The Normal Christian Life

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

The Normal Christian Life 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

In July 2001 I wrote and self-published through a commercial book printer a book titled, "A Sure Foundation." Among other things that book included chapters on "Ye Must Be Born Again," "Baptism in Water." "Pentecost." "Receive Ye the Holy Ghost," and "After Pentecost, What Then?" In January 2014 I revised a few parts of that book; in July 2018 I also revised a few parts of that book. It is certainly possible that I may revise that book again sometime in the future. The reason for the revisions is that the Holy Spirit has sharpened my understanding of His word over time. I fully understand that I know only in part and that I am still rather ignorant of much of Scripture. Therefore I make no claim that everything in this word is absolute truth. This word simply reflects my understanding at this point in time. The reader also has a responsibility.

These [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11

How many of us believers search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so? Or have we built here three tabernacles based on what we have believed for years? The traditions of (Christian) man have very deep and strong roots.

After the day of Pentecost and the days and years of the early Church as recorded in the Book of Acts, there was a gradual decline in the understanding and operation of the true Church on earth. A good example of that can be found by looking at the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul as recorded in his epistles and the Book of Acts. I doubt that there has ever been a better teacher than Paul (except Jesus, of course) of the Christian life, practice, and doctrine. Scripture indicates that Paul spent three years teaching in Ephesus. In Acts, Chapter 20, Paul states that he had not shunned to declare unto the elders of the church at Ephesus "all the counsel of God." What an amazing statement! Paul also exhorted the Ephesian elders to remember that for the space of three years he ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears that after his departure, grievous wolves would enter into the church and that some within their own local church would speak perverse things and draw away disciples after them. That was exactly what happened, because in the space of only 30-35 years (one generation) the church at Ephesus had left their first love.

The decline of the Church continued around 310 A.D. under the "first Christian Roman Emperor," Constantine, who basically merged church and state. Mixture always dilutes the life of Christian believers. Then a demographic, cultural, and economic deterioration occurred in Western Europe following the decline of the Roman Empire. Then came the Dark Ages, sometimes called the "Devil's Millennium," from about the fifth through the fifteenth centuries A.D. This was followed in the sixteenth century by the Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther and many others. Since that time, Church history, concerning which I know comparatively little, gives clear evidence of what I call "progressive revelation." God has been gradually restoring the truths concerning Himself and His word. One such truth that the Holy Spirit is beginning to restore is the tremendous significance and provision of water baptism. The significance of a person being baptized in water is much more than simply what every good person should do before or after "joining" a church.

As a generality, whenever we want to understand the meaning or significance of any Scriptural topic which is not explicitly defined or stated in the Bible, two general methods are appropriate. The first is to look at the life of Jesus and His teachings as recorded in the New Testament. Few people who profess to be Christians would doubt that we should "be (or become) like Jesus." The second approach is to look at the first time the topic is mentioned in the Bible. Those two approaches are not necessarily unrelated.

Any decent psychology book will state that learning is enhanced by the use of more than one of our natural senses. Derek Prince, an outstanding 20th century Christian teacher, once said that from his experience children remember 40% of what they hear, 60% of what they hear and see, and 80% of what they hear, see, and act out or do. The Apostle Paul was an outstanding teacher who followed that principle.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9

James said the same thing


22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:22-25

However, when James exhorts us to be doers of the word (and work), he means that we should walk in the works that have been foreordained for us before the foundation of the world ... works of the Spirit and not "good" works of the flesh. From Verses 23 and 24, if we are only hearers of the word, then we are beholding ourselves rather than the glory of the Lord. Note in Verse 25 that we should look (see), hear, and walk in (do) the perfect law of liberty. We walk in the perfect law of liberty when we continually obey the Lord.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 3:18

That means that it is not sufficient to go to conferences and listen to the "big names" teach and preach, even if they speak 100% truth (which is rare). That is what happened in the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts. The believers in Jerusalem loved to hear the apostles teach. But the Lord would have none of that ... Christianity was never meant to be a "spectator" religion just to make believers feel happy. So He allowed persecution to arise upon the believers in Jerusalem.

1 ... And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 

Acts 8:1b, 3-4

Neither is it sufficient to listen to wonderful Christian songs at musical conferences or in churches. I sometimes listen on the internet to some beautiful, emotionally-stirring, inspiring Christian songs. One (of many) such emotionally-stirring songs is "I Sing Praises to Your Name, Oh Lord" by Terry Macalmon at a Benny Hinn crusade in Shreveport, Louisiana in 2001 before 15,000 people, presumably all professing Christians, a full 50-piece orchestra, and a 150-person choir. The words to the song are scripturally sound, the music is superb, and from many random pictures of the 15,000 present, the believers all seem to be very sincere. However, when I first listened and saw the video on the internet, the Lord quickened to me that if all those 15,000 believers were walking with the Lord in the manner which He intends, then the devastating hurricane Katrina would never have hit New Orleans or Louisiana in August, 2005. Katrina was an extremely destructive and deadly category 5 hurricane that caused catastrophic damage of some 125 billion dollars and claimed the lives of at least 1,800 people. According to FEMA, Katrina was, "the single most catastrophic natural disaster in US history."

When our beliefs are based on feelings and emotions more than the truth of Scripture it can lead to discouragement. People can be left asking: "Why don't I feel like I did previously?" They might even conclude



(missing pages 3 and 4)



It is a marvelous gift of grace that, "Unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given" (Isaiah 9:6). That is called amazing grace! No doubt many believers have written many articles and books about the grace of God, for that is an inexhaustible expression of God towards us.

