Law & Works part 2

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Law & Works

(Part 2 of 3)

During Jesus' temptation in His wilderness experience, He was not even given that minimum requirement (Mat 4:1-8).

The children of the Israelites who's died in the desert had learned to do with nothing or little and be thankful for it. Because of this attitude they were allowed to enter into God's land. Like soldiers today who are thankful for a crust of bread and a dry cot to sleep on. Why? Because they had learned to adapt to living in a muddy foxhole while being shelled by the enemy.

We learn to appreciate anything above our lowest minimum we have ever had. As a modern example, look at an older person who came out of the Depression. Notice how, with luxuries all around them, they cling to plastic cottage cheese containers and old foil pie pans. They had lived through many years when such things would have been a luxury, and they fear there will yet be another day when these small things will come in handy.

It was customary for older people to move out of the big house they raised their family in, and into a small, inexpensive but comfortable house that would be easy and inexpensive to maintain. They only wished for a nice piece of land around their house where they could grow flowers and some vegetables, and maybe have a small lawn.

That was my parents and their generation.

But their children, who grew up with plenty, thanks to the hard work of their parents, are no longer satisfied with the "basics." When these children of the Depression Age retire, do they sell their big house and move into a smaller one thereby allotting them money to live comfortably on? Of course not. They go deeply in debt and buy a much bigger house with no lawn whatever, and concrete over the lawn in order to park their motor home that they used once and can't sell because no one wants a used motor home. Do these retirees save cottage cheese containers? Of course not.. They fill their house, their three car garage, and a huge storage bin with expensive stuff they can't find when they need it, but know some day they just might need it.

The children are nothing like their parents who had to work so hard for every little bit they had.

And it grows worse with each new generation.


The Israelites who were the children of those who escaped the slavery of Egypt (who you would have expected to be very appreciative of just being free, but instead were nothing but rebellious murmurers); these children were just the opposite of their parents. They were the type of people God wanted to have under His wings, and to have fellowship with in His Land. These "children" followed faithfully their commander (Joshua, symbolic of Jesus) into the most bazaar conquests of a wicked land. And without murmuring (Num 32:8-13).

Was there sin? Yes, a little. But it was dealt with immediately upon discovery because just a little sin would cause the entire "church" to fail and be out of God's good Graces (Rev Chapters 2-3).


Children become just the opposite of their parents. That isn't a rule, but it happens to be a fact of life for so many.

The Israelites who entered into the Promised land and fought for it tooth and nail were loyal and faithful.

So what happened with their children? They did just the opposite of their faithful and obedient parents and fell into the same sins and idolatry as those around them; the very sinners God had the Israelites drive out in the first place in order that they wouldn't be effected by them. "A little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump." (1Cor 5:16)


Sin begets sin. It seems to be a rule of life that human nature falls to its lowest possible level. Where the children who came out of their wilderness temptation were at a high level of human experience; their children dropped rapidly to their lowest level.

Following the pattern thus far given, we could expect that the children of these "low-lifes" would turn around and be righteous, wouldn't you think?

It doesn't work that way. High drops to low. But low will not raise, but rather sink to lower. Remember Newton and his apple?

So the Israelites grew worse and worse until they were no better than the corrupt sinners around them. And they stayed that way. After God tried several way to get them to straighten up, He finally gave up and kicked them off the land. (Of course I'm putting this in very colloquial terms, rather vulgar actually.)

God has two ways with which He uses to train those who choose to follow Him. He first, before he tests, brings a person to their knees so they will cry out for deliverance. This is our foxhole (soldier talk) experience. It was also how God dealt with the Hebrews, leading them into slavery (through Jacob, who was living in relative wealth, and by the famine) until they "cried out," and God "Heard their cries." (Ex 3:7; 22:23; Luke 18:7; Gal 4:6; Mat 14:30; 20:30-31; Rom 8:26) Did the Egyptians cry out for deliverance? Of course not. They had it made in the shade. They wanted nothing to do with God, especially a God who would lead them into a wilderness and feed them nothing but bread and water. Would Jacob's children have cried out if they hadn't been led into bondage, their "foxhole" experience?

Israel was on its knees, and so God sent them a "Savior," Moses, who "stood in the stead of God." (Ex 4:16; Deut 18:15; Mat 3:17; 17:5)


So we have had our "on our knees" experience. What! You haven't had such an experience where you had to be rescued or you didn't see how you could go on living? Then I suppose you just wandered into a church one day, or was dragged in by some friend, and decided to make it your home, your safety net just in case this "hell thing" might be true. Well then, you are just the one the Modern churches are looking for. But I think you had better check with God and His Word to find out if you are one God is looking for. Consider that one of the concepts of many of the churches is that the only way to be saved is to have God call you. And if you look at the lives of the Old Testament Saints, and that of the Apostles, you will find that when Jesus knocks at your door he is not tapping lightly.


So you've had your foxhole experience, as had the Israelites. Now you are passed under the Blood and led into your wilderness experience. Here is where most people fail because they are looking for God to meet their needs instead of learning how to fulfill God's wants and plans. Only two out of two or three million who escaped Egypt made it through their wilderness experience. That's not very good odds, I would say.

