| Newsletter for Jun 2010
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Dear Friends, Anyone who takes courses in the sciences knows that there are certain laws which govern the natural world. Some of those are:
Even though the law of gravity can be circumvented by the laws of thrust and lift, gravity still wins as an airplane runs out of fuel. Likewise, anytime we mix two parts hydrogen with one part oxygen, the result is always water (H2O). These natural laws are constant and will work the same no matter where we are on earth. Scientists are able to invent various kinds of machines and technology because all types of research and inventions are based upon the primary function and dependability of these laws. Correspondingly, there are certain spiritual laws God has established which are just as unchanging. But what I find amazing is how Christians will be in 100% unity concerning the laws of nature they learned in school, but will argue over spiritual laws that God has revealed in His word. In fact, not only do they argue, but many go so far as to try and change some of God’s laws. What is so ironic about this is the fact that this universe and its natural laws came into existence due to the more powerful and unchangeable spiritual laws instituted by God. Just like with natural laws, if I appropriate God’s spiritual laws I will get the same results every time. In Malachi 3:6, God said, “For I am the Lord, I change not.” Additionally, Hebrews 13:8 declares, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Then, in Psalm 119:89 we read, For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Since He never changes, the spiritual laws He originated will not change, including all those associated with the completed work of Jesus here on earth. Therefore, I can put my trust in God and His laws and know that the results He has described in His word will become a reality in my life. Here are just a few of these laws I have identified in scripture: THE LAW OF SALVATION That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13) No matter who a person is or what he has done, if he will apply this law, he will be born again. THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2) I am no longer filled with a sin nature and I cannot be controlled by sin. This law is further stated in Romans 6:14 and 22: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace…But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. THE LAW OF HEALING But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24) Jesus has paid the price for me to be healed, no matter what the sickness, infirmity or affliction. THE LAW OF FAITH And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20) Whatever God has revealed in His word or whatever His plan is for my life, I can accomplish it through faith…even if it includes raising the dead or walking on water. No, this does not make me “another Jesus;” rather, it means I can fulfill God’s will no matter how impossible it may seem to the natural mind. But it is my responsibility to search His word to find out how to develop my faith. THE LAW OF EDIFICATION He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself… (1 Corinthians 14:4) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:14) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20) There is a spiritual edification, or development, which takes place whenever I pray in tongues. This does not mean I should never pray with the understanding. However, this specific type of edification will only take place if I pray in the Spirit. THE LAW OF WORSHIP God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength (praise – Matthew 21:16) because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. (Psalm 8:2) But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3) There are so many other verses in scripture which identify and elaborate on this spiritual law. Simply put, there is a type of God’s presence that will only manifest when we worship Him. Also, praise and worship is a very unique spiritual weapon that can be used to enforce defeat on Satan and his devils. THE LAW OF MEDITATION 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. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10) It is God’s intention for us to understand His word because of how it will profit our spiritual growth. But the only way He is going to be able to teach and explain His word to us is if we leave every line of every verse in the setting of the precept of the passage, every passage in the precept of the chapter, every chapter in the precept of the book, and every book in the overall setting of the Bible. The moment we take scripture out of context we have made it nearly impossible for God to get the understanding through to us. THE LAW OF CONFESSION For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:23) The very foundation for this law is revealed in Genesis chapter one as God spoke and His will manifested into existence. As I confess God’s word relative to His will for me, I can expect a manifestation of what He has promised. This is just a sampling of the many spiritual laws God has divinely set in place for mankind, and His church in particular. These laws, revealed in His word, are infallible, just as He is infallible. Nevertheless, there are innumerable preachers, churches and denominations who have decried some of these laws as having passed away or as not being relevant for the church today. But just like the law of gravity is a 24-hour per day constant around the world, God’s spiritual laws are a constant for the entire Body of Christ. Whether or not I believe them and regardless of whether I put them into practice, they are still laws established by Almighty God. If, as a Christian, I refuse to act on any of these principles, I will never get the results that are guaranteed. Over the years I have encountered many Believers who adamantly believe they can get identical results by doing something other than what one of these laws requires. At the same time, not one of them would try to get water by replacing the chemical law of H2O with that of H2SO4 (sulfuric acid); neither would they try to alter the Law of Salvation (Romans 10:9-13) by telling people there are many ways unto God. Though they love the Lord and truly mean well, they have been pulled in by a lie. When I turned 16 I took a written exam to receive my learner’s permit for driving. Prior to taking the exam I had been given a book full of Ohio traffic laws to study. If, when taking the exam, I had answered questions according to what I chose to believe – such as, a red light means keep driving and that the speed limit in a school zone is 90 miles per hour - the people administering the test would have wondered about my sanity. No matter how much I would have argued that “in my house we believe that red means go,” I would not have passed the test and been given a temporary driver’s license. The same is true about God’s spiritual laws. It honestly doesn’t matter what I want to believe; what matters is what God has said. An entire denomination with 5 million members can vote to establish a doctrine which declares that divine healing is not for today and that miracles died out with the apostles; but such a vote will never repeal the spiritual Law of Healing instituted by God, all it will do is drive people away from the benefits of the application of that Law. I don’t remember exactly when it was I finally realized that there is no substitute for God’s spiritual laws. But my eyes were opened to the indisputable truth that if I do not abide by those regulations, I will not experience what they will produce. It also struck me that God has implemented these never-changing standards, not to complicate my life, but so I can experience the fullness of His will, promises and blessings! I want to encourage you to think hard about what God is showing us in His word. These spiritual laws will work for every single member of the Body of Christ – no exceptions. My own life has changed dramatically as I have applied these laws. I truly want God’s best for you, and through abiding by all of God’s spiritual laws, you will live in God’s best! Your servant in Christ, Jim |
The Law of Gravity
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