The Fire That Cleanses

“And think not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham to our father:’ for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:9-2

The sins and need for the light of God to shine so that the people of Israel, and the Gentiles might know the true God.  That is what John the Baptizer is addressing.  To the Jew first, and then to the nations of the world.

John is bold in addressing the sin of the religious leaders calling them a “…generation of vipers”, and asking them, “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”  These were the Sadducees and the Pharisees; and they did not care for John, who unrecognized by them, was God’s messenger sent by God to prepare the way for God’s Messiah.

Notice that John has great respect for the One he is declaring to the people who come out to  hear him that he is not worthy to loosen His shoes.  Of course he is speaking of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The prophet says, “He is mightier than I,” “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire,”  then John takes to a threshing floor where the grain is separated from the chaff, and shows us what happens to the chaff after the threshing.  The chaff being good for nothing is cast into the fire, and burned up.

Fire is a destructive power when not used properly.  It can be used to destroy.  It can be used for purging the land.  The fire John is speaking of is completely under control and purges the hearts of God’s people so that we might live a righteous, and holy life for Him, and produce more fruit for His glory.

Jesus will separate the wheat from the chaff, and save the wheat, and burn the chaff to have a cleansed floor.  The invitation is “Call on Me and I answer you, and will show you great and mighty things which you do no know” (Jeremiah 33:3).  Will you call on Him.  Surrender your life to Him, and just watch Him work on you and in you.

…Increase and Abound in Love…

Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.  And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

“Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.” v. 11
If we are to care, and to be cared for we must trust our directions to be led by Jesus in us – which is the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Verses 12 – 13 —
“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” vv. 12-13

Paul’s prayer:
1. Increase and abound in love (agape’);
2. In order to “Establish” [be grounded] in heart; set them up as stable, unshakeable sanctuaries of peace;
3. Blameless in God’s holiness – To be holy is to be clean and fit for God’s Spirit to use.
We are called upon throughout the Word to be fit, to be holy for His use and service. Here we are told to be “Blameless in holiness” meaning God’s holiness. We must be clothed in that if we are to be caught up with the rest of the saints.
The saints mentioned here are the souls and spirits of the departed dead in Christ referred to in chapter 4:14.

Jesus Is The Son Of God

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me cometh a Man which is preferred before me:’ for He was before me.  And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” And John bare record, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him.  And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, ‘Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
John 1:29-34

There seems to be a number of people who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and since He is the Son of God, that He is also God the Son.  I know that sounds odd maybe, but it is the truth.

This is one of those things that will be revealed to you by the Holy Spirit, and no other way.  Does it make a difference if you do not believe that?  It seems to me that the Bible bears that out quite clearly even with Jesus saying to Peter,  “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven”  (Matthew 16:17).  This was after Jesus had questioned His disciples concerning who people thought He is.  Peter said, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living  God” (Matthew 16:16).  Most Jewish religious leaders believed the Messiah was coming, but did not recognize Him when He came.  They also believed the Messiah to be Deity.  This Man Jesus is the Incarnation of God.

That is a hill that I stand on, and die for as well.  John the Baptist witnessed the Holy Spirit coming on Jesus as He ascended out of the baptismal waters, in the form of a dove, and heard the Father said from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  So I think it best to believe the word of God over the deniers of the truth of who Jesus really is.

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God; and He is God the Son.  This was Peter’s confession, It is also my confession and conviction.  What is your confession concerning the Deity of Jesus the Christ of God?

No Private Interpretations

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the Excellent Glory, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:16- 21

Bought and Paid For

Sometimes we purchase things without paying for them, except on credit. That is probably not the best way to buy things, but sometimes necessary to get what one needs.

Our topic for today does not anything to do with finances. It does have to deal with our bodies. Here is our Scripture text for today –

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20

This letter of First Corinthians was written to a wayward, thought they were loving congregation who closed their eyes to those who were sexually immoral. In chapter 5 Paul mentions one in the church, a young man, is having sex with his father’s wife. The Corinthian Church was doing nothing about it. It was evidently well known to all the congregation.

Paul tells them if a man joins himself with a harlot, then he becomes one with her. The Apostle, then speaks those words, “You were bought with a price.” He tells us that we are not our own.  Which means that as Christians this body we have is not ours to do with as we please. Being sexually immoral hurts your body and mind.

“What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?” Quite clearly the apostle Paul is speaking to people he saw was Christians. So Christian, how is your life with the Lord? Are you living outside of God’s direction? Are you living with someone outside of marriage, the only place where sex is beautiful, and sanctified by God.

As a Christian we have been purchased by God with the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He gave his life that we might be freed from sin. He did not give us freedom to sin. Sexual immorality is harmful to all who participate in  it. You have no right to destroy your body, then your mind and soul.

Since we have been bought with the tremendous price of the blood of Jesus, then let us glorify God in our body and spirit which are God’s own possession.

A Man With A Promise

The man had been promised by the Spirit of God that he would see the Messiah of God before he would die. When Jesus came into the temple, carried by His mother, at the age of 8 days; and for His naming, and circumcision; the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the Messiah was in the temple. Simeon was the man who had waited for many years, believing God’s promise to him that he would not die until he would see Him come.

Simeon, then spoke these words –

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:29-32

It was about four hundred years since God had spoken, as far as can be told. God had come visiting. Now how would the people respond?

The promises of God are for real. Simeon had received one, and God did not fail to come true.

We have received promise from God as well through His Son, whom Simeon waited for; and it this same Jesus for whom we also waiting to come back, and take us home with Him. Just as the promise was kept by the Lord GOD for His first coming, so will He keep the promise, His promise, “I will come again, and I will receive you unto Myself…”(John 14:3). We must hang on to that promise, and live for Him as if  He was coming today.