But there is hope. During this wilderness testing, besides those who failed and died (they weren't covered by the insurance company who sells Eternal Security policies I guess. Sure is lucky you are though, isn't it?) there were those who were "Born Again" and became like babes in the Lord, ready and willing and trusting their "Father" to do what is right by them, regardless of how it might appear at the time. Didn't Jesus say we must become as little children before we can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? (Luke 18:17; John 13:33)


So you've passed your wilderness testing. Now you are ready to "cross over" into the Promised Land," into the Kingdom of God.

Now, I know your church very likely tells you the verse where Jesus says the "Kingdom of God is within you" is a misinterpretation. If you accept that view, you might as well stop reading here because you won't like what I will say any more than you will have liked what I have written thus far (Luke 17:21; Rom 14:17).

When Jesus said "the Kingdom of God is within you," I take it He knew what He was talking about. And one of the main reasons I believe this is because I have experienced the Kingdom of God within me. Now I would suggest that anyone who doubts this to be the case has not experienced the Kingdom of God within them, and I would be very leery of anything else they are trying to teach.

The Kingdom of God is now. It isn't in the future, it is now. No, this is not the "Promised Land" as some teach. This is the "foretaste," the "wilderness testing" wherein we are being prepared to enter into the Promised Land. This was exemplified by the Israelites. Their Kingdom experience, that of being led by and under the protection of God, began with their calling, with Moses freeing them with miracles before the Pharaoh. The Kingdom was upon them, in a "foretaste" while they were yet hiding in their houses while the death angel passed over them. The Kingdom began for them long before their arrival at Paradise, which they refused to enter. This first wave of "Come Outers" died in their "Foretaste" of the Kingdom, not recognizing it for what it was. And this is precisely the stage the church is in - deciding whether to enter the Promised Land, wondering if God can really make it happen, or if we have to do it ourselves our way.

In the wilderness the Shekinah Glory, which is the Holy Spirit, guided those who "Came Out" (of bondage into the wilderness of testing). It is the same with those who have "come out" of the World; they are being led by the Holy Spirit. This is the "Kingdom of God" that is within each of the True Believers who are following the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are millions upon millions of "Christians" who have been told they have received the Holy Spirit, but haven't the faintest idea what that means, because they haven't received the Holy Spirit, they just think they have. They have been told that they very likely will experience nothing whatever, that it will just be a day like any other; they are just to believe and it will be so. (Doesn't that message sound very similar to the "Prosperity" message that is so popular both in the World and in the churches?) These churches say there is no wilderness, no testing, no war, that all is "Peace, Peace." They are like Korah and his band who reject the leadership of Moses, so they reject their training - and they reject the guidance of the Shekinah Glory, the Holy Spirit and die in that wilderness - if they even bother to cross the Red Sea in the first place. And that is fine for them, but along with their own destruction, like Korah, they are trying to drag with them a multitude of followers (Jer 8:11).


Church buildings are not filled with Spirit Filled Christians as they are being told. But there are Spirit Filled Christians in those church buildings - maybe!

Church is not where you go to find God. Church, the building, is where the Church, those who have received the Holy Spirit, go to fellowship with one another. The True church, the individuals, do not need to attend a building or a gathering to be with and worship God, they are worshiping Him every moment of every day. The gathering of the Body is just that, the Body working together. Day by day the individual parts are working with the Head, but they hunger to be with one another and to complete the Body of Christ.


Assuming you are one who has had a foxhole experience and have been led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, you know that comfort is not what you seek as do those who sit on their sofa and wait to be served their coffee and donuts. You are spending your every moments seeking to serve the Lord and to have Him cleans you of the "filthy rags" of sin you are having disclosed to you day after day. You hunger for the day you will have had the filthiness you find in yourself beaten out of you so you can stand before the Lord, though worthless in your own eyes, acceptable in His.

Your testing is completed. You have passed through your wilderness, your Valley of the Shadow of Death. You have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit every step of the way. You know Jesus, by way of His (and the Father's) Spirit was right there with you to give you guidance (sometimes with nudges, sometimes with a swift kick) and comfort.

But you fear the next step of your journey into the Promised Land and the full presence of the Lord.


You have crossed under the Red Sea of Blood, now you will be expected to put to use that training you have received in the Wilderness. You are like a soldier who has been trained for war and is now on a ship on its way to the battle front.

When Jesus came out of the water, He was led into the wilderness, just as were the Israelites. But when he completed His testing, His mission had just begun. Immediately Jesus began collecting disciples, "soldiers" who would help Him clear the land of demons and the "religious" sinners who filled the land. And who were these "sinning Religious?" The very ones who claimed and pretended to be the greatest followers of God, and who were teaching others to follow in their footsteps, and not in God's path as He had laid out for them. They had "muddied the waters" of Scripture with their Traditions and their Doctrines until no one could "Drink of the Waters of Life" because it appeared so unappetizing (Ezek 34:17-19; John 4:10-26).