However, we need to remember that Scripture is very orderly. The word, "purpose" appears before the word "grace." Therefore we can say that His purpose may be even greater than His grace. He has saved us (by His grace) and called us with a holy calling according to His own purpose. We have not been saved for our pleasure, not for our benefit, not so we can be blessed, not for our prosperity on earth, not for our purposes, not for our comfort, not so that we can go to heaven one day. We have been saved for His purpose. Any other reason for our salvation misses the mark.

Therefore, it is imperative that we understand and cooperate with His purpose for us. Scripturally, God first created the world (Genesis 1:1); then he created angels. When Lucifer rebelled against God and fell from grace, he was cast out (Isaiah 14:12) along with a third of the angels that Lucifer had deceived (Jude 6 and Revelation 12:4). At that point, the earth became a "wreck and a ruin." The earth became "without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep" (Genesis 1:2). The earth always reflects the spiritual status of that which God creates. When angels or man are obedient to God, the earth flourishes; when angels or man are disobedient, the earth reflects that disobedience.

Then, as recorded in Genesis, beginning with Genesis 1:2b, God created the earth and all therein once more. It began when the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:27 speaks of when God created man. Our question is, "Why did God create man?" What was God's purpose for creating man? Of course we are told in Genesis 1:26 that man was to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (but not over other men). We also know that man disobeyed God (Genesis 3) and was banished from the garden of Eden. In the process, man forfeited his right to dominion on the earth. Man also lost the covering of the glory of God; instead he received the covering of skin (not animal skins) which all humans have. But God had an additional purpose for man, which we will attempt to express shortly.

However we must remember that God is omniscient. He lives in eternity. He knows what we will have for breakfast tomorrow (if anything) even though we do not know until tomorrow comes. God lives in the eternal "now." God therefore knew that the first Adam would sin. God never had a "backup" plan; He never had a "Plan B" in case man was disobedient. Was it God's will for the first Adam to sin? No! But He knew what the first Adam would do.

Let us consider the relationship of God the Father and God the Son.

16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17

For it pleased the Father that in Him [in Christ] should all fulness dwell;  

Colossians 1:19

The Father had so much pleasure in the Son that He desired to have many sons. God's purpose in creating man was to have many sons with whom He could have fellowship.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Romans 8:19

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

What has always been God's method of bringing many sons to glory? Suffering.

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

Why did God create angels? to minister unto His sons (Hebrews 1:14). Apparently Lucifer rebelled against the thought of being a servant to God and man. But the Man, Jesus, came to earth as a servant. The prophet Isaiah said,

1 Behold My Servant, Whom I uphold; Mine elect, in Whom My soul delighteth; I have put My spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law.

5 Thus saith God the LORD, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.

9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:1-9

Please note that in the first four verses above, the judgment of God is spoken of three times. We believers like all of the smooth-sounding words, but we must remember that,

And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

18 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:17-19

All believers are likewise called to be servants, doing everything as unto the Lord.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Matthew 10:24-25

Verse 25 is a profound statement with astonishing implications. Jesus said that "they" will call us Beelzebub much more than they called Jesus by that name. Who are "they?" the chosen people of God. (Think about that!)

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him.

13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalm 55:12-14

Have we, you and I, ever been called Beelzebub? Jesus said, 

"Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). 

Is it possible that we have watered down the gospel of the kingdom of God to make it more palatable to men?

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Matthew 10:24 is very clear that no believer will ever be above the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord said (in Isaiah 42:8, above) that He will never give His glory to another. But He will share that glory. If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). To him that overcometh will the Lord grant to sit with Him in His throne (Revelation 3:21).

We need to be careful here. For we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God. Descendants of the first Adam will never inherit anything. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. There is none righteous, no, not one. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. They that are in the flesh cannot please God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

So we live by His faith, not by our faith. If we try to live by our faith in Him, that becomes works, by which no man can be saved.

The Father always had in His master plan that the last Adam would have dominion over all. Calvary was never an afterthought or backup contingency. No man, except the Man Christ Jesus, could ever keep the law. Likewise no man, except Christ Jesus, can ever live the Christian life. Anything that focuses on the first Adam, the flesh and blood human being, misses the mark. That is one reason why Paul wrote the Book of Galatians.

It is safe to say that it was never God's purpose to create man, save him, and make him "better" or more like Jesus. Anything that emphasizes man is off-center. We need to be very careful not to worship the creature more than the Creator. Whenever man corrupts that which God has done, God never makes that thing "better." Rather He replaces that corrupt thing. The Book of Hebrews has many examples of that truth: the law and grace; the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek; animal sacrifice and the sinless sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary, the old covenant and the new covenant, the first Adam and the last Adam.

Christ in you, the hope of glory. Nothing must be of me. Everything must be of Christ.

For it pleased the Father that in Him [in Christ] should all fullness dwell. 

Colossians 1:19

His purpose was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9

That means that His purpose was given in Christ before He created man. Selah.

Chapter 3 

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Timothy 1:6-10

In Verse 9, note that we have been saved and called with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace. Note also that His purpose and grace for us was given in Christ Jesus before the world began. There is no purpose for us outside of Christ. Therefore we need to understand what His purpose is for us in Christ. Note also that His purpose for man is in Christ Jesus, not in Jesus Christ. Whenever we read "Jesus Christ" or "Christ Jesus," the former name is emphatic by its position; the second is explanatory. In the Gospels "Jesus Christ" refers to Jesus the Messiah; in the Epistles it means Jesus Who humbled Himself to come to earth as a Man and Who died on the cross. Christ Jesus is the converse of Jesus Christ and denotes the now exalted One, Who now sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father.

