UNLEAVENED BREAD STUDIES— #1, #2, #3,— ARMOR OF GOD #1, #2, #3,

                       1.

The Foods for Israel

During the 40 years in the Wilderness

ISRAEL'S FOOD IN THE WILDERNESS Some have the idea that all Israel had to eat for their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years under Moses, was "manna" - bread type substance, and water (from rocks) - both a miracle from God, but just the bare bread and water type jail sentence, for being so faithless and rebellious. That idea is just not true at all! I've just re-watched "The Ten Commandments" with old one from the 1950s with Charlton Heston as Moses. The scene where Israel was leaving Egypt was RIGHT ON as far as the various things they left with. Take note next time you watch that movie. Besides all the gold, silver, jewels, cloth, and many other fancy things, you will notice they left with HERDS and FLOCK, BIRDS, much LIVESTOCK! And so it is written: "And Pharaoh rose up in the night ... And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, and get you forth from among my people ... ALSO take your FLOCKS and your HERDS..." (Exodus 11:30-32). There it is, but many read right over it, because we have become so used to hearing how God fed Israel with manna for 40 years. But the manna was the flour cereal for bread and cakes, the "grain" part of their diet we could say (Exodus 16). Yes God did provide them with water, sometimes like a miracle, as many see in Exodus 17. Israel was to build a "tabernacle" or "sanctuary" (Exodus 25:8). It was not just to have as an ornament, tagging along with them, just kinda doing nothing except a dwelling place for God. We read about the tabernacle from Exodus 25 through to 27. Then the Priesthood is established as we begin to read chapter 28. Look at verses 4-6. We see no shortage of robes, braided coats, girdles, gold, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen. Not only did they have to have the materials for all this, but the craft- persons to make it as God instructed. Now under chapter 29 and the consecration of the priests, read the first verses. Ah, a young BULLOCK, two RAMS, were to be taken. UNLEAVENED BREAD, CAKES, with OIL, FROM WHEATEN FLOUR! So they still had flour with them at this point in time. Notice verse 38-41, two LAMBS were to be offered EVERY DAY! Notice Exodus 35:20-29. Israel was not short of not only jewelry (which yes they got from the Egyptians when leaving Egypt), but they also had blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goat's hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins. They had spice and oil. Not destitute in material things for sure. Now you can read Leviticus, the first five or so chapters. All that was needed for the various sacrifices, yes in the wilderness, offerings from the CATTLE, of the HERD, and of the FLOCK! This was all done under Aaron, who is mentioned in verse 5 of chapter one. The "consecration" of Aaron and his sons is in chapter 8, and note verses, 9,18,21,28, just for a few. Purification after childbirth is in chapter 12 of Leviticus. If a LAMB was not able to be brought, then two young PIGEONS could be brought. Israel had to have BIRDS among them during the 40 years in the wilderness. You can read about the all the offerings for daily, Sabbath, and Festival in Numbers 28 through 28. Note these verses in chapter 28; verses 3-4, 11-15, 19, 27. In chapter 29; verses 2, 8, 13, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 36. STOP AND THINK! For all those herds, cattle, flocks, you need FOOD! Yes, animals have to eat also to live. Did God work fantastic miracles to feed all those animals the Israelites had? Of course He could have done. But we are not told if He did! A more likely method for providing all that the Israelites needed in a balanced diet for themselves to stay healthy, and for all their flocks, is what we find in one verse, hidden away (not really) ... well missed by most people reading the books of Moses (if there are any Christians reading the books of Moses any more) is found in Deuteronomy 2:6. "You shall BUY meat (food) of them for money, that you may eat; and you shall buy WATER of them for money, that you may drink." Here Israel was to go through the land given to Esau, mount Seir, as we see from the previous verses. There it is! Israel was able to buy foods and water from various people along their 40 year journey in the wilderness. ISRAEL'S COMPLAINING So what about Israel complaining about not have meat to eat, and we have the famous "quail" story of Exodus 16. Pretty simple to answer. They obvious wanted flesh meat at every meal, once a week just was not pleasing to them, they wanted it all the time, they lusted after it, they were way overboard in what they wanted to consume as far as flesh meat was concerned. Other things? Yes, they did want some of the pleasant foods of Egypt, we see that in Numbers 11:5, "We remember the fish ... the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and the garlic." Then we have the verse that has led many to believe they only had "manna" to eat for 40 years, "But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our eyes" (verse 6). We need to remember when studying the Bible what saying or words are coming from whom. If Satan would say, "There is no sin, I'm not responsible for sin." Would that make it so? No, not at all. So the record of the people of Israel saying there was nothing but manna to eat, did not make it so! Yes, Israel may not have enjoyed the "foods and fruits from afar" as they had done in Egypt, but they had more than just manna and water. We have seen Israel did have other foods to eat and did have meat flesh from their herds and flocks and cattle. The truth of the matter is that Israel did COME INTO CONTACT WITH other peoples during their 40 years wandering, and they had opportunity to buy from them different foods and grain, for themselves and their cattle. They were not a bunch of dusty desert wanderers living only on bread and water. ..................... Keith Hunt (Written on the first holy day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, April 2009) 2. PASSOVER/UNLEAVENED…BREAD  MESSAGE  2016 by Keith Hunt WE  KNOW  THAT  SIN  IS  THE  BREAKING  OF  THE  LAW [1 JOHN 3:4}; THE LAW TELLS US WHAT SIN IS [ROMANS 7:7]; THE LAW HAS POINTS [JAMES 2:10-12] AND THE LAW IS HOLY, JUST, AND GOOD [ROMANS 7:12]. WE  CANNOT  "EARN"  OUR  WAY  OUT  OF  SIN;  IN  OTHER  WORDS,  YOU  CAN  NOT  ADD  UP  EX  NUMBER  OF  "GOOD  THING"  OR  "CORRECT  LAW KEEPING"  TO  WIPE  AWAY  SIN.  YOU  BREAK  A  SPEED  LIMIT  SIGN  AND  THE  POLICE  STOP  YOU  AND  GIVE  YOU  A  SPEEDING  TICKET,  YOU CAN  NOT  SAY  TO  THE  JUDGE,  "WELL  JUDGE  I  OBSERVED  THE  SPEEDING  LAW  100  TIMES  BEFORE  AND  100  TIMES  AFTER  I  GOT  THAT SPEEDING  TICKET,  SO  I  SHOULD  NOW  BE  CLEAN  AND  SET  FREE  FROM  PAYING  THIS  SPEEDING  FINE."  THE  JUDGE  AND  ALL  THE  PEOPLE  IN  THE  COURT ROOM  WOULD  LAUGH  AT  YOUR  DEDUCTIONS. SO  WE  ALL  KNOW  FROM  COMMON  LOGIC  AND  THE  WORKING  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  THE  LAND,  WHAT  IT  MEANS  TO  BREAK  THE  LAW.....IT MEANS  WE  GET  TO  SUFFER  THE  CONSEQUENCES  OF  LAW  BREAKING....A  PENALTY  COMES  OUR  WAY. IF  THE  JUDGE  SAYS,  "WELL  GUILTY  ONE,  MY  SON  IS  GOING  TO  PAY  YOUR  FINE,  SO  YOUR  FREE,  THE  PENALTY  HAS  BEEN  PAID  FOR  YOU." WE  ALL  KNOW  WHAT  THAT  MEANS..... THE PENALTY  HAS  BEEN  PAID  FOR  YOU,  YOU  HAVE  RECEIVED  GRACE!! SO  IT  IS  WITH  THE  THEOLOGY  OF  SALVATION. AND  SO  THE  BIBLE,  PUTS  THE  ABOVE  OVER  AND  OVER  AGAIN,  IN  VARIOUS  WAYS  TO  ILLUSTRATE  THAT  TRUTH. WE  ARE  SINNERS,  THE  LAW  BROKEN  HAS  A  PENALTY..... THE  PENALTY  IS  DEATH! [ROMANS 6:23] THE  NEW  TESTAMENT  TEACHES  THIS  OVER  AND  OVER;  BUT  IT  ALSO  TEACHES  THE  OTHER  SIDE  -  GRACE,  FORGIVENESS  OF  THE  SIN, BECAUSE  THE  JUDGE'S  SON  WAS  WILLING  TO  PAY  THE  PENALTY  OF  SIN.  THROUGH  HIS  SHED  BROOD  AND  BROKEN  BODY,  CHRIST  JESUS PAID  OUR  SIN  PENALTY  -  DEATH!! SO  IT  ALL  COMES  DOWN  TO  A  PRETTY  SIMPLE  ONE  VERSER  -  EPH. 2:8 "FOR  BY  GRACE  ARE  YOU  SAVED,  THROUGH  FAITH;  AND  THAT  NOT OF  YOURSELVES,  IT  IS  THE  GIFT  OF  GOD." ADD  A  LITTLE  MORE  TO  IT,  "NOT  OF  WORKS  LEST  ANY  MAN  SHOULD  BOAST" - V. 9. SO  THE  LAW  CAN  HAVE  A  DARK  SIDE..... IT  TELLS  US  WHAT  SIN  IS.  IT  ALSO  HAS  A  GOOD  SIDE  THAT  CAN  TURN  AGAINST  US.  PAUL  PUT  IT  THIS  WAY,  "THE  COMMANDMENT  THAT  WAS  ORDAINED  TO  LIFE,  I  FOUND  TO  BE  UNTO  DEATH" [ROMANS 7:12]. ON  THIS  PASSOVER  NIGHT,  A  NIGHT  TO  BE  MUCH  OBSERVED  INTO  THE  WEE  HOURS  OF  THE  MORNING  NIGHT,  WE  STOP  TO  REMEMBER THE  JUDGE'S  SON  DIED  FOR  US,  SO  WE  BY  HAVING  FAITH  IN  THE  SON'S  DEATH,  COULD  FIND  GRACE,  FORGIVENESS  OF  OUR  SINS,  BE  AT  PEACE,  AT  ONE,  WITH  THE  JUDGE  [GOD THE FATHER] AND  LAW  OF  THE  LAND [THE  JUDGE'S LAW OF HOLINESS]. I  WANT  TO  SIDE-STEP  FOR  A  MOMENT: IF  AS  SOME  TEACH,  JESUS  WAS  JUST  A  MAN  WITH  MORE  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT  THAN  ANY  OTHER  HUMAN  WHO  HAS  EVER  HAD;  IF  JESUS, AS SOME  TEACH,  DID  NOT  EXIST  UNTIL  IN  THE  WOMB  OF  MARY,  TEACHING  AS  THEY  DO  WITH  THIS  KIND  OF  THEOLOGY,  THAT  JESUS  WAS NOT  A  PART  OF  THE  GODHEAD,  NEVER  "GOD"  -  NEVER  IN  SUCH  A  HIGH  POSITION,  THEN  HOW  COULD  ONE  MAN  DIE  FOR  THE  SINS  OF ALL  MANKIND?  PUT  IT  ANOTHER  WAY,  DO  YOU  THINK  THE   ANGEL  GABRIEL  COULD  HAVE  BECOME  HUMAN  AND  COULD  HAVE  DIED FOR  ALL   MANKIND?  IF  YOU  THINK  SO,  THEN  TO  BE  BLUNT  WITH  YOU,  YOUR  IDEAS  AND  THEOLOGY  ARE  FROM  PLANET  PLUTO,  WHICH THEY  SAY [WELL SOME DO] IS  NOT  A  PLANET,  SO  THIS  CRAZY  THEOLOGY  YOU  HAVE  IS  NOT  REALLY  THEOLOGY  AT  ALL  BUT  LIKE  SOME WILD,  SILLY,  FANATICAL,  CRAZY  IDEA  FROM  PLUTO.....IT'S  SO  FAR  OUT,  IT'S  NOT  EVEN  IN  THE  SAME  THEOLOGY  PARK  AS  THE THEOLOGY FROM  THE  BIBLE. ONLY  A  BEING  FROM  THE  GODHEAD  COULD  HAVE  TAKEN  ON  THE  SINS  OF  ALL  MANKIND,  AND  COULD  HAVE  DIED  FOR  THOSE  SINS,  SO ALL  MANKIND  COULD  FIND  GRACE,  FORGIVENESS..... AND  SO  SALVATION  AND  ETERNAL  LIFE. PAUL  PUT  IT  VERY  PLAINLY;  IF  YOU  DO  NOT  HAVE  PAUL'S  THEOLOGY,  YOU  AIN'T  EVEN  IN  THE  SAME  BALLPARK  OF  SALVATION:  "LET THIS SAME ATTITUDE AND PURPOSE AND [HUMBLE] MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO CHRIST JESUS: [LET HIM BE YOUR EXAMPLE IN HUMILITY]. WHO, ALTHOUGH BEING ESSENTIALLY ONE WITH GOD, AND IN THE FORM OF GOD [POSSESSING THE FULNESS OF THE ATTRIBUTES WHICH MAKE GOD GOD], DID NOT THINK THIS EQUALITY WITH GOD WAS A THING TO BE EAGERLY GRASPED OR RETAINED. BUT STRIPPED HIMSELF [OF ALL PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTFUL DIGNITY, SO AS TO ASSUME THE GUISE OF A SERVANT SLAVE], IN THAT HE BECAME LIKE MEN AND WAS BORN A HUMAN BEING. AND AFTER HE HAD APPEARED IN HUMAN FORM, HE ABASED AND HUMBLED HIMSELF [STILL FURTHER] AND CARRIED HIS OBEDIENCE TO THE EXTREME OF DEATH, EVEN THE DEATH OF THE CROSS" [PHILIPPIANS 5-8  AMPLIFIED  BIBLE  TRANSLATION]. THE FIRST  14  OR  SO  VERSES  OF  THE  GOSPEL  OF  JOHN  ALSO  MAKE  IT  PRETTY  PLAIN  AND  SIMPLE  READING.  