Jesus was sent on a mission by His Father. And that mission was to clear the land and to make the Water of the Word clear; Just as had his namesake, Joshua who was called to do the same in Canaan land.


It is natural to pick the finest available personnel to do a job, especially a job that is essentially impossible.

Gideon was about to select his finest soldiers in order to go to war against the enemy, the Midianites. But God said "No." God told Joshua to narrow the selection down to just the most course people there, the ones least likely to be chosen. And with but a very few of the least worthy men, Joshua took the city. This was done in order to show, like at Jericho, they were not fighting the battle, rather the battle was fought by God alone. There would be no glorying by any of the men who fought in the battle (Judges 7:).

Jesus picked twelve of the least likely men to serve as His "soldiers" (His Generals) in the battle against the World, the devil and the Established church of the day. Then to make sure these men did not begin to feel "worthy," when it came time for their final test, they failed miserably. Judas failed of course, but so did the most confident, the most capable, and the most "likely to succeed;" Peter, the ringleader of the bunch, Peter the "rock."

When Jesus recruited for His Army He went to the losers, the downtrodden, the failures in this life. He did not go to the rich and the famous and the "Most likely to succeed." In fact, He told those who thought they were the worthiest that they would never be chosen until they became blind and poor like those He did choose.

David, the smallest of eight sons, the one everyone knew couldn't be chosen as King, was the one chosen. Everyone knew this little kid couldn't fight a giant. When David was an outcast, an outlaw, he chose for his army men just like himself - outcasts of society.

Jesus, also an outcast, a nobody, one that was rejected by all the elite who were "in the know" (John 7:45-52) chose people who were seen as He was seen. Those who are "wise in their own eyes," those who are rich, those who have a high opinion of themself (self-esteem, ego), those who considered themselves "King's Kids" as did the Pharisees; these were rejected from God's Kingdom.

One reason for this, just as in our culture, these people are not willing to allow themselves to be humbled like those who go through Basic Training, or like Jesus and the Israelites (new borns) who suffered in the wilderness. They are "too good" for such a thing.

[Does any of this sound like the messages preached today?]

There will be no glorying by anyone. Only those who realize they are totally incapable of the slightest righteous act will be chosen by the Lord to enter in with Him.


Now it's over the Jordan into battle. Here, unlike the wilderness, there will not be the leading of the Holy Ghost. There will not be the provisions for the work at hand as there had been. Now you are on your own. You have felt the security that comes from knowing God is with you all the way, that should you slip, He is right there to catch you. You feel confident now that you are ready for battle.

And now it's to battle you shall go.


The Disciples experienced this shift in battle plans. Jesus sent them into the "war" with but little, the barest of requirements. They had to learn to totally depend on what God provided for them. Later, after they had been trained, but before Jesus was to die and leave them alone, they were to do the same. But this time they were to take provisions and fend for themselves (Mat 10:1-; Luke 10:1-; 22:35).

We, because of the Cross, Jesus' sacrifice, are free from the sin of Adam; this we are taught, and this is true. Because of the cross, some churches teach that there is no more sin, no more hell, no more punishment. This an extreme view of what most of the churches now teach; but in reality, they (all) are also teaching this very same extreme view - they just don't know they are. But their congregation knows they are.

Some churches (or listeners) alter this message a bit and assume they will be judged for their "works," that is, if their good outweighs their bad. The Bible tells us that the least sin will be our doom, no good works are going to cover our bad (Rev 20:12; James 2:10-12). Isn't this the same in our courts today?

So then, if we are freed from the condemnation of Adam through the death of Jesus, why aren't we all going to Heaven? Didn't Jesus' death free all the captives that were under the condemnation of Adam, that is, those who are dead, the "walking dead"?

Yes, all the sins of Adam are paid in full. Adam's sin holds no barrier on us (1Cor 6:20; 7:23; 15:22). We do not have to pay for the sins of Adam or any other person who has ever lived. Get the picture? You are Free to do what you wish with you own life. No more restrictions.

But!!!

You are not free to sin. Just like Adam and Eve, you will have to face judgment for your own works, just as did Adam and Eve. This Judgment of your works is called the Great White Throne. At this time you will learn if your "Works" are worthy of life, or of death, just as did Adam and eve.


"There is none righteous, no not one." (Rom 3:10-18)

"All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." (Rom 3:23)


Are you part of that All? I certainly am. So what do you think my sentence will be, life, or death?

How about you? What will your sentence be?


Of course we're all going to die. None will be left standing but Jesus, because He is the only one who has overcome the World and the devil.

But we know Jesus won't be standing alone. He didn't have to die in order to have life; He worked for the right to life. That is, His works here proved He was worthy.

So, if Jesus won't be standing alone, who will be those standing with Him?

Jesus is the Head. A head does not stand alone. A head has a body. And that body is just as healthy and as capable as is the head, unless there is something terribly wrong with the body such as an infection of cancer, or sin.

