Now Our Salvation Is Nearer Than When We First Believed - Part 932

"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2)

There is a similar scripture in Romans that states: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. [Indeed,] the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light .... put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 13:11-14)

Note that this latter verse does not suggest that we "put on the religious culture" of this day. Nor does it suggest that we -- as believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ -- clothe ourselves with what is the latest "politically correct" idea within the world we live. Rather, Jesus instructs us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:11-14)

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) "... seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:9-10)

But there is more to becoming a disciple of Jesus than just changing our outward habits and appearance. Note that I used the word 'disciple' rather than Christian here. Why? Because 'Christian' was a word that others attached to those who believed in Jesus' teachings. (Acts 26:28) But Jesus Himself called those who followed after Him, preaching the gospel of the kingdom -- His disciples.

As disciples then, we are to seek Jesus with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to "put on the whole armour of God that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)

Why? Because "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) And second, as Paul indicated in Romans -- because we have already wasted too much time on earthly matters.

You see, Jesus gave us His Spirit so that when we seek His righteousness, we would also understand the state of the world in which we live. In fact, He gave us His Word -- God Himself in the flesh -- so that we could discern between what is right and that which is not. (John 1:1-18) But we can't reach our intended purpose if our hearts are "half-hearted" -- as the children in Jesus' parable about the unjust steward were portrayed to be. (Luke 16:1-13)

In the same way, true believers can't compromise the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) We all have to make a choice -- whether to stand wholeheartedly with Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- or the earthly powers that are in this world. 

For true disciples, Jesus IS everything, which is why the Word states:

"Now we beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand ... 

Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (II Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Rather, "we are bound to give thanks always to God ... because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:13)

This is why we are to stand fast in the liberty, and to hold fast to the traditions which we have been taught, "whether by word or our epistle -- or our Lord Jesus Christ Himself." Therefore, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ -- the hope of our salvation -- and our sole reason to rejoice, teaching all nations to observe all things which Jesus commanded -- including every creature -- and be thankful for all that He has given us. This calling --- even in times of persecution.

"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. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 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. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (II John 1:7-11)

Notwithstanding these last days, we can be confident that when Jesus paid the price for our salvation with His precious holy Spirit blood on the cross, it was because He loved us. He is faithful. The very least we can do in response is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ..." and preach His good news gospel of the kingdom. (Luke 10:27) Stand in the offering plate.

A Blessed Day? - Part 931

Today, the sun is shining and the world -- at least where I am -- seemingly at peace. I can hear the birds chirping in glee as the young ones learn to fly, while at the same time seeing the chipmunks happily playing in the driveway. My plan was to continue with a further explanation of the meaning of "debtor" in Luke 16. 

However, recent unfolding events in the world -- whereby so-called protestant/Christian evangelists had an audience with the pope has changed my focus -- at least for this day. 

Before I begin, let me quote the book of Revelation which clarifies that particular situation. It states: "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled ... and the woman which thou saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:17-18)

It is an indication that the last days as indicated throughout the New Testament is at hand. Jesus warned us of these times and encouraged us to recognize the signs of His second coming. (Matthew 24:1-51; 25:1-46) As I pondered these matters from a spiritual perspective, I happened upon Acts 20. Allow me to share.

"And from Miletus [Paul] sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them. "Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house -- testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go to bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me ... but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men ... for I HAVE NOT SHUNNED to declare unto you ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD. 

Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God ... which He -- [God] -- has purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)

For I know this, and after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore, watch, and remember by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears."

In Jude, we read a similar warning. He wrote: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ... for there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

... Woe unto them for they have gone in the way of Cain and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgement 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 ... these are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage." (Jude 1:1-16)

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

And, as Paul said, "And now brethren, I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified ...  I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus -- how He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:20)

In these soon to be tumultuous times, know that  the Lord Himself told us that "no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me." (Isaiah 54:17)

Trust Jesus today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seek His guidance and counsel through the Word. And may the Lord "make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." (I Thessalonians 3:12-13) Stand in the offering plate.

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ Cannot Be Found in the Religious Constructs of This Day - Part 930

"Ye are they which justify themselves before men, but God knows your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God ... the Law and the prophets were until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." (Luke 16:15-16)

Jesus is speaking here to the Pharisees "who were covetous." When they heard all these things that Jesus had to say in His sermon, "they derided Him." (Luke 16:14) Note that this is not an isolated incident. Jesus makes similar observations about the scribes and the Pharisees that "sit in Moses' seat" in Matthew 23.

In this latter scripture, Jesus states that whatsoever these scribes and Pharisees bid us "observe and do but do not ye after their works -- for they say, and do not." (Matthew 23:1-3) This is similar to the cliche used today. That is, "do as I say and not as I do."