NOTHING  A  9  YEAR  OLD COULD  NOT  UNDERSTAND.  IT  SAYS  WHAT  IT  MEANS  AND  MEANS  WHAT  IT  SAYS.  AS  JESUS  SAID  UNLESS  YOU  BECOME  AS  LITTLE CHILDREN  YOU  SHALL  NOT  BE  IN  THE  KINGDOM  OF  GOD.  THE  STRAIGHT  FORWARD  VERSES  OF  THE  BIBLE,  ARE  JUST  THAT  -  STRAIGHT FORWARD,  NO  THEOLOGY  DEGREE  NEEDED.   THE  PROOFS  FROM  THE  BIBLE  THAT  JESUS  CHRIST  WAS  FROM  THE GODHEAD,  WAS  GOD,  BUT  ALSO  WITH  GOD..... THAT  TRUTH  I  HAVE DEVOTED  MANY  STUDIES  TO,  ON  THIS  WEBSITE.  ONLY  A  GOD  BEING  COULD  DIE  FOR  THE  SINS  OF  ALL  MANKIND.  ANY  OTHER  HUMAN MAN  OR  CREATED  SPIRIT  BEING,  COULD  NEVER  DIE  FOR  THE  SINS  OF  EVERYONE  WHO  HAS  AND  WILL  EVER  LIVE.   I  PULL  NO  PUNCHES  HERE.  WHATEVER  ELSE  THEY  MAY  TEACH  THAT  MAY  BE  CORRECT,  IF  THEY  TEACH  JESUS  WAS  NOT  FROM  ETERNITY  WITH  THE  FATHER  GOD,  WAS  PART  OF  THE  VERY  GODHEAD,  HENCE  GOD  ALSO  -  GOD  BUT  WITH  GOD.  IF  THEY  TEACH  JESUS DID  NOT  EXIST  BEFORE  BEING  CONCEIVED  IN  THE  WOMB  OF  MARY..... YOU  NEED  TO  RUN  AS  FAST  AS  YOU  CAN  AWAY  FROM  THEM.  IF  THEY  CANNOT  READ  THE  BIBLE  AND  GAIN  FROM  VERY  PLAIN  VERSES  THAT  JESUS  WAS  WITH  GOD,  WAS  GOD,  BUT  WITH  GOD  FROM  THE BEGINNING;  WAS  A  PART  OF  THE  VERY  GODHEAD  ETERNAL,  THEY  ARE  SO  OFF-BASE  IN  BIBLE  READING,  THEY  ARE  BLIND  LEADERS  OF THE  BLIND,  AND  JESUS  SAID  BOTH  WOULD  THEN  FALL  INTO  THE  DITCH. JESUS  GAVE  UP  HIS  GODHEAD  POSITION  TO  BECOME  VERY  HUMAN,  FULLY  HUMAN [AS  WRITTEN  TEMPTED  IN  ALL  POINT  LIKE  US  BUT NEVER  SINNING,  NOT  EVEN  ONCE]  AND  ALSO  FULLY  DIVINE.  THIS  PLAIN  TRUTH  I  HAVE  PROVED  IN  MANY  STUDIES. THE  GODHEAD [FATHER  AND  SON,  TWO  BEINGS;  JESUS  SITS  ON  THE  RIGHT  HAND  OF  THE  FATHER,  NOT  ON  TOP  OF  HIM,  OR  INSIDE  HIM, SO  IT  IS  WRITTEN]  -  A  MEMBER  OF  THE  GODHEAD  WAS  WILLING  TO  BECOME  FLESH  AND  BLOOD,  FACE  SIN,  BE  TEMPTED,  BUT  NEVER ONCE  SINNING;  THIS  MEMBER  OF  THE  GODHEAD  WAS  WILLING  TO  DIE  FOR  YOUR  SINS,  MY  SINS,  FOR  ALL  THE  SINS  OF  EVERYONE  WHO HAS  EVER  LIVED,  OR  WILL  YET  LIVE. THIS  PASSOVER  NIGHT,  THIS  NIGHT  TO  BE  MUCH  REMEMBERED,  THE  PASSOVER  LAMB;  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT  SYMBOLS  OF  THE  BREAD AND  FRUIT  OF  THE  VINE  -  IS  INDEED  THE  MEMORIAL  REMEMBRANCE  OF  OUR  SAVIOR'S  DEATH.  IT  WAS  ON  THIS  NIGHT  CHRIST  JESUS GAVE  US  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT  SYMBOLS  OF  HIS  SACRIFICE  FOR  US. THERE  ARE  MANY  MANY  VERSES  IN  THE  BIBLE  YOU  COULD  READ  TONIGHT,  ESPECIALLY  FOR  TONIGHT.  THERE  ARE  THE  PASSAGES  IN MATTHEW,  MARK,  LUKE,  AND  JOHN;  THERE  IS  ISAIAH  53;  THERE  IS  PSALM  22.  THERE  ARE  THE  CONTEXT  OF  THE  VERSES  I  HAVE  GIVEN YOU  IN  THIS  MESSAGE. IT  IS  A  TIME  TO  READ  MANY  OF  THESE  VERSES;  IT  IS  TIME  TO  PRAY;  IT  IS  TIME  TO  MEDITATE. IT  IS  TIME  TO  JUST  BLOT  OUT  THE  WORLD,  AND  JUST  FEAST  ON  GOD  THE  FATHER  AND  HIS  SON  JESUS  CHRIST.  DO  YOUR  OWN  BIBLE STUDY,  OR  USE  THE  MANY  STUDIED  I  HAVE  GIVEN  YOU,  ON  THIS  VERY  SPECIAL  EVENT  OF  THE  14TH  OF  THE  FIRST  MONTH  IN  GOD'S CALENDAR. .................... 3. UNLEAVENED BREAD FEAST STUDY VICTORY  OVER  THE  FLESH FROM  THE  ALBERT  BARNES  BIBLE  COMMENTARY GALATIANS  5 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not….. 13. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty….. The meaning here is, that Paul wished the false teachers removed because true Christians had been called unto liberty, and they were abridging and destroying that liberty….. They were free; free from the servitude of sin, and free from subjection to expensive and burdensome rites and customs. They were to remember this as a great and settled principle; and so vital a truth was this, and so important that it should be maintained, and so great the evil of forgetting it, that Paul says he earnestly wishes (ver. 12) that all who would reduce them to that state of servitude were cut off from the Christian church. Only use not liberty, etc. The word use here introduced by our translators, obscures the sense. The idea is, "You are called to liberty, but it is not liberty for an occasion to the flesh. It is not freedom from virtuous restraints, and from the laws of God. It is liberty from the servitude of sin, and religious rites and ceremonies, not freedom from the necessary restraints of virtue." It was necessary to give this caution, because, (1.) There was a strong tendency in all converts from heathenism to relapse again into their former habits. Licentiousness abounded, and where they had been addicted to it before their conversion, and where they were surrounded by it on every hand, they were in constant danger of falling into it again. A bare and naked declaration, therefore, that they had been called to liberty, to freedom from restraint, might have been misunderstood, and some might have supposed that they were free from all restraints. (2.) It is needful to guard the doctrine from abuse at all times. There has been a strong tendency, as the history of the church has shown, to abuse the doctrine of grace. The doctrine that Christians are "free;" that there is liberty to them from restraint, has been perverted always by Antinomians, and been made the occasion of their indulging freely in sin. And the result has shown that nothing was more important than to guard the doctrine of Christian liberty, and to show exactly what Christians are freed from, and what laws are still binding on them. Paul is, therefore, at great pains to show that the doctrines which he had maintained did not lead to licentiousness, and did not allow the indulgence of sinful and corrupt passions, An occasion. As allowing indulgence to the flesh, or as a furtherance or help to corrupt passions; see the word explained in the Notes on Rom. vii. 8. To the flesh. The word flesh is often used in the writings of Paul to denote corrupt and gross passions and affections; see Notes on Rom. vii. 18; viii. 1. But by love serve one another. By the proper manifestation of love one to another strive to promote each other's welfare. To do this will not be inconsistent with the freedom of the gospel. When there is love there is no servitude. Duty is pleasant, and offices of kindness agreeable. Paul does not consider them as freed from all law and all restraint; but they are to be governed by the law of love. They were not to feel that they were so free that they might lawfully give indulgence to the desires of the flesh, but they were to regard themselves as under the law to love one another; and thus they would fulfil the law of Christian freedom. For all the law is fulfilled, That is, this expresses the substance of the whole law; it embraces and comprises all. The apostle of course here alludes to the law in regard to our duty to our fellow-men, since that was the point which he particularly enforces. He is saying that this law would counteract all the evil workings of the flesh, and if this were fulfilled, all our duty to others would be discharged. A similar sentiment he has expressed in Rom. xiii. 8—10; see Notes on that passage.  The turn here in the discussion is worthy of particular notice. With great skill he changes the subject from a doctrinal argument to a strain of practical remark, and furnishes most important lessons for the right mode of overcoming our corrupt and sensual passions, and discharging our duty to others, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, see this explained in the Note on Mat. xix. 19. But if ye bite. The word here used means, properly, to bite, to sting; and here seems to be used in the sense of contending and striving—a metaphor not improbably taken from dogs and wild leasts.  And devour one another. As wild beasts do. The sense is, "if you contend with, each other;" and the reference is, probably, to the strifes which would arise between the two parties in the churches—the Jewish and the Gentile converts. Take heed that ye be not consumed, As wild beasts contend sometimes   until both are slain. Thus, the idea is, in their contentions they would destroy the spirituality and happiness of each other; their characters would be ruined; and the church be overthrown. The readiest way to destroy the spirituality of a church, and to annihilate the influence of religion, is to excite a spirit of contention. 16. This I say then. This is the true rule about overcoming the propensities of your carnal natures, and of avoiding the evils of strife and contention. Walk. The Christian life is often represented as a journey, and the word walk, in the scripture, is often equivalent to live; Mark vii. 5 ; Notes, Rom. iv. 12 ; vi. 4 ; viii. 1. In the Spirit. Live under the influences of the Holy Spirit; admit those influences fully into your hearts. Do not resist him, but yield to all his suggestions; see Note, Rom. viii. 1. What the Holy Spirit would produce, Paul states in ver. 22, 23. If a man would yield his heart to those influences, he would be able to overcome all his carnal propensities; and it is because he resists that Spirit, that he is ever overcome by the corrupt passions of his nature. Never was a better, a safer, or a more easy rule given to overcome our corrupt and sensual desires than that here furnished; comp. Notes, Rom. viii. 1—13. And ye shall not fulfil, etc. Marg. Fulfil not—as if it were a command. So Tindal renders it. But the more common interpretation, as it is the more significant, is that adopted by our translators. Thus it is not merely a command, it is the statement of an important and deeply interesting truth—that the only way to overcome the corrupt desires and propensities of our nature, is by submitting to the influences of the Holy Spirit. It is not by philosophy; it is not by mere resolutions to resist them; it is not by the force of education and laws; it is only by admitting into our souls the influence of religion, and yielding ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. If we live under the influences of that Spirit, we need not fear the power of the sensual and corrupt propensities of our nature. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit. The inclinations and desires of the flesh are contrary to those of the Spirit. They draw us away in an opposite direction, and while the Spirit of God would lead us one way, our carnal nature would lead us another, and thus produce the painful controversy which exists in our minds. The word " Spirit" here refers to the Spirit of God, and to his influences on the heart. And these are contrary, etc. They are opposite in their nature. They never can harmonize; see Rom. viii. 6, 7; comp. below ver. 19—23. The contrariety Paul has illustrated by showing what each produces; and they are as opposite as adultery, wrath, strife, murders, drunkenness, etc, are to love, joy, goodness, gentleness, and temperance. So that ye cannot do the things that ye would; see this sentiment illustrated in the Notes on Rom. vii. 15—19. The expression "cannot do" is stronger by far than the original, and it is doubted whether the original will bear this interpretation. The literal translation would be, "Lest what ye will, those things ye should do." It is rendered by Doddridge, "So that ye do not the things that ye would." By Locke, "You do not the things that you propose to yourselves;" and Locke remarks on the passage, "Ours is the only translation that I know which renders it cannot." The Vulgate and the Syriac give a literal translation of the Greek, "So that you do not what you would." This is undoubtedly the true rendering; and, in the original, there is no declaration  about the possibility or the impossibility, the ability or the inability to do these things. It is simply a statement of a fact, as it is in Rom. vii. 15, 19. That statement is, that in the mind of a renewed man there is a contrariety in the two influences which bear on his soul—the Spirit of God inclining him in one direction, and the lusts of the flesh in another; that one of these influences is so great as in fact to restrain and control the mind, and prevent its doing what it would otherwise do; that when there is an inclination in one direction, there is a controlling and overpowering influence in another, producing a conflict, which prevents it, and which finally checks and restrains the mind. There is no reason for interpreting this, moreover, as seems always to be the case, of the overpowering tendency in the mind to evil, as if it taught that the Christian was desirous of doing good, but could not, on account of his indwelling corruption. So far as the language of Paul or the fact is concerned, it may be understood of just the opposite, and may mean, that such are the restraints and influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart, that the Christian does not the evil which he otherwise would, and to which his corrupt nature inclines him. He (Paul) is exhorting them (ver. 16) to walk in the Spirit, and assures them that thus they would not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. To encourage them to this, he reminds them that there were contrary principles in their minds, the influences of the Spirit of God, and a carnal and downward tendency of the flesh. These are contrary one to the other ; and such are, in fact, the influences of the Spirit on the mind, that the Christian does not do the things which he otherwise would. So understood, or understood in any fair interpretation of the original, it makes no assertion about the ability or inability of man to do right or wrong. It affirms as a fact, that where these opposite principles exist, a man does not do the things which otherwise he would do. If a man could not do otherwise than he actually does, he would not be to blame. "Whether a Christian could not resist the influences of the Holy Spirit, and yield to the corrupt desires of the flesh; or whether he could not overcome these evil propensities and do right always, are points on which the apostle here makes no affirmation. His is the statement of a mere fact, that where these counteracting propensities exist in the mind, there is a conflict, and that the man does not do what he otherwise would do. 18. But if ye be led of the Spirit. If you submit to the teachings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ye are not under the law. You are under a different dispensation—the dispensation of the Spirit….. and are under the control of the Spirit of God. THE  LAW  CANNOT  CLAIM  YOU  AS  SINNERS  AND  ENCASE  YOU  IN  WAGES  OF  SIN  -  DEATH [Romans 6:23].  YOU  ARE  UNDER  GRACE.  HAVING  THE  ATTITUDE  OF  WANTING,  DESIRING,  TO  SERVE  AND  LIVE  GOD'S  WAY,  BEING  IN  A  HUMBLE  REPENTANT  STATE  OF  MIND,  KEEPS  YOU  CONNECTED  TO  GOD,  WHEREBY  YOU  ARE  UNDER  HIS  GRACE.  ALL  EXPLAINED  FULLY  IN  MY  STUDY  CALLED  "SAVED  BY  GRACE"  -  Keith Hunt 19. Now the works of the flesh. What the flesh, or what corrupt and unrenewed human nature produces. Are manifest. Plain, well-known. The world is full of illustrations of what corrupt human nature produces, and as to the existence and nature of those works, no one can be ignorant. It is evident here that the word flesh, is used to denote corrupt human nature, and not merely the body; since many of the vices here enumerated are the passions of the mind or the soul, rather than of the body. Such are "wrath," "strife," "heresies," "envyings," etc, which cannot be said to have their seat in the body. If the word, therefore, is used to denote human nature, the passage furnishes a sad commentary on its tendency, and on the character of man. It is closely parallel to the declaration of the Saviour in Matt. xv. 19. Of the nature of most of these sins, or works of the flesh, it is unnecessary to offer any comment. They are not so rare as not to be well known, and the meaning of the words requires little exposition. In regard to the existence of these vices as the result of human nature, the Notes on Rom. i. may be examined; or a single glance at the history of the past, or at the present condition of the heathen and a large part of the Christian world, would furnish an ample and a painful demonstration. 20. Witchcraft, Pretending to witchcraft. The apostle does not vouch for the actual existence of witchcraft; but he says that what was known as such was a proof of the corrupt nature of man, and was one of the fruits of it. No one can doubt it. It was a system of imposture and falsehood throughout; and nothing is a better demonstration of the depravity of the human heart than an extended and systematized attempt to impose on mankind. The word which is here used, whence our word pharmacy, from a medicine, poison, magic potion) means, properly, the preparing and giving of medicine. Then it means also poisoning, and also magic art, or enchantment; because in savage nations pharmacy or medicine consisted much in magical incantations. Thence it means sorcery or enchantment, and it is so used uniformly in the New Testament. It is used only in Gal. v. 20; Rev. ix. 21; xviii. 23 ; xxi. 8. Some have supposed that it means here poisoning, a crime often practised; but the more correct interpretation is, to refer it to the black art, or to pretensions to witchcraft, and the numerous delusions which have grown out of it, as a striking illustration of the corrupt and depraved nature of man. Hatred, Gr. Hatreds, in the plural. Antipathies, and want of love, producing contentions and strifes. Variance, Contentions; see Note, Rom. i. 29. Emulations In a bad sense, meaning heart-burning, or jealousy, or perhaps inordinate ambition. The sense is ardour or zeal in a bad cause, leading to strife, Wrath. This also is plural in the Greek, meaning passions, bursts of anger; Note, 2 Cor. xii. 20. Strife. Also plural in the Greek; see Note, 2 Cor. xii. 20 Seditions; see Note, Rom. xvi. 17. Heresies; see Note, Acts v. 17; 1 Cor. xi. 19. 21. Envyings; Note, 2 Cor. xii. 20. Revellings; Notes, 2 Cor. xii. 20; Rom. xiii. 13. And such like. This class of evils, without attempting to specify all. Of which I tell you before.In regard to which I forewarn you. As I have also told you in time past. When he was with them. Shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Cannot possibly be saved; see Notes on 1 Cor. vi. 9—11.  In regard to this passage, we may remark; (1.) That it furnishes the most striking and unanswerable proof of human depravity. Paul represents these things as "the works of the flesh," the works of the unrenewed nature of man. They are such as human nature, when left to itself, everywhere produces. The world shows that such is the fact; and we cannot but ask, is a nature producing this to be regarded as pure? Is man an unfallen being? Can he save himself? Does he need no Saviour? (2.) This passage is full of fearful admonition to those who indulge in any or all of these vices. Paul, inspired of God, has solemnly declared, that such cannot be saved. They cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven as they are. Nor is it desirable that they should. What would heaven be if filled up with adulterers, and fornicators, and idolaters, with the proud and envious, and with murderers, and drunkards? To call such a place heaven, would be an abuse of the word. No one could wish to dwell there; and such men cannot enter into heaven. (3.) The human heart must be changed, or man cannot be saved. This follows of course. If such is its tendency, then there is a necessity for such a change as that in regeneration, in order that man may be happy and be saved. (4.) We should rejoice that such men cannot, with their present characters, be admitted to heaven. We should rejoice that there is one world where these vices are unknown, a world of perfect and eternal purity. When we look at the earth; when we see how these vices prevail; when we reflect that every land is polluted, and that we cannot traverse a continent or an island, visit a nook or corner of the earth, dwell in any city or town, where these vices do not exist, O how refreshing and invigorating is it to look forward to a pure heaven! How cheering the thought that there is one world where these vices are unknown; one world, all whose ample plains may be traversed, and the note of blasphemy shall never fall on the ear; one world, where virtue shall be safe from the arts of the seducer; one world where we may for ever dwell, and not one reeling and staggering drunkard shall ever be seen; where there shall be not one family in want and tears from the vice of its unfaithful head! With what joy should we look forward to that world! With what ardour should we pant that it may be our own! ONE  MAY  WANT  TO  READ  THIS  SECTION  IN  A  MODERN  TRANSLATION,  THEN  IN  A  DICTIONARY  LOOK  UP  EACH  WORD  PAUL  USES  TO  DESCRIBE  THE  VICES  OF  THE   HEART  AND  MIND,  NOT  LED  AND  GUIDED  BY  THE  SPIRIT  OF  GOD.  