Upheld By Godby Lary R. Hale “Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up” (Psm. 94:17,18). “For I said in my haste , I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee” (Psm. 31:22). Ever felt that way? I have. I can remember times when I felt like I had just been cast off by the Lord. I may find myself there again sometime, I don’t know. But regardless of how I may have FELT, I never BELIEVED that God had forsaken me. Real faith in God just keeps on trusting, believing, and being determined to do what is good and right in the sight of God. That is the ONLY remedy to getting through dark times when one feels abandoned on every side. It isn’t unusual either. Understand that a great man of faith wrote the words that are quoted above from the Bible. Some of the greatest men of God in history felt so alone in their adversities that some of them even wished they had never been born (Job 10:18,19; Jer. 20:14,15). Others requested death from the Lord (I Kin. 19:4; Job 6:8,9). Some have suggested that these great people of faith were motivated by self pity in these honest expressions of despair. That only tells me that they have never been where these people were at spiritually, and have not felt as they felt, for the reasons they felt these thing. In fact, depression and self pity do not qualify one to identify with these renowned souls. The only way anyone could understand the plight of those we read about in the Bible, is if they have walked where they walked, and suffered for the reasons that they suffered.  Even our Lord Jesus felt the overwhelming dejection of isolation for righteousness sake: “Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children… Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none” (Psm. 69:7,8,20). No my friend, that was not self pity that motivated those words; and neither was it self pity that moved the other pillars of faith in the Bible to honestly express their grief before God. In order to identify with these honest souls, one must persevere in the way of righteousness, and let nothing turn them to the left or to the right, regardless of what may come upon them. But even in the case of failure, and the duress that comes with it, we can honestly and humble “cast [our] care upon the Lord,” knowing that “he cares for [us]” (I Pet. 5:7). David knew what it meant to be despaired over failure, and he knew how to come out of it; that being by honest confession of his failures and hoping in the Lord’s mercy: “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long… Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee: (Psm. 383-6,9). Friend, the bottom line here is honesty, humility, and faith in God’s love for us. Simply stated, he has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;” and he meant it. Still does in fact. Never give up your determination to “keep thyself pure,” or your trust in the enduring love of God for you (I Tim. 5:22; Psm. 42:5). Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 27, 2012    
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Upheld By God
by Lary R. Hale

“Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up” (Psm. 94:17,18). “For I said in my haste , I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee” (Psm. 31:22). Ever felt that way? I have. I can remember times when I felt like I had just been cast off by the Lord. I may find myself there again sometime, I don’t know. But regardless of how I may have FELT, I never BELIEVED that God had forsaken me. Real faith in God just keeps on trusting, believing, and being determined to do what is good and right in the sight of God. That is the ONLY remedy to getting through dark times when one feels abandoned on every side. It isn’t unusual either. Understand that a great man of faith wrote the words that are quoted above from the Bible. Some of the greatest men of God in history felt so alone in their adversities that some of them even wished they had never been born (Job 10:18,19; Jer. 20:14,15). Others requested death from the Lord (I Kin. 19:4; Job 6:8,9). Some have suggested that these great people of faith were motivated by self pity in these honest expressions of despair. That only tells me that they have never been where these people were at spiritually, and have not felt as they felt, for the reasons they felt these thing. In fact, depression and self pity do not qualify one to identify with these renowned souls. The only way anyone could understand the plight of those we read about in the Bible, is if they have walked where they walked, and suffered for the reasons that they suffered. 

Even our Lord Jesus felt the overwhelming dejection of isolation for righteousness sake: “Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children… Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none” (Psm. 69:7,8,20). No my friend, that was not self pity that motivated those words; and neither was it self pity that moved the other pillars of faith in the Bible to honestly express their grief before God. In order to identify with these honest souls, one must persevere in the way of righteousness, and let nothing turn them to the left or to the right, regardless of what may come upon them. But even in the case of failure, and the duress that comes with it, we can honestly and humble “cast [our] care upon the Lord,” knowing that “he cares for [us]” (I Pet. 5:7). David knew what it meant to be despaired over failure, and he knew how to come out of it; that being by honest confession of his failures and hoping in the Lord’s mercy: “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long… Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee: (Psm. 383-6,9). Friend, the bottom line here is honesty, humility, and faith in God’s love for us. Simply stated, he has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;” and he meant it. Still does in fact. Never give up your determination to “keep thyself pure,” or your trust in the enduring love of God for you (I Tim. 5:22; Psm. 42:5). Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 27, 2012    