The Body of Christ, standing tall and just as worthy as He is; not through the works of the Body, but through the completed work of the Head.

Then, that sounds like everyone in the churches will be saved because of the cross. Isn't that what we hear in church? That there is nothing we can do because Jesus did it all? Doesn't that seem to confirm what is preached: that "works" is a belittling of what Jesus fulfilled on the cross? Isn't that like trying to earn your way to Heaven by your own doings, when Jesus has done it all?

This is the concept of most of the modern Protestant churches. And it is the concept of the rest of the churches who do not hold to this view in that they are trying to "work their way to Heaven."


But, it is not a matter of doing something for something; it's a matter of doing something because of something that has already been done for you.

Some churches teach this under the heading of "Completed Works." Jesus died, so because of this, we love Jesus so much that we will follow Him and obey His commandments.

The problem with this is that we are taught there are no commandments any more, therefore no Law which to follow. If there are no commandments, and no Law, then how can there be any Works?

Of course there's always works like being good to your neighbor, praying for others, and helping out at church. But are these following Jesus? Or are they just following the will of the church and maybe the leading of our conscience?

We cannot follow Jesus. There is no way that we can follow someone we cannot see or hear.

And we can do many "wonderful works" (Mat 7:) that will help many in this world. But the result will be: "I never knew you." (Mat 7:23)

I never knew you. How can Jesus say that to someone who has been doing all the wonderful things for others in His Name? By all appearances this person stands as a vanguard for all other Christians to follow. Yet, according to this Scripture, all who follow this "Wonderful Person" will end up in outer darkness with that wonderful person.

Is there something missing here?

If we have all been "set free." and "under the Blood" as taught in church, then why are we doomed to outer darkness?

Do the churches have an answer for this?

Certainly, they always do. Hundreds of them, all different. It all depends on which church you ask.

The prevailing answer as I see it is that it requires repentance and baptism. With the Catholics and many other such churches "good works" are rewarded as well. Do these things and you will stand with the sheep on that day.

But surely these people in Matthew must have said the Sinner's Prayer and been baptized. Then, if they have also done their "wonderful works," what are they missing that causes Jesus to say "I never knew you"?


It is the Holy Spirit that was missing.

But, don't the churches say that when you are baptized and say your confession of faith that you automatically receive the Holy Spirit? Don't they say from that moment on, if you were "sincere" the Holy Spirit is in you and can never leave you? Don't they say you've been sealed by the Holy Spirit and even if you backslide into hell itself you must be taken up in the Rapture and live forever?

Yes, many churches do say that. And they can show you a few Scriptures to prove their view. But hide your eyes when you look anywhere else in the Bible because it will shake your faith to the foundations.


When the Israelites left Egypt they were "under the cloud." That cloud, as we know, was the Holy Spirit. In other words, like Jesus, once they received the leading of the Holy Spirit they were led into the wilderness for their "testing." Being led by the Spirit, and having God provide for their needs (their "Daily Bread," Manna) did not automatically insure their safe arrival into Paradise. In fact there were many instances where thousands died because of their disobedience and their murmuring (complaining). And when it came to the final test, that of proving faith in God alone (not Grace Alone), they all failed except two - and they were two who saw the dangers of the land, and had faith in spite of the dangers.

All the rest died in the wilderness. Why? Because God turned His back on them and in essence said: "I never knew you."

The wilderness experience makes the difference. Before Moses had his 40 years in the desert, while he lived in luxury and leadership, he was tried and found wanting, just as were the Israelites (Ex 2:11-22). Afterwards Moses, now a humble man and broken of spirit, was ready in God's eyes, not his own, to do the impossible.

Joshua, though lacking the experience, had been with Moses every step he took, as did the Disciples with Jesus, and knew full well the Power of God. But, even he, old faithful Joshua, had to have his own wilderness experience (again, like the disciples) in spite of his confidence in God to fulfill His Word.

All the "Born Againers" who went through the wilderness and survived it were ready, willing and able to enter the Promised Land. And Joshua, under the tutorship of Moses ("in the stead of God") was trained to lead them.


In the Wilderness, after they had been given their freedom from the slavery of the World, God's "Called Out" ones were given the Law. All before this time - Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses - had no law to follow but that of "faith." And they followed that Law they had been given. There was no sin they could commit except to eat of the apple and to turn away from God.

Until the Law was given, all these Israelites were like the heathen Gentiles around them, they were "without sin" because there was no Law, but they were also under the condemnation of Adam's sin, sentenced to death and separation from God.

Once these People of God had the Law they were expected to live by that Law, and any infraction of the Law, such as picking up sticks on the Sabbath was cause for immediate death with no appeal. Was picking up sticks on Saturday a sin before that Law was given? Of course not. Nor was it a sin for anyone who was not under that law, that being the Gentiles (Num 15:33-35; James 2:10).

While those who came out of Egypt for the most part followed the Law because if they didn't the consequences were too dear, there were almost none whose hearts followed God but rather they were constantly trying to get God to give them what the wanted. They were not satisfied with what they had, they wanted more.