The word "abolished" in Verse 10 means to nullify, to make ineffective, do away with, cause to cease, or bring to naught. The word "immortality" in Verse 10 (which is aphtharsia in the Greek), should more properly be translated as incorruptibility or incorruption. (Another Greek word, athanasia, is always translated as immortality.) The English word "immortality" usually carries with it a sense of everlasting life. But the word "incorruptibility" clearly means much more than simply eternal existence. The Bible teaches the survival of all after physical death ... that all have to stand before the judgment seat after death. The word "incorruptibility" is used in connection with God, the Lord Jesus, the blood of Christ, and the glorified bodies of believers, as follows.

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 

Romans 1:23

Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 2:27

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 Peter 1:18-19

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have out on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54

Finally, it is used by Paul in relation to an incorruptible crown. A crown in Scripture signifies what we have become in Christ. A number of years ago I heard a "big-name" television evangelist say that one day he will wear a literal, physical robe and a literal physical crown on his head. He is in for a big surprise! A corruptible crown is something that fades and dies, completely disintegrates, and becomes something just the opposite of glorious. An incorruptible crown means more than just survival; it has an extra element in it. Paul said,

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25

What is the incorruptible crown that Paul speaks of in the above verse? a crown of righteousness.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith;

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love [or hath loved] His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

In both the Hebrew and Greek languages, the word translated as righteousness means the act of doing what is in agreement with God's standards or the state of being in proper relationship with God. The importance of righteousness can never be overstated; it is foundational to our walk with God. It is not our purpose here to speak about righteousness, but if you check the Scripture, you will always find righteousness at the first of the list.

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

More importantly, Christ is our righteousness. Outside of Christ there is no righteousness at all! (See, for example, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, and Hebrews 7:2.)

An incorruptible crown also signifies a crown of life. Jesus, of course, said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. James 1:12

Finally, if we remain faithful to the end, we shall receive a crown of glory.

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:1-4 

Note the conditions attached in each of the three cases (a crown of righteousness, a crown of life, and a crown of glory). The promises are not automatic just because we are born again. The Lord said that, "My glory I will not give to another" (Isaiah 48:11). However, by the grace of God, He will share His righteousness, His life, and His glory with us, but it is by no means automatic. Marvelous!

As an interesting, but very important, aside, the three crowns (righteousness, life, and glory) are found in the three levels of Christian doctrine, found in the books of Romans, Ephesians, and Thessalonians, and in that same order. Perhaps more on this in a later word.

Returning to 2 Timothy 1:10, Jesus Christ abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through the gospel. That speaks of the quality of the life, the inherent and intrinsic nature of the life that He has brought to light, that which is incorruptible. He annulled death, not just only non-existence, but destroyed the essential nature of death, which is corruption. Life and incorruption are not two things, but one thing. Incorruption is the nature of the life.

While Jesus was/is the Son of God, and thus fundamentally different from us as regards Deity and Godhead, the New Testament makes it unmistakably clear that the features of an incorruptible life are to be reproduced and to reappear in His people; not the features of Deity or Godhead, but the features or inherent nature of His life.

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Timothy 1:10

In the above verse, what is brought to light? Just certain facts? Of course not! The incorruptible values and features and characteristics of Jesus Christ as the Son of Man are to become ours and are to be as true of us as of Him! Therefore it follows that our effectiveness will correspond to the measure in which there are the incorruptible values of Christ in our life. This effectiveness will be reflected in our life, our ministry or work, in our worship, and in everything that touches us.

Chapter 4

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him Who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Paul calls Timothy his "son." When Paul wrote the two epistles to Timothy, Timothy was about 48 years old.

Chapter 5

The most prominent feature of this Epistle, which is the last known epistle that Paul wrote, is the church's departure from the truth (2 Timothy 1:15, 2:17; 3:8; and 4:4). But the Holy Spirit through Paul warns of even worse days to come. Many lovely believers are unaware that we are now living in those worse days.

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

2 Timothy 3:1-7

In Verse 1, "perilous" means hard, difficult, dangerous, fierce, or furious. The only other time that this Greek word appears in the New Testament is in Matthew 8:28 where it describes two possessed with devils as being exceeding fierce. Paul said "the last days" were in his time. How much more are we now living in the last days? As a generality, "the last days" refers to the days prior to the second coming of the Lord.

In Verse 2, "men" refers to human beings, not simply males. But to which men does Paul refer? Certainly that applies to heathens ... those who do not know the Lord as their Savior. But we are persuaded that Paul is referring to Christians, both then and now. Otherwise it is like saying one plus one equals two. "Lovers of their own selves" can be translated as selfish ... what is in this Christianity for me? Salvation for me, baptism in the Holy Ghost for me, gifts for me, ministry for me, blessings for me, healing for me, deliverance for me, prosperity for me, and heaven for me after I leave this earth. Who is jealous and zealous only for what the Lord receives? What if I never receive anything? Will I still serve the Lord? Forty-some years ago I heard a woman say that in our home. She thought she had committed the "unpardonable sin." But she said, "Even though I am cut off from the Lord forever and will never go to heaven, I am still going to serve Him on earth." That is what I call commitment!

"Covetous" means fond of money or avaricious. Are there any believers today who are overly concerned about money and what it can buy? Jesus said,

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:25-34

Have times changed? Do those verses still apply today?

Back in 2 Timothy 3:2, a "boaster" is one who brags on himself ... on what he has done or become. I went (once only) to a meeting of a charismatic church (?) of about 300 where the pastor said four or five times during the course of his message, "Boy, I sure am preaching a good word today, right?" "Proud" means appearing (in ones eyes) above others. A proud man commonly is also a boaster. God hates the pride of man.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

A blasphemer is one who is irreverent against God. Disobedient to parents needs no explanation but needs much attention. Scripture says that even Jesus was subject to His parents (Luke 2:51). Could "without natural affection" also refer to homosexuality?