Source: byonespirit.com

Being One In Christby Lary R. Hale “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him” (Jn. 14:23). This is a vastly overlooked scripture in the Bible, but when understood is greatly integral to understanding the truth about the Father and the Son, and how the holy Ghost figures into that equation as well. Let’s look at part of Jesus’ prayer to the Father the night before he was crucified: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, EVEN AS we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (Jn. 17:21-23). Friend, there is just a world of understanding in these words, and I want to declare the beauty of it in short order, because the thing that Jesus was praying for here is the same way that he and the Father “make [their] abode with [someone].” This is a very, very simplistic understanding, but it probably is the most important understanding in the Bible. Let’s just let the scriptures call it exactly like Jesus said it. His prayer was for believers to be one with he and the Father, and with one another, in the same exact manner that he and the Father were already one. That is what we have read. And the way that would be accomplished was, as he said, by giving believers the “glory” that the Father had given him. So then, the question is, what IS that “glory”? “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the GLORY of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Okay, so we see that it was that “glory” that raised Christ from the dead, but the question is still, what IS that glory? “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,… being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [brought to life] by the Spirit” (I Pet. 3:18). So there it is; the Spirit of God is what raised Jesus from the dead, and the Spirit is the “glory” that he spoke of in John 17:22. And it is that “Spirit of life” that God had given to the Son, and the Son came to make a way for us to have as well (Rom. 8:2; Mk. 1:7,8; Jn. 7:38,39; Jn. 16:7; Acts 1:4,5). Jesus plainly said in John 5:26, “For as the Father hath LIFE in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have LIFE in himself.” And then later in John 10:10, he said again; “I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly.” It is actually very simple: The holy Ghost is the life of God, which he gave to be in the Son in the day that he begat him, before all things existed (Col. 1:15-18). That divine life is what joins the Father and the Son together in one mind, one heart, and one soul; which is what we are implored by the scriptures to be as true believers and followers of Christ (Acts 4:32; I Cor. 6:16; I Cor. 1:10; Rom. 15:6; II Cor. 12:18; Philip. 2:2; Philip. 4:2). The Spirit of God is NOT a third person, but rather it is the divine nature and LIFE of the TWO PERSONS, which divine life gives the Father and the Son perfect oneness of heart, soul, and mind. Neither is there only one person, for in that case Jesus could not have ASKED HIS FATHER to make us one in the same way that the TWO of them are one. Neither could he have said, “WE will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him.” We as believers are individuals, each having our own body; but we can be made “one” by receiving the same holy Spirit from God, and abiding therein. And that is exactly how it is with the Father and the Son. They are two persons sharing the same divine life. Having the Spirit is the only way for us to be “in” Christ, and for him to be “in” us; because that is how they are “in” one another. The Spirit simply is the only way for anyone to be made a partaker of the Father and the Son, because it is the same life that indwells them both. This is what John meant when he said, “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (I Jn. 2:23). The scripture plainly states, “Now the Lord IS that Spirit” (II Cor. 3:17). Jesus is not here in person, but the Spirit was sent back here in his name, or his stead, after he went away (Jn. 14:26). So whoever does NOT receive the Spirit “denies the Son,” and therefore does not have the Father either; because the Spirit is the only place on earth where both of them are found. I hope this truth is a blessing to you my friend, because in reality it is what God’s people need to understand today more than ever. “The mind of the Spirit” is indeed ONE mind, and that is where we are commanded to be. If we allow ourselves to be “led by the Spirit,” and “taught by the Spirit,” it is where we WILL be (Jn. 14:26; Rom: 8:14). When that day comes, we will see the most glorious and powerful of all closing acts. Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 26, 2012   
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Being One In Christ
by Lary R. Hale