Why? Because these Pharisees "bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders [while] they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers ... but ALL their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments ... and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi" but be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. But He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. " (Matthew 23:1-11)

Then Jesus said in the same chapter, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in ... woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widow's houses, and for a pretence make long prayer; therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation." (Matthew 23:13-14; Mark 12:40)

In other words, Jesus did not mince words against a religious culture that seeks to devour those who love Him. Rather, Jesus' desire was that each and every one of us would know (from personal experience) that we are called unto a holy calling -- "not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." (II Timothy 1:7-10)

Moreover, Paul encouraged us to read the Word so that we might understand the knowledge in the mystery of Christ "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit ... that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:1-7)

This is the message in Luke 16 -- that as believers in Jesus by faith, we don't settle for the crumbs that consist within the constructs and systems of this world. We don't settle for a religious culture that falls short of worshipping our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. And that we don't return to the bondage of our forefathers and the Law that attempts to make us beholden to the things of this earth.

Paul wrote: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ... and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:8-12)

The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ so that we might be justified by faith but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster -- for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:24-29)

Therefore, no halfheartedness when it comes to preaching the gospel. No settling for what is acceptable in the eyes of man. Why? Because Jesus -- the same Lord God who created us in the beginning -- willingly paid our debt in full when He shed His precious blood on the cross.

Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

For he that enters into His rest also ceases from his own works, as God did from His- Part 929

"If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?" (Luke 16:11)

There are those within our religious culture today who believe that the riches referred to in Jesus' parables are all about money. Financial matters that pertain solely to the money constructs of this world. So let me say this. The King of kings is not interested in the monetary affairs of this world. How do we know this? 

Because when the King of kings -- Jesus -- and His disciples had come to Capernaum, He mocked the tax system. Indeed, when they that received tribute money came to Peter and said, "Doth not your Master pay tribute?" what did Jesus say?

"What thinkest thou Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers?" Peter said to Jesus, "Of strangers." Then Jesus said unto him, "Then are the children free." (Matthew 17:24-26) In another translation of the scriptures, the wording is more exact: "Then the children are exempt."

We who believe in Jesus, and seek His righteousness, have been set free from the bondage that is of the world. How do we know this?

Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth SHALL make you free." (John 8:32)

What truth? His truth -- the good news gospel of Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood on the cross so that we would no longer be beholden to the traditions, constructs and worldly systems of man. Indeed, Jesus told the Jews, "If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed."

But the systems people in John 8 argued with Jesus, saying, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest thou, "Ye shall be made free?" Just like the systems people in Matthew 17 demanded a temple tax when they asked Peter, "Doth your Master pay tribute?"

In this latter example, note what happens next. Jesus tells Peter to go down to the sea and cast a hook -- "and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take, and give unto them for Me and thee." (Matthew 17:27) 

In other words, if the world wants a coin, we are to trust Jesus for our sustenance. I once read a comparative analogy where a loaf of bread had fallen from a truck ... but instead of recognizing that there was an entire loaf for the taking, the birds fought furiously for the crumbs that were on the road. Is this not the message that is portrayed in Luke 16? 

The rich man -- Jesus -- came to set us free so that we can stand fast in His liberty but the steward (who had already squandered his treasures) didn't want us to be free. Instead, he called every one of his lord's debtors to quickly negotiate a deal. One that would allow us to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table, rather than the immeasurable blessings that the Lord wants to bestow upon us for doing His will.

So what does being "free" or "exempt" as children of the Lord mean? 

First, there is no divided heart. There is no half-heartedness in those who seek Jesus.No serving two masters with one foot in the worldly construct (hoping to have enough bread to eat) while serving the earthly systems and constructs of this day. 

Instead, we serve our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ (who loved us even while we were sinners) with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Like the man who was blind from his birth, we believe that Jesus can heal us, and are willing to do what He asked. Willing to respond to His call -- Come, and I will make you fishers of men.

Why? Because we know in whom we have believed, and as such, there is nothing in this world that can even begin to satisfy.

Paul summarized this when he wrote: "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are ye not my work in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1)

This is why we are instructed to walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise ... "redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:18-17; Galatians 5:22) The same will that is -- "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

Therefore, do not slumber in these last days. Instead, "awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet -- the hope of salvation, for God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." (I Thessalonians 5:1-10)

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord; walk as children of light. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord ... and having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them ... [for] all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 

Further, know that "ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober ... for they that sleep, sleep in the night, and they that be drunken are drunken in the night ..."

This is critical because "even so then, [and] at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works ... otherwise, grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise, work is no more work." (Romans 11:1-6)

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly ... for scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 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. And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:1-11)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)

More to come. In the interim, be faithful and rejoice evermore, being preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand in the offering plate.

The Greatest Deception Ever Revealed -- Part 928

The parable entitled "the unjust steward" might be more appropriately named the "Greatest Deception Ever Told to Man." There are several reasons for this.