Too many lovely believers are lovers of their own selves (but would deny that vigorously), lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (how much time do we devote to pleasures?), and have a form of godliness but deny (do not allow) the power thereof. We live in an age of words. We quickly learn to say all the right words. But the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Where is the power manifested in the Church today? There is no manifest power outside of the kingdom of God.

Can any of us say that none of the things in 2 Timothy 3:2-6 apply to me? We all need to be rather careful here. Peter, before Pentecost, three times denied the Lord, after he vigorously denied that he would ever do such a thing. The important aspect is our heart ... our attitude.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 

1 Corinthians 10:12

Could this be part of what Paul referred to when he said, "Let a man examine himself ..."?
1 Corinthians 11:28

When Jesus, at what men call the last supper, told His 12 disciples that one of them would betray Him, they one by one said, "Lord, is it I?" (Mark14:19). That attitude is quite opposite from the attitude of, "Well it is not me; that doesn't apply to me." That last attitude borders on pride. Also,

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

Unfortunately many leaders in the Church do not know the difference between being saved and going to heaven one day on the one hand and the kingdom of God on the other hand. They are not the same. Dozens of Scriptures attest to that fact. The Church at Corinth, as recorded in 1 Corinthians is a prime example of those who were born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit, had every gift in operation, but were carnal and not at all walking in the kingdom of God, where the will of God is always done.

Listen to Paul's exhortation, his last words, to Timothy.

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

In Verse 3, who is "they?" Clearly it speaks of real believers, even some who are baptized in the Holy Ghost. From Verse 3, that time has already come. The first thing that Paul exhorted Timothy to do was to preach the word. One problem today is that very few preachers know what "the word" really is. Sound doctrine is rarely preached. Perhaps the predominant "gospel" today is the "me-centered gospel," which emphasizes all of the goodies we "get" when we accept Jesus as our Savior. The false faith and prosperity "gospel" has deceived many because it sounds so good to the flesh. Rat poison is 99% pure wheat; it is the other 1% that gets you. Frequently, what is married to that false gospel is "sow a seed" (of your money, to the preacher) and you will get back 100 fold. How tragic! And how absurd! Yet far too many fall for that tactic, which is at best a half-truth.

Please read again Verse 2, above. Paul told Timothy (and us) to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Did Paul mean what he said? Absolutely! Some may say that God is love and God loves us. True, but God is also a God of judgment. Why don't we just preach and prophesy smooth things, which tickle the ears of the flesh? That way we can keep everybody happy, maintain the status quo, keep the money coming in, etc. Why don't we just preach "all is well?" That is what some preachers say. There are only two times in the Bible that someone said, "All is well." The first is when Gehazi, Elisha's servant, asked for something material for himself from Naaman (not a good request). The second time is recorded in 2 Samuel 18:28, when Ahimaaz brought that message of "All is well" to David. Ahimaaz means "brother of closed eyes." Ahimaaz had seen nothing; he had heard that Absalom had been killed by Joab's men. But Ahimaaz had nothing to say. He just assumed that David would be pleased that Absalom, the usurper, had been killed. To David, all was certainly not well.

The nature of man has not changed. The nature of God's people has never changed. God has not changed and never will. Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, and forever. Therefore what we read in 2 Timothy (and in all of Scripture) is just as pertinent and just as true, and just as applicable to God's people today as it has been for 6000 years.

Paul said, "I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). Do you think that Paul was boasting or bragging or tooting his own horn when he said that he had not shunned to declare to the Church all the counsel of God? Not me. I believe Paul meant that he had not shunned to declare all the counsel of God that he had received. No one can do anything more or less. Only God knows all the counsel of God.

I believe it is time, and past time, that preachers today no longer shun to declare to God's people all the counsel of God. Of course that assumes that preachers know what all the counsel of God really is. Is it possible to declare all the counsel of God in the right Spirit, in love, and with all wisdom and revelation knowledge? We believe the answer is, "Yes!" It is much too late to keep declaring only the milk of the word. The time is shorter than we think. It is time to set aside all the traditions of men. Jesus said that "We make the word of God of none effect through our traditions" (Mark 7:13). Even the great apostle Paul, before his sovereign encounter with the Lord, said that he "profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers" (Galatians 1:14). The traditions of men is a hard nut to crack because we grow up in a church environment and just assume that what we have been taught is the true word of God. Scripturally, historically, and experientially, that is just not true. I could give several examples of what we were taught by good, reasonably mature men of God, but which the Lord made very clear later that it was just not the truth. That is called progressive revelation.

None of us can claim to know "all the counsel of God," far from it. We are all imperfect beings who live in an imperfect world. We see in part and we know in part and we understand in part.

Paul said, "He put me into the ministry" (1 Timothy 1:12; Acts 1:17, 25; Acts 20:24). I have no ministry; neither do you. It is all His ministry. Believers come and go, but the ministry continues forever because it is all His ministry and He lives in eternity. Paul said, "Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16). Hezekiah said something similar (Psalm 120:5); so did Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5); so did Micah (Micah 7:1). Jeremiah said, "Woe is me," at least four times (Jeremiah 4:31, 10:19, 15:10, 45:3). The great message preached by all of the prophets in Scripture is the judgment of God unless His people repent, but the blessings of God if His people do repent. Repentance includes far more as applied to a Spirit-filled believer than just repenting of any act or thought of omission or commission (more specifics on that later).

A careful reading of all the "Old Testament" prophets clearly shows that they had some hard words to say to God's people at times, but it was born out of a great love for His people and directed by the Lord Himself. It was born out of a great desire that the people of God not destroy themselves on any lower-level goal than that which has always been God's original purpose and plan for His people. And God's plan and purpose for man has never changed, no, not from before the foundation of the world (much more on that later). All of the bygone prophets were generally the greatest intercessors ... men like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Paul. They all identified with God's ultimate intention and they all also identified with God's people.

