truth – Page 9

Conquerors

Conqueror

“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” –Revelation 3:21

So how did Jesus conquer?

Jesus came chiefly as “God With Us” to bring redemption TO man. But, He also demonstrates the victorious life as the second Adam (1Co 15:45-47) and firstborn of all spirit-born image-bearers (Col 1:15). He is the perfecter AND the pioneer of our faith (Heb 2:10). So consider that in Jesus the fullness of God dwelt (Col 2:9), yet He did not hold on to His high status while on this earth, but took upon Himself the lowly position of a slave (Phi 2:6-7) for “a little while” (Heb 2:9). He then joyfully suffered (Heb 12:2) because He was focused on a great mission—“to seek and save” His wayward Bride (Luke 19:10; Hos 3:1; 14:4; Rev 21:2) Thus, He became “obedient to the point of death,” and God “exalted Him” (Phi 2:8-9).

Notice the process of perfection:

“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” –Hebrews 2:10

In other words, the success of Christ’s mission, the path to victory, was obedience “through suffering.” And if Christ “learned obedience through the things he suffered” (Heb 5:8), how much more we desperately need to be perfected through obedience by enduring suffering here on earth?

But do not think that this suffering is merely being ready to kneel before the Jihadist who holds a sword. For how can one be willing to lose his head if he is not willing to lose his job?

Therefore, suffering in this life is a daily task. It is heeding the battle cry of temptation and standing firm against our enemy in constant submission to God (Eph 6:12-18; Jam 4:7). Suffering is learning contentment and thanksgiving in ALL circumstances (Phi 4:11; 1Th 5:18; Ecc 6:10). Suffering is ridding ourselves of riches that hinder our walk with God, and severing those fleshly desires that are burdens or barriers (Gal 5:24; Rom 13:14; Mark 9:43-47; Mat 19:21-24). Suffering is choosing God’s way instead of our own—daily (Luke 9:23).

So, are you willing to lay your life down for Him today? Not just to some theoretical mob that comes to kill Jesus followers, but by being completely surrendered to His purposes every moment of the day? Are you willing to forsake your own schedule, your own plans, and your own dreams to be a conqueror?

Billy Neal

Kingdom Authority

Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. — Matthew 14:19 NKJV

Men, Jesus tells the disciples “bring them to me” (the fish and loaves). Then He tells all the multitude to “sit down on the grass”. Then He took the five loaves and two fish in His hands, looked up to heaven, and blessed them. He broke them up, gave them to the disciples to distribute to the multitude.

Who did Jesus bless the loaves by? Jesus could turn stones into bread if He wanted to, but He was following a Kingdom protocol. The earthly body is unable to break the general rules of physics. But the Spirit can. Jesus is showing us how to access the riches of heaven. Healing, signs and wonders are often thought of in terms of magic, or some hocus pocus. For Jesus, this was no sleight of hand; He was generating a legitimate increase in physical resources, but not by some incantation and wave of a wand. From earth, Jesus accessed the literal Kingdom of heaven and by blessing it appropriately, the stores of Heaven were opened up to Him.

We’d all like to know the words Jesus used so we could follow a 5 step plan to fill our kitchens. Again, this is not about reciting an incantation, “bippity boppity boo”, so to speak. It’s not about the words Jesus used. His ability to break the rules we live by on earth are because of His focus on His own authority, Kingdom’s riches and freedoms.

Jesus was not limited to the rules here because His authority was secured in a higher order. Looking up to heaven, He acknowledged the authority He had in His Father’s Kingdom and opened the resources. To Him, it was as simple as opening a cupboard door. Is this authority available to others? 2 Kings 4 tells us about Elisha stretching a widow’s resources. The disciples called on healing power by Jesus name in Heaven. Is it available to us?

I dare anyone to move forward. It’s not a parlor trick for amusing our friends but Jesus said we would do even greater. How does it happen? It doesn’t without first looking up to heaven and acknowledging His Name’s authority, our sonship and His Kingdom.