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him” (Jn. 14:23). This is a vastly overlooked scripture in the Bible, but when understood is greatly integral to understanding the truth about the Father and the Son, and how the holy Ghost figures into that equation as well. Let’s look at part of Jesus’ prayer to the Father the night before he was crucified: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, EVEN AS we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (Jn. 17:21-23). Friend, there is just a world of understanding in these words, and I want to declare the beauty of it in short order, because the thing that Jesus was praying for here is the same way that he and the Father “make [their] abode with [someone].” This is a very, very simplistic understanding, but it probably is the most important understanding in the Bible. Let’s just let the scriptures call it exactly like Jesus said it. His prayer was for believers to be one with he and the Father, and with one another, in the same exact manner that he and the Father were already one. That is what we have read. And the way that would be accomplished was, as he said, by giving believers the “glory” that the Father had given him. So then, the question is, what IS that “glory”? “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the GLORY of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Okay, so we see that it was that “glory” that raised Christ from the dead, but the question is still, what IS that glory? “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,… being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [brought to life] by the Spirit” (I Pet. 3:18). So there it is; the Spirit of God is what raised Jesus from the dead, and the Spirit is the “glory” that he spoke of in John 17:22. And it is that “Spirit of life” that God had given to the Son, and the Son came to make a way for us to have as well (Rom. 8:2; Mk. 1:7,8; Jn. 7:38,39; Jn. 16:7; Acts 1:4,5). Jesus plainly said in John 5:26, “For as the Father hath LIFE in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have LIFE in himself.” And then later in John 10:10, he said again; “I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

It is actually very simple: The holy Ghost is the life of God, which he gave to be in the Son in the day that he begat him, before all things existed (Col. 1:15-18). That divine life is what joins the Father and the Son together in one mind, one heart, and one soul; which is what we are implored by the scriptures to be as true believers and followers of Christ (Acts 4:32; I Cor. 6:16; I Cor. 1:10; Rom. 15:6; II Cor. 12:18; Philip. 2:2; Philip. 4:2). The Spirit of God is NOT a third person, but rather it is the divine nature and LIFE of the TWO PERSONS, which divine life gives the Father and the Son perfect oneness of heart, soul, and mind. Neither is there only one person, for in that case Jesus could not have ASKED HIS FATHER to make us one in the same way that the TWO of them are one. Neither could he have said, “WE will come unto him, and make OUR abode with him.” We as believers are individuals, each having our own body; but we can be made “one” by receiving the same holy Spirit from God, and abiding therein. And that is exactly how it is with the Father and the Son. They are two persons sharing the same divine life. Having the Spirit is the only way for us to be “in” Christ, and for him to be “in” us; because that is how they are “in” one another. The Spirit simply is the only way for anyone to be made a partaker of the Father and the Son, because it is the same life that indwells them both. This is what John meant when he said, “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (I Jn. 2:23). The scripture plainly states, “Now the Lord IS that Spirit” (II Cor. 3:17). Jesus is not here in person, but the Spirit was sent back here in his name, or his stead, after he went away (Jn. 14:26). So whoever does NOT receive the Spirit “denies the Son,” and therefore does not have the Father either; because the Spirit is the only place on earth where both of them are found. I hope this truth is a blessing to you my friend, because in reality it is what God’s people need to understand today more than ever. “The mind of the Spirit” is indeed ONE mind, and that is where we are commanded to be. If we allow ourselves to be “led by the Spirit,” and “taught by the Spirit,” it is where we WILL be (Jn. 14:26; Rom: 8:14). When that day comes, we will see the most glorious and powerful of all closing acts. Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 26, 2012   

Source: byonespirit.com

Rich or Poor?by Lary R. Hale “Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” (Job 21:6-15). If you listen long to the prominent “Christian” ministries of today, you would think that the above passage of scripture is describing the state of the righteous. If your a nice Christian and everything works out real nice in life for you, it can only mean that you are “blessed.” That is the mindset of the popular “divine prosperity” doctrine that permeates almost every nook and cranny of Christianity. The apostle Paul described that doctrine and school of thought as, “supposing that gain is godliness;” and in regard to it he instructed Timothy, “from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:5). Seems a lot of folks have forgotten the passage that says, “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psm. 37:16). Jesus dealt with this same issue when he sent messages to the seven pastors of the congregations in Asia in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. To one faithful pastor he said, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)” (Rev. 2:9). And to the pastor that received his harshest rebuke, Jesus said, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich…” (Rev. 3:17,18). So in the eyes of Jesus, the poor pastor was rich, and the rich pastor was poor. So what is the point of these things? Simple, on one hand it is, ” Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Prov. 23:4). And on the other hand, it is, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33). If we follow these instructions then the result will be, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Tim. 6:6). I don’t know about you friend, but I really enjoy the “great gain” that comes only by “godliness with contentment.” Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 25, 2012   
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Rich or Poor?
by Lary R. Hale

“Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” (Job 21:6-15). If you listen long to the prominent “Christian” ministries of today, you would think that the above passage of scripture is describing the state of the righteous. If your a nice Christian and everything works out real nice in life for you, it can only mean that you are “blessed.” That is the mindset of the popular “divine prosperity” doctrine that permeates almost every nook and cranny of Christianity. The apostle Paul described that doctrine and school of thought as, “supposing that gain is godliness;” and in regard to it he instructed Timothy, “from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:5). Seems a lot of folks have forgotten the passage that says, “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psm. 37:16). Jesus dealt with this same issue when he sent messages to the seven pastors of the congregations in Asia in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. To one faithful pastor he said, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)” (Rev. 2:9). And to the pastor that received his harshest rebuke, Jesus said, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich…” (Rev. 3:17,18). So in the eyes of Jesus, the poor pastor was rich, and the rich pastor was poor. So what is the point of these things? Simple, on one hand it is, ” Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Prov. 23:4). And on the other hand, it is, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33). If we follow these instructions then the result will be, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Tim. 6:6). I don’t know about you friend, but I really enjoy the “great gain” that comes only by “godliness with contentment.” Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 25, 2012   

Source: byonespirit.com

No Pride Allowedby Lary R. Hale “I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” (Eccl. 3:18-21). I am short on time today friends, but let me just say that the above passage of scripture makes it perfectly clear that there is no place for any kind of pride in the true faith of Christ, and in the kingdom of God. Only love, and holy love at that: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Lk. 6:31-37). Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 24, 2012   
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No Pride Allowed
by Lary R. Hale

“I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” (Eccl. 3:18-21). I am short on time today friends, but let me just say that the above passage of scripture makes it perfectly clear that there is no place for any kind of pride in the true faith of Christ, and in the kingdom of God. Only love, and holy love at that: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Lk. 6:31-37). Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 24, 2012   

Source: byonespirit.com

What Are You Hearing?by Lary R. Hale One of the most powerful statements of sobering truth in the entire Bible is also one of the most vastly overlooked statements. It is what Abraham said to the rich man who was in hell, in regard to the man’s request of Abraham to send the beggar Lazarus, who was in paradise with Abraham, back to his father’s house to warn his brothers to not follow his example and end up in hell like himself. “And he [Abraham] said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Lk. 16:31). Now it is very integral to understand that most of Israel head Moses and the prophets read in their synagogues or in the temple every sabbath day of over thirteen hundred years. But the HEARING that Abraham was referring to here is with the heart, and not just with the ears and the mind. Just as when Jesus was here, and taught the people about the kingdom of God; he often said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat. 13:9; Mk. 4:23; etc.). Well, EVERYONE within earshot heard him, but very few really heard with their hearts and took real heed to his sayings. In fact, Jesus said that only those with the heart type of hearing would be saved; as he exemplified in the parable of the two men that built their houses on sand, and on rock, respectively (Lk. 6:46-49). And in each of his messages to the seven pastors of the congregations in Asia, long after he had returned to heaven; Jesus was still preaching the same thing about hearing, with an added clarity: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT SAITH unto the [congregations]” (Rev. 2:7,11; etc). You see, after Jesus went back to heaven, the holy Ghost was sent back here in his name, meaning in his stead (Jn. 14:26). So then, whatever God’s “Spirit of truth” is saying to his people is what Jesus would be saying if he were here, and is indeed the word of God. And that is what we must be able to hear and to heed, if we expect to be saved (Psm. 119:105; Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:14).Everyone has an ear to hear something or another. It is commonly said that “money talks.” If you have a mind and a heart for money, then that is in effect true. Jesus said that his true sheep WOULD HEAR his voice, and would not follow another (Jn. 10:4,5). Many have an ear for the worldly religion of Christianity, but not actually for Christ. The apostle John said something that everyone who names the name of Christ should seriously consider: “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us” (I Jn. 4:5,6). The key to understanding the magnitude of John’s statement is in truly realizing who the “we” is, and who the “they” are, and who the “he that knoweth God” is. The “we” were and are those who are truly speaking for God. The “they” was and are those who claim to be speaking for God, but are not. In that case it was the “false prophets” that he alluded to in verse 1 of the chapter. Today that would be anyone claiming to be a minister of the gospel of Christ, but is not preaching what “the Spirit is saying to [God’s people].” “He that knoweth God” is whoever was and is truly tuned into the voice of the Good Shepherd by means of his Spirit. So the question you must ask yourself is, what is it that you have an ear to hear? Is it really and truly the voice of God’s Spirit of truth, or is it just anything that SEEMS to be the word of God? Answering that question accurately with total honesty of heart certainly bears eternal weight. If you believe you are saved and will be saved simply because you have confessed faith in Christ, and go along with a nice, comfortable religious lifestyle; then you are surely in the danger zone and need very much to turn around (II Tim. 4:2-4; Eph. 5:3-7). On the other hand, if you truly fear God and feel that your heart will have to be free from all sin in order to be saved; you are listening to the right voice and need to follow hard in that direction (Mat. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; I Jn. 3:2,3). Yes my friend, hearing is everything; it’s just a matter of what we have an ear for, and what we follow. Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 23, 2012   
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What Are You Hearing?
by Lary R. Hale