The question for all of us is, Who really desires to identify with God's eternal purpose for man and who wants to cooperate with the moving of the Holy Spirit such that His will might be completely consummated? In order to identify with His eternal purpose, we must first of all know what that purpose is and always has been, even before the foundation of the world. We must know and understand God's eternal purpose for creating man. We must also understand that Calvary never was an afterthought. Then we must ask for His grace and mercy; we must cry out to Him for help ... help that we all might be able, like Paul, to finish our course with joy; to fulfill the ministry for which we were created; to cooperate with Him so that His kingdom come, His will be done, and His power and glory be manifested throughout all the earth. Selah.

Chapter 6

Unlike the Epistle of 1 Timothy, which primarily concerns instructions concerning the church, the Book of 2 Timothy is primarily directed to Timothy, the bishop of the Church at Ephesus at the time of the writing. This Book is oriented toward Timothy personally and is therefore directed to those whom God sets in leadership positions in the Church for their own encouragement and exhortation. However, this book also applies to every believer.

In 2 Timothy 1:2, Paul sends grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. It is well known that Paul speaks "grace and peace" to the churches in his epistles but includes the word, "mercy," to individuals, such as Timothy and Titus. All of us, as individuals, need the mercy of God. Note that Paul does not send anything from himself. How can Paul send grace, mercy, and peace from God to Timothy? because he was in constant touch with the mind of God. Paul goes on the encourage and exhort Timothy to:

• stir up the gift of God within him (within Timothy) (1:6) 
• be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (1:8) 
• be not ashamed of Paul, the prisoner of the Lord (1:8) 
• be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God (1:8) 
• hold fast the form of sound words which he has heard from Paul (1:13) 
• be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2:1)
• commit to faithful men that which he has heard from Paul, so that they likewise may be able to teach others also (2:2) 
• endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2:3) 
• do not be entangled with the affairs of this life, so that he may please the Lord (2:4) 
• consider what Paul says, and may the Lord give him understanding in all things (2:7) 
• remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to Paul's gospel (2:8) 
• put the church in remembrance of these things (2:14) 
• charge the saints before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers (2:14) 
• study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth (2:15) 
• shun profane and vain babblings (2:16) 
• flee youthful lusts, follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace (2:22) 
• avoid foolish and unlearned questions (2:23) 
• never strive, but be gentle to all men (2:24)
• be apt to teach and patient (2:24) 
• in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves (2:25) 
• continue in those things that he has learned and been assured of (3:14) 
• remember that all scripture is given by inspiration of God; and that it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (3:15) 
• preach the Word (4:1)
• be instant in season and out of season (4:1)
• reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (4:1)
• watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of his ministry (4:5) 

But Paul only encourages Timothy to do what he, Paul, has done all his life after the Lord sovereignly apprehended him. Paul not only teaches Timothy (and us) through his word (which is in reality the word of the Lord) but more importantly through his life, his actions. Faith without works is dead. But the works can never be the works of man, not even a godly man; they must be the works of God.

With all the exhortations and instructions related to his work as a minister of the gospel of Christ, an appropriate theme for this epistle therefore might be: "Fulfill Your Ministry." Note that 2 Timothy 4:5 is essentially the last word of exhortation to Timothy (and to us). Perhaps a better way to put that is to fulfill the ministry that the Lord put you into. That implies that we know what our ministry actually is.

Potential Snares and Hindrances to Maturity in the Body of Christ

Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.

Potential Snares and Hindrances to Maturity in the Body of Christ 

In loving memory of my father
Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett
July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023

2/9/23

In our message last week, we emphasized many of the so-called "positive" aspects which enable us to walk with the Lord and be led by His Spirit. Tonight, let us consider some of the major snares and hindrances to maturity or to the unity of the faith within the body of Christ. This is NOT to say that the following are the ONLY hindrances to maturity in Christ, but the following are some of the most common. They have both an individual and a corporate application in the church community today. These hindrances are very much inter-related. It is the little foxes that spoil the vines 

(Song of Solomon 2:15).

Before getting into any specifics, let me emphasize that I am by no means "perfect." Just ask my wife. However, I have been privileged, over the past 55 and 1/2 years, to have experienced a few things of the Lord that have not been made available to the great majority of the church community. For example, we were part of a local church for 12 years that was the closest I have ever seen to the early church after the Day of Pentecost. In addition, almost every time I sit down to write anything, the Lord seems to quicken to me new revelation ... something I have never heard nor read before about the living Word of God. None of that makes me "special" in any way. It simply emphasizes the amazing grace of God, because all things of any value come from God. One thing I know for a certainty ... the Lord, shortly after He sovereignly apprehended me, has given me a great desire and burden to see the body of Christ mature. To God be the glory!

Somewhere around 1973 the Lord told me to go down to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C, and speak a word of confusion to the Federal Government of the United States. I did that. I stood right in the middle of the Rotunda in the Capitol Building and I spoke, out loud, a word of confusion to the Federal Government. Of course, I did not shout, because had I done so I might still be in jail. A few months later, I received in the postal mail a monthly newsletter from a nationally-known Christian brother. In one of the articles, that brother prophesied that the Lord was going to send someone to the Capitol Building to speak a word of confusion to the Federal Government. Of course, every Christian knows that democracy, as well as all other varieties of man's governments, must eventually fall. But of the increase of God's government and peace there shall be no end.

Now we come to the 64-dollar question ... Is there confusion in the Federal Government today? Obviously, the answer is a resounding "YES!" In fact, that confusion has gradually, over the years, been growing, culminating with January 6 of 2021. I say culminating, but that is not true. The confusion increases by leaps and bounds almost every day. Sadly, that same spirit of division and confusion has magnified itself in the church community.

