Sword of the Spirit – Polluted House #1034

Posted on June 5, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1034

“Polluted House”

…and they polluted the house of the Lord that He made holy. (2 Chronicles 36:14)

I have read about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch aka the Pacific Trash Vortex lately. Although one of many such patches, this one is now twice the size of the state of Texas.

In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and man. God declared His creation to be very good. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31). When Adam and Eve sinned the pollution of the heart of man and of God’s creation began and continues to this day.

Pollution is defined as the presence or introduction of something that has harmful or poisonous effects. We can readily see what effects pollution has on our air, land, and seas. But what about spiritual pollution? We seem to be more concerned with the pollution of our temporal physical environment Heaven and earth will pass away…(Matthew 24:35) and less concerned with the pollution of our immortal souls. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)

As Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Are we polluting God’s house? Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We pollute the house of the Lord physically when we freely give in to its lusts for pleasurable things that are harmful to our health. We pollute the house of the Lord spiritually when we willfully and repeatedly expose our hearts and minds to words and actions that God considers to be sin and an abomination before Him. Like the whale that died ingesting trash that appeared to be food, we too are in peril when we allow ourselves to be polluted by the sin of the world. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27-NIV)

We may have a pious Christian outward appearance, but be nothing more than a whitewashed tomb due to the sin pollution we allow in our life. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:25 & 27)

The root cause of polluting our environment as well as the temple of our spirit, mind and body is a selfish love of self and a lack of love for God and for our fellow man. …“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-49)

May the great commandment to love God and fellow man be firmly embedded in your spirit, guiding your heart and mind in all life choices, decisions, words and actions to the glory of God.

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Sword of the Spirit – Upside Down World – #1033

Posted on May 28, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1033

“Upside Down World”

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves. (Ecclesiastes 10:5-8)

Our world is an upside down – inside out world filled with moral incongruity. The celebrations in the streets of Ireland this week over the abolishment of the ban on abortions made me sick to my stomach. The upside was the signing of the fetal heartbeat bill in Iowa. The inside-out twist expected is that the bill will be blocked by a Federal Judge and it will never see the light of day as have many other such bills before it.

The Truth of God’s Word informs us that this is not a new thing. Our world has been suffering from moral incongruity since the fall of Adam and Eve. Elijah, a great man of God, sat distraught in a cave while the evil personified Jezebel boasted in the luxury of a palace.

The righteous man, Mordecai lived on the street while the evil Haman lived in luxury, plotting to kill all the Jews while seeking more power and the favor of the king.

David lived in caves, pursued like a dog while Saul lived in luxury in the palace.

Jesus, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, served the lowliest of the low while evil ruled in luxurious palaces. And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)

We are not without hope, however. The Lord hears and answers prayer. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16) The Lord has and does intervene in our topsy-turvy world and bring it right side up on occasion.

Justice prevailed and Jezebel met a violent death.

Haman was hung on the gallows of his own making and Mordecai received his reward.

David became King and Jesus overcame death and was resurrected, paving the way for eternal life for all who would believe in Him. As Jesus said: So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20:16)

Western society has all but forsaken the Lord, worshipping at the altar of Baal and sacrificing their unborn children to the god of mammon.

May we enter into intercessory prayer seeking God to intervene, bring revival of hearts, and heal our land. May the Lord stay the hand of our blinded, hard-hearted judiciary and allow laws to be passed that will protect the lives and rights of unborn children.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus and turn our world right side up again.

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Sword of the Spirit – You Have Heard #1032

Posted on May 21, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1032

“You Have Heard”

 …in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)

‘Fake News!’ is the outcry of the day. From social media to the broadcast networks carefully selected information bites are pulled out of context and skillfully spun to further an agenda. It has become increasingly difficult to discern the truth.

Sadly, this problem exists in the church context also and it is not something new. Since the fall of Adam and Eve there have been false prophets among the prophets of God and to this day we have false teachers among us. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke the Truth with authority. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus addressed six topics prefacing His statements with ‘You have heard…but I say to you.’ He corrected conventional thinking and false doctrine on the subjects of Anger, Lust, Divorce, Oaths, Retaliation and Love for enemies.