THE  HUMAN  HEART  IS  A  MIXTURE  OF  GOOD  AND  EVIL.  THERE  ARE  MANY  THINGS  THAT  CAN  INFLUENCE  THE  MIND  AND  HEART  OF  MAN.  BAD  INFLUENCES  CAN  LEAD  TO  THE  MOST  EVIL  RESULTS  AS  WE  SEE  ON  NEWS  BROADCASTS  EACH  DAY.  BETTER  INFLUENCES  CAN  LEAD  PEOPLE  TO  BE,  AS  THE  WORLD  WOULD  SAY,  "GOOD  PEOPLE"  WHO  LIVE  DECENTLY  WITH  OTHERS,  DO  GOOD  DEEDS,  SERVE  AND  HELP  OTHERS.  YET  THE  BOTTOM  LINE  IS,  IN  ONE  WAY  OR  ANOTHER,  WE ARE  ALL  SINNERS,  NEEDING  TO  BE  RENEWED  IN  OUR  MINDS  BY  THE  SPIRIT  OF  GOD;  NEEDING  TO  BE  LED  AND  GUIDED  BY  THE  SPIRIT  OF  GOD  -  Keith Hunt 22. But the fruit of the Spirit. That which the Holy Spirit produces. It is not without design, evidently, that the apostle uses the word ''Spirit'' here, as denoting that these things do not flow from our own nature. The vices above enumerated are the proper  "works" or result of the operations of the human heart; the virtues which he enumerates are produced by a foreign influence—the agency of the Holy Spirit. Hence Paul does not trace them to our own hearts, even when renewed. He says that they are to be regarded as the proper result of the Spirit's operations on the soul.  WELL  CERTAINLY  IN  ITS  FULL  FORM,  ITS  DEEP  ACTIONS,  ITS  FORM  AS  LED  BY  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT,  TO  NOT  ONLY  UNDERSTAND  THE  WORDS  PAUL  NOW  CHOOSES,  BUT  TO  SEE  THEM  IN  THE  LIGHT  OF  GOD'S  AMPLIFICATIONS  IN  HIS  HOLY  BIBLE.  WORDS  ARE  JUST  WORDS  THAT  CAN  BE  UNDERSTOOD  DIFFERENTLY  BY  DIFFERENT  PEOPLE,  BUT  IN  THE  BIBLE  WE  SEE  THE  TRUE  DEEP  MEANING,  BY  EXAMPLES  AND  BY  THE  EXPOUNDING  OF  THOSE  WORDS,  AS  GIVEN  BY  JESUS  AND  ALL  THE  PEOPLE  INSPIRED  TO  WRITE  THE  BIBLE  AND  ALL  THEREIN.  BY  READING  THE  BIBLE  WE  SEE  THE  NITTY-GRITTY,  THE  DOWN-TO-EARTH  EXPLAINING  OF  WHAT  SUCH WORDS  AS  PAUL  NOW  GIVES  AS  THE  FRUITS  OF  THE  SPIRIT  -  Keith Hunt Is love. To God and to men. Probably the latter here is particularly intended, as the fruits of the Spirit are placed in contradistinction from those vices which lead to strife among men. On the meaning of the word love, see Notes on 1 Cor. xiii.1; and for an illustration of its operations and effects, see the Notes on that whole chapter, Joy. In the love of God; in the evidences of pardon; in communion with the Redeemer, and in his service; in the duties of religion, in trial, and in the hope of heaven; see Notes, Rom. v. 2; comp. 1 Pet. i. 8. Peace. As the result of reconciliation with God; see Notes, Rom. v. 1. Long-suffering. In affliction and trial, and when injured by others; see Note, 1 Cor, xiii. 4. Gentleness.The same word which is translated kindness in 2 Cor. vi. 6; see Note on that place. The word means goodness, kindness, benignity; and is opposed to a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper. It is a disposition to be pleased; it is mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an un ruffled disposition, and a disposition to treat all with urbanity and politeness. This is one of the regular effects of the Spirit's operations on the heart. Religion makes no one crabbed, and morose, and sour. It sweetens the temper; corrects an irritable disposition; makes the heart kind; disposes us to make all around us as happy as possible. This is true politeness; a kind of politeness which can far better be learned in the school of Christ  Goodness; see Note on Rom. xv. 14. Here the word seems to be used in the sense of beneficence, or a disposition to do good to others. The sense is, that a Christian must be a good man. Faith. On the meaning of the word faith, see Note on Mark xvi. 16. The word here may be used in the sense of fidelity, and may denote that the Christian will be a faithful man, a man faithful to his word and promises; a man who can be trusted or confided in. It is probable that the word is used in this sense because the object of the apostle is not to speak of the feelings which we have towards God so much as to illustrate the influences of the Spirit in directing and controlling our feelings towards men. True religion makes a man faithful. The Christian is faithful as a man; faithful as a neighbour, friend, father, husband, son. He is faithful to his contracts; faithful to his promises. No man can be a Christian who is not thus faithful, and all pretensions to being under the influences of the Spirit when such fidelity does not exist, are deceitful and vain. 23. Meekness; see Note, Mat. v. 5. Temperance. The word here used, means properly self-control, continence. It is derived from strength, and has reference to the power or ascendancy which we have over exciting and evil passions of all kinds. It denotes the self-rule which a man has over the evil propensities of his nature. Our word temperance we use now in a much more limited sense, as referring mainly to abstinence from intoxicating drinks. But the word here used is employed in a much more extended signification. It includes the dominion over all evil propensities, and may denote continence, chastity, self-government, moderation in regard to all indulgences as well as abstinence from intoxicating drinks. See the word explained in the Notes on Acts xxiv. 25. The sense here is, that the influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart make a man moderate in all indulgences; teach him to restrain his passions, and to govern himself; to control his evil propensities, and to subdue all inordinate affection. The Christian will not only abstain from intoxicating drinks, but from all exciting passions; he will be temperate in his manner of living, and in the government of his temper. This may be applied to temperance properly so called with us; but it should not be limited to that.  A Christian must be a temperate man; and if the effect of his religion is not to produce this, it is false and vain. Abstinence from intoxicating drinks, as well as from all improper excitement, is demanded by the very genius of his religion, and on this subject there is no danger of drawing the cords too close. No man was ever injured by the strictest temperance, by total abstinence from ardent spirits, and from wine as a beverage; no man is certainly safe who does not abstain; no man, it is believed, can be in a proper frame of mind for religious duties who indulges in the habitual use of intoxicating drinks. Nothing does more scandal to religion than such indulgences; and, other things being equal, he is the most under the influence of the Spirit of God who is the most thoroughly a man of temperance,. BARNES  IS  WAY  OFF  THE  PATH  IN  HIS  COMMENTS  ON  WINE  AND  ALCOHOLIC  DRINKS.  THE  BIBLE  IS  NOT  AGAINST  THE  USE  OF  WINE  AND  ALCOHOL  IN  MODERATION!!  OF  COURSE  ALL  THAT  IS  ALLOWED  A  CHRISTIAN  MUST  BE  IN  BALANCE  AND  MODERATION.  I  HAVE  IN-DEPTH  STUDIES  ON  THIS  WEBSITE  REGARDING  THE  CHRISTIAN  AND  ALCOHOL.  I  LIKE  WINE  AND  "STRONG  DRINK" [AS IT IS CALLED  IN  THE  BOOKS  OF  MOSES]  NOW  AND  AGAIN.  I  HAVE  NEVER  BEEN  DRUNK  ONCE  IN  MY  NOW  NEARLY  74  YEARS  OF  LIFE.  ALCOHOL  HAS  NEVER  BLURRED  MY  SPIRITUAL  VISION  OR  MY  STUDY  OF  GOD'S  WORD,  AND  ITS  EXPOUNDING.  IT  HAS  NOW  BEEN  SCIENTIFICALLY  PROVED  THAT  A  GLASS  OF  RED  WINE,  EVEN  EVERY  DAY,  IS  GOOD  FOR  YOUR  HEALTH.  I  PERSONALLY  DO  NOT  HAVE  A  GLASS  OF  WINE  EVERY  DAY [IF  ANYONE  IS  WONDERING]  BUT  I  DO  DRINK  WINE  NOW  AND  AGAIN  -  Keith Hunt Against such there is no law. That is, there is no law to condemn such persons. These are not the things which the law denounces. These, therefore, are the true freemen; free from the condemning sentence of the law, and free in the service of God. Law condemns sin; and they who evince the spirit here referred to are free from its denunciations. 24. And they that are Christ's. All who are true Christians, Have crucified the flesh. The corrupt passions of the soul have been put to death; i. e., destroyed. They are as though they were dead, and have no power over us; see Note, chap. ii. 20. With the affections. Marg. Passions. All corrupt desires. And lusts; see Note, Rom. i. 24. 25. If we live in the Spirit. Note, ver. 16. The sense of this verse probably is, "We who are Christians profess to be under the influences of the Holy Spirit. By his influences andagency is our spiritual life. We profess not to be under the dominion of the flesh; not to be controlled by its appetites and desires. Let us then act in this manner, and as if we beieved this. Let us yield ourselves to His influences, and show that we are controlled by that Spirit." It is an earnest exhortation to Christians to yield wholly to the agency of the Holy Spirit on their hearts, and to submit to his guidance; see Notes, Rom. viii. 5, 9. 