The lack of spiritual understanding and lack of discernment in the body of Christ is at epic proportions. No wonder the world is going from darkness to gross darkness.

Donald Grey Barnhouse was a 20th-century American Christian preacher, pastor, theologian, radio pioneer, and writer. As a pioneer in radio broadcasting, his program, The Bible Study Hour, continues today and is now known as Dr. Barnhouse and the Bible. In 1970 I bought an outstanding, hard cover book for $4.95 he wrote, titled "Genesis" (Zondervan Publishing, 1970). In his book, Dr. Barnhouse puts it this way: (quote)

The earth has always been a mirror of its inhabitants [italics added for emphasis]. When Lucifer was an unsinning cherub, the earth was perfect. When he fell, it became a wreck and a ruin. When Adam was created innocent, the world was a garden of Eden. When he fell, God cursed the ground for man's sake, and it became the mirror of fallen Adam. (end quote)

Incidentally, you can still buy that original book on Amazon for $80.50, plus tax, although copies are extremely limited now.

Many years ago, a man that many called an apostle told me that, flying over Central America, some countries looked green and prosperous while others looked dry and brown ... a reflection of the spiritual state of the countries.

That Divine principle has solid scriptural support. Whenever God's chosen people put away their idols and followed the Lord, the land had rest for many long years. This is repeated in Joshua 4:15, Judges 3:11, Judges 3:30, Judges 5:31, and 2 Chronicles 14:6.

Also, in Acts 9:31, "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."

Now we must ask the question, "What is the spiritual state of the United States today?" Does our land have rest today? The answer, of course, is obvious. Our land, indeed all the earth, is in a state of total unrest. Why? The answer, of course, is also obvious ... the state of God's chosen people is in disarray ... almost apostate.

John 13:21-22, "When Jesus had thus said, He was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom He spake."

Matthew 26:21-22, "And as they did eat, He said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I?"

In today's Christian community, perhaps no Christian would respond, "Lord, is it I?" Instead, almost everyone would think, "Lord, it's not me. It's those Christians over there." The situation today is similar to 1 Samuel 15:3-14. Samuel told Saul to go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

1 Peter 4:12-14, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified." 

A wonderful spiritual song is titled, "Oh the Glory of Your Presence," written by a man named Steven Fry. The words are:

Jesus, all glorious, create in us a temple; called as living stones where you're enthroned.

As you rose from death in power, so rise within our worship, rise upon our praise, 

And let the hand that saw you raised, clothe us in your glory, draw us with your grace.
Oh the glory of your presence, we your temple give you reverence, 

So arise from your rest and be blessed by our praise, as we glory in your embrace 

As your presence now fills this place.

You can find quite a few arrangements of this song on the internet, but the one I like the best is by the City Harvest Church in Singapore. Google "Oh the glory City Harvest Church," watch and listen. One thing that struck me was the young age of those professing believers. City Harvest Church has about 30,000 members with 15 different services on the weekends. In that video there appears to be at least 5,000 young people, all of whom seem to be very sincere. A few years after that video was made, 6 of the leaders of that megachurch embezzled 50 million dollars of the church funds. Moral of the story? bigger is not always better. In reality, mega-churches are man's misguided inventions. Jesus never worked with a multitude.

About seven years ago I listened and watched a video recording on the internet of some more emotionally-stirring Christian music. The event had been video-taped from a 2001 gathering of professing Christians in the Municipal Auditorium located on historic Elvis Presley Avenue in Shreveport, Louisiana. According to one internet blog, there were 15,000 folks there. That arena is internationally well-known for performances of various venues such as sporting events, touring acts, live local concerts, graduations, family shows, parties, and debutante balls. The event, which was televised at least locally, was part of a several-days "faith-healing" crusade by a well-known man plus music led by one of the best in the Christian world. The video captured many different pictures of different professing Christians, most of whom seemed to be very sincere.

However, immediately after the video ended, the Lord spoke to me and said that if all of those professing Christians had been walking with the Lord, then Katrina, one of the most devastating hurricanes ever to hit the U.S., never would have hit New Orleans in August of 2005.

Further review of that video revealed the following ... The "performers" included a full 50-piece orchestra plus keyboard and organ, at least a 200-member choir, with all the men dressed in white shirts and dark ties and all the women in blue gowns. Also on the stage were a few dozen pastors plus the faith-healer dressed in his usual white suit. The songs were indeed very emotionally stirring, almost creating a fervor rarely seen or heard. It is so easy to stir audiences up to a fervor pitch. Hitler was a master at that. A few American politicians have also been very good at that. That faith-healer's net worth is now reported as 60 million; the famous music composer, singer, and keyboard player's net worth is reported at between one and 5 million. Both men have had affairs and were divorced. The faith-healer was born in Israel. The front row seats were occupied primarily by Messianic Jews. I am sure that the meetings were not free. Is there a message for us through all of that? It is certainly true that when thousands of professing Christians gather together and sing some emotionally-stirring songs, we may tend to believe that we are more spiritually mature than we actually are, particularly when the masses then hear a word that our "breakthrough" is just around the corner. But unless our gatherings result in our lives being changed, then no amount of emotion is of value.

When I was a freshman in college, at our biggest home football game, when our team first came out on the field, there was a big roar from the 20,000 fans that really impressed me and stirred my soul. By the way ... our team lost the game. However, I cannot imagine the excitement, the emotion generated by 100 thousand fans at a college game.

A well-known quote is, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." That is true both in the natural and spiritual realm. Whenever we read anything in the Bible, we should always ask, "What does this mean for me right now?" We should also be open to learn from the experiences of other believers or through any means that the Lord chooses to speak to us. 

