So much has come against the Bible and Biblical Christianity (as opposed to "Churchianity"). There is a rise in anti-God sentiment, and a compromise of the truth in pulpits in the name of tolerance.
There is more to following Christ than attending church on Sunday, and singing hymns. The Word of God has greater expectations than that regarding those who name the name of Christ. Jesus said,
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Mt. 7:21-23
Those referred to in the above verses did miraculous works in the name of Jesus, but the Lord disregarded those works and called them workers of iniquity. This is a remarkable statement, and Jesus said that it would apply to "many". Evidently, instead of doing the Father's will, these workers were doing their will in the Father's name. Although they tapped into the power of the Word of God, they lacked the relationship that Jesus has with His Father, and is looking for in us. Many of us in church desire to do these same miraculous works, but Jesus only knows those who press in to seek to do His Father's will in their lives.
Jesus described those who seek to do His Father's will as having the intimate relationship with Him as His true brother, sister, or mother, even more than those who could claim this familial relationship with Him in the natural (Mt. 12:49-50). What relates us intimately to Jesus is to have a desire likes His: to do the Father's will above all else.
Jesus described those who seek to do His Father's will as having the intimate relationship with Him as His true brother, sister, or mother, even more than those who could claim this familial relationship with Him in the natural (Mt. 12:49-50). What relates us intimately to Jesus is to have a desire likes His: to do the Father's will above all else.
As Jesus gave His instructions to His disciples, which we call the Great Commission, He made clear His expectations:
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Grk. meaning is "age"). Mt. 28:18-20
First of all, the Gospel is to all nations. There is not a preferred ethnicity or race. The Church should not be one of the most segregated places in America, as it often is now. Secondly, the directive is to teach that we are to observe (do) all things which Christ has commanded. One of those things which Christ has commanded is that we do His father's will. Jesus assigns us this work to be done until the end of the age- the age which shall see the return of Christ to the earth. All signs indicate that His return is imminent.
In Mark 16, Jesus told His disciples that miraculous signs in His name will follow those who believe the Gospel of salvation, including casting out devils, speaking with new tongues, protection against those things that may come against them to harm them during this commission, and the recovery of the sick upon whom hands are laid (Mk. 16:16-18). These signs were to confirm the truth of the Gospel which they were commanded to preach to every creature in the whole world (v. 15, 20). The Gospel of salvation is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith...For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness..." (Rom. 1:16-20 excerpt).
As we believe the Word, we are expected to DO it, producing the works that follow it:
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves....whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:21-25 (excerpt)
James wrote of being doers of the Word, rather than hearers only, actively incorporating it into our lives. The Word is to make a difference in our lives. The Gospel of salvation is to be followed by signs confirming it.
Jesus told the parable of the Sower of the Seed (Mt. 13:1-23). He explained the parable to His disciples because He told them that it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the sower of the seed of the Word of God, He explained. However, not all soil will receive the seed. The various soils of the parable represent those who hear the Word, and their processing of it, or failure to do so. Some soil is stony, and the seed of the Word cannot grow deep roots, nor endure for long in the face of hardship. Some hearers of the Word are compared to thorny soil. The seed of the Word of God ends up being choked out by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. For this kind of hearer, the seed will never bear fruit among those thorns. However, those who hear the Word and understand it, are like good ground that receives the seed, which grows and produces abundant fruit, multiplied many times, even a hundred fold.
As Jesus related in His parable about the Sower of the Seed, Isaiah also wrote about those who do not hear or receive the Word effectively, and consequently fail to understand it and be saved by it (Isa. 6:9). Our understanding and incorporating of the Word of God, must also be combined with the will of God. Those who seek the Father's will are the good soil indeed.
This is God's will for all of us who have received and understood the seed of the word sown by Jesus into the soil of our lives. That seed of the Word, and understanding the the will of the Father, bears much fruit.
*The above is based upon the 7/19/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
everlastingcovenant@ymail.com
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
Sean Stevenson
As we believe the Word, we are expected to DO it, producing the works that follow it:
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves....whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:21-25 (excerpt)
James wrote of being doers of the Word, rather than hearers only, actively incorporating it into our lives. The Word is to make a difference in our lives. The Gospel of salvation is to be followed by signs confirming it.
Jesus told the parable of the Sower of the Seed (Mt. 13:1-23). He explained the parable to His disciples because He told them that it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the sower of the seed of the Word of God, He explained. However, not all soil will receive the seed. The various soils of the parable represent those who hear the Word, and their processing of it, or failure to do so. Some soil is stony, and the seed of the Word cannot grow deep roots, nor endure for long in the face of hardship. Some hearers of the Word are compared to thorny soil. The seed of the Word of God ends up being choked out by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. For this kind of hearer, the seed will never bear fruit among those thorns. However, those who hear the Word and understand it, are like good ground that receives the seed, which grows and produces abundant fruit, multiplied many times, even a hundred fold.
As Jesus related in His parable about the Sower of the Seed, Isaiah also wrote about those who do not hear or receive the Word effectively, and consequently fail to understand it and be saved by it (Isa. 6:9). Our understanding and incorporating of the Word of God, must also be combined with the will of God. Those who seek the Father's will are the good soil indeed.
This is God's will for all of us who have received and understood the seed of the word sown by Jesus into the soil of our lives. That seed of the Word, and understanding the the will of the Father, bears much fruit.
*The above is based upon the 7/19/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
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https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
everlastingcovenant@ymail.com
To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
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