Vance Durrance

Bottom of Form

Invest Wisely

“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich…” –Revelation 3:18a

God wants you rich.

And He wants you to invest—wisely. BUT, not in material abundance that is tomorrow’s trash (Mat 6:20), or those fickle businesses on Wall Street that are doomed to all crash (Rev 18:19). No, He wants you to invest in a stock that is guaranteed to make you eternally rich (Mat 19:29; Luke 12:32-34). But know this, every investment has a cost. The coming Kingdom will cost you everything in the immediate (Mat 13:44-46; Luke 14:26-33). But, although it’s continual buy-in is struggle and strife (“fire”), it produces some sweet (and “refined”) dividends: righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness (1Ti 6:11). So investment the rest of your life’s efforts to acquiring Kingdom currency—Faith (Jam 2:5). For there is a lavish inheritance in glory awaiting those who have it (Rom 8:32; Col 3:24; 1Pe 1:4).

“In this with no bed or real estate
I know my reward ain’t no minimum wage
Plagued with the same birth pains
But I know my labor’s ain’t in vain…
But I’m a keep grinding ’til it rain And when the Boss back I get a raise”
–Trip Lee, “No Days Off”

“Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.” –1 Timothy 6:17-19

Billy Neal

Dragnet

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” — Matthew 13:47-51.

Men, “The Kingdom is like a dragnet.” The net was cast into the sea and it gathered of every kind. The whole catch is drawn ashore, and afterwards is sorted. The good is gathered into vessels and the bad is thrown away as it will be at the end of the age. Angels will come and separate the wicked from the just and cast them into the furnace. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. This net is cast over and catches “fish” of every kind, without discrimination. Jew, Gentile, young, old, male and female, good and bad will be hauled in. Angels will do the sorting.

The sea is the world. The net is the gospel of Jesus and of the Kingdom. This net of the gospel will reach every nation and tongue. All will be judged by the blood of Jesus. Angels will collect those who accept His payment over our lives into “vessels” and those who have rejected will be discarded into a place of fire, crying and hostility.

Jesus asks the disciples, “Have you understood all these things?” They answered “yes”.

Have we understood these things? What is your answer?

We are continuing to draw nearer to “shore” where the sorting time shall begin. Some argue that it may have already be beginning. Could this be the time Jude 22-23 speaks of “snatching some from the fire”? Be it by compassion or by fear, compel men appropriately since the time of sorting is in fact coming

Move forward, men, testifying of His gospel in our time. Bad can be turned to good even while we are hauled ashore, perhaps even while the sorting has begun. But once a judgment has been rendered there is no appeal. We who believe and love as Jesus loves should be compelled to action by these parables.

Let’s go to work.

Vance Durrance

Shelter

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31-32, NKJV.

Men, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed”. Jesus speaks another parable. The mustard seed is the smallest of herb seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than all the herbs and becomes a tree where birds come and nest. This tree is a refuge, it provides covering and safety, it provides comfort and vantage.

Coming to the empowering knowledge of Kingdom principles is like growing into a fruitful tree. Kingdom principles give answer to many questions about how to live out the Father’s will here on earth. Living out Kingdom principles in a world of false worship will no doubt make us stand out among other “herbs” or weeds.

There are refuge, empowerment, protections, and privileges in the great tree of Kingdom function. Living out Kingdom principles is recognizing spiritual attack and settling our hearts to say “I will dwell in the secret place of the Most High. I will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say, Lord, You are my refuge, and I will trust You. You will deliver me.” Ps. 91.

While many in the world are tormented by worry and anxiety over day to day issues, Kingdom citizens know how to access His peace, and take confidence in His promises. The world of “birds” and men recognize the value of coming to an immovable tree instead of a smaller herb which can’t give shelter during calamity. Anxious people come to immovable people for comfort and stability while the winds of calamity blow through their lives and circumstances. The mustard tree receives the same rain and wind as other herbs, but can withstand a flood and torrent by its deep roots in the Kingdom principles.