2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 

Does that verse imply that if we have a closed face then we will not be changed into the image of the glory of the Lord? Sadly, scripturally, historically, and experientially, far too many professing Christians have had a closed face toward any revelation that does not agree with their traditional understanding. "Give me that old time religion, it's good enough for me."

Another potential snare is to hear a word from the Lord correctly, but interpret that word in the natural realm rather than its spiritual counterpart. A good example of that is the tendency to interpret Psalm 122:6, "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" at the natural level. But there is no peace to natural Jerusalem. The peace of God is found only in Christ. God loves the Palestinian just as much as He loves the Jew. "God so loved the world ..."

About 15 years ago I heard a nationally, well-known, evangelical minister say that when he gets to heaven, he is going to wear a literal crown on his head and a literal robe. I believe he is going to be in for a big surprise! Then we can hear a word from the Lord correctly, interpret it correctly, but miss the timing of the Lord as to when that word should be implemented. Of course, a key element on our part is the state of our heart. Do we really want only the will of the Lord or is that just another doctrine for us to affirm?

But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 

1 John 2:27

Christian man is FOREVER trying to pull down that which is spiritual and holy to the natural level. Why? So that man can try to understand the ways of the Lord with his own natural, carnal mind. That, by definition, is called idolatry. The book of 1 Corinthians is primarily a letter of correction to the Church at Corinth and a warning or exhortation to us today. Paul tells them that they are carnal, babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). Paul also says, in 

1 Corinthians 2:14, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Evangelicals, as a generality, emphasize a literal interpretation of the Bible. But there are hundreds and hundreds of verses in the Bible that cannot (or at least should not) be interpreted in the natural realm. For example, here are a few: a cup that is not a cup; a sea which is not a sea; a woman who is not a woman; a smoking furnace that is not a smoking furnace; a burning lamp that is not a burning lamp; seven stars which are not stars; Babylon that is not a geographical area called Babylon; Armageddon that is not a geographical area in the Middle East; the Morning Star which is not a star; a Lamb that is not a lamb; a lion that is not a lion; Jerusalem which is not the city of Jerusalem in the Middle East; Zion which is not Mt. Zion; a wilderness of barrenness which is a place of sustenance; a loaf of bread that is not a loaf of bread.

Another hindrance ... Christian man is forever searching the scripture to find the pattern for this and the pattern for that ... how to do this ... how to do that ... and then crystalizing their doctrine into a hard and fast set of rules and dogma, all set into concrete and then written down in pen and ink for all to see. Sounds like Judaism or legalism. Many years ago, some one brought a suggestion to the different charismatic churches in the Washington, D.C. area. He suggested that each church write down a summary of their Christian beliefs and package them all together. Then, whenever a new Christian moved into the area, they could be handed the consolidated package to read and thereby determine which church they would attend. I opposed that plan because then we don't need the Holy Spirit to direct us to a church.

Many years ago, a good brother with a lot of maturity wrote a book titled, "The Pattern." In that book he described the pattern for church government, which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, elders, deacons and their function and operation within the Church. That is well and good except there is no such thing as a static pattern for Church government. It must be dynamic where the government of God forever moves away from man to the Lord's shoulder (Isaiah 9:6). The only pattern for Church government is the Lord Himself. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 

1 Samuel 8:4-7, "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not rule over them."

How many "kings" (in the form of pastors) rule over God's flock today? The Church community today is big business. However, many of those big businesses are in financial difficulty today. Many years ago, my aunt called me and said that she and a number of other believers were going to leave their charismatic house church and start another local church. She also said they had hired a pastor from another state to come and be their new leader. When I heard that, I responded that I would like to talk with the leaders of their proposed new church.

My aunt did arrange for such a meeting. I drove 300 miles to meet with the elders. I told them that what they were doing was not in the will of the Lord. Their chief elder said, The pastor of the church they were leaving told them that what they were about to do was wrong. Now here I come from 300 miles away and I tell them that what they were about to do was wrong. But, he said that they had prayed about it and were going to pull out and start their new local church. Later that evening, I told my aunt that their new church would not last one year. Sure enough, in one year their new church disintegrated.

Another hindrance among the members of body of Christ lies in the area of human communication. The most difficult aspect in charismatic circles today is communication, which requires both a transmitter and a receiver. Even if the transmitter is perfect (the Holy Spirit), without a receiver tuned to the same frequency, no communication is possible. Lord, give us ears to hear! The church cannot thrive or survive on yesterday's manna. This area is much more difficult than communication between those who do not know the Lord. Why? because those who do not know the Lord have no access to things of the Spirit. Therefore, they have far fewer areas to argue about. This is a day when every Christian does that which is right in his own sight. The same written and/or spoken word is interpreted in many different ways by different believers because of the hindrances of the flesh. We like to hear only that which agrees with our own understanding of this walk.

Christians, i.e., genuine born-again believers, also are prone to the following three errors: (1) I know that; (2) I am; and (3) I. The Holy Spirit quickened to me those three errors very early in the morning about the middle of August, 2012. It should also become rather clear that all of those three errors have a common thread, namely, a pre-occupation with self in all of its various forms.

We Christians have a great need to readjust our thinking along certain lines. It is far easier to get into a rut than it is to get out of that rut. Man's self-centeredness and his acceptance of what others say, without searching the Scriptures and without asking the Holy Spirit to shed His light on God's will and His word, has gotten us into a rut in our thinking. 

Acts 17:10-12, "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few."