One of the most powerful statements of sobering truth in the entire Bible is also one of the most vastly overlooked statements. It is what Abraham said to the rich man who was in hell, in regard to the man’s request of Abraham to send the beggar Lazarus, who was in paradise with Abraham, back to his father’s house to warn his brothers to not follow his example and end up in hell like himself. “And he [Abraham] said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Lk. 16:31). Now it is very integral to understand that most of Israel head Moses and the prophets read in their synagogues or in the temple every sabbath day of over thirteen hundred years. But the HEARING that Abraham was referring to here is with the heart, and not just with the ears and the mind. Just as when Jesus was here, and taught the people about the kingdom of God; he often said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat. 13:9; Mk. 4:23; etc.). Well, EVERYONE within earshot heard him, but very few really heard with their hearts and took real heed to his sayings. In fact, Jesus said that only those with the heart type of hearing would be saved; as he exemplified in the parable of the two men that built their houses on sand, and on rock, respectively (Lk. 6:46-49). And in each of his messages to the seven pastors of the congregations in Asia, long after he had returned to heaven; Jesus was still preaching the same thing about hearing, with an added clarity: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT SAITH unto the [congregations]” (Rev. 2:7,11; etc). You see, after Jesus went back to heaven, the holy Ghost was sent back here in his name, meaning in his stead (Jn. 14:26). So then, whatever God’s “Spirit of truth” is saying to his people is what Jesus would be saying if he were here, and is indeed the word of God. And that is what we must be able to hear and to heed, if we expect to be saved (Psm. 119:105; Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:14).

Everyone has an ear to hear something or another. It is commonly said that “money talks.” If you have a mind and a heart for money, then that is in effect true. Jesus said that his true sheep WOULD HEAR his voice, and would not follow another (Jn. 10:4,5). Many have an ear for the worldly religion of Christianity, but not actually for Christ. The apostle John said something that everyone who names the name of Christ should seriously consider: “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us” (I Jn. 4:5,6). The key to understanding the magnitude of John’s statement is in truly realizing who the “we” is, and who the “they” are, and who the “he that knoweth God” is. The “we” were and are those who are truly speaking for God. The “they” was and are those who claim to be speaking for God, but are not. In that case it was the “false prophets” that he alluded to in verse 1 of the chapter. Today that would be anyone claiming to be a minister of the gospel of Christ, but is not preaching what “the Spirit is saying to [God’s people].” “He that knoweth God” is whoever was and is truly tuned into the voice of the Good Shepherd by means of his Spirit. So the question you must ask yourself is, what is it that you have an ear to hear? Is it really and truly the voice of God’s Spirit of truth, or is it just anything that SEEMS to be the word of God? Answering that question accurately with total honesty of heart certainly bears eternal weight. If you believe you are saved and will be saved simply because you have confessed faith in Christ, and go along with a nice, comfortable religious lifestyle; then you are surely in the danger zone and need very much to turn around (II Tim. 4:2-4; Eph. 5:3-7). On the other hand, if you truly fear God and feel that your heart will have to be free from all sin in order to be saved; you are listening to the right voice and need to follow hard in that direction (Mat. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; I Jn. 3:2,3). Yes my friend, hearing is everything; it’s just a matter of what we have an ear for, and what we follow. Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 23, 2012   