Move forward men, rooted deep in Kingdom function. Stand out among less established men. Be available to those needing refuge from storms. Grant protections through prayer to those who come upon you during attack. Be visible to those searching to grab hold of truth like a weary bird in a wind storm. Let Jesus make you into a shelter where He can be found.

Vance Durrance

The Amen

“The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.” –Revelation 3:14b

Jesus is THE “faithful and true witness.” A witness speaks of what they have seen and heard. A faithful witness is one who speaks truthfully and completely about their personal encounter of which they have intimate knowledge. Jesus stands out as THE embodiment of what a witness IS. He spoke boldly of what He knew—for He was no liar (John 8:55). He came from heaven (John 8:14,22) and testified to the truth (Joh 18:37) and to the very glory of God (Joh 14:9). Therefore, those that recognize Christ as these things (Joh 14:6) and have believed and received His testimony (1Jo 5:10), are now HIS witnesses (Act 26:16) who openly and completely share (by word AND deed) His glorious truth with the world (Act 1:8).

“It is one thing to speak about God in words, maxims, precepts; it is another thing to show us God in act and life. The one is theology, the other is gospel,” (MacLaren’s Expositions).

Deadly Chokehold

foursoils

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
— Matthew 13:7.

Men, a sower is scattering seed. Some has now been cast among thorns. These thorns spring up and choke the good seed out. Jesus explains in vs 22, he that receives seed among thorns are like those who hear the Word but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word and he becomes unfruitful.

We know the passage “you cannot serve God and money” in Mathew 6:24. We do our best to compartmentalize our lives into manageable sections. We have our work face, our church face, and our families often get whatever is left, after we spend time with the peers. We are not called to compartmentalize. We are called to “die to self daily” in surrender to the One that matters.

While at church do we discuss work and the topic of the day until the show begins. The cares of this world are choking the life out of what the Holy Spirit is trying to accomplish within us. Do we spend more time surfing information sources regarding the issue of the day than we do searching His Word for truths that apply to our daily growth regardless of season?

If this is you, you sir, are being choked by thorns. If the latest over hyped calamity takes your attention away from His Word planted within you, you sir are choked. If working overtime to buy the latest toy or gadget commands your time, you sir have fallen victim to the deceitfulness of riches.

There are very real dangers and troubles in our world. A bad health report is a legitimate concern. But! If we allow that concern to steal our peace, we are choked by the cares of this world. Jesus offers peace through the struggle and storm, promising to never leave or forsake us. Jesus endures the fire with us. What if we spent more time learning the protocols that bring heavenly authority and power into our physical lives than worrying about matters otherwise beyond our control?

Move forward men, clearing thorns out of our gardens. Cut the noise down so we can see and hear Jesus in our lives!

Vance Durrance

What is Your Heart Full of?

Out of the Abundance of the Heart

From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. A good man brings good things from a good heart. An evil man brings evil things from an evil heart. Matthew 12:34b-35

Men, again, Jesus speaks in binary terms. Before we can move forward in agreement, we must ask; who decides what is good? How do we define “good”? How do we qualify, validate or affirm “good”? We’d all get car sick spinning around the revolving wheel of relativity if we looked around us for an answer. Let’s agree to look up to Heaven and into His Word for absolute truth from a vantage above creation.

The Pharisees are at odds with Jesus and expressing hostility toward Him. They know the Law, but they don’t recognize the author. Psalms 119 is rich in what it means to align our hearts to the source of good treasure. From the beginning, a wealth of lessons pour out. “Blessed are those who keep His testimony, who seek Him with the whole heart.”

The Pharisees didn’t seek Him. They sought enough “word” to maintain a posture of religious authority for personal and political gain. They knew much about rules, legislation, and condemnation, but little about seeking Him with the whole heart.