When we look somewhat objectively at the Christian world today, we discover that the average believer is beset with a salvation complex. We tend to view everything in the Bible from the viewpoint of personal salvation. Our thinking and actions lead us primarily to desire to be saved and go to a better world when we physically die. As a result, we seem more interested in getting ready to die than in getting ready to live. But the will of the Lord is for us to walk in the kingdom of God here and now.

Now in no way do we minimize personal salvation, but we need to set it in its right order in the overall plan of God. However important man's initial salvation may be, it is only a part ... indeed a very early part in the total plan which God purposed for man from before the foundation of the world. We are so nearsighted in spiritual things that we are prone to take the part as though it were the whole. John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, and the early apostles all preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." In reality, the kingdom of God is the subject of the entire Bible, from Genesis through Revelation. Personal salvation is just the first step toward the kingdom of God. We will not belabor the fact that being born again, in itself, does not automatically put us into the kingdom of God.

If we understand these errors, then, and perhaps only then, can we understand the whole plan of God, not simply the first small step. Paul said to the Church at Colosse (and unto us), 

Colossians 1:9-10, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

First, why would Paul pray such a prayer for them (and us) if they were all walking in that knowledge? If I have a new Mercedes car in my garage, why would I pray, "Lord please give me a new Mercedes car"? Next, why should we be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual (not natural) understanding? so that we might walk worthy of the Lord in all pleasing.

Another error is "I know that." This subtle, almost insidious error is probably the most common among charismatic believers. We have read all of the books, been to all of the "conferences," listened to all of the tapes and DVDs, and have been submerged with more teaching than Carter has liver pills. Some of the teachings have been good, some of it not so good. Then we throw into the mix the reasoning of our natural minds. If we ever hear some "new" or fresh teaching, our carnal mind pulls it down to the level which we already believed. The truth is,

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2

The Church at Corinth had been exposed to the best teaching available through Paul and others. They were born-again, baptized with the Holy Spirit, and had the gifts of the Spirit in operation. Yet Paul called them "carnal." At least nine times in the Book of 1 Corinthians, Paul says "Do ye not know that ...?" As it was in the Church at Corinth, so it is today.

Another potential snare is "I am ..." Many times, I have heard someone say, "I am such and such in the body of Christ," giving themselves a title. I am Pastor so and so; I am Bishop so and so; I am prophet so and so. Many times in the past, professing Christians have asked me, "What is your ministry?" My response has always been the same. I have no ministry. The ministry belongs to God. People come and go but the ministry continues forever because it is His ministry. To the best of my knowledge, Peter and Paul are the only men in the New Testament who called themselves an Apostle. But both of them said that in all humility of heart. Human nature likes titles. Titles may inflate the ego and make us feel important. But any true gift or ministry should be recognized by other Christians without having to name it. The hand does not have to know that it is called a hand in order to function as a hand. The truth is, there is only one "I AM." That is the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 8:58

A closely-related potential snare is to interpret scripture as it applies to me. That reinforces our self-centered approach to Christianity. But scripture speaks about the sovereignty, the pre-eminence, the centrality, the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father has designed that all things must be centered in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not "me in Christ" that is the hope of glory. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Much of modern, lukewarm Christendom is so lacking in commitment it can best be characterized by the "Laodicean church," a type of the arrogant body of believers in the end-times who confidently proclaim "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing" (Revelation 3:17). What an astonishing statement! It indicates a dangerous level of self-deception. Christ reveals their true condition is the exact opposite: "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." In Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus tells us what will happen on earth just prior to His return. Four times in that chapter He tell us about the great deception that will occur ... deception so great that if it were possible even the very elect would be deceived. I believe without any doubt that we have been living in the Laodicean church age for quite some time.

Another error is "I ..." Here we need to be careful. Scripture records that Jesus used the phrase "I" many times. So did Paul. It is not the use of "I" that is, in itself, an error. Rather, it is what is in the heart when "I" is used. We should never call attention to our self. There is absolutely nothing about natural man that is acceptable to God.

The world idolizes self-confidence, self-assertiveness, and independence, but there is no room in the life of a true believer for self-anything.

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3

Whatever ministry we have, we received from God. Whatever gift we have, we received from God. Christian men have been trying for centuries to help to build the Church. But only the Lord can build His Church.

Micah 6:8, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

2 Chronicles 7:12-14, "And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

In Verse 13 the LORD says, "If I send pestilence among my people." I have always believed that the Lord has sent the Covid epidemic to try to wake up His chosen people that the current church operations do not meet His standards. Sadly, too many professing Christians cannot wait to get back to the way we have always done things prior to Covid.

True humility is probably the most important characteristic that we need to develop and walk in. We are charged to humble ourself.

James 4:5-10, "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up."

Even Jesus as a man humbled Himself.

Philippians 2:5-11, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Let us return to 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Now I am confident that some number of believers, but not all, have humbled themselves.

I am also confident that many believers will say that they pray. But there are different levels of prayer, ranging from, "Lord, please heal Aunt Sally" to "let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar" on behalf of the body of Christ. We also know, from 

James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." 

The word, "fervent," is very important.

In Hosea 5:15, the Lord says, "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early."

David, in Psalm 27:7-8, prayed, "Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek."

One more time ... has the Lord healed our land? Also, consider the fourth condition in that verse that the Lord requires of us ... namely to turn from our wicked ways. Who believes that? How many times have you heard that we must turn from our wicked ways? How many professing Christians today take that personally and agree that I must turn from my wicked ways?

Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Therefore, what are our wicked ways? any deviation from the ways of the Lord. 

Jeremiah 17:5-11, "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool." 

In spite of all of the misguided efforts of Christian man, the Lord is still building His church. This brings us back full circle to our opening verses from last week's message, namely ...

Ezekiel 36:25-28, "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." 

What an awesome, amazing God we serve! Amen and amen.