Jesus has freed us from the bondage of sin, that is, the World. He, through His Holy Spirit is now leading (that is the "Saved" Christian) through their own wilderness experience.

Jeremiah said (speaking for God) that there would come a day that God's Law would no longer be written on stone, but on the heart of flesh (Jer 31:33).

Now, according to church Tradition God did not mean what He said but rather what He has done is abolished the Law altogether. That whoever is trying to follow a Law is in fact breaking the Law, a law, that according to them does not exist because there is no law.

If you are a Christian, that is you have been baptized (passed through the "flood" of the Red Sea, red meaning under the Blood of Jesus), and if you have truly repented of your sins, which means YOU WILL SIN NO MORE!!!! Then you are in the wilderness for your testing period.


Consider this: How can you be led by the Holy Spirit Unless you have the Holy Spirit? And if you have the Holy Spirit, and are being led by Him, then HOW COULD YOU NOT KNOW FOR CERTAIN THAT YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT? And if you have the Holy Spirit, and not the Holy Spirit only, but JESUS AND THE FATHER AS WELL, and you KNOW you do, then HOW IN THE WORLD COULD YOU POSSIBLY GO YOUR OWN WAY AND CONTINUE TO EVEN THINK OF SINNING! Can you imagine any of those Israelites committing the sins you commit in the front of God? How long do you think they would have lasted? (John 14:23; 17:20-24; Rev 2:23)

The Israelites had laws that only effected their outward behavior. But now, the Christian, has the Holy Spirit within him or her, and He is totally aware of our every thought and desire. Jesus said that even thinking about sin is a sin before God (Mat 5:28). Is it possible to continue sinning with God inside you and not feel great remorse, and a fearful pleading to God to cleanse you of that sin?


ONE WHO CAN SIN WITHOUT REMORSE IS NOT ONE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN THEM.

AND ONE WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE TOLD ON THAT GREAT DAY: "I NEVER KNEW YOU."


[Can you imagine any preacher saying this? He would empty the church and be without a job in a heartbeat.]


AFTERTHOUGHTS

There is a certain flow to these writings and studies, just as there is in any book, magazine or newspaper article. This flow is necessary for the reader to easily follow a certain train of thought. While I write or edit the studies, new thoughts come to mind that I believe should be included. Sometimes I can fit them in without interrupting the flow of the story. Other items cannot be added and need a place of their own.

For these "afterthoughts" I have added this section. Many of these thoughts will have no connection with one another but will rather have more the appearance of notes or outlines. And sometimes that is just what they are.


Before I begin with the afterthoughts I would like to reiterate (say again) that there are certain principles that must be understood in order to understand the problems that confront the churches and the Christians as they (we) try to understand Law and Works or any other doctrinal issue.

The first of these problems has to do with Denominational structure. In order for any organization to function it must have structure. Structure is accomplished by rules. Without rules (or laws) there is no order and the outcome is chaos. When you, or I, or anyone else becomes a part of an organization we must agree to the rules of that organization. And this has to be so. If we do not agree with the rules of the organization, we have two options - either work to change the rules, which is highly unlikely; or to leave the organization all together.

In any organization there are people chosen (or hired) who's job it is to keep these rules in order, and to make a final (and lawful) interpretation of them. Usually these are called "Lawyers." They are trained in the study of law.

Often when we disagree with rules we try to disregard them if we feel they are unjust or unworkable. And there are certainly laws that have come to the books that can be seen in this light. And there are more and more of them being brought forth as time moves forward. Along with such laws are more and more people in authority who are ungodly, yet professing themselves to be servants of God.

This is not only true of the World and its legal system, but of the church as well.

When the laws and those who enforce the laws become ungodly, what are we to do? Should we disobey the rules and the rulers?

Not according to the Bible:

17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:)

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom 13:)

Here Paul is telling us that we should obey the law and the rulers; that they were put where they are by God for our benefit. How can we reconcile such a statement in the face of Nero and Hitler and other such rulers that have been so blatantly against God's rules?

It sounds irreconcilable, does it not?

And if you turn to me for the answer, you will find none that is absolute. But I do have this observation.

God has made two opposing forces. By doing so we have two choices; we can either join one and resist the other, or join the other and oppose the one. We can either be on God's side whereby we resist the World and the influences of the World that appeal to our own desires; or we can be a part to the World and please our selves at the expense of abandoning God. We usually call these two forces "God against the Devil (or the Flesh)."

It is clear that throughout history it has been extremely rare, if ever at all, that there were Godly rulers on this earth. Yet God tells us to obey these rulers as if they are Godly, or at least God given.

How can this be?

Even in the church it is clear that there are some very ungodly people controlling many of the churches. I do not mean by this that all churches are this way, but by your own observation I am sure you could name a few. What are the people who belong to these churches to do? They surely would be expected to follow the rules of their own church!

What if you were to stand before the government (judge) and be accused unjustly of a crime? You know you will be convicted, and sentenced to a sever punishment - what do you do? Do we have any examples?