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… (Matthew 5:21-24) Jesus clarified the intent of the Law to matters of the heart. You cannot harbor bitterness and hate in your heart and still offer an acceptable gift of worship at the altar of God.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28) Again, lust is more than an act – it is a matter of heart intention. We often cannot avoid seeing things that entice us to lust; however, the second look is a choice.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32) Divorce has become too easy in our society and the demographics of our churches are no different than that of the unsaved world. We cannot undo what has been done and forgiven by the shed blood of Jesus, but we can teach future generations by word and example of the value and importance of purity in premarital relationships. We need to teach them the Biblical Truth of the covenantal relationship of marriage as God intended it to be.

Jesus continued to undo twisted teachings concerning making empty oaths – Let what you say be simply Yes or No; retaliation – Do not seek an eye for an eye vengeance; and to Love not only your neighbor but your enemies also.

How does one discern the Truth? Discernment comes by reading and studying the Word of God for ourselves, guided in all Truth by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (John 16:13; Ephesians 4:14)

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Sword of the Spirit – Respect Authority #1031

Posted on May 14, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1031

“Respect Authority”

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Pay…respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:1-7)

In my annual journey through God’s Word, I continue to marvel at the great restraint and respect for authority demonstrated by David concerning King Saul. But David said…who can put out his hand against the Lord‘s anointed and be guiltless? …The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord‘s anointed. (1 Samuel 26:9-11) There is a difference between being anointed by God and appointed by God. Not all who are appointed are anointed. Both, however are worthy of respect as outlined in the Word of God.

Have you noticed the juggernaut of disrespect that is loosed in our society? We see it firsthand every day in our schools, places of work, the marketplace, halls of government, and yes even our churches. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

The biblical value of respect and honor is first birthed and taught in the DNA of our society – our family unit. The pervasiveness of disrespect we see today is the result of decades of deterioration of the family unit. Divorces, infidelity, the selfish pursuit of materialism and careers have usurped the primary obligation of parents to be parents to their children and to raise them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. …bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The bitter fruit we are reaping from the deterioration of family is evident with the verbal and physical attacks on parents, pastors, teachers, and police and government officials. The elderly among us are largely neglected by their children and have become prey to a growing criminal segment of our society. The solution is to repent of our dishonor and disrespect and by the power of the Holy Spirit to begin to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our life: words and actions. Set the example for our children and youth of the biblical values of honor and respect and love. Values are caught by others, for how we act speaks louder than what we say or teach. Walk the talk of respect and honor for parents and all authority.

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”; Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors…; (Ephesians 6:2-3; 1 Peter 2:13-14)

A culture of respect will not take hold overnight. It will take years, even decades to turn around. But we have to start somewhere. Let change begin today with me and you.

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Sword of the Spirit – In His Time #1030

Posted on May 7, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                1030

“In His Time”

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? (Psalm 13:1-2)

I do not wait well. I have to prayerfully practice patience every day especially when a deadline looms. I have noticed that my patience level wears thinnest when I am weary and tired from working and in need of rest. It is during those times, which I confess are more frequent, that I cry out, ‘How long, O Lord?’

There is comfort to be found in God’s Word in that He reveals to us that what we are experiencing is common to our human nature and was experienced by great men of faith: David, Habakkuk, and Elijah – even Jesus. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. (John 4:6)

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? (Habakkuk 1:2)

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”(1 Kings 19:4)

The Word of God is also rich in encouragement as we wait for the Lord. The first is a reminder that God is beyond our finite time-bound life. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you… (2 Peter 3:8-9)

God reveals to us through His Word His love for us and His promise to take us through weary times and restore us. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… (2 Corinthians 4:17)

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. (Jeremiah 31:25)

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! (Psalm 31:24)

Whatever trial or difficulty is causing you to be weary and tired of waiting, find comfort and encouragement in the Living Word of God. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

David began his psalm crying out to God. He was direct and to the point in his complaint. David ended his prayer with an expression of faith and trust for he encouraged himself in the Lord.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13: 5-6)

May the Lord comfort and encourage you as He leads you through difficult and weary times.

