare now to leave the things of the world systems behind we can master the right attitudes to help one another in the face of total destitution with a safety net in place. It has less to do with correct doctrines than being in unity under the covering of love that will get us through the times of persecution and affliction. It is expedient for the whole body of Christ to do as the early church fathers did and bring things in the midst to be divided among the brethren to get and keep them out of debt (carry one another’s burden). The collapse of the economy has to take place before the masses are forced to take the Mark of the Beast to buy or sell. The reality check is the fact that debtor’s prisons have already been set up. When the new world monetary system is in operation, the enormous debt owed will be a snare to keep people from breaking free. They will be forced into labor camps to pay off what they owe.
In the Beatitudes, poor in spirit (perhaps meaning the poor who walk in the Spirit) are trusting YHWH for the supply of their daily needs. We have to repent of the lust of the eyes, flesh and pride of life that ensnare us. I know some people reading this are thinking what business is it of hers to suggest anything to do with MY personal life. That’s just the point if every one is only thinking of themselves and being independent in their control of their lives then they are not really a part of the Body and will be standing alone in the day of trouble. I’m not telling anyone specifically what to do other than warning them as a trumpet; “come out of the corrupt systems of Babylon, now. Seek God while He may be found and join together with humble people as a strong community under His covering - in the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace”. God chastens, disciplines and instructs those whom He loves so that they can receive their inheritance of grace through faith.
The first recorded murder was observed first in the countenance of Cain for he was jealous of his brother’s favor with YHWH. Matthew 24 sheds some more light on this in the parable of the sheep and goats. The faithful were divided out and allowed to enter the Kingdom because they had fed the poor and given shelter to the homeless. Jesus stated that as we minister to the least of our brethren these works are done unto him. In fact we all are responsible for the health or weakness of the whole body because in the Lord we are One in the Spirit and connected with each other. Do we reject those we consider the least in our eyes because they don’t have it together? Those who have addictions or fall into sin are kicked out of fellowship but we are told that we can restore through our loving kindness that covers, and interceeds for our brothers.
Anyone who isn’t healed after the prayer of the healer is accused of not having enough faith. Lazareth didn’t need any although I believe that Jesus used the believing sister’s testimony to bring faith to the scene. Heaven forbid that anyone cannot repay a debt in many christian businesses or churches. Forgive us our debts as we forgive (those who owe us) is prayed on Sunday but forgotten by Monday. One day we will be able to celebrate/appropriate the Year of Jubilee to set all people free. We are in the world but not of it, should be much more apparent in our lives.
Too many are rejected from churches as unworthy by the arrogant attitude of those who are too “good” to associate with the sick or lame. This includes the socially unacceptable like those that Jesus ministered to. He showed us the signs that are necessary evidence of those who believe, so we are the responsible ones if they aren’t manifest; not the needy ones who come to us for help. Christ said that the Gospel is Good News to the poor and downtrodden. He identified with the needy; becoming a “conduit” of mercy and power to all of mankind who would receive and believe. Through this attitude of serving and saving the brethren as well as the lost we become as Messiah in the earth; Isaiah 61.
When the ones who really seek God’s face to set the captives free, learn to walk in the higher ways and power of the Lord, then the unity of the corporate anointing will increase among us and we’ll see deliverance and overcoming power in our midst. The original Church was able to “keep” these weak ones and give them help and deliverance. Many church attendees look good on the outside while the inside is full of pain or sinful addictions. Restoring a brother is the favorable testimony of God’s Love before the unbelieving world. When our corporate, spiritual strength is magnified to do the will of the Father we won’t question or complain. The vision of the Body is that we are totally a part of one another; when one rejoices we all are blessed - when one weeps we all will be sad. Building committed relationships with fervent prayer and accountability to one another is helping the foundation to be laid again.
It may seem new to many but those who are closely following the will of the Lord are the ones who have already let go of the world’s treasures and appetites. James reminds us that true religion is found in caring for the widows and orphans as well as rejecting the things of the world. He also stated that to love the things of the world causes us to be at odds/enmity with God. Those who are poor in earthly goods are more able to be made rich in faith. There will be a day when we will be tested on this I am sure. As the economy falls apart before our eyes with inflation, deflation or just plain control of commodities, all foundations of man’s security will be shaken and crumble. In fact we know that to buy or sell everyone will need the Mark of the Beast.
It will be hard but not impossible for believers to survive outside of the multi-faceted system. We have falsely believed that it is our provision. It is the only way we have known so will be hard to leave it behind before it falls. Then we will be faced with sharing with one another as the Body of believers and a testimony of Love to the world. This will include giving of what we have to those who are forced out of their homes, made destitute through many natural or political disasters. Most who think that is not their responsibility now will likely expect others to provide for them.
God is the provider of those who are serving Him and seeking His Kingdom first. Those who understand the Body and the true meaning of the covenant that we celebrate as we take communion will see the needs of their brethren as their own. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews explains the inheritance desired of the fathers of faith...11:38 (Amplified) Men of whom the world was not worthy...roaming over the desolate places and the mountains,and living in caves...39 And all of these, though they won the divine approval by means of their faith,did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised,40 Because God has us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us,so that they [these heroes of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].