Beginning with Luke 16:2, the Lord said, “So He called him (satan) in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.”

In the parable of the unjust steward, satan was fired from his job as the accuser of the people. Indeed, what Jesus was proclaiming here was the condemnation of satan once and for all. “And in regard to judgement … the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:11) Up until then, satan had control of the world through people who were willing to cooperate. But as we learn here, in this capacity, satan was actually a hostage taker -- misusing the Law to accuse people and make them feel guilty for their sin.

Let’s backtrack for a moment. Since the beginning, satan has held all of humanity as a hostage because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Originally, in the Garden, man and woman were given control over the earth. But when the two sinned, their desire was to become like their Creator. As a consequence, Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise into the now fallen world that we now know. In their hearts, God wrote the knowledge of right and wrong. But satan, fully aware that God would not renege on His promise to give the world over to men and women, similarly knew that he could – from that point forward -- rule the world through men and women who were willing to cooperate with him.

However, the scriptures state that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the Master in the parable -- the righteous God who willingly  became our Saviour -- was legally able to condemn (or fire) satan without further condemning mankind. Indeed, this became the turning point in history whereby the Lord God provided salvation – through the shedding of His blood on the cross – so that we can now receive salvation through faith in Him. The sole event in history where time stood still. Thank You Jesus!

Luke 16:3 “The manager (satan) said to himself, ‘What shall I do now?’ My Master (God) is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg …” Herein, we get a glimpse of how alarmed the god of this world is becoming. He urgently begins to wonder what to do. The very law (from the old covenant) that he was using to accuse and repress people has now been rendered useless to him. In fact, satan now stands alone with his demons – forever condemned. Notice that satan does not want to work and likewise, is too ashamed to beg (meaning, he is too proud to work and begging for mercy was definitely below his pride filled demeanour).

Note also that Jesus fulfilled the Law with His precious blood which in turn meant that the Law could no longer be used against us. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, and seek His righteousness, the Law that was a schoolmaster (to show us the difference between right and wrong) no longer has any hold over us. We have been set free -- to stand firm in His liberty.

This is why/how satan lost his job. Because when we acknowledge the price Jesus paid for our sins, and worship Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength, we are renewed. We are no longer part of a worldly system that justifies itself before men. And as such, we do not have to justify our existence before men. We heard Jesus say the same words as He said to the disciples.

And let him that hears say, "Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

But satan couldn't have believers know of and/or experience the freedom and liberty that only comes from Jesus. So he said, “I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.” (Luke 16:4)

In fact, satan quickly developed a plan. Up until this point, satan was able to use the Law to make people feel guilty and ashamed of their transgressions. The labour that accompanies the worldly spirit -- to keep people burdened and alone, discouraged and feeling hopeless all the time. But if he lost his job, then satan could no longer do this.

This is why fighting for his right to occupy people’s hearts, minds and souls became so critically important. Indeed, urgent might be a better way of stating the situation. He had to devise a plan whereby people [would] welcome [him] into their houses [their bodily temples]. Legally, satan needed someone to co-operate with him. Because earth had previously been given to mankind, satan had no authority of his own.

The only chance satan had was to deceive "those who have" -- a Jesus believing community of people (like you and I)  who were set free from being debtors once and for all. The debt that was paid in full by Jesus' blood shed on the cross so that He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- could become our resting place.

Luke 16:5 “So he called in each one of his Master’s debtors [all of humanity]. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift -- freely given to mankind.

But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men today and satan knows this.

You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.

Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.

What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited worldly power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness on you (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead, he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”

In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the Law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty and unworthy throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.

So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – by enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.

However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree.

For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.

The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the Law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s free gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not truly free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.

Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”

Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.

The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).

Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.

Jesus said, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9 KJV)

The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.

But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?

Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.”

Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He will not manifest through individuals who do not single heartedly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind." Some scriptural references include ALL your strength too.

This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.

"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 - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)

More on “What is half-heartedness?” to come in the days ahead.

In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us all free from condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like. Stand in the offering plate, pressing into Jesus with all your mind, heart and soul (and strength). From this relationship flows everlasting life that will leave everything else in the dust.

And the Apostles Said Unto the Lord, "Increase Our Faith" - Part 927

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's who shall give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:10-13)

Continuing in Luke 16 --known as the parable of the unjust steward -- we learn that no servant can serve two masters. Why? Because "either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)

In Matthew, Jesus takes this revelation one step further. Therein, He said, "Therefore, I say unto you. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26)

Jesus continues, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought of raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toll not, neither do they spin ... and yet, I say unto you, "That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast in the oven, shall He not much more clothe you -- o ye, of little faith?" (Matthew 6:27-30)

"Therefore, take no thought, saying, "What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or Wherefore shall we be clothed?" For after all these things do the Gentiles seek -- [those who are not His chosen people] -- for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things." (Matthew 6:32)

"But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things SHALL be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) 

"For every good creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." (I Timothy 4:4-6)

Therefore, as Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." (Luke 16:10) There is no half-heartedness in serving Jesus if we serve Him with all our heart, our soul, our minds and our strength. When we understand this, our heart's desire changes. Like the apostles, we say unto the Lord, "increase our faith" so that we can be faithful to our Lord God and Saviour in everything that we do.

