Chosen and Sent

 Jesus Sent Men on a Mission

Book of Matthew Chapter 10

Who is a disciple of Jesus Christ? 

1) They will believe His doctrine.

2) They rest upon the sacrificial works of the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation.

3) They are full of the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

4) They will follow according to His example.

You cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ if you reject any of these things!

There were many who followed Jesus at the first, but Jesus chose 12 specific men for His own reasons.

*****Mat 10:1  And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 

We can say that Jesus chose twelve men because there were 12 Tribes of Israel. 

At the time of Jesus the separation of the tribes of Israel did not exist in the fashion as determined by Moses.

It is the Church who will "Judge" the twelve tribes of Israel during the 1000-year reign of the Lord Jesus.

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Notice men have no power before they are given power by the Lord Jesus Christ.

These men were given only the same powers that Jesus had already shown to the world!

Mat 9:35  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Jesus considered all humans as spiritual sheep:

Mat 9:36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 

Jesus also said many more would become disciples if there were enough laborers with His message:

Mat 9:37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; 

Mat 9:38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. 

These powers were amazing powers to be given to men. 

At this time they could only preach the same message as John the Baptist except to say the Messiah had come.

1) They had power to heal all manner of sickness and disease.

2) They had power to cast out evil spirits.

If you do not have the Holy Spirit living in you, then you have an evil spirit living in you!

Then we see the names of these 12 disciples who are now called apostles.

The 12 Apostles were men specifically chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ.

We know that the traitor Judas is in this first group, but he is later replaced by the Apostle Paul, still because every Apostle had to be specifically chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ.

We know Paul, then Saul, was chosen as he traveled the Damascus Road.

There were no other apostles then nor can there ever be.

The Church is the one and only group chosen to spread the Word of God throughout the world today!

Their names:

*****Mat 10:2  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 

Mat 10:3  Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 

Mat 10:4  Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 

We must understand that when the Lord Jesus allocates power to individuals, it is not about ranking it is only about His ministry.

It is not about position, it is not about wealth, it is not about fame, it is not about earthly dominion.

Those given the power of Jesus Christ are given that power to reach and help people.

The soul of man is the most important commodity to the Lord.

The power of God is to be always directed against the evilness and wickedness in this world.

It is not the power to judge, the Lord holds that power to Himself.

Jesus Christ in the flesh could only be in so many places.

The Lord Jesus taught men to carry on His work after He completed that work and returned to Heaven in all His glory.

These 12 men were not administrators, they were always just ministers.

The Church has only one Head and that Head is the Lord Jesus Christ!

It is not the Pope or any other religious leader.

Eph 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

The Church is that "body", the Body of Christ.

Israel was first called the people of God, but they rejected the Lord.

Remember, the Lord Jesus will not force Himself upon anyone. When you say leave He will leave as Jews insisted before Pilate.

Mat 27:22  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 

Mat 27:23  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 

Mat 27:24  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 

Mat 27:25  Then answered all the people, and said, “His blood be on us, and on our children”. 

Mat 27:26  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

Why would they still believe they are God's people?

The Church is now God's chosen people!

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

It is these Apostles who taught the message given to them by the Lord Jesus, how can we reject their message?

Jer 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. 

An apostle belongs to the One who sent them.

An apostle is commissioned to be sent out.

An apostle possesses the authority and the power of the One who sent them.

These powers were given to these 12 men and to Paul and no others.

Because these men died, then their apostleship died out.

At first these men went only to the Jews, but we must also remember, the Lord Jesus is all-knowing, and He already knew what would happen, Jesus came to die for all sinners in every land!

*****Mat 10:5  These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 

Mat 10:6  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 

These disciples were undergoing a training program that they did not really even understand at this point.

This was a temporary mission. 

They were to go only to certain places. 

They had a specific message.

They had a specific manner in which they were to conduct themselves.

They had specific powers given under the authority of the Lord Jesus.

We should completely understand that no one is given the power to preach the Word of God unless they are called and then sent by the Almighty Living God.

Much of the problems in the Church today is because of so-called men of God were not truly called of God.