26. Let us not be desirous of vainglory. The word here used means proud or vain of empty advantages, as of birth, property, eloquence, or learning. The reference here is probably to the paltry competitions which arose on account of these supposed advantages. It is possible that this might have been one cause of the difficulties existing in the churches of Galatia, and the apostle is anxious wholly to check and remove it. The Jews prided themselves on their birth, and men are everywhere prone to overvalue the supposed advantages of birth and blood. The doctrines of Paul are, that on great and most vital respects men are on a level; that these things contribute nothing to salvation (Notes, chap. iii. 28); and that Christians should esteem them of little importance, and that they should not be suffered to interfere with their fellowship, or to mar their harmony and peace. Provoking one another. The sense is, that they who are desirous of vainglory, do provoke one another. They provoke those whom they regard as inferiors by a haughty carriage and a contemptuous manner towards them. They look upon them often with contempt; pass them by with disdain; treat them as beneath their notice; and this provokes on the other hand hard feeling, and hatred, and a disposition to take revenge. When men regard themselves as equal in their great and vital interests; when they feel that they are fellow-heirs of the grace of life; when they feel that they belong to one great family, and are in their great interests on a level; deriving no advantage from birth and blood; on a level as descendants of the same apostate father; as being themselves sinners; on a level at the foot of the cross, at the communion table, on beds of sickness, in the grave, and at the bar of God; when they feel this, then the consequences here referred to will be avoided. There will be no haughty carriage such as to provoke opposition; and on the other hand there will be no envy on account of the superior rank of others. Envying one another. On account of their superior wealth, rank, talent, learning. The true way to cure envy is to make men feel that in their great and important interests they are on a level. Their great interests are beyond the grave. The distinctions of this life are temporary, and are comparative trifles. Soon all will be on a level in the grave, and at the bar of God and in heaven. Wealth, and honour, and rank do not avail there. The poorest man will wear as bright a crown as the rich; the man of most humble birth will be admitted as near the throne as he who can boast the longest line of illustrious ancestors. Why should a man who is soon to wear a "crown incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away" envy him who has a ducal coronet here, or a royal diadem—baubles that are soon to be laid aside for ever? Why should he, though poor here, who is soon to inherit the treasures of heaven where "moth and rust do not corrupt,'' envy him who can walk over a few acres as his own, or who has accumulated a glittering pile of dust, soon to be left for ever? Why should he who is soon to wear the robes of salvation, made "white in the blood of the Lamb," envy him who is "clothed in purple and fine linen," or who can adorn himself and his family in the most gorgeous attire which art and skill can make, soon to give place to the winding-sheet; soon to be succeeded by the simple garb which the most humble wears in the grave. If men feel that their great interests are beyond the tomb; that in the important matter of salvation they are on a level; that soon they are to be undistinguished beneath the clods of the valley…..The rich and the great would cease to look down with contempt on those of a more humble rank, and the poor would cease to envy those above them, for they are soon to be their equals in the grave; their equals, perhaps their superiors in heaven! ………. WE  SHALL  ALL  BE  REWARDED  ACCORDING  TO  OUR  WORK,  WITH  WHAT  WE  HAVE  DONE  WITH  WHAT  WE  HAVE  BEEN  GIVEN.  AND  INDEED  SOMEONE  LOWLY  IN  THIS  LIFE [WITH  NO  FAME,  NOT  MUCH  PHYSICAL  RICHES,  NO  HIGH  POSITION  IN  THE  WORLD  OF  MEN/WOMEN]  MAY  BE  GREATER  IN  POSITION  IN  GOD'S  KINGDOM,  THAN  SOMEONE  FAMOUS,  RICH,  AND  WITH  A  HIGH  SECULAR  POSITION  IN  THIS  PHYSICAL  LIKE. THERE  WILL  BE  NO  JEALOUSY,  NO  ENVY,  IN  GOD'S  ETERNAL  FAMILY,  FOR  ALL  THERE  WILL  BE  PERFECT,  SINLESS,  AND  RIGHTEOUS,  AS  THE  FATHER  AND  OUR  ELDER  BROTHER  CHRIST  JESUS  ARE  -  Keith  Hunt …………………………………………….                      . 1. The Armor of God to Battle Satan! Truth is up first! PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD by Keith Hunt During the Feast of Unleavened Bread it is important we look at the fight we are in and the armor we need to be victorious. The apostle Paul knew that Christians were in a fight, a fight that was especially against Satan and the demons, powers of the heavenly realm, who are literally physically much more powerful than us humans. Why they can perform many acts that would come under the term "miracle." The false prophet of Revelation, THE greatest false prophet of all time will be able to perform signs and wonders, miracles we would call them. Satan and his helpers can come looking like they are "angels of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Then there is the fight we have with our own carnal nature that wants to keep pulling us down, pulling us away from God and Christ, pulling us into sin. The apostle Paul talked about that fight, even getting very personal, opening up himself, telling us he did at times feel very wretched. We find his description of this battle in Romans 7. Yes, Paul knew we were in a fight, a battle, a war so to speak, and to win that war we needed the WHOLE armor of God. His description of this armor is found in Ephesians 6. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil ... Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph.6:11-13). (1) WRAPPED ABOUT BY TRUTH The first piece of armor Paul mentions is TRUTH. I have four books in my library devoted to helping ministers with preparing sermons. "Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes" (650 pages) - "Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes - the Ultimate Contemporary Resource for Speakers" (833 pages). These two books contain NOTHING about the subject of "truth." The last two books of the four do contain remarks on "truth" - I will give them to you. Quotes: He who begins by loving Christianity better than truth will proceed by loving his own sect or church better than Christianity, and end in loving himself better than all. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Devotion, Christianity) The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. Flannery O'Connor (Courage, Relativity) The very amount of information that computers make available threatens us with cognitive overload: Overwhelmed with facts, people tend to mistake data for truth, knowledge for wisdom. With a mind-set fixed on information, our attention span shortens. We collect fragments. We become mentally poorer in overall meaning. Michiko Katkutani (Significance, Information) Hard are the ways of truth, and rough to walk. John Milton (Courage, Honesty) I never give 'em hell. I just tell the truth, and they think it's hell. Harry S. Truman (Speech, Honesty) Truth does not blush. Tertullian (Conviction, Honesty) Western culture has made a fundamental change in its religious base. We have exchanged that one who said, "I am the Truth" (John 14:6) for the incredibly expensive doctrine of Freud and the words of all his various disciples. Our new religion says with Pontius Pilate, "What is truth?" and teaches that our status is one of "original victim" rather than "original sin." Carol Tharp (Religion, Blame) A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it. C. S. Lewis (Spiritual Growth, Apologetics) You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad. Aldous Huxley (Honesty, Anger) Peace, if possible, but the truth at any rate. Martin Luther (Peace, Honesty) From "1001 Quotes, Illustrations and Humorous Stories - for preachers, teachers, and writers" by Edward K. Rowell Truth: From the book "750 Engaging Illustrations for preachers, teachers, and writers" by Craig Brian Larson, we find this: Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride--common table salt-the substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor. Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, sometimes even poisonous. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel. When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth," and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith. Love, Saltiness Truth: The purple dinosaur named Barney is loved by millions of children. According to Reuters, on July 15, 1997, Barney had an accident. During filming of the Barney & Friends show, a cooling fan inside the sixty-pound dinosaur suit short-circuited and started to smoke. The actor playing Barney quickly got out of the suit but suffered smoke inhalation. He was taken to the hospital and soon released. The story of the accident was carried on the news, and it upset many children. Scores of parents called the television station to say their children were afraid that Barney had been burned, or worse, that he was a fake. A spokeswoman for the producers of the program said, "It can be really devastating to a three-year-old. They love Barney and they think that something terrible has happened to him, or that he's not real." Fantasies like Barney can bring a person good feelings. But a fantasy is a fantasy, and sooner or later the truth comes out. There are all sorts of fantasies. Those hostile to the God of the Bible must hold on to a great number of fantasies to justify their thinking and behavior. Sooner or later those fantasies are seen for what they really are. Truth: In Discipleship Journal author Mack Stiles tells the story of how he led a young man from Sweden named Andreas to Christ. One part of their conversation is especially instructive: Andreas said, "I've been told if I decide to follow Jesus, He will meet my needs and my life will get very good." This seemed to Andreas to be a point in Christianity's favor. But I faced a temptation - to make it sound better than it is. "No, Andreas, no!" I said. Andreas blinked his surprise. "Actually, Andreas, you may accept Jesus and find that life goes very badly for you." "What do you mean?" he asked. "Well, you may find that your friends reject you, you could lose your job, your family might oppose your decision - there are a lot of bad things that may happen to you if you decide to follow Jesus. Andreas, when Jesus calls you, He calls you to go the way of the cross." Andreas stared at me and asked the obvious: "Then why would I want to follow Jesus?" Sadly, this is the question that stumps many Christians. For some reason we feel that unless we're meeting people's needs they won't follow Christ. Yet this is not the gospel. I cocked my head and answered, "Andreas, because Jesus is true." Those on the side of truth come to Jesus. Truth: When the new technology of high-definition television came on the scene, it had an immediate effect on how things were done in the studio. Low-tech television had such poor picture resolution that the visual details of a studio did not show up on the screen. Actors and newscasters wore thick pancake makeup to hide wrinkles, moles, and blemishes, but the makeup was invisible to the relatively crude camera. Fake books rested on shelves, and cardboard backdrops with painted wood grain stood as walls. Still, with low-tech television, the viewer was none the wiser. Says Jim Fenhagen, a set designer who works for the major networks, "With the old TV, you can get away with murder." But high-definition television, using high-resolution digital technology, changed all that. The studio camera picks up everything from scratches on the desk to blemishes on the