Source: byonespirit.com

Trustworthy Beyond Knowledgeby Lary R. Hale “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever” (Rom. 11:33-36). Because of these things my friend, we can trust God far beyond our ability to comprehend, to be looking out for our good in all things at all times. The apostle Paul said it this way: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20). And “the power that worketh in us” is none other than the blessed holy Ghost, if indeed we have received it, and follow hard after it (Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:14; Eph. 3:16). you see friend, you just cannot lose by entrusting and giving your all to the Lord. He is very, very good; and he has very, very good plans for your life and mine. The key to attaining unto those wonderful plans that he has for you and I, is as the old hymn says: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey.” Amen, and God bless one and all. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 22, 2012  
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Trustworthy Beyond Knowledge
by Lary R. Hale

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever” (Rom. 11:33-36). Because of these things my friend, we can trust God far beyond our ability to comprehend, to be looking out for our good in all things at all times. The apostle Paul said it this way: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20). And “the power that worketh in us” is none other than the blessed holy Ghost, if indeed we have received it, and follow hard after it (Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:14; Eph. 3:16). you see friend, you just cannot lose by entrusting and giving your all to the Lord. He is very, very good; and he has very, very good plans for your life and mine. The key to attaining unto those wonderful plans that he has for you and I, is as the old hymn says: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey.” Amen, and God bless one and all.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 22, 2012  

Source: byonespirit.com

Locked-In Salvation?by Lary R. Hale  “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them” (Eph. 5:3-7). I had a comment on my post from a couple of days ago where I was instructed on the finer points of the doctrine of “eternal security,” or “once saved, always saved.” To quote, “Once you are saved it is not possible to lose your salvation.” The above passage of scripture was written by an apostle of Christ to a body of believers in Ephesus, and it does not sound like “once saved, always saved” to me; does it you? How about this one? “Therefore WE ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time WE should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall WE escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Heb. 2:1-3). That also was written by an apostle to folks who were already in Christ. Doesn’t sound much like a locked in salvation to me, how about you? Just for good measure, let’s try again: “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 YOU that ye should earnestly contend 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. I will therefore put YOU in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:3-6). Same equation friend; an apostle of Christ writing to born again believers, warning them very straightly of the consequences of not maintaining true holiness in their lives till the end. As usual, people find it more convenient to believe in Christian rhetoric and tradition, rather than just the plain truth of the scriptures. Anyone preaching the “eternal security” doctrine is NOT a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. I really don’t get it. Personally I love the peace that goes with loving the truth. Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 21, 2012  
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Locked-In Salvation?
by Lary R. Hale 

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them” (Eph. 5:3-7). I had a comment on my post from a couple of days ago where I was instructed on the finer points of the doctrine of “eternal security,” or “once saved, always saved.” To quote, “Once you are saved it is not possible to lose your salvation.” The above passage of scripture was written by an apostle of Christ to a body of believers in Ephesus, and it does not sound like “once saved, always saved” to me; does it you? How about this one? “Therefore WE ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time WE should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall WE escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Heb. 2:1-3). That also was written by an apostle to folks who were already in Christ. Doesn’t sound much like a locked in salvation to me, how about you? Just for good measure, let’s try again: “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 YOU that ye should earnestly contend 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. I will therefore put YOU in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:3-6). Same equation friend; an apostle of Christ writing to born again believers, warning them very straightly of the consequences of not maintaining true holiness in their lives till the end. As usual, people find it more convenient to believe in Christian rhetoric and tradition, rather than just the plain truth of the scriptures. Anyone preaching the “eternal security” doctrine is NOT a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. I really don’t get it. Personally I love the peace that goes with loving the truth. Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 21, 2012  

Source: byonespirit.com

Psalm 37by Lary R. Hale “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed… Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass… For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace… A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked… They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied… The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth… The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread… Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore… The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace… But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.” Amen and amen! All of the above are excerpts taken from the thirty seventh Psalm, one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible. I have nothing whatsoever to add to this extraordinary passage of scripture. It says all it needs to say in and of itself. God bless. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 20, 2012  
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Psalm 37
by Lary R. Hale

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed… Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass… For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace… A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked… They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied… The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth… The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread… Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore… The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace… But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.” Amen and amen! All of the above are excerpts taken from the thirty seventh Psalm, one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible. I have nothing whatsoever to add to this extraordinary passage of scripture. It says all it needs to say in and of itself. God bless.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 20, 2012  