The message to the Jews was a message of repentance as John the Baptist preached. 

The difference being John preached Jesus was coming.

These 12 would preach that Jesus the Messiah was now here.

These 12 after the death of Christ and after the Holy Spirit gave them full power would preach, Jesus is coming again and their message would be to all people, in every nation, Jew, Gentile, and Samaritan alike.

Every human being will fall into one of these categories!

There were at this time many others who were following the Lord but most of them followed Him because of the miracles He had shown.

You see a ministry for the Lord is not a profession with retirement plans and salaries and all such things.

A ministry for the Lord is a commission!

Without the power of a calling to serve, you would have to serve in your own strength.

Without the power of a calling, you will try to serve with your own ideas of God's plan.

Without the power of a calling, you will always come up short in proclaiming the Gospel.

Without the power of a calling, you will always wonder if you are doing any good at all.

We find these problems in many a house of God today.

These 12 went only to Israel at this time and not to the lost world.

Only after the death of Christ and the Holy Ghost came down to these disciples at Pentecost, would their message be a true salvation message!

Rom 9:30  What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 

Rom 9:31  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 

Rom 9:32  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 

Rom 9:33  As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

We must understand that Israel will always hold a special place in God plans.

God made certain promises to Israel and He will keep those promises.

If we truly understand the plan of God for our salvation, then we should also understand once we are saved our first priority is to reach out to our family. 

These Jewish disciples were reaching out first to Jews a lesson to them for the future and a lesson for us once we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Savior.

We also see that those who are lost are as sheep. Sheep have to have a Shepherd to survive!

What was their message?

*****Mat 10:7  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

They were not sent to “discuss” the Kingdom of Heaven, they were sent to preach!

They were to proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand.

They were to preach the message that the Lord Jesus gave to them, not some message of their own.

What did God tell Jonah?

Jon 3:2  Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, "and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee".

This is another problem in the modern church. The modern Church has forgotten "to preach the message of Jesus Christ".

This is the message given to the Apostles after Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit and sent out to the World!

We are never to preach or teach our own ideas about the Gospel, we are simply to preach and teach the Gospel of salvation and then all the Word of God as it is written.

2Pe 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

These disciples preached repentance and this repentance message is forgotten today!

We have to stop our sinful ways and turn toward Jesus Christ and His ways.

We cannot say God made me the way I am and refuse to repent, this is what the meaning of being "Born Again" is all about!

We must turn from our old ways and turn to the ways of Jesus Christ!

These disciples were given other powers that are not given to the workers of Christ today.

The Jews always had to have proof.

Mat 12:39  But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

This same sign that was shown to the Jews was shown to the world!

Mat 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

The Lord Jesus Christ remained in a borrowed tomb for three days and three nights just as He said!

*****Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 

These disciples were given great powers from the Lord, these powers do not exist on this world today.

These things cannot be done without the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Mat 10:1  And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 

We should understand all powers for the ministries of Christ come by Christ!

Notice the differences in the powers given to the Church and the powers given to these disciples who were to go strictly to the Jews.

1Co 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

1Co 12:29  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 

1Co 12:30  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 

1Co 12:31  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 

The greatest trait we can be given from the Lord is a giving love!

1Co 13:3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, "and have not charity", it profiteth me nothing. 

The message of Jesus Christ is nothing without "love"!

These disciples had to go to the house of Israel based upon their faith in Jesus Christ!

*****Mat 10:9  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 

Mat 10:10  Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

If we place our faith in any of these things, then we cannot say we have true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most missionaries today do not go to the field until they have established a fund of support for themselves and their families, but the Lord Jesus did not allow these 12 disciples who would become the 12 Apostles, after Paul joined them, to carry these things with them.

The only thing they had, was their faith that Jesus was the Messiah, and the Kingdom of God was surely at hand.

These disciples were not allowed to accumulate great estates through their ministry, and they were not allowed to spend their own money on the ministries of the Lord.

1) Their minds and their hearts had to be centered on the Gospel and ministering to the people. Not buying, selling, or accumulating.

2) They were to trust God to meet their needs and teach dependence upon the Lord.

3) They were to depend upon God's people to provide.