2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? 4And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? 5Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. (Acts 23:)

Paul said, even though he was being accused unjustly, that he was not to speak against the ruler that abuses us (Acts 23:5).

Steven, even when he was being stoned to death, pleaded to God for them (Acts 7:60),

Jesus took His unjust sentence and execution quietly and with dignity, also asking God to forgive those who were so unjust to Him (Luke 23:34).

But, none of these, nor did any other who was so falsely accused refuse their judgment, or accuse their accusers.

There is a day coming when all will face this decision. This ruler is called the "Beast" (literally "wild or dangerous animal" in Revelation. The same word was used for the snake that bit Paul). All are to bow down to him or die. What would you choose? Of course those of the church that are in it just to please themself will not "endure to the end," but will oblige the beast.

Those "Overcomers" who do endure to the end, therefor are true servants of the Lord, will break the law and refuse. And by refusing to obey their ruler, they are disobeying the command to obey the rulers.

What's the solution?

What did Jesus do?

Jesus, and all the others who faced this situation, did both.

By submitting themselves to the rulers, and taking the consequences for standing up for their convictions, they both obeyed the ruler, and the instructions to do as the law says. How? The law says, if you don't do what the ruler wants, you die. The law allows two choices. Obey or die. By accepting death, you both satisfy the law of the land; and by not bowing down you both fulfill the commandment to obey the law, and you have fulfilled the test that the trial has offered you.

If we realize that the trials we endure are not manmade, but God induced, it is easier to understand this principal. If you have ever had situations occur in your life that seemed unbelievable, and coincidences that were incredible, then you have had a taste of this process.

One example I have had is when I stood before the judge after 5 years in prison, where the most I was supposed to have served was 2½ years. The prison hospital was playing games with the Governmental system and using me as a pawn in their game. If the hospital had their way I would have remained in prison the rest of my life. (It was not me they were against. They had nothing against me personally. I was just the one they happened to pick to use as an example to prove their point because I was being released after my 2½ term when the new system was being implemented.) The judge finally tired of the hospital's game and threatened to have them before him if they didn't cooperated with the courts.

I watched the District Attorney and the Public Defender trying to decide what they should do with me. None of what I heard I liked. Then the judge finally made his decision, which was to release me without parol or probation - and everyone was stunned. Such a thing just doesn't happen. The judge then asked if anyone had any objection. I saw the D.A. and the P.D. look at one another in amazement, then shake their head. The judge then banged his gavel....then he took on the expression of: "What did I say!"

I could tell that it was not the judge talking, but the Lord through the judge. This was not the only such occurrence, I could see the hand of God on my entire stay under the judicial system.

When you are in the hand of God. When you have submitted yourself to God. All the things that are said or done are not man doing it, but God, and that for both our good, and for His purposes.

In the situation above God spoke through a judge. We have examples throughout the Bible of other such incidences. For instance, God spoke through the prophets of old, through a donkey (to Balaam), and Jesus said that if the people didn't cry out (Hosanna) that even the stones would do so. And not only these, but the Bible tells us that we are not to worry when confronted by the courts of man, that He will speak for us and through us.

16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Mat 10:)

How can it be said that being beaten, and imprisoned, and stoned to death are "for our own good"?

When we have surrendered to the Lord, two things occur. The first is that your life and your will and your purposes are no longer your own, but the Lord's. Just as a soldier is now fighting as a team for the good of all, rather than just for himself, so is the Christian willing to give up his or her life for the ultimate good of the Lord.

As a soldier no longer has his life in his own hands, neither does a Christian count his life as his own. But unlike the soldier who sacrifices his life for his country and wins for it a military funeral; a Christian proves themself a true follower of the Lord and wins for themself an overcomer's crown and everlasting life.

It would seem then that a Christian could go his own way, becoming a highly successful missionary, and thereby dying for the Name of the Lord, and win Eternal life. This is not so, any more than a soldier can run off on his own and fight the battle his way and expect to be rewarded for doing so. The battle is a team effort, and what's more, it is not as much in what you do that makes the difference as it is in who told you to do it.

Good works will be burned, no mater how good they may be. Even poor works fulfilled through the leading of the Holy Spirit will be saved (Mat 13:40; James 2:20; 1Cor 3:13-15).


ROADBLOCKS

It seems as if I come down hard on Pastors and Theologians. And, of course I do. But it isn't as if I think they are insincere or trying to lead anyone astray. Some are, but I think the vast majority of them are just trying to do a job. A few of those who are sincere and truly care about their flock are handicapped in their working with the sheep.

In any church or organization there are roadblocks and detours a Pastor or Elder, or President, or whatever name is given a person who has been given charge of that organization. I have already told of the need for rules and laws, an organization can not run without them. The problems a leader of an organization encounters are those very laws that are designed to insure the proper workings of the organization.

Consider an enthusiastic Pastor who sees in the Bible that the Christian is to be highly dedicated and perform many good works (this piece is not about "works," I'm just using it as an example.) But the church he is affiliated with has a definite stand against advocating works. What is this Pastor to do? He cannot, according to his conscience not preach works, and if he does preach works, he will not be allowed to be a Pastor of that church.