This is why we are to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Jesus the Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. The worldly system, the religious traditions and rules that only serve to bind you from personally knowing and experiencing the goodness and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour. 

"Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

[But] I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another ... For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:1-14)

Let him that has ears to hear, hear what Jesus is saying. Respond favorably to His call on your life -- ask Jesus to increase your faith so that we can wholeheartedly take hold of His promises -- because Jesus never fails. Never. He knows what we have need of even before we ask.

This is the message the unjust steward does not want you to learn. This is why he urgently worked to sign a deal that would keep your one foot in this world while trying to worship Jesus. 

More to come still. In the interim, stand in the offering plate. 

You Have Your Fruit Unto Holiness -- Part 926

"If you continue in my Word, then you shall you be My disciples and know the truth. And, in knowing the truth, you shall be set free." (John 8:31-32)

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

As we continue the study of Luke 16 -- known as the parable of the unjust steward -- we begin to see how humanity has been manipulated from the very beginning. We begin to understand how we have been beguiled with enticing words -- by the elemental spiritual forces of this world -- by allowing men to spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit after the traditions and rudiments of this world -- rather than through Christ Jesus our Saviour.

Paul elaborates on this point in Colossians chapter 2. He writes:

"For I would that you know [how I contend] for you and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be comforted -- being knit together in love -- and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ -- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words -- for though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him -- rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as you have been taught -- abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily ... and you are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead, And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath He quickened together with Him having forgiven you all trespasses ... blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us -- which was contrary to us -- and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of any holy day or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days -- which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vanity puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together increases with the increase of God.

Wherefore, if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances? (Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship and humility and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 2:1-23)

The point being -- since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why -- as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules? Rules that suggest that we can't handle or taste or touch -- these rules which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use and likewise based on human commands and teachings. Indeed, such regulations that have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Or why are we willing to negotiate our Christianity -- becoming half-hearted in living the good news gospel of Jesus and His kingdom. (More on this point later)

These are the underlying messages that the unjust steward (or satan) in the Luke 16 parable does not want us to understand as believers in Jesus. The message that we are saved by His grace through the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross of Calvary, and as such, have been set free once and for all -- renewed in our spirits, hearts and minds -- and thus, no longer captives to the whims and traditions of the worldly forces.

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

In making your decision to believe on Jesus, and subsequently seeking His righteousness, let no man rob you of God's way of salvation for it is the Lord your God who is mankind's only Saviour. Jesus the Christ said, "I thank you Father that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, but you have revealed these [important truths] to babes.

Let us then earnestly contend for this one faith that was delivered to us by the Lord Jesus. Still more to come on Luke chapter 16. Meanwhile, stand in the offering plate.

The Greatest Deception Revealed - Part 1543

The parable entitled "the unjust steward" might be more appropriately named the "Greatest Deception Known to The Human Race!" There are several reasons for this.

Beginning with Luke 16:2, the Lord said, “So He called him (satan) in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.”

In the parable of the unjust steward, satan was fired from his job as the accuser of the people. Indeed, what Jesus was proclaiming here was the condemnation of satan. “And in regard to judgement … the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:11) Up until then, satan had control of the world through people who were willing to cooperate. But as we learn here, in this capacity, satan was actually a hostage taker -- misusing the Law to accuse people.

But let’s backtrack for a moment. Since the beginning, satan has held all of humanity as a hostage because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Originally, in the Garden, man and woman were given control over the earth. But when the two sinned, they desired to become like their Creator. As a consequence, Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise into the now fallen world that we now know. In their hearts, God wrote the knowledge of right and wrong. But satan, fully aware that God would not renege on His promise to give the world over to men and women, similarly knew that he could – from that point forward -- rule the world through men and women who were willing to cooperate with him.

However, the scriptures state that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, the Master in the parable -- the righteous God -- was legally able to condemn (or fire) satan without further condemning mankind. Indeed, this became the turning point in time whereby the Lord God provided salvation – through the shedding of His blood on the cross – so that we can now receive salvation through faith in Him. Thank You Jesus!

Luke 16:3 “The manager (satan) said to himself, ‘What shall I do now?’ My Master (God) is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg …” Herein, we get a glimpse of how alarmed he is becoming. He urgently begins to wonder what to do. The very law (from the old covenant) that he was using to accuse and repress people has now been rendered useless to him. In fact, satan now stands alone with his demons – forever condemned. Notice that satan doesn’t want to work and likewise, too ashamed to beg (meaning, he is too proud to work and begging for mercy was definitely below his pride filled demeanour).