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Sword of the Spirit – The Hatred of the World #1029

Posted on April 30, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                  1029

“The Hatred of the World”

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

In 2012 opposition mounted against Dan Cathy, President of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain for standing firm in his faith and speaking the truth of God’s Word from his heart.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that … I may hear of you that you are standing firm… and not frightened in anything by your opponents. – Phil 1:27

At that time Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno stated publically “Because of this man’s ignorance, I will deny Chick-fil-A a permit to open a restaurant in my ward”. Further east, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino sent a letter to Mr. Cathy stating that there was “no place” for Chick-fil-A in the city. Thank God that both Moreno and Menino’s threats are still illegal in this country.

In recent news, Chick-fil-A opened its largest restaurant in the world in New York. The headline in the New Yorker publication referred to this event as a ‘Creepy Infiltration of New York City’. The article goes on to criticize and demonize the public and prominent display of Biblical Christian values by Dan Cathy and the Chick-fil-A Corporation.

In this land of free speech, how is it that only viewpoints that align with current politically correct liberal norms are allowed and all else is considered hate speech and to be censored?  Have you noticed how intolerant those who profess to be tolerant are?

A south Florida teacher banned a fifth grader from reading his Bible during free reading time. This also happened in a Detroit school. A Phoenix Arizona Pastor served a 60-day sentence and paid a $12000 fine for zoning violations because he hosted a bible study at his home. In Arizona all references to the Bible are banned from the school system citing that the book is biased in favor of the Jewish people. Christian bakeries have been sued for refusing to bake cakes that violate their Christian values and beliefs.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Will you stand firm in your faith when the opportunity arises?  Is there enough evidence in your place of work or neighborhood circle of friends to convict you of being a Christian?  In an election, will you compromise or will you take a stand and vote for the candidate that will uphold Biblical Christian values? So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught … – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

May the Holy Spirit give you the spiritual backbone to stand firm, equipped with the full armor of God.  It is only when we stand firm and stand with one another that we can defend our values and our right to express them and live them out in our daily lives to the honor, praise and glory of Jesus Christ.

With respect to Mr. Cathy and other men and women like him: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith … Give recognition to such people. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-18

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Sword of the Spirit – Baal-Perazim #1028

Posted on April 22, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1028

“Baal – Perazim”

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. (2 Samuel 5:20)

A breakthrough is defined as a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development. Breakthroughs are needed to achieve dramatic improvements in business and technology such as we have seen in the transportation and electronics industries.

Breakthroughs are not limited to industry. We need breakthroughs in our physical and spiritual life as well. Our first breakthrough is into the guarantee of eternal life.  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Breakthrough salvation sets our citizenship in heaven, yet as long as we remain in the body we remain in the world but not of it. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)

Continual breakthroughs are required as the war between our flesh and spirit wages.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:17)

These breakthroughs come via the Lord of the breakthrough, Jesus Christ. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)

With our minds set on the things of the Spirit we can have breakthrough transformations in our thoughts, actions and decision-making. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Breakthroughs by the power of the Name of Jesus are possible in our finances, emotions, sin habits, addictions, and relationships – every facet of our life.

May you call on the Lord of the breakthrough in your time of need. May the Lord give you breakthrough victory to overcome all of life’s obstacles as we eagerly await that final transformational breakthrough when He comes again.

…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

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Sword of the Spirit – Nothing Can Hinder #1027

Posted on April 15, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1027

“Nothing Can Hinder”

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Imagine the faith in the Lord that Jonathan had to prompt him to move forward with his plan. He did not have a word from the Lord to go over to the Philistine garrison but he was a man of action and could not just sit with his father under a pomegranate tree doing nothing.

Sometimes we just need to take a step of faith and trust in God for the outcome. Be clear about your motive and intent of heart though before you step out. Note the following about Jonathan’s experience.