skin. That has forced a change in how things are done. Like television personalities facing an unforgiving high-definition camera, when we come to God, we come to the one who sees us as we really are. We must be completely truthful with him. .......... THE BIBLE AND TRUTH The Bible has much to say regarding the topic of "truth." The saints are to worship God in truth - John 4:24, with Ps.145:18. We are to serve God in truth - Josh.24:14; 1 Sam.12:24. We are to walk before God in truth - 1 Kin.2:4; 2 Kin.20:3. We are to observe the Feasts of the Lord in truth - 1 Cor.5:8. We are to esteem truth as inestimable - Prov.23:23. We are to love truth - Zech.8:19. We are to rejoice in truth - 1 Cor.13:6. We are to speak to one another in truth - Zech.8:16; Eph.4:25. We are to execute judgment with truth - Zech.8:16. We are to meditate upon truth - Phil.4:8. We are to bind about our neck what is truth - Prov.3:3. We are to write truth upon the tables of our heart - Prov.3:3. The fruit of the Spirit is in truth - Eph.5:9 Ministers of the Lord are to speak truth - 2 Cor.12:6; Gal.4:16. Those who teach are to teach in truth - 1 Tim.2:7. The servants of the Lord are to approve themselves by truth - 2 Cor.6:7,8. Speaking truth is showing forth righteousness - Prov.12:17. People with truth are the delight of God - Prov.12:22. Truth came by Christ - John 1:17. It is in Christ - 1 Tim.2:7. John bear witness of - John 5:33. Truth will set us apart - John 17:17,19. Truth is purifying - 1 Pet.1:22. Truth is revealed abundantly to the saints - Jer.33:6. Truth abides continually with the saints - 2 John 2. Truth should be acknowledged - 2 Tim.2:25 Truth should be believed - 2 Thes.2:10 Truth should be manifested - 2 Cor.4:2. Truth must be rightly put together from the Scriptures - 2 Tim.2:15. Truth is a shield and buckler to the saints - Ps.91:4. We should confide in truth - Ps.31:5; Tit.1:2. We should pray that it will be manifested to us - 2 Chr.6:17. We should pray truth will be exhibited to others - 2 Sam.2:6. Pray that truth be made known to others - Isa.38:19. Truth should be magnified and praised - Ps.71:22; 138:2. TRUTH IS GOD Truth is one of the attributes of God - Deut.32:4; Isa.65:16. He keeps it forever - Ps.146:6. It is inviolable - Num.23:19; Tit.1:2. It endures to all generations - Ps.100:5. Truth is exhibited in God's ways - Rev.15:3; in His works - Ps.33:4; 111:17; Dan.4:37. Truth is God's judicial statutes - Ps.19:9. His word is truth - Ps.119:160; John 17:17. It is the fulfilment of promises in Christ - 2 Cor.1:20. It is the fulfilment of His covenant - Mic.7:20. God deals with truth to those who keep his covenant - Ps.25:10. THE TRUTH IS NO PART OF THE WICKED The wicked are destitute of truth - Hos.4:1. They speak not truth -Jer.9:5. They uphold not truth - Isa.59:14,15. They do not plead for truth - Isa.59:4. They are not valiant for truth - Jer.9:3. They will be punished for want of truth - Jer.9:5,9; Hos.4:1,3; 2 Thes.2:7-12. Truth is denied by the Devil - Gen.3:4,5. Truth is denied by the self-righteous - 1 John 1:10. Truth is denied by the unbelievers - 1 John 5:10 .......... UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES ON "TRUTH" Psa. 40:10. I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. Psa. 51:6. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts Psa. 57:3 God shall send forth his mercy And his truth. 10. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Psa. 85:10. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Psa. 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psa. 89:14. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Psa. 96:13. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Ps 98:3. He hath remembered his mercy an his truth toward the house of Israel. Psa. 100:5. For the Lord is good; his mercy as everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psa. 108:4. For thy mercy is great above the heavens and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Prov. 12:19. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Prov. 16:13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. Isa. 25:1. O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou halt done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isa. 59:14. Truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 15. Yea, truth faileth. Isa. 65:16. That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth, and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth. Jer. 5:3. O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? Dan. 4:37. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment. Dan. 10:21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth. Mic. 7:20. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou halt sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 8:31. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: 17. The Spirit of truth. John 16:13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth. John 17:17. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth. 19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. John 18:37. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? Rom. 2:2. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. .......... YOU MAY LIKE TO DO A BIBLE STUDY ON ALL THE ABOVE PASSAGES - READING THEM OUT LOUD - LET THEM SINK DEEP INTO YOUR HEART - MEDITATE ON THEM! .......... We know that Jesus said God's WORD was truth. We know Jesus promised that when the Spirit came it would GUIDE His disciples into ALL truth. Truth is not given in a few minutes or a few hours. When Paul was called and chosen to do the work of the Lord, he went away into arabia for about 3 years before returning to start preaching and teaching the Gospel (Gal.1). I'm sure he spent a lot of time in prayer and he was a student of the Lord. Truth is usually given to us over a period of time. As we study and are willing to be led by the Spirit, then more truth will be added, given to us. And God weighs the heart and mind and our efforts. Sometimes, maybe most of the time, truth is given after we have SEARCHED the Scriptures as those at Berea were willing to do when Paul and Silas preached among them (Acts 17). They are called "noble" - they were willing to spend much time in searching the Scriptures. It is sad to say, but today most who go under the name of "Christian" are spiritually LAZY Christians. They will read books and watch DVDs by the dozens of people saying they are the ministers of Christ. They will stand is some "awe" of preachers with DR in front of their name or PhD after their name, and read their books and watch their DVDS by the hours, BUT they will not read their Bibles. They will not SEARCH the Scriptures. They will not read the Bible from cover to cover. They do not have a burning desire to ask God for the truth, neither will they take the time to search for it. Paul was inspired to give a VERY BLUNT AND POWERFUL WARNING to those, especially in the end times when THE man of sin, THE false prophet of Revelation appears on the world scene, coming in the name of Christ, looking like a great shinning light of righteousness, but who will actually be AGAINST Christ - teaching and preaching false doctrines, that will lead tens of, nay, hundreds of millions, into DECEPTION and SIN! Paul gives a WARNING to those who will NOT love the truth, that they might be saved. And so God will send STRONG DELUSION on the earth, that they should believe a LIE. And so will be judged for not yearning for the truth, but have pleasure in UN-righteousness (2 Thes.2:7- 12). Righteousness is DEFINED by God, the Bible INTERPRETS itself! Righteousness is ALL OF GOD'S COMMANDMENTS - Psalm 119:172!! We shall in future studies come to the armor of righteousness - the breastplate of righteousness that goes around and over the heart. For now our attention must be "truth" - and God's WORD is truth. Make sure you are reading it, studying it, searching the Scriptures. Only by doing so will you be able to KNOW the truth and find who are the true servants of the Almighty God - who is by His very nature - TRUTH! ....................... Written during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, April 2009 To be continued The Armor of God to Battle Satan #2 The great Breastplate of Righteousness! In fighting the battle over Satan and the demons, the apostle Paul told us in Ephesians 6 to put on the whole armor of God. The second piece of armor he mentions is the "breastplate of righteousness." It is that which covers the heart, to protect the heart, to keep the heart safe. The "heart" is used in Scripture for the DEEP TRUE EMOTIONS that lead to LOVING God in spirit and in truth. We talk about the "heart strings" as like an instrument of strings played in a way that brings harmony and true love towards a person. Love songs are heart songs moving outwards in the right wave length towards whom we have a heart felt love for; could be boy-friend, girl-friend, wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, or a friend. It is the heart strings being plucked in the manner that produces real quality and real "daily action" of works towards the one that the heart has a deep love for. Paul calls this piece of armor that we need to fight Satan and evil, the "breastplate of righteousness." Most of us instinctively know that righteousness means "doing that which is right." But what is "right?" For some this may be right in their eyes, while to another person the same thing is "wrong." Humans on their own can make their own list of what is right and what is wrong. And of course many do, living to their own standard, and the attitude of "Well I see it this way" philosophy. But what does God say is His righteousness? Can we find "righteousness" for how a person should conduct their lives, in the Word of God. Yes we can! The Word of the Eternal is not interpreted by the ideas of men or women. The Word of the Lord, the holy Bible, INTERPRETS ITSELF! So here is just ONE clear teaching from God as to what is righteousness. Mark it in your bible, maybe put it in a yellow high-lighter. PSALM 119:172 says: "...For ALL THEY COMMANDMENTS ARE RIGHTEOUSNESS!" Now isn't that simple? No fancy theological degree needed here. It is explained is simple words that a child can understand. ALL of the commandments of the Lord are righteousness! Look at Psalm 111. "His work is honorable and glorious: and His RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURETH FOREVER ... The works of His hands are verity and judgment; ALL His COMMANDMENTS are SURE. They stand FAST FOR EVER AND EVER, and are done in TRUTH and uprightness" (verses 3-8). More on all this later but