4) They were to allow God's people to be a part of the Lord's ministry by the act of giving to that ministry!

The true servant of God is worthy of our support!

These Apostles were to give full time to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they could not do this without support from God's people!

*****Mat 10:11  And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 

Mat 10:12  And when ye come into an house, salute it. 

Mat 10:13  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

A worthy house would be a hospitable house. A person who was willing to entertain strangers. 

There was most always someone like this in every town, city, or village, it was in the Jewish culture.

These people would have good reputations for their hospitality to strangers and have good morals according to the Word of God.

These disciples were to stay in this home until their work was done in this area.

A worthy host would normally not be the rich nor the leading citizens of a city.

In many cases, the worthy host may not have the best accommodations, but this was not important.

God's people are never to seek more comfort and luxury over a Godfearing home!

All these things were to test the sincerity of these soon to be Apostles.

Once established they were to go house to house with the words of Christ.

Pro 18:24  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Col 4:6  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 

If they were accepted into the home, then they were to share the peace of God.

If they were not accepted, then their salutation would be enough, and they would go elsewhere.

They were to say nothing else at all.

It is called being courteous no matter what that person did to you.

We are not ambassadors for Christ to make enemies!

If they reject the message of Christ, then they have rejected Christ!

These were all Jews but no matter what was served at mealtime was not to be rejected!

They were to be content with their accommodations!

If the house be worthy of it, God shall give them the peace you wish them. If not, He shall give you what they refuse. 

The same will be the case when we pray for them that are not worthy.

*****Mat 10:14  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 

Mat 10:15  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 

What is discernment? 

Mal 3:18  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. 

As witnesses of the Lord Jesus we must discern and make "righteous" judgment, of the people we witness to.

We are not their personal judge, but we can judge according to the Word of God!

Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

1Pe 2:12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1) Are they kind and gracious or cold and hard?

2) Are they just shy and bashful or really not interested?

3) Are they truly receptive or just kind and gracious to everyone?

4) Are they spiritually sensitive or just interested in religious questions?

In reality, we are not to waste our time on those who will never trust the Lord.

1Th 4:8  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 

How did the Apostle Paul react to these things?

Act 20:26  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 

Jesus put things a little harsher!

When we are rejected as witnesses for the Lord, just trying to tell someone about Jesus, the Lord Jesus says Hell will be hotter for those people.

If we consider the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to be some of the worst of all sinners, then we are thinking wrong.

Gen 13:13  But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. 

We see many living in this lifestyle today and they will suffer in a like manner of Sodom and Gomorrah but those who have rejected the simple witness of the child of God, will find the "Judgment" of God to be even more severe!

Jud 1:7  Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 

Sodom and Gomorrah rejected the truth of God!

Lam 4:6  For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her. 

Today those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ, reject the "Grace" of God who sent His only begotten Son to die for them.

All sin brings death of the soul and eternal damnation and eternal separation from a loving God, but to reject the Son of God brings with it an even harsher judgment!

At this time, these 12 men were witnessing to the Jews, but it will be the same for all those who reject God's Son!

The witness for Christ is just the messenger as is every true Pastor and Preacher.

Those that reject the messenger also reject the message, and that message is the salvation plan for this world.

This rejection brings the condemnation of God!

Jud 1:14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 

Jud 1:15  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and "of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him".

As the messengers of God we are God's sheep, and our Shepherd is the Lord Jesus Christ.

*****Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 

The Lord Jesus has told us we would face persecution for becoming His sheep.

Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can send true messengers of Heaven.

We as disciples are commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ, and we should have great comfort in this fact because we go forth with the power of God.

The Lord Jesus is fully aware of the persecution we will face!

Persecution teaches us about God's care for us.

Persecution matures us as believers.

God sometimes uses persecution to touch the hearts of the persecutors.

We must also consider that if we are persecuted to our death, we will be in Heaven before our dead body hits the ground.

Death holds no power over God's children!

We must not be caught off guard when persecution comes.

It is almost impossible to walk upon a snake, they can feel your presence as you walk.

A snake will get out of your sight as quickly as possible.

A snake is very quiet!