The Pharisees were captives of their own hierarchies. The Lord told the captives through Jeremiah 29:13. “When you seek Me with your whole heart, you will find Me.” The Pharisees aren’t ready to seek Him. They are seeking their own self-righteousness. Is there any good in the treasury of self-righteousness? History has seen horrible atrocities committed from self-righteous hearts. What will be spoken of us?

Move forward men, Psalm 119:9-15. Cleansing our ways by taking head to His Word; Seeking Him with the whole heart without wandering from His commands. Let’s hide His Word in our hearts so we don’t sin against Him. Let’s learn from His statutes and declare His judgments with our mouths. Rejoice in His testimonies as much as in all riches. Meditate on His Word and don’t forget it. Psalm 119:18 – open our eyes Lord to the wonders of Your Law.

Vance Durrance

White Robes

“Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments…” –Revelation 3:4-5a

“And yet there was a salt in it, or it would have been rotten as well as dead,” (MacLaren’s Expositions). We do not know the value of living men among the dead, and what mercy they bring to a community which might be discarded if not for their preserving presence (Eze 22:30). And if you find yourself in such a position, take heart. Jesus is not just aware of the number of faceless subject, He knows your name. So there is a great reward for those “who have not soiled their garments,” who have not defiled themselves by idolatrous sin (1Co 8:7).

Sardis was known for its wool production and its dyes (especially red). Dyes and chemicals are often used to cover blemishes. But covering our sins does not remove them. Our pretty dyes may deceive the world and make ourselves presentable to them, but God is not impressed. Only God provides the garments necessary to enter the Kingdom (Mat 22:11-14). And we cannot earn them. To even attempt this is to make a god in our own image and serve it—which is idolatry.

Yet for those who trust in Christ, we will receive new garments of pure white (Rev 6:11; 7:9). Not blank and colorless, but the bright and illustrious dress of the heavenly state. Since we are united in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom 6:5), we will be clothed in the appearance of our King and model (Rev 1:13; 19:14). “We will be like Him” (1Jo 3:2). Although there is a huge difference between deity and creation, the chasm of separation between God and His image bearers is removed. Jesus is the perfect man—what man should have been and will be. Therefore, our future appearance mirrors His.

So why is this a comfort? What might we be missing if this does not trigger within us a desire for these future robes?

Billy Neal

House Divided

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? —Matthew 12:25-26 NKJV

Men, Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees, who had grumbled that Jesus had recently relieved a man of a demon by the power of the ruler of demons. It already sounds absurd, so Jesus answered. A kingdom, city or house divided against itself can not stand. So if anti-Christ casts out anti-Christ, he is divided against himself.

Empires of heavenly, earthly or below, civics, marriages, even our own hearts are all subject to this simple concept. Working backwards through the list, homes divided in themselves end in divorce and bitterness. Local magistrates against themselves turn to lawlessness and dysfunction. Kingdoms against themselves end in civil war, all of which are costly in terms of resources and lives ruined.

A horse cannot be driven in two directions at once. There would be immediate conflict with the animal, but this is exactly what the Pharisees are claiming. The enemy has employed this tactic of turning a home or territory against itself for all time.

While Adam and Eve were in the garden, they shared their dwelling with the Lord God with unity and perfect peace. When the garden became divided, all of mankind fell thereafter.

America has incrementally devolved into a 2 party system. Each side against the other with the singular focus of destroying the opposing camp. While the camps bicker and recruit we are weakened and disabled from succeeding in any meaningful goal. While the world hurls accusations at an apparent opposing party, who is smiling? Who is lifted up? Who is winning? What is being lost? In your home, church, business, or affiliations who is winning/smiling?

At the end, all will be amassed into 2 camps. That of the enemy and that of the Lord. Is your pride at war with Jesus in your own heart? Who will win? What will that look like at the end?

Move forward men, considering THIS DAY, who will we serve? Where will the division end for us? Where will we stand among our sphere of influence? Incorruptible Jesus or all else that is perishing?

Vance Durrance