for now some human examples of "righteousness." Quote: (1) In the Antarctic summer of 1908-9, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted to travel to the South Pole from their winter quarters. They set off with four ponies to help carry the load. Weeks later, their ponies dead, rations all but exhausted, they turned back toward their base, their goal not accomplished. Altogether, they trekked 127 days. On the return journey, as Shackleton records in The Heart of the Antarctic, the time was spent talking about food-elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, sumptuous menus. As they staggered along, suf- fering from dysentery, not knowing whether they would survive, every waking hour was occupied with thoughts of eating. Jesus, who also knew the ravages of food deprivation, said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." We can understand Shackleton's obsession with food, which offers a glimpse of the passion Jesus intends for our quest for righteousness. (2) Good posture contributes to good health. That is what several studies and physicians suggest, says writer Brenda Kearns. "Poor posture can cause headaches," says back specialist Laura Fleck, M.D. "The problem is your head," says Kearns. "It weighs 20 pounds, and when it's hanging forward, it strains the muscle's that hold the neck vertebrae together." Dr.Fleck also says that "many patients with low back pain have it because of poor posture." A spine out of proper alignment adversely affects the spinal disks and overworks back muscles. Posture may have something to do with carpal tunnel syndrome. One study found that "women who practice good posture for most of their work day are four times less likely to get CTS. Chiropractors have long claimed that poor posture affects a person's blood pressure and heart rate by adversely affecting the nerves that run from the spine to the rest of the body. One of the visual words the Bible uses to describe a person of character is uprightness. Just as good physical posture contributes to health, so good spiritual posture - a righteous lifestyle - brings health to our spirit, soul, and body. From "750 Engaging Illustrations" by Craig Brian Larson. God gives us clear instruction on how to live UPRIGHT! It is all contained in His word, the laws and commandments of God are uprightness and righteousness! On the subject of self-righteousness, here is a classic: Quote: YEARS AGO Joe Bayly, the late Eternity magazine columnist, visited some German Christians who had been devoted soldiers in the German army during World War 11. Two of them had been put up for promotion to become second lieutenants in the Nazi army. The commandant told them he would approve the promotion on one condition: that they join the Officers' Club. Being a member of the club would require them to attend some weekend dances. These young men believed that dancing was wrong because it could lead to immorality. Because of their convictions, they turned down the promotion. Later in their military careers these same men were assigned to the death camps where thousands of Jews were stuffed into ovens and killed. Even though they did not directly participate in the slaughter, they knew what was going on. Yet they never voiced any protest. When Joe Bayly talked to them many years after the war, they looked back on their experiences with no regret, convinced that they had made right decisions. For them, not conforming to social pressure and refusing to dance was an act of righteousness. And conforming to patriotic mass murder and remaining silent while thousands of Jews burned in ovens left them with no feelings of unrighteousness. When we set our own standard of external righteousness, we are capable of any evil. When we are filled with His righteousness, no good is too great. - Haddon Robinson, "What Jesus Said about Successful Living" From the book "Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes." .......... The study of God's righteousness and commandments would be a study over many many hours, and really it is a life time study. But it is worth taking the time to use, say Strong's Concordance of the Bible and look up the passages where the word "righteous" or "righteousness" and "commandments" are used. Nave's Topical Bible has page after page after page, on the subject of "righteous/righteousness." FOLLOWING IS JUST A SAMPLE Ps.24:3-5. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his life to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of our salvation." Ps.106:3. "Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times." Prov.2:7. "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." Prov.10:2. "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death." Prov.11:19. "As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursues evil pursues to his own death." Prov.12:28. "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." Prov.13:6. "Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way.: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner." Dan.12:3. "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Mat.5:20. "For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter the Kingdom of heaven." Mat.19:17. "....but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments." John 14:21. "He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of the Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." Rom.8:4. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.14:17. "For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." Eph.5:9. "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." Phil.1:11. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Phil.2:13. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." 2 Tim.2:22. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." James 3:18. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." 1 Peter 3:14. "But if you suffer for righteousness' safe, happy are you." 1 John 2:3-6. "And hereby we do know that we known Him, if we keep His commandments. He that sayeth he knows Him and keep not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whosoever keeps His word, in him truly is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that says he abides in Him so ought himself to walk." 1 John 3:7. "He that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." 1 John 5:3. "For this is the love of God: that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous." .......... For those who are reading their Bible from cover to cover, they cannot but see that the COMMANDMENTS of God are RIGHTEOUSNESS. And that the TEN COMMANDMENTS have NEVER been "done away with" as false prophets like to claim. Yes, NOT ONE of the Ten Commandments have EVER been abolished or changed. The FOURTH commandment is still part of the ten. It is there, every word of it, as found in Exodus 20. The Sabbath Day command is STILL a command of the Lord! And that command is still the SEVENTH day of the week, not the first, or the fifth, or any day you like to choose. The holy Sabbath day is still the 7th day of the week. My past co-worker in the Lord's work - Jesse - has written about the value of the Ten Commandments. Her Website can be found on my Website. My co-worker - Tara - is presently writing about the Ten Commandments. It will be very in-depth, and right up in line with today's world. It may not be finished and published on her Website for another year, but when finished I will certainly let you know. The question is: Does YOUR heart love, play the tune of, the melody of the song that sings the praises of the righteousness and commandments of God? Then, just as important, does your LIFE follow the footsteps of our Lord and Savior. You have the four Gospels to read about and see the life of Christ Jesus. Does your heart ever see that the righteousness of man-made religions, even with the banner of "Christian" over them, is today FAR from the Christianity of Jesus and the apostles? Does your heart earnestly seek for the faith once delivered to the saints. Does it cry out for the righteousness of God, not some "Jewish" roots righteousness, that is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Not some Roman Catholic rites righteousness that has twisted and perverted the true Gospel of Christ. Not some various forms of Pro-testant churches, which carry many of their mother church doctrines and practices. Do you hunger and thirst after the righteousness which is from God, pure and clean, right from His Word the Bible. Do not think that I teach a salvation by works. Nothing could be further from the truth. You need to fully and truly come to understand what being saved by grace means. You need to make sure you study my study called "Saved by Grace" on this Website. But with that said, your Bible teaches in no uncertain way, that you are to love and follow, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the commandments and righteousness of God. If your heart is covered by the breastplate of righteousness, the fiery darts of the wicked one will never cut through to stop your heart- strings beating the love melody towards your God and His son Christ Jesus. ....................... To be continued The Armor of God to Battle Satan #3 Feet and Life shod with Peace "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph.6:15). There is a two fold aspect of the peace of God. One is for the here and now, the inner peace of the Christian heart, being at-one with the Father and Christ. The peace that comes from knowing you are a child of the Father, that you are reconciled to the Father through the blood and life of Christ, who came that we might have saving peace from sin and death, and new life in Him. Then there is the peace that is promised in the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God on earth, where peace will reign supreme, where there will be no more war, where nations will not even learn war any more, when even the nature of animals will be changed, so the lion can dwell with the lamb and a little child will play with them. It is the peace foretold by all the prophets, for the whole world, when the Messiah will come in glory to be King of kings and Lord of Lords. All of that peace is expounded in full detail in the studies of the Old Testament prophets, on this Website. Both themes of peace are to be the Christian's walking shoes. We wear those shoes each day, we long to proclaim that two sided coin of peace to the whole world. It is a wonderful peace to share with others. It should be a part of our joy, each day, each week, each month, each year, to do what we can to teach and preach this peace. We do it