This Pastor has two essential choices: he can break the Law and lose his job; or he can follow the Law and deceive (at least in his own mind and heart) those he is responsible for.

Which would you do?

Teachers in the Worldly system are very often placed in just such a position. And many Christians in the churches are as well.


Is the Law to blame? That is, are the rules and Doctrines laid down by the church at fault? Not really. As stated above, they are in place to insure proper functioning of the organization. Consider the Pastor in this illustration. It would be easy to feel he is being abused and cheated from doing that which he sincerely believes is right. Now, consider that his name is Jim Jones or Adolf Hitler.


Are the Laws, the Roadblocks and Detours that keep a person from being the Christian they should be, at fault? Without these Roadblocks would a person (like yourself) be more inclined to understand the Word and follow Jesus as they should?

It would seem so, but such is not the proven case.

For instance, the Apostles and the many true disciples of Jesus throughout history (and in other countries today) were, and are, strong Christians because of the very laws and roadblocks designed to restrict them. The laws create a battlefield situation whereby Christian soldiers are strengthened in their faith so they can become the very person they seek to be. Without resistance, there is no strength.

This lack of resistance in this country is the very reason there are no (or few) real Christians. Anyone can believe anything they choose to, and the only rule is that of being against anything, especially sin: "intolerant," against what someone chooses to do or to be. We are wishy-washy, no standards to live by people who are becoming more and more so by the day. It is no surprise that we of the "civilized" nations are producing nothing but Luke-Warm Christians at best.

Is this the fault of the churches? Of the Laws and Rules and Roadblocks? Is it the fault of the Blind, Misguided, or Restricted Pastors?

I don't think so. They are what they are. I think it is not in the hearts or the minds of any leader or organization, but rather in the self-willed, ego-seeking nature of the people who call themselves "Christian. They hear what they want to hear and follow after it.

And it is not hearing the Truth that makes the difference anyway. It is following the Truth, which by so doing will lead to more Truth that makes the difference (Mat 13:14, 1-23; James 1:22; Rom 2:13; Luke 19:26).


WORKS AND THE LAW. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

I think this is one of the most confused and complex questions in church doctrine. I do not understand what any of it means as it is espoused by church Doctrine. But for the sake of discussion, I will venture into this little tidepool and see what I can draw out of it.

First, according to the dictionary:

WORK: "Use of bodily or mental power in effort to make or produce something. (And) "A thing done or produced by work." (There's a half a page more, but I think this will suffice.)

LAW: "A rule established among a community by authority or custom." (and) "Something that must be obeyed or believed."


I find these definitions interesting, but not particularly helpful. Let's look into the Greek and see what Jesus meant when He used the words.

WORK: G2041 er'-gon From ergo (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act: - deed, doing, labour, work.

LAW: G3551 nom'-os From a primary word ´? nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): - law.

Now here I did find something interesting. And quite thought-provoking as well. "Food, or grazing to animals." very interesting.

David had this to say in his very first Psalm:

1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

I was thinking of the word "meditate." I looked it up in both the Greek and the Hebrew, and found it to mean just as I had supposed. But what I didn't find is what I had heard from a preacher on a tape one time. I thought I could find it because it struck me as interesting and appropriate. But either he was mistaken, or was just making it up, or perhaps he has a source of information I do not have access to. Whatever, I find I have done the very same thing I condemn, and that I had done so often in my life; I had accepted what some "expert" said because it pleased my ears without bothering to look it up for myself.

What I was expecting to find for the meaning of meditate was a definition that fit farm animals, and that is to "ruminate," or to "chew the cud." This is why "grazing animals" struck me interesting when I saw "Law" and remembering how David "meditated" on the law.


Law and Work. These words are used many times in the New Testament. Many times indeed.

By looking at the Strong's Concordance it appears to me by rough estimated that the word "Law" was used 280 times, and from a quick perusal of these, I could not find one place where we were told not to follow the Law. There is an exception to what I just said, and that is when Paul told the Jews that if they wanted to continue with the Laws of sacrifice instead of accepting Jesus' sacrifice, then they couldn't go part way; they either had to be a Christian, or fulfill all the law of Moses. But, of course, that would have nothing to do with us being Gentiles. Nor did it really have anything to do with the Jews except those who were straddling the fence trying to keep the Jewish Pharisees and such off their back. But I'm sure the Theologians and the preachers know that and wouldn't try to use such a clearly non-Christian statement to try and push a doctrine .

On the other hand, I see a multitude of places where Jesus said that not one jot or tittle would pass from the Law, and He didn't come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it.

Oh well, more study. I will print out and analyze the subject of Law later. Let's go to "Works."


Again I see by rough estimate about 200 times "Work" or its derivative has been used. Again I haven't given the subject but a brief skim, but what caught my eye was the times the word was used saying not to do the work of the devil. And other places where like Paul said we must work out our salvation. And of course how could I miss Jesus' statements that He made many times to the effect that we would be judged according to our "Works." I'm just wondering what will be said to the Protestants who have to confess that they have no works to judge because their Pastor told them that works is a naughty word.