A snake does not expose itself needlessly.

A snake always seeks to preserve itself.

A dove is mild and meek.

A dove bears no ill or hurt.

A dove is innocent and inoffensive.

A dove is a symbol of peace and not war.

When we have the love of God, we will act like we have the love of God!

1Co 13:4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

1Co 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

1Co 13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

1Co 13:8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

There is much more to be being a witness for Jesus Christ than just walking around with a Bible in your hands!

Amen

Walking in the Truth

A Life Lived in the Truth

Book of 2 John

We already know that "truth" is things that are facts! Things that have been and things that will be and only Jehovah can teach us about those things because He is the truth!

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

We also know that the entire Bible is written to the believer and the New Testament teaches us of the early church and the commandments of our Savior.

I say these things so we can move on and not worry if there is some special lady that John was writing to, because in every case we know that John wrote to the Church.

So let’s just get our subjects listed and we can move on.

By the time the Apostle John wrote this epistle, all the other Apostles had been murdered and he was the only remaining Apostle.

All the Apostles but John were murdered because they would not reject our Savior, the true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is the Apostle John who is the "Elder" in this passage.

The "Elect Lady" would then be the "Bride of Christ".

"Her Children" would be the individual Churches all around the world.

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

These are of the true Church, because they only abide in the complete truth of the Scriptures.

Those who deviate from the truth or use some twisted, perverted version of the truth, cannot be part of the "Bride of Christ"!

It is only the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ that can make us free from the bondage of sin of this world!

Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

As we go through this passage let's keep in mind the subject matter and the persons John is speaking to.

*****2Jn 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

2Jn 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

We already know that this "Elder" is the Apostle John who may have been nearing the age of 100 years old by this time. We already know that Jesus had given us an indication that John would outlive all the Apostles.

Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Joh 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Joh 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Joh 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

The Lord has not yet returned, but John did out live all the original Apostles and He was the last Apostle as there can be no more.

We know that to be a true Apostle one had to see Jesus after His resurrection!

That word "elect" means to be chosen!

Not just any chosen, but those chosen by God Himself and those who have elected to serve with the Lord Jesus Christ.

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We can see the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter both used some of the same language, when referring to the Church of the Living God.

We also know that no one can come to the Lord unless, they are called by the Holy Spirit.

It is those who are called that have chosen to believe the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, that then become the elect of God!

Mat_22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1Th 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

You see, as the "elect of God". we have chosen to accept all the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ without wavering.

We live by the truth of Christ Jesus.

We are saved by the truth of Christ Jesus.

We will walk by the truth of Christ Jesus.

We will die by the truth of Christ Jesus because it takes all these things to "live eternal" with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only the truth of God can survive throughout eternity!

Psa 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

It is by the truth of God that comes the "Grace of God"!

*****2Jn 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

What does the "Body of Christ" do? We are to live in truth and love, with all other believers!

Jesus Christ died and rose again for "One Church"!

It is different men of the Church who divided the Church that Christ died for, into all these denominations because so many reject the complete truth of God.

There is only one God, His name is Jehovah!

There is only one "Word of God" given to us by only One Holy Spirit!

God has said Himself that His will not ever change!

God's Word is settled in Heaved and it needs to be settled on earth, and all the Church need to stand on the truth of God and stop some of the wickedness that is going on in our world today!

Grace means the undeserved favor of God, but so many in the Church have placed themselves above the "Grace" of God, and think that they are already worthy to be called of God, when none of us are.

Mercy means feelings of pity, compassion, affection and kindness.

Many of these things in the modern church are now used as an excuse to allow the world inside the Church.

We truly are to meet the needs of those we see who have a need, but we are never to forget that salvation must come first, and the commandments of God are not suggestions but true commandments. Commandments that will never change!

God provides the means of our salvation because of His mercy!

That "mercy" comes in the form of God's "Grace"!

Jesus took upon Himself all the sin of the world!

God will pour out His "Mercy" and His "Grace" only upon those who accept the truth of His Son.

You cannot be a part of God's "Mercy" by changing the Words that God has said!

You cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit, if you reject any part of the Word of God that was given to us by the Holy Spirit!