in the calling we are given, and for most Christians that is in LIVING peace, PRAYING for peace, and SUPPORTING the efforts of the proclamation of peace by the Church of God and its ministry. Here are some "nuggets" on the topic of peace——- The Age of Anxiety A wife called the doctor one morning, saying, "Doctor, come quick! It's my husband!" "What's the matter?" he calmly replied. "Well, he got up this morning and took his vitamin pill. Then he took his appetite suppressant, his anti-depressant, and his tranquilizer. He also took an antihistamine and some Benzedrine. Then he lit a cigarette, and there was this explosion!" ...... A ship was wrecked in a furious storm and the only survivor was a little boy who was swept by the waves onto a rock. He sat there all night long until, the next morning, he was spotted and rescued. "Did you tremble while you were on the rock during the night?" someone later asked him. "Yes," said the boy. "I trembled all night-but the rock didn't." ....... Thomas Watson The Puritan Thomas Watson put it this way: God the Son was called the Prince of Peace. He came into the world with a song of peace: "On earth peace...... He went out of the world with a legacy of peace, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." Christ's earnest prayer was for peace; He prayed that His people might be one. Christ not only prayed for peace, but bled for peace: "Having made peace through the blood of His cross." He died not only to make peace between God and man, but between man and man. Christ suffered on the cross, that He might cement Christians together with His blood, as He prayed for peace, so He PAID for peace. ...... (You may like to study my study on Ephesians 2:14 and Colossians 2:14, which expounds the context of these two often misunderstood and twisted passages to the destruction of many. They will make plain to you the peace which Christ brought to those called and chosen to be the children of God. The study of those two section of New Testament Scripture is on this Website - Keith Hunt)  ...... Like a Cyclone F.B.Meyer describes the Christ-life as: A rest which is full of work, but like the cyclone, all the atoms of which revolve in turbulent motion around the central cavity of rest, so do all the activities of God revolve around His deepest heart which is tranquil and serene. And so it is possible, if you and I learn the lesson amid anxiety and sorrow and trial and pressure of work, always to carry a heart so peaceful, so still, so serene as to be like the depth of the Atlantic which is not disturbed by the turbulent winds that sweep its surface.  ...... An Old Poem In the center of the whirlpool, while the waters rush around, There's a space of perfect stillness, though with turmoil it is bound; All is calm, and all is quiet, scarcely e'en a sense of sound. So with us - despite the conflict - when in Christ His peace is found. ...... In Acceptance Lieth Peace He said, "I will forget the dying faces; The empty places, They shall be filled again. O voices moaning deep within me, cease." But vain the word; vain, vain: Not in forgetting lieth peace. He said, "I will crowd action upon action, The strife of faction Shall stir me and sustain; O tears that drown the fire of manhood cease." But vain the word; vain, vain: Not in endeavor lieth peace. He said, "I will withdraw me and be quiet, Why meddle in life's riot? Shut be my door to pain. Desire, thou dost befool me, thou shalt cease." But vain the word; vain, vain:" Not in aloofness lieth peace. He said, "I will submit; I am defeated. God hath depleted My life of its rich gain. O futile murmurings, why will ye not cease?" But vain the word; vain, vain:" Not in submission lieth peace. He said, "I will accept the breaking sorrow Which God to-morrow Will to His son explain." Then did the turmoil deep within him cease. Not vain the word, not vain; For in Acceptance lieth peace. Amy Carmichael, "Toward Jerusalem" ...... Spiritual Retreat This was my calculated plan: I would set aside my usual schedule - The menial tasks that wedge in routinely. In the peace and quiet of my living room I would relax in Your glorious presence. How joyfully I envisioned the hours - My personal spiritual retreat! With Bible and notebook beside me I would study and meditate - I would intercede for the needy world. But how differently it happened, Lord: Never has the phone rung so persistently. Sudden emergencies kept pouring in Like summer cloudbursts. My husband came home ill. There were appointments to cancel Plans to rearrange. The mailman brought two disturbing letters A cousin whose name I couldn't remember Stopped by on her way through town. My morning elation became drooping deflation. And yet, dear Lord, You were with me in it all! I sense Your vital presence Your sure and steady guidance. Not once did you leave me stranded. Perhaps, in Your great wisdom You longed to teach me a practical truth: When You are my Spiritual Retreat I need not be a spiritual recluse. Ruth Harms Calkin, "Lord, You Love to Say Yes"  ...... PEACE IS THE BRIEF GLORIOUS MOMENT in history when everybody stands around reloading. Lloyd Cory, "Quote Unquote" ...... Lord, keep me still, Though stormy waves may blow And waves my little bark may overflow, Or even if in darkness I must go; Lord, keep me still. The waves are in Thy hand, The roughest seas subside at Thy command. Steer Thou my bark in safety to the land And keep me still, Keep me still. Author unknown, quoted in Al Bryant, "Sourcebook of Poetry" ...... PEACE is that calm of mind that is not ruffled by adversity, overclouded by a remorseful conscience, or disturbed by fear. ...... HORATIO SPAFFORD, a businessman in Chicago, sent his wife and three daughters to Europe by ship while he remained back in the States, intending to join them later. En route there was a terrible storm and a shipwreck during which their three daughters drowned. Mrs. Spafford made it to safety and wired back saying, "All of our daughters have been lost. Only I have been saved." He took the next vessel. As they came near the place where his daughters drowned, the skipper of the ship pointed to the place where the other ship had gone down. It was there on the deck of the ship he wrote these stirring words: When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well, with my soul." John Haggai, "How to Win over Worry" ...... Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. Oh, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying that we are born to eternal life! Francis of Assisi ...... THE TIME HAS COME for me to reorganize my life, my peace - I cry out. I cannot adjust my life to secure any fruitful peace. Here I am at sixty-four, still seeking peace. It is a hopeless dream. H.G.Wells ...... WASHINGTON has a large assortments of peace monuments. We build one after every war. Don MacLean in Lloyd Cory, "Quote Unquote" ...... ......  The above nuggets on peace were taken from "Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations" and "Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes" by Robert J. Morgan. ......  YOU MAY LIKE TO STUDY MY ARTICLE CALLED "BEING A PEACEMAKER" - IT'S ON THIS WEBSITE - Keith Hunt ...... EXAMPLES OF PEACE By Abraham - Gen.13:8,9 Abimelech - Gen.26:29 Mordecai - Esth.10:13 David - Ps.120:7 MANY SCRIPTURES PROCLAIM AND ADMONISH PEACE Here are some of the PERSONAL ones: Ps.34:14 "seek peace, and pursue it." Psa.37:37. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." Psa.85:8. "I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints." Psa.119:165. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Prov.12:20 "To the counsellors of peace is joy." Prov.15:17 "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Prov.16:7 "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Prov.17:1. "Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." Prov.20:3. "It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling." Eccl.4:6. "Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit." Isa.26:3. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. " Isa. 27:5. "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." Isa.32:17. "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever, 18. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isa.48:18. "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isa.53:5. "The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Zech.8:19. "Love the truth and peace." Matt.5:9. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matt.10:21. "And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 34. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." Mark 9:50. "Have peace one with another." Luke 1:79. "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 16:33. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." John 20:19. "Then the same day at evening, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." Acts 10:36. "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ." Rom.2:10. "Glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile." Rom.5:1. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom.8:6. "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." Rom.10:15. "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!'" Rom.12:18. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Rom.14:17. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Rom.14:19. "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." 1 Cor.14:33. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 2 Cor.13:11. "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace." Gal.5:22 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace." Eh.2:14. "For he is our peace, who bath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace, 16. and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. Eph.4:3. "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Col.1:20. "And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself." 1 Thess.5:13. "Be at peace among yourselves." 1 Tim.2:2. "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 2 Tim.2:22. Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Heb.12:14. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Jas.3:17. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." 1 Pet.3:10. "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11. Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." ……………….. IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO, MAKE SURE YOU STUDY MY STUDIES ON THIS WEBSITE CALLED "BEING A PEACEMAKER" AND "EPH.2:15 - COL.2:14." ……………………….. Keith Hunt (written during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, April, 2009) To be continued