Luke 16:4 “I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.”

So satan had to quickly develop a plan. Up until this point, satan was able to use the Law to make people feel guilty and ashamed. His profession -- to keep people burdened, discouraged and feeling hopeless all the time. But if he lost his job, then satan could no longer do this. This is why fighting for his right to occupy people’s hearts, minds and souls became so critically important. Indeed, urgent. He had to devise a plan whereby people [would] welcome [him] into their houses [their bodily temples]. Legally, satan needed someone to co-operate with him. Because earth had previously been given to mankind, satan had no authority of his own.

The only chance satan had was through deceiving "those who have" -- a community of people like you and I who were set free from being God’s debtors once and for all. The debt that was paid in full by Jesus' blood shed on the cross so that He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- could become our resting place.

Luke 16:5 “So he called in each one of his Master’s debtors [all of humanity]. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

Making an offer to each individual, satan sets out to implement his plan of deception using various means. As we learn from the parable, even his question to the debtor is part of this deception -- for we owe nothing in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift. But as we read, satan asks: “How much do you owe my master?” … meaning: “What do you think it takes for your soul to be right with your conscious?” This is a question that runs deep in the hearts and souls of men and satan knows this.

You see, our heavenly Father created a homing device in our hearts. It is similar to a lifesaving smoke alarm with a low battery. It makes annoying peeps till you finally change the battery. In the same context, satan is quick to provide an answer for our searching hearts through the world around us. When satan asks individuals “What do you owe my Master?” he wants to know your price – how much sin you are burdened by -- and then give you a discount.

Luke 16:6-7 “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?” [The response] “A thousand bushels of wheat,” he replied.

What is happening here is that the prince of this world – satan – is trying to divert you from the good news gospel message of Jesus and His kingdom. How? By sending any and every distraction in his limited power your way, and is seeking any opening or opportunity to inflict illness (if it is possible). In other words, satan is attempting to keep you from reading and meditating on His Word that elaborates on the goodness and grace of God. Note here that satan does not have the direct authority to rule over us so instead he attempts to get us to negotiate our faith. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.”

In so doing, satan is ensuring that we – as believers -- don’t truly trust that we have been set free from worldly bondage – free solely because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. And to make his plan successful, satan has to ensure that the law (that has subsequently made people feel guilty throughout history) remains a factor in our thinking. This is where satan’s negotiations with the debtors becomes critical. The prince of this world wants us to feel indebted.

So, to that end, what does satan do? For those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, negotiating is easy – enticing these people to become lured lock stock and barrel into worldly endeavours. For example, if you are seeking answers in the world, he will just let you succeed (or, conversely, fail on your own accord). Why? Because to satan, you are not of any strategic importance to him. In fact, you are actually his fodder because satan can manifest through you -- whether you know it or not. In other words, you are already deceived.

However, for believers in Jesus, or those seeking the truth and His righteousness, satan develops a particular plan of deception. This is where negotiating a price becomes the ultimate objective. “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.” Herein, satan actually condones believers who wish to pursue the gospel -- that is, to a degree. For example, believers can model their lives after the example of those who represent the "worldly standard" of Christianity rather than worship the only mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus. If one insists on going to church, satan tries to lead them to congregations that excel on “form and culture” but ignore the power and the authority of the Word. Indeed, satan does not even mind you becoming active participants in the church as long as your involvement is part of that pre-negotiated price.

The result? Half-heartedness. People who believe that they are still responsible to the law and good works as part of their salvation package and as such, have not accepted God’s gift of salvation – the blood of Jesus shed on the cross -- that truly sets us free. Instead, there is a part of us that still honours the law – and when we fail, we feel guilty and burdened all over again. Not free as our Lord God and Saviour wanted us to become.

Others believe that salvation comes from the good works we do, again negating God’s sacrifice on the cross for you and I. Thus, satan has been successful in creating half-hearted Christians – with half of us still believing that we are under the law. One foot in the old covenant and it's legal teachings.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”

Here, the master (God) commends the dishonest manager (satan) for turning certain defeat into a feat. The Lord has recognized the devil’s conniving and how his deception has been able to keep people burdened and busy by the cares of this world, rather than accepting the many blessings of our Lord. With sadness, the Lord observes how people pursue worldly things with relentless shrewdness while people of the light -- who have true riches and the Most High King at their disposal – would allow satan to remain as prince of this world.

The deception then is this. As believers in Jesus, we have been given authority over all the things of this world. Remember, Jesus in the boat? The disciples awakened Him from His sleep when the storm hit. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” And the wind ceased and there was great calm. Jesus then said to His disciples, “And why are you so fearful. Why is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) In this example, Jesus fully expected that His disciples would calm the sea, by the power and authority given to them. (Yes, Jesus expects the same from us today).