He told no one other than his armor bearer what he planned to do. Jonathan was not a glory seeker. He did not want fame and fortune. His motives were pure. If glory was to be had it was to be the Lord’s. Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. (1 Samuel 14:17)

Jonathan knew the need for a victory was great. Israel was demoralized, hiding in caves. Jonathan also knew that God’s plan cannot be hindered. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” (1 Samuel 14:11)

Jonathan asked God for guidance by confirming what they were about to do. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” (1 Samuel 14:10)

By faith Jonathan moved forward one step at a time trusting the Lord with each step of the way and the Lord worked a mighty victory. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him…And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. (1 Samuel 14:13-15)

Throughout history, God has demonstrated His power to save by many or few. We read about Gideon and the three hundred as well as David going up against Goliath. However, the ultimate example is the salvation of mankind through the death and resurrection of the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and…eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:18-21)

Are you paralyzed by inaction due to fear of failure? If you are a child of God, born again by the Spirit then you have nothing to fear.  I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Whatever crossroad decision point you are at, offer it to the Lord and take the first step in faith trusting that God will provide and guide you each step of the way. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

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Sword of the Spirit – Choices #1026

Posted on April 8, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                1026

“Choices”

 …choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Our daily lives are characterized by a myriad of choices. They range from the trivial decision between 51 flavors of ice cream to the life impacting choices of marriage and career.

The first and most important choice we can make is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This choice to follow and serve the Lord brings the indwelling presence of  the Holy Spirit, our Counselor to guide us in making all our life choices. Now the Holy Spirit may not care about which flavor ice cream you choose, but He will speak to your heart as to whether or not you should have any ice cream at all depending upon your health situation.

Choosing to serve the Lord is to know Him and we know Him through His Word.  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God in our hearts and minds provides a moral compass by which we can make life choices. Here are some examples.

When faced with trials and difficult situations we can choose to be anxious or choose to have peace. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

When you are provoked and your pride is bruised you can choose to be angry or choose to be cool headed.  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

When you are overwhelmed by what if scenarios concerning the choice you are faced with you can choose to be fearful or to have confidence. for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:26)

When faced with gossip you can choose to listen and spread it further or walk away. For lack of wood the fire goes out,  and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases;  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Proverbs 26:20; Ephesians 4:29)

When you are hurt by someone, you can choose to be bitter or to forgive. 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, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

The Word of God is rich in counsel to help guide us in making life choices. There is one additional choice appended to every life decision and that is whether to heed the counsel of God’s Word and to obey His commands or to go our own way. Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you; If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (Luke 6:46; John 14:15)

May God’s Word light your path and give you clear direction as you choose to follow and serve Him. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

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Sword of the Spirit – Like a Rock #1025

Posted on April 1, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                           1025

“Like a Rock”

There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)

Whenever I read Scripture that describes our Lord as a rock I get a mental image of the Rock of Gibraltar. Perhaps this stems from being exposed to the logo of a 140 year old insurance and financial services company that uses this image to convey its stability and permanence.

Yet no matter how majestic and stable the world’s magnificent rocks and mountains are, they remain temporary, fragile, fluid and simply cannot compare to the rock solid stability of our Lord Jesus. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain… For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you…says the Lord… (Isaiah 40:4; 54:10)

The Word of God tells us that He is the solid rock foundation for His church and we are the living stones that He will build into His spiritual house. …And I tell you, you are Peter (Petros, e.g.: pebble), and on this rock (Petra, e.g.: boulder, mountain) I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:16-20; 1 Peter 2:5)

Sadly, the proliferation of denominations claiming to be Christian has brought about various doctrinal belief systems that seek to lay foundations other than that of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

In building His church, Jesus made provision for us to be discipled, to learn and grow in spiritual maturity so that we would not be deceived by false doctrine. … There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all…And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:3-14)

Upon what ground do you stand? Is it slippery or easily shaken? Is it shifting, sinking sand? Does it provide a stable, solid surface for you to withstand the storms of life and attacks of the enemy of your soul? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…  (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

May you place your hope and trust solely in the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Accept no substitutes.

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 62:6; 121:1-2)

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