Source: byonespirit.com

“Believest Thou the Scriptures?”by Lary R. Hale “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away… Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth… But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution… But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:1-5,7,10-12,14-17). In the great scriptural passage above, we see two sides of the coin. One of those sides is the condition of supposed people of faith in these days that we are living in, and the other side is the wonderful example of the true man of faith that the apostle Paul was. It is evident that he was speaking first of people professing faith in Christ, by his statement that they would have “a form of godliness,” but that they would “deny the power thereof.” He wasn’t saying here that these formal, double minded believers would deny God’s miracle power working in such things as divine healing and spiritual gifts. No, the first things that he mentioned bore witness to the fact that he was saying that those who would “deny the power thereof” would disbelieve the power of God for literally taking away and keeping sin out of their lives. And that is what we see with Christianity today. Miracles are fine, at least in the Pentecostal sects, as long as we don’t claim that the power of God’s Spirit will remove sin from our lives totally and preserve us in true holiness. Funny, I always thought that “with God, NOTHING shall be impossible” (Lk. 1:37). No wonder Paul said that “all who live GODLY in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution.” And no wonder he extolled the scriptures so highly to Timothy, seeing that the scriptures bear witness that we not only CAN obtain true holiness, but that we must KEEP it in intact till the end in order to be saved (Mat. 5:8; Mat. 5:48; Mat. 24:12,13; Eph. 5:3-7; Tit. 2:11-15; Heb. 12:14; I Jn. 3:3; Rev. 20:6). Well, I surely know which side of that coin that I am determined to be on and stay on. How about you friend? Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 19, 2012  
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“Believest Thou the Scriptures?”
by Lary R. Hale

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away… Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth… But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution… But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:1-5,7,10-12,14-17). 

In the great scriptural passage above, we see two sides of the coin. One of those sides is the condition of supposed people of faith in these days that we are living in, and the other side is the wonderful example of the true man of faith that the apostle Paul was. It is evident that he was speaking first of people professing faith in Christ, by his statement that they would have “a form of godliness,” but that they would “deny the power thereof.” He wasn’t saying here that these formal, double minded believers would deny God’s miracle power working in such things as divine healing and spiritual gifts. No, the first things that he mentioned bore witness to the fact that he was saying that those who would “deny the power thereof” would disbelieve the power of God for literally taking away and keeping sin out of their lives. And that is what we see with Christianity today. Miracles are fine, at least in the Pentecostal sects, as long as we don’t claim that the power of God’s Spirit will remove sin from our lives totally and preserve us in true holiness. Funny, I always thought that “with God, NOTHING shall be impossible” (Lk. 1:37). No wonder Paul said that “all who live GODLY in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution.” And no wonder he extolled the scriptures so highly to Timothy, seeing that the scriptures bear witness that we not only CAN obtain true holiness, but that we must KEEP it in intact till the end in order to be saved (Mat. 5:8; Mat. 5:48; Mat. 24:12,13; Eph. 5:3-7; Tit. 2:11-15; Heb. 12:14; I Jn. 3:3; Rev. 20:6). Well, I surely know which side of that coin that I am determined to be on and stay on. How about you friend?

