Sing O Heavens, And Be Joyful, O Earth, Break Forth Into Singing, O Mountains, For The Lord Hath Comforted His People - Part 2454

"... redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:16-17)

"For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. or ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not." (Galatians 1:12-20)

Here is apostle Paul revealing that his understanding of the scriptures came by revelation -- that when he came to understand Jesus as both Lord and Christ, he opened up to the fact that the Lord his God called him by His grace -- having revealed His Son --Jesus -- within him. Indeed, Paul writes, "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man." (Galatians 1:11)

In another place, Paul writes, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him ... rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7)

Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul (as Saul) had excelled in the religious traditions of men. So much so, that Paul by his own mouth admits to profiting in the Jews religion above many his equals in his own nation. Why? Because Paul in his former life, was more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of his fathers, and as such, believed that what he was doing was for the Lord. [For clarity, Paul is referring to his time in the Jew's religion -- wherein he persecuted the body of Christ church beyond measure.]

There are many points that can be taken from Paul's testimony -- valuable take-aways that provide insight into our faith journey with the Lord Jesus. Certainly, Paul's example is exemplary in moving away from the religious traditions (with all the related pomp and ceremony) to living a life wherein he fully understood the liberty that can only be found in Christ Jesus. And notably, from Paul's writings, we know he did not waiver on the fence, trying to keep the religious traditions whilst similarly, serving the Lord Jesus. 

For He 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. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)

But there is another point that is often missed herein. That is, the Lord had called Saul to become Paul from his mother's womb, "from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name." (Isaiah 49:1) 

By extension, the Lord God (who has since become our Saviour -- "after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared!") has formed each and every one of us from our mother's womb, wherein He even knows our name. (Titus 3:4-7) And this same Lord God who created us has an inherent/unique/tailored specifically for us -- purpose for our lives, wherein we enter into a personal relationship with Him.

Not religion, and sacraments, and laws -- to which none of us could ever measure up, but entering into the goodness and grace and mercies (multiple mercies!) that the Lord continues to pour out on His people -- who love Him (His Name in this current dispensation of grace -- JESUS) with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

As Paul states in his message to Rome -- "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

Why is this important to understand? 

"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." (Titus 2:10) 

Yes, there is a better way -- holding fast the faithful word as ye hath been taught, that ye may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Remain steadfast in the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ -- our hope. And like Paul encourages, stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ Jesus! (Galatians 5:1)

Redeem the time, don't waste the gifts and talents the Lord has given to you for worldly distractions, but most of all, understand what the Lord has planned for your life. His purpose wherein we remain clothed in His righteousness. Continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47) Pray without ceasing and rejoice evermore. 

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ..." (Philippians 4:4-9)

Stand in the offering plate.