Unfortunately, it is this deception -- our half-heartedness in our faith journey -- that has rendered the power and authority that Jesus gives to those who seek Him and His righteousness to be of no effect … and in so doing, have actually allowed satan to regain and retain control of this world.

Jesus said, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9 KJV)

The NIV states: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

The Lord is sharing several messages here. First, He is instructing us – the children of light who know Jesus -- to become as shrewd and cunning as the unjust steward -- encouraging believers to use worldly endeavours to increase His kingdom. For instance, using our worldly wealth to reach out in love to those who do not know the good news gospel of Jesus. Forgiving debtors of their debt. By giving all of ourselves -- 100% of our time and labour -- to building the kingdom. Standing in the offering plate. In so doing, we will receive many friends who will in time welcome us into eternal dwellings.

But more importantly, the Lord is saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” … meaning that we cannot pay our way into heaven. The price for our sins and transgressions (the law) were paid in full once and for all on the cross. Therefore, we need to take hold of our freely given salvation, believing in His grace and mercy. No negotiating for a price. And no half-heartedness. Why?

Luke 16:13 Because ... “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Here is the overarching message of the parable of the unjust steward and one of the greatest lessons within the Bible. That is, as expressed by Jesus: “No one can serve two masters.” What Jesus is saying here is simply that He cannot manifest through individuals who do not willingly serve the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and King.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."

This means that when we accept satan’s proposed discount (negotiating a half-hearted devotion to Jesus), we render the Word of God (the power and authority of God) ineffective.

"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 - to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you -- who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)

[More on “What is half-heartedness?” to come in the days ahead.]

In the interim, here we are, 2000 years later, from the day that Jesus set us all free from condemnation, yet we still see a majority of mankind living lives of quiet desperation -- often poor, sick, confused and feeling hopeless. My friend, do not settle for man’s traditional standard of what your faith walk should look like. Stand in the offering plate, pressing into Jesus with all your mind, heart and soul. From this relationship flows everlasting life that will leave everything else in the dust.

Since That Time, The Kingdom of God is Preached - Part 925

Today, I am going to ask you to read the first part of Luke 16 -- below -- and share what you see before moving forward with an explanation of the parable. For me, a couple of points stand out. First, the oft quoted -- "no man can serve two masters" actually states, "no servant can serve two masters." Why is this important? Because Jesus calls those of us who believe and seek His righteousness "friends."

"Henceforth, I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." (John 15:15)

Second, even in this parable (a parable that so many in the religious culture say is about money) Jesus confirms that the law and old covenant were fulfilled by His death on the cross. He said, "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." 

What revelation do you see in Luke 16? More on this parable to come ...

"And Jesus said also unto His disciples, "There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, "How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward."

Then the steward said within himself, "What shall I do? For my lord takes away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses." So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, "How much owest thou unto my lord?" And he said, "An hundred measures of oil." And he said unto him, "Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty."

Then said he to another, "And how much owest thou?" And he said, "An hundred measures of wheat." And he said unto him, "Take thy bill, and write fourscore." And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

And I [Jesus] say unto you, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?" (Luke 16:10-11)

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And He said unto them, "Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." (Luke 16:1-19)

Let him who has ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.

No Servant Can Serve Two Masters - Part 924

"If you continue in my Word, then you shall you be My disciples and know the truth. And, in knowing the truth, you shall be set free." (John 8:31-32) "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

As we continue the study of Luke 16 -- known in religious circles as the "parable of the unjust steward" -- we begin to see how humanity has been manipulated from the very beginning. We begin to understand how we have been beguiled with enticing words -- by the elemental spiritual forces of this world -- by allowing men to spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit after the traditions and rudiments of this world -- rather than through Christ Jesus our Saviour.

Paul elaborates on this point in Colossians chapter 2. He writes:"For I would that you know [how I contend] for you and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be comforted -- being knit together in love -- and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ -- in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words -- for though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him -- rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as you have been taught -- abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him (Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily ... and you are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead, And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath He quickened together with Him having forgiven you all trespasses ... blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us -- which was contrary to us -- and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of any holy day or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days -- which are a shadow of things to come.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vanity puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together increases with the increase of God.

Wherefore, if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances? (Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship and humility and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." (Colossians 2:1-23)

The point being -- since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why -- as though you still belonged to the world -- do you still submit to its rules? Rules that suggest that we can't handle or taste or touch -- these rules which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use and likewise based on human commands and teachings. Indeed, such regulations that have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Moreover, why are we willing to negotiate our Christianity -- our salvation that is a gift -- to instead become half-hearted in living the good news gospel of Jesus and His kingdom. (More on this point later)

These are the underlying messages that the unjust steward (or satan) in the Luke 16 parable does not want us to understand as believers in Jesus. The message that we are saved by His grace through the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross of Calvary, and as such, have been set free once and for all -- renewed in our spirits, hearts and minds -- and thus, no longer captives to the whims and traditions of the worldly forces.