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 19, 2012  

Source: byonespirit.com

Pro-Israel or Pro-Truth?by Lary R. Hale I would like to say just a few words here today about all of the “Pro-Israel” mentality and zeal that permeates all of Christianity, and the body of Christ in particular (I Cor. 12:13). First let me say very plainly that GOD IS NOT A RESPECTER OF PERSONS, OR OF NATIONALITIES, OR OF ETHNICITIES, AND THAT INCLUDES HIS OWN PEOPLE, WHICH ISRAEL IS NOT! “For he is NOT a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Rom. 2:28,29). And again: ” For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13). And just to be sure: “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Rom. 8:9). So those who are God’s people, and are “Jews inwardly,” are those who have been baptized with the holy Ghost with the accompanying heavenly witness of speaking with other tongues, which experience is also the “circumcision of the heart” (Acts 2:4; I Cor. 14:21,22). But regardless of whether we are talking about old testament Israel, who WERE God’s people, or the body of Christ; God is only a respecter of those who OBEY him and submit themselves to his will. That is why Peter wrote the following to born-again believers: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who WITHOUT RESPECT OF PERSONS judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (I Pet. 1:15-17). In fact new testament believers who do NOT continue in obedience of holiness, are promised a more certain destruction than old testament Israel in their disobedience: “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28,29) It should be evident that God is not a respecter of Israel, in that he cut them off from faith in his Son after they rejected him (Rom. 11:9,10,20,25). In fact, the spirit of religious pride among God’s people that exalts Israel so highly, is the exact same thing that caused them to be cast out of their inheritance in old time: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place… Behold, YE TRUST IN LYING WORDS, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? … Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim” (Jer. 7:3,8-10,14,15). And those lying words were the false prophets telling them that God would never do to HIS PEOPLE what Jeremiah was claiming (Jer. 14:13). This same spirit of ‘Jewish elitism’ is what opposed the apostle Paul for the duration of his ministry, and eventually won out over the minds and spirits of the gentile believers that Paul established in Christ (Acts 15:1,2; II Cor. 11:13,22; II Tim. 1:15). And it has never gone away my friend. That spirit has ruled over all of Christianity since the days of Paul until this day. And with God’s people being in captivity to the traditions and doctrines of Christianity, it has fooled them as well. I think more folks should be looking at the parable of the good Samaritan, and Elijah being sent to a gentile woman to abide with her and her son, and to the first sermon that Jesus preached, where he used such examples to rebuke that very spirit of Jewish religious pride (Lk. 4:24-29). And the reaction to that sermon? They wanted to kill him, as it says. The Lord will turn back to Israel in the end, but even then only a small remnant will believe and be saved (Rev. 11:1-3, Zech. 13:8,9; Zech. 14:1-3). In fact, that is all that has ever believed the truth, old testament or new (Jer. 5:1; Mat. 7:13,14). Amen. Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 18, 2012   
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Pro-Israel or Pro-Truth?
by Lary R. Hale

I would like to say just a few words here today about all of the “Pro-Israel” mentality and zeal that permeates all of Christianity, and the body of Christ in particular (I Cor. 12:13). First let me say very plainly that GOD IS NOT A RESPECTER OF PERSONS, OR OF NATIONALITIES, OR OF ETHNICITIES, AND THAT INCLUDES HIS OWN PEOPLE, WHICH ISRAEL IS NOT! “For he is NOT a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Rom. 2:28,29). And again: ” For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13). And just to be sure: “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Rom. 8:9). So those who are God’s people, and are “Jews inwardly,” are those who have been baptized with the holy Ghost with the accompanying heavenly witness of speaking with other tongues, which experience is also the “circumcision of the heart” (Acts 2:4; I Cor. 14:21,22). But regardless of whether we are talking about old testament Israel, who WERE God’s people, or the body of Christ; God is only a respecter of those who OBEY him and submit themselves to his will. That is why Peter wrote the following to born-again believers: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who WITHOUT RESPECT OF PERSONS judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (I Pet. 1:15-17). In fact new testament believers who do NOT continue in obedience of holiness, are promised a more certain destruction than old testament Israel in their disobedience: “He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:28,29)

It should be evident that God is not a respecter of Israel, in that he cut them off from faith in his Son after they rejected him (Rom. 11:9,10,20,25). In fact, the spirit of religious pride among God’s people that exalts Israel so highly, is the exact same thing that caused them to be cast out of their inheritance in old time: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place… Behold, YE TRUST IN LYING WORDS, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? … Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim” (Jer. 7:3,8-10,14,15). And those lying words were the false prophets telling them that God would never do to HIS PEOPLE what Jeremiah was claiming (Jer. 14:13). This same spirit of ‘Jewish elitism’ is what opposed the apostle Paul for the duration of his ministry, and eventually won out over the minds and spirits of the gentile believers that Paul established in Christ (Acts 15:1,2; II Cor. 11:13,22; II Tim. 1:15). And it has never gone away my friend. That spirit has ruled over all of Christianity since the days of Paul until this day. And with God’s people being in captivity to the traditions and doctrines of Christianity, it has fooled them as well. I think more folks should be looking at the parable of the good Samaritan, and Elijah being sent to a gentile woman to abide with her and her son, and to the first sermon that Jesus preached, where he used such examples to rebuke that very spirit of Jewish religious pride (Lk. 4:24-29). And the reaction to that sermon? They wanted to kill him, as it says. The Lord will turn back to Israel in the end, but even then only a small remnant will believe and be saved (Rev. 11:1-3, Zech. 13:8,9; Zech. 14:1-3). In fact, that is all that has ever believed the truth, old testament or new (Jer. 5:1; Mat. 7:13,14). Amen.

Original Post at By One Spirit Ministries Facebook page May 18, 2012   

Source: byonespirit.com