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Peace means we all, the children of God, are securely bound together by assurance, confidence, and in the love and care of God.

God has shared His knowledge with us, and it is not for us to change!

Why would we want to do something so foolish as the change God's Word that is true and believe men who are full of lies?

The truth cannot be changed!

Our peace comes in knowing that our God will never change, and He will certainly keep every promise to us He has made!

Jesus is the Son of the Father so therefore He is God! Why do so many question this truth?

Jesus Christ possesses all the character of God because He is God!

Grace is all the richness of the heart and mind of God!

God's "Grace" is the reason behind our life!

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

No one can "earn" the favor of God as so many try to do!

We will never "be worthy" enough to receive the gifts of God!

"Grace" brings to us all the good and perfect gifts of God!

There is no evil in God's Grace, because there is no wickedness in God at all!

There is only one way to walk and be a part of God's Church!

*****2Jn 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

You see, it is a commandment to walk in the truth of God, which will never change.

You cannot see the roots of plants, but you know they are doing their job by looking at that plant.

It is the same with the Christian. We can see the true Christian by seeing how they are obedient to the Word of God!

Remember to be more like Jesus, is our goal and Jesus kept all the Word of God.

God said His commandments are not grievous, so He gives us the ten commandments to start with, and then we are to grow in all the Word of God.

We are commanded to walk as Jesus walked and this is to be our daily walk!

If the church has the truth and teaches the truth, then her children will know the truth and walk in the truth!

Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

The very first commandment of the Church is to walk in love!

*****2Jn 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

That word "beseech" means, "it is urgent", "it is necessary" that we all of the Church "love one another".

There are no rewards for this love because it is a commandment!

How does this love come about? We walk after commandments!

To love is not a new commandment! It goes all the way back to the laws of Moses and the very first one is to love our Heavenly Father and the next one is to love each other with that same love of God.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

We cannot walk with God, unless we walk first in these two commandments!

We are not walking with God, unless we walk in these two commandments!

Where is the proof that the Church follows all the Word of God?

It is by the way each child of God walks outside the Church in the commandments of God!

It is by the way the children of God walk when no one is watching them!

You see, our love for the Lord is seen in our obedience to His commandments.

Our love for each other is seen, in our actions toward all the Church.

Our love for our enemies is also seen in our walk with the Lord!

*****2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

A deceiver is anyone who would lead you away from the truth of God!

This includes any portion of the Word of God.

Mat_5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luk_16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

They will make wander away from your walk with God.

They lead you astray from the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They are charlatans!

They are imposters!

Some have always been near the Church, but there are far more today than there have been in the past. At least here in America, which was at one time the key to foreign missions, but now as many missionaries come to America as there are that leave America to go to foreign nations.

In fact America has fallen so far into sin, that there is a great need for missionaries to stay home rather than go to foreign lands.

Deceivers are everywhere!

They have found a home in our politicians.

They have found a home in our colleges and universities.

They have found a home in our schools.

They are doing their very best to get inside our homes!

The fact is, any of us can be a deceiver if we do not take the time to study the Scriptures ourselves.

There are more deceivers inside the church than there are outside the church!

They reject the "Gospel".

They reject the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

They reject that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ).

They reject major portions of the Scriptures, and choose only certain ones they will use to prove their point therefore deceiving the Church.

We cannot reject any part of the "Gospel" and still be saved!

We cannot reject that Jesus is the Messiah, come down from Heaven and be saved!

We cannot reject that the Lord Jesus followed all the Word of God and was never disobedient, He is a sinless Savior!

We cannot reject that the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross to die for all our sins!

If we deny any part of the truth of Jesus, then we have denied that there is a God.

We absolutely cannot allow any deceiver to poison the truth of Heaven!

We must be on guard for deceivers who are waiting on the opportunity to be alone with a group of babes in Christ and to get an opportunity to get behind some pulpit, to slander the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our Holy God!

Eze 33:4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

Eze 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

Eze 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

We have been warned!

*****2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

We must be prepared to warn the church if we see any deceiver, but we must also prepare ourselves so we will know a deceiver when we see them or better, hear them.