Well, again, more research.

FEAR FACTOR

We, that is Man, uses Law to control others. All a government or an organization (such as a church) has to do to insure that others do what they want them to do is make it a law that it must be followed. History and current events are filled with examples of this method. In fact some churches today use this method so strongly that it has been given the name "Mind Control." Of course there are other forms of mind control as well, but law is probably the most successful for controlling the masses. Consider the Roman Empire and how rapidly Christianity changed from being a "Cult" to be punished by death -- to the Must-Have religion without which it was punishable by death. Or consider the Nazis, in one fell sweep it became illegal to be a Jew, punishable by death.

Another way that Law is used to make people conform to our will is that used by the "Fire and Brimstone" preachers. You may have seen them on street corners or handing out leaflets. The intent of this form of preaching is to get people "Saved" and out of hell. So these preachers try to scare people into church. One reason for using this tactic is the notion that if a person is afraid of hell (because of being an unconverted non Christian) they will remain in church. The "Please come to church because God loves you and wants to shower you with blessings" will get people into church (maybe), but it won't keep them there. Fear is more effective in this area.

But is fear the best way? Does God want people to be in His "Church" out of fear?

This seems to be the concept of the churches. Whatever it takes to get people to say the sinner's prayer and get them baptized.

As I'm sure you know, I don't think so. Nor do I think it will work. Oh, it will get a lot of people to wear the Christian name-tag all right. But when the Big Day comes, Jesus is going to say: "I never knew you." (Mat 7:23)


One problem with the fear tactic is the same as that of the "Jesus loves you" tactic. It neither brings people to repentance, nor does it bring them to their knees. It takes the "Fox Hole" experience to accomplish this, and that experience does not happen until a person has reached the bottom of their pit, their "Job" experience; their "Peter's Denial" confrontation with Self. And this experience is not likely to occur until God has chosen the time, the place, and the pit for each of us; again like Job and Peter.

This "Fox Hole" experience is a mirror for us. It is intended to show us what a helpless wretch we truly are. Without this realization we continue to commit Adam and Eves sin of self-appeasement. When we finally learn that we can not do it on our own, that we need the Lord (and that generally requires fear -"Fear God"), then we will be of a mind to follow Him (Psalm 111:10; Rev 15:4; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 5:3).

The Law is given, not to frighten us, but to cleanse us, to purify us. It is intended to prepare us for the presence of the Lord. Fear of the Law should only occur when we want to break the Law. If we remain "Law Abiding," we have nothing to fear (Rom 12:1;10:4; 8:1; 2Cor 11:2; Gal 5:18; Rom 2:14; 3:20, 31; Mat 5:7; James 1:23; 2:8)

If you are a Christian, truly saved, then you have God within you, and He is guiding you. You will not have to worry about the Law because the Law will be written on your heart and followed day by day. The Law has been assured and it is being fulfilled by God through you, and not by you. If you are obeying the Law then you are performing dead works and they will be burned. But if God is working through you, you will have joy beyond understanding and a love that you did not know existed. It will not be your love, because man's love is selfish and weak at best. But through the Holy Spirit the love we will have and exhibit will be God's love; not our's.

"The heart of man is desperately wicked, who can know it." Such a heart can not love no matter how hard it tries (Jer 17:9).


"God is Love." A heart that is filled with God's Love can do nothing but show love and compassion for others (1John 4:16).


Law and Works. God's Law is in our heart if we have the Holy spirit. But what about "Works"? How do works fit in to the works?

No work we perform is worth any more than "filthy rags." Even the "wonderful works" displayed by those who are cast into outer darkness are for naught (Isa 64:6; Mat 7:21-23).

But works performed through you by the Holy Ghost can be nothing less than "Fruits of the Spirit." And the "Good Fruits," the good harvest will be taken into God's barn (John 14:10; Eph 2:2; Rom 8:11; 1Cor 3:16; 6:11; Mat 13:30).

.
If we work, we're dead, and will never see life.

If we have the Holy Spirit working through us, therefore dead to self, we are alive, and will never see death.


LISTENING

It is impossible for the unconverted, that is, those who have not been Born Again and received the Holy Spirit to hear what I am saying in these pages. And it is impossible, or at best highly improbable that any preacher or elder of an established church will hear what I am saying, because if they did, and they moved from their dogmatic view of whatever church or cult they serve, they would be without a job and disfellowshipped from their church.

Does it sound as if I think my writings and opinions are something special? What I am saying here has nothing to do with what I am writing. Any one who writes about having to do something to reap the rewards that God offers is not going to be heard. What evidence do I have of this? I present over a thousand pages of that which I am quoting from, containing the evidence of many Prophets, Apostles, and even Jesus and God Himself that has not been listened to. And I know if people will not listen to God, they surely will not listen to me.

None can hear me except those who are separated from serving their own bellies and have received the Holy Spirit.

Can you hear me?


FREEDOM

(Continued on Part 3)