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

In making your decision to believe on Jesus, and subsequently seeking His righteousness, let no man rob you of God's way of salvation for it is the Lord your God who is mankind's only Saviour. Jesus the Christ said, "I thank you Father that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, but you have revealed these [important truths] to babes.

Let us then earnestly contend for this one faith that was delivered to us by the Lord Jesus. Still more to come on Luke chapter 16. Meanwhile, stand in the offering plate.

When the Prisoners Don't Know They Are Prisoners - Part 923

The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 continues ... again from the perspective that the prisoners referred to here don't even realize that they are prisoners.

Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then you shall you be My disciples.” (John 8:31) By continuing in the Word, you will know the truth and be set free by His grace. Set free from the bondage contained under the old covenant Law. The Ten Commandments that is often quoted as a schoolmaster, but hardly stated in the context that Jesus fulfilled the Law. 

Indeed, we have been set free from being captives to this world because of the precious blood that Jesus – our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour -- God in the flesh – shed on the cross for you and I.

The scriptures state: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

Further, "he that commits sin is of the devil for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:)

When Jesus satisfied the Law, satan -- the unjust steward -- became condemned. (John 12:31) Fired. No longer would satan be able to repress the sons and daughters of the Most High King. Jesus said, "concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me, and concerning judgement because the ruler of this world has been judged." John 16:-11)

But like the example of the unjust steward in Jesus' parable, satan had to act quickly to regain his stature in the world. The new goal then was to make us half hearted in our salvation - so that we would never serve Jesus with ALL our mind, soul, heart and strength -- but rather, rendering our hearts to a religious system that doesn't rock the boat. 

Remember that thought while we digress for a moment and focus on the Pharisees who were also listening to Jesus share this parable. As Jews, they believed that they were Abraham's Seed and therefore, never in bondage. "We be Abraham's Seed and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33) 

Note that when the Jews said that they were of Abraham’s seed, they were referring to Abraham's natural seed. As we read in the scriptures, Ishmael was born of Abraham's natural seed to a bondwoman. Sarah, who was Abraham's wife died and when Abraham remarried, he had born of his natural seed six more children.

If we further examine the scriptures concerning Abraham and Sarah, we learn that Sarah's womb was sealed. However, within Sarah did dwell the SEED of promise - the Seed promised by God and first mentioned to Eve in the Eden garden. The scriptures also declare that Eve was the mother of all living with God declaring that it would be the Seed of a woman that would bruise the serpent. The serpent being the same accuser of the brethren -- known as satan -- yes, the unjust steward portrayed in the Luke 16 parable.

This promised Seed was not one of Adam’s now sin prone seed. Rather, the promised Seed was a pure Seed, which Seed contained ALL the fullness of the spiritual humanity of God. Or, put another way, the Son of God or God Himself as a Son. The Seed then was the Seed of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus is God Himself as a Son. (John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:26)

"For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

The aforementioned Seed of promise passed from Eve into Seth and thus, we are introduced into the generational travels of the promised Seed through the scriptures. Sarah caused her bond maid to lie with Abraham which led to Ishmael being born from Abraham's natural seed. Ishmael was not born a Muslim. Why? Because at this time, the Muslim religion was non-existent. But nevertheless, God did promise that Ishmael who had twelve sons would, as a consequence become a great nation.

How do we know this account of Abraham to be true? Because in everything that has transpired, our Lord God has always been a God of impossibilities. There is nothing too hard that God cannot do. However, God’s way of doing things is not necessarily bound to man’s ways or the norms established within society. So when Abraham was one hundred years of age and Sarah, Abraham's wife 90 years of age, God promised Abraham that in his Seed would all the nations of the earth be blessed. But as expected, Abraham's capabilities to reproduce were now non-existing. In the mind of humans, this would have been the end of the story.

However, as mentioned earlier, God deals with impossibilities. This means that God intervened and resurrected Abraham's capabilities as a man. At the same time, God implanted into Abraham the Seed of promise, wherein, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Yes, God is God and He is still God. As a result, Abraham and Sarah were both rejuvenated of God.

God opened Sarah's womb. Isaac was born. Isaac was the product of Abraham and Eve’s natural seed whereby the SEED of promise passed into Isaac. Indeed, the SEED of promise continued on their generational travels until God’s appointed time when they would be brought together by the Holy Spirit. That moment between the two covenants when time stood still.

In this, neither Ishmael or Isaac did bring forth or show forth the life of God. Ishmael for sure was not in the genealogy.

But Abraham was declared as a friend of God. In John chapter 8, the Jewish audience told Jesus that they had never been in bondage. 

Specifically, in John 8:34, Jesus replied with the following – “Whosoever commits sin is a servant of sin.” The point to note here is that Jesus was speaking directly to the Jewish audience. Ditto to the Pharisees who stood listening to Jesus share the parable of the unjust steward with His disciples.