When we meet Jesus in the air at the "Judgment Seat of Christ" we will not have to worry about our salvation because we have been "Justified" and "Pardoned" and neither of these two things will ever change!

Another truth is, that this is the time when we will receive or not receive rewards we have earned.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, "and that he is a rewarder" of them that diligently seek him.

I use this Scripture a lot about "faith", but another truth is that God is a Rewarder!

God does not give rewards and then take them away! This is not the purpose of the "Judgment Seat of Christ"!

This is when the Lord will let us know the rewards we could have had, had we not done things against His Word!

God has all these rewards that He wants to give to us, and it is really in our own hands as to how many rewards we can receive!

*****2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

What is this "Doctrine of Christ"?

There are the teachings about Christ that we are to believe!

There are the teachings of Christ that we are to follow!

Our standard in life must be the Lord Jesus Christ! We must look at our Savior and see how we measure up!

Those who go beyond the teaching of Jesus Christ, are adding to the Word of God.

Those who fall short in their teachings of Christ, are subtracting from the Word of God and both of these are false teachers!

The "Doctrine of Jesus Christ" then is all the truth revealed to us by Jesus Himself and that was passed down to those twelve Apostles when we add the Apostle Paul and that was taught to the early Church and this same Doctrine is still in full force today.

It is not to be added to and it is not to be subtracted from!

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The basis of the Church is now, has always been, and will remain, until His return, the "Doctrine of Jesus Christ"!

It is by Jesus Christ that is the foundation of the Church!

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

It is by Jesus Christ that gives the Church direction as He is the Head of the Church.

Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

It is by Jesus Christ that nourishment is given to the Church.

Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

It is by Jesus Christ who cleanses the Church.

Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

It is by Jesus Christ that physical and spiritual gifts come into the believers of the Church.

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

When you kick Jesus out of the Church, then you have no Church!

Because it is Jesus who intercedes for the Church!

Jesus will never intercede for a deceiver!

Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jesus is the Advocate for each believer.

Jesus is preparing a home for each believer.

Jesus is producing fruit in the life of each believer.

The Church cannot operate without the Church teaching all the "Doctrine of Jesus Christ"!

*****2Jn 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

2Jn 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Again we see that the Apostle John does not beat around the bush, but comes straight to the point. Anyone who does not teach the full "Doctrine of Christ" then they should be sent out the doors of the Church, because they do not belong in the Church.

Of course they should be offered a chance to repent after someone points out the truth to them!

Anyone who comes into the Church that preaches some other doctrine than the "Doctrine of Jesus Christ", then they to need to be shown the door and once again offering to them the truth and a chance to repent, but not many will because they came in with Satan's purpose.

If we cannot remain loyal to Christ, how can we say we are Christian!

We must not receive a false teacher!

How many of us have hade that visit from a Jehovah Witness and after we have been nice and rejected their teaching, wish them a good day.

We are wrong for this, we need only send them on their way, wishing them a bad day!

False teachers are not to be allowed in our Church!

False teachers are not to be allowed in our homes!

We are never to listen what false teachers are teaching, because in the end their intention is to cause confusion!

We must disciple our own babes in Christ so they to, will follow the "Doctrine of Jesus Christ", the truth of the Church!

2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

If we have come out from them, why would we ever want to hear what they have to say?

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

There is no other "Doctrine" for the Church that the "Doctrine of Jesus Christ"!

Then John closes out this small book of the Bible.

*****2Jn 1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

2Jn 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

This is a very short letter written to the early Church. We know that each letter was passed to every Church until they all had read what John had to say and remember the Holy Spirit inspired all the Word of God.

All who want to know the truth today, can now have a copy of the completed Word of God.

John had made the point that it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the truth of the Church and therefore a body of people where the Gospel is not preached are not part of the true Church, no matter what they call themselves.

Any preacher who will not take a stand on the truth of God, is not then a man of God!

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1Pe 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

I can say I am Christian and if I do then I'm saying I have given my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ because I know the truth!

I can truly say lead me Lord and I will follow!

Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

There is no other path for these things to remain true!

Amen

Let's Pray!