Let those of us who are in Christ Jesus, and He in us live in the promise, trusting His word. His word is good. You can stand on it.

By trusting the promise of eternal  life for all who will call on the name of Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again, just as He said; one day He will come and receive us into His glory.

Behaving Wisely

And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him.  And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
1 Samuel 18:28-30

King Saul had grown envious of David. Why?  Because Saul could see and he knew that the Spirit of the LORD had left himself, and was now in his servant David.

Why had the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul?  The king had been disobedient too many times. Some of the times his disobedience was due to his arrogance and pride. Those things can get in the way of behaving wisely.

The Spirit of the LORD was within David from the moment Samuel anointed David as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). To make one thing clear for the Spirit of the LORD – He can dwell within many at the same time; because the Spirit of the LORD was on and in Samuel as well. It was because of David’s love for the LORD God, and thankfulness for His work in his life that he behaved himself wisely as he went out, and as he came in

Saul was afraid of David, also because he could see, and he knew that the LORD was with David. When the Spirit of the LORD is with you, and you know it, there is nothing you have to fear. You are at peace, you have faith, and confidence that the LORD is working in and through your life, and that nothing can get in the way of the Lord’s working in you.

Behaving wisely is  work of the Holy Spirit of God in the follower, the disciple of Jesus Christ today. Behaving wisely does not mean doing whatever I want with my life. Behaving wisely means following the Lord’s direction for one’s life; going where He goes, doing what He does, loving like He does, and loving what and who He does, and also hating what He hates.

We cannot behave wisely apart from the Spirit of the LORD, whom we know as the Holy Spirit given to everyone who comes by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ in  repentance, confessing one’s sin, turning from sin to Christ believing Him and His work on the cross dying for the sins of the world, His burial, and resurrection. When you have received this free gift of grace God gives us His Holy Spirit, and then we will begin “Behaving Wisely.” Also read Ephesians 2;8-10.

Keep Yourselves In The Love Of God

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:17-21

You Do Well To Take Heed

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the Excellent Glory, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:16-21

The Spirit of God vs. The Flesh

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26

Filled With Joy, and the Holy Spirit

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.’ ”  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:46-52

…A great number believed, and turned to the Lord

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 11:19-26

No Other Name

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.   And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the ‘stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.’  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:5-12

God Is True and Faithful

…But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.  For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts…
2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Jesus Christ; Crucified Only Once

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Hebrews 6:4-8

Walk Worthy of the Calling to Which You Were Called

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3

Spiritual Brethren

Now concerning spiritual brethren, I would not have you ignorant.  Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 12:1-3

You Must Be Born Again

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 Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.  Jesus answered and said unto him,
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus saith unto Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”  Jesus answered,
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 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 thee, ‘Ye must be born again.’  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, “How can these things be?”  Jesus answered and said unto him,
“Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that We do know, and testify that We have seen; and ye receive not Our witness.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”                     John 3:1-12

The Baby who was born in a stable, and laid in a manger for a crib, grew up and met Nicodemus and had the above conversation and taught him what one needed to see God and be with Him for eternity. You must be born again.

Jesus died on the cross, not a baby, but the Man Christ Jesus, and He died for our sins. When the Spirit of God turns the spirit within us to Himself, then we are born again. That is when we believe and trust Him with all our hearts. Hear Him. Believe Him.

Have a very Merry Christmas. It is all about Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, and rose again. He is coming again.

For the Thirsty

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying,
“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
(But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)   John 7:37-39

“He will baptize you…”

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.  Matthew 3:11-12

The Beloved Son

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.”  Luke 3:21-22

Only One Sin In Which There Is No Forgiveness

“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils. And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables,
‘How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:’

because they said, ‘He hath an unclean spirit.’ ”  Mark 3:22-30

Peace Unto You

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them,
‘Peace be unto you.’
And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again,
‘Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.’
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them,
‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.’ ” John 20:19-23

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.”  Psalm 147:5-6

The Presence

“And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ ”  Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus, the Christ of God; and there is no other, and never will be. There is only One Messiah, and His name is Jesus.

This is shown with great display as Jesus comes and presents Himself for baptism to fulfill Righteousness. Notice that His baptism was by immersion He “Went up straightway out of the water”. When He rose up there was the presence of the Holy Spirit of God in the form of a dove coming to Him “Lighting on Him” and there was the voice of the Father from heaven. The holy, holy, holy Three in One.

Notice also the Father makes it known to all who will hear, “This is My beloved Son” and He has no other only begotten Son but Jesus. If Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God, He is the Incarnation of of God – God in flesh. The God – Man.

Jesus came to die for the sins of the world; mine and yours. He died on the cross taking all sin upon Himself; even becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) dying in our place; He was buried, and He rose from the grave justifying forever those who will call on His name.

Will you call on the name of Jesus Christ today and be saved?

The Safe Place

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. ‘  Proverbs 18:10

“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.’ And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”  Acts 9:17-18

Let us always remember the safe place for anyone to be is in the name of the LORD, trusting Him, and growing in His love, mercy, grace, and His correction as well.

Remember the tormentor Saul sought to destroy the safe place of the LORD, which is in the name of the LORD, and he had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and bowed before Him. When Saul had met the LORD and humbled himself before Him he was filled with the Holy Spirit and the LORD used him mightily for the glory of His name. Let us pray to do likewise in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let me tell you that Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God died on the cross for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again to justify forever those who will call on His name. If you will call on Him today, right now, He will hear you and will give you eternal life.