Moreover, Jesus’ death – which had still not occurred at this point -- extends to the “whosoever” including both you and I, and all of Adam’s prone to sin offspring. Because every one of us has fallen short of the glory of God -- thereby having sinned – makes salvation necessary. For salvation to be given, it necessitated that sin prone persons (both male and female, prophet, priest, or king) recognize their personal need for a Saviour.

Unfortunately, in man’s eyes there is – either as a result of man-made religious constructs or secular influenced doctrines -- an abundance of ways to be saved. However, in God’s eyes there is only "one way" to be saved. (Acts 2:38-42; John 14:6)

So, at the appointed time, the holy Ghost brought together the promised SEED in the womb of a willing surrogate mother named Mary. 

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16)

Herein, the Seed was united and clothed with Mary’s sin prone flesh. He who came forth was none other than God Himself -- appearing in fashion as a Son. The only begotten Son of God. The flesh birthed -- in the image of God in "created form" whereas the Spirit within that flesh being -- the very life of the holy Spirit of God. Yes, in this SEED is life.

Thus, the essence of the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16.  The message -- that we could personally enter into a relationship with the Holy of holies by seeking Jesus first and His righteousness ... and, in so doing, we can know the truth that sets us free. 

But His grace is not just about the "generosity" of our Lord (as cited in the parable) but also His willingness to forgive our sins. An inner knowledge and heart of gratefulness knowing how far our heavenly Father would go to reconcile His creation back to Him. God’s gift of salvation. The one who knew no sin willingly becoming sin for us so that we might acknowledge His desire to know us personally. The Lord our God willingly became mankind’s only Saviour.

But satan, who stood condemned forever because of Jesus’ shed blood on the cross for our sin, had to devise a plan that would once again make us debtors to the Law. The same Law known as the schoolmaster that Jesus satisfied once and for all when He shed His blood on the cross. And consequently, satan knew he had to act quickly before the Lord’s friends (the community of believers) would discover his lie. 

Why? Because Jesus was about to expose men for who they really were - captives and prisoners of the devil – in bondage to satan -- that required salvation. For Jesus made the statement that we as humans are of our father the devil and as a consequence partake in lusts which proves that we are in bondage to our father the devil. Unfortunately, try as we might to escape this bondage in and of our own selves, we continue repeating the same sin over and over again because we are held in captivity by the devil. Ever since the day that our ancestral father Adam ignored God’s instructions and obeyed satan, we were led into sin by satan who was and is a murderer -- the father of all lies. Just like Adam and Eve submitted to satan's voice, we are likewise being led away into the captivity of a sinful nature.

As a consequence, satan runs to and fro hoping to keep us contained within that initial bondage and captivity. The lie and deception being that we are not free as a consequence of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Or, if we are, we are only a little bit free. (Remember, the dealing with the debtors in the parable?) To be successful in his mission, satan had to enlist others to promote his lies. 

Indeed, prophecies within the scriptures foretell of a time when false prophets and teachers will come and deceive many. And as the scriptures also reveal, many shall follow their pernicious ways departing from the truth. Indeed, the truth shall become as if it were error, and error as if it were truth.

In sharing this parable, the Lord Himself was forewarning believers that such things would come to pass, and that unfortunately, there would be a great falling away. In fact, the Lord said that the church which ought to be witnesses to the kingdom truth would have their candlestick removed. 

Why? Because churches/religion would no longer be representatives of the gospel truth. The churches' initial love affair with the Lord Jesus growing cold or at best lukewarm. We see this today. Many churches and religious organizations teach adherence to the Law and ten commandments – the old covenant whereby believers are misled to believe that the ten commandments and laws in Leviticus still apply today. That Jesus did not really set us free. In other words, the lie continues. The prince of this world continues to keep us indebted to a Law and worldly system that God Himself satisfied once and for all. It is in this context that the Lord will vomit the “neither hot nor cold” church out of His mouth.

  

Still, in spite of man-made, traditional church institutions, the Lord continues to seek and to save those who are lost. And His love goes beyond the "generosity" that is exhibited in the parable. In fact, God’s faithfulness is true. This is why God stands at the door of our hearts knocking. When we say yes to Jesus, we open up our hearts. We let His Son shine in so that we can live the very life that God Himself intended for us to live from the very beginning -- as His sons in the likeness of Jesus. For to us is the Word of this salvation sent.

Let us therefore earnestly contend for this one faith that was delivered to us by the Lord Jesus Himself. The same Lord God who created us in the beginning decidedly becoming our Saviour. Don't settle for the ho-hum that religion and its culture offers. Become fishers of men, as did the disciples. 

There is still more to come on this parable so keep reading. In the interim, stand in the offering plate and offer yourself to the Most High King!