My Mom’s Rhubarb Cake

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Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (King James Version)

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 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. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

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1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (King James Version)

⁹But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Religion and denominationalism quote this verse a lot…and then proceed to say “See it’s impossible for us to understand the Bible."  But when we study the bible, we are to study the verses in light of other verses.  That is what comparing spiritual things with spiritual means in v13.  This is what Peter means when he writes that scripture is not open (or up for debate/discussion) to any private interpretation.    “Private interpretation” doesn’t mean an individual’s interpretation, but rather no verse stands alone—it is compared with other verses, aka spiritual with spiritual.

2 Peter 1:19-21 (King James Version)

We have also a more sure word of prophecy [that is, the scriptures—that which is written down]; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Knowing this first, that no prophecy [that is, God’s word that was ‘told forth’] of the scripture [scripture refers to the words that are written down on the page] is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man [that is, God’s word did not come from man’s knowledge—man’s ‘wisdom’]: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. [The holy men were given that wisdom from God.]

¹⁰But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

“BUT”—that is a very important word in scripture—it shows contrast!  We can’t stop at the single (private, standalone) verse 9.  We must compare spiritual with spiritual—that is, compare verse 9 with verse 10 and others.  When we do we then understand that those things which God hath prepared weren’t from any knowledge/information that we obtained from what we saw (the eye), what we heard (the ear) or from what we ‘dreamed up’ on our own, BUT that it was GOD that revealed them to us by His Holy Spirit. 

¹¹For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Things of a man refers to that which pertains to mankind, contained in man’s ‘spirit.’ 

The ‘spirit’ is that aspect that contains the knowledge, the information, the ‘wisdom’—in essence, it is the part of our makeup as human beings that takes that knowledge/information/wisdom and ‘thinks/reasons/considers.’  One could say our ‘conscience’ is housed in our spirit. 

¹²Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Because of what this verse says, and because we can believe God’s Word, we ‘know’ these things because it is knowledge that we got from the Holy Spirit teaching our spirit—again, NOT from anything that came from outside our body or from within us. 

¹³Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

That is what comparing spiritual things with spiritual means in v13.  This is what Peter means when he writes, that scripture is not open (or up for debate/discussion) to any private interpretation.    “Private interpretation” doesn’t mean an individual’s interpretation, but rather that no verse stands alone—it is compared with other verses, aka spiritual with spiritual.

¹⁴But 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.

The natural man is the unsaved man.  His spirit is ‘dead’ and cannot receive (that is, it cannot communicate with God’s Spirit) that which God by His Holy Spirit is telling him in the verses.   It is much like a human being trying to communicate to an animal.  (Ever try to catch a squirrel by reasoning with him?)

¹⁵But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

The spiritual man is the person whose spirit hath been quickened by the Holy Spirit and is now able to receive those things that the Holy Spirit teaches.  (It is important to know and remember that the Holy Spirit teaches ONLY from the Word of God.  He DOES NOT reveal anything to anybody apart from the words on the page of the Word of God!)

¹⁶For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Words!  Can anyone ‘see’ words?  Well, yes, if they are written down.  BUT, words exist someplace BEFORE they are written down.  And, where are those words?   They are in the mind, whether they are in our mind or in God’s mind.  We can therefore understand from these verses that the words that are written down on the pages of God’s Word to us first existed in--and came from--the mind of God.  And (the best part of all!), in His great love for us, He preserved Them for us in the Authorized Version, the KJV. 

Therefore….

Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

God’s Word is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or good report, virtuous and worthy of praise!  He would have us think on His Word!

                                                                                                                                       

God is so good!  To Him be all the glory.

Whodda thunk it!

Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor…

I just read the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s song:  “Saved.”

Saved

I was blinded by the devil

Born already ruined

Stone-cold dead

As I stepped out of the womb

By His grace I have been touched

By His word I have been healed

By His hand I’ve been delivered

By His spirit I’ve been sealed

I’ve been saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

Saved

And I’m so glad

Yes, I’m so glad

I’m so glad

So glad

I want to thank You, Lord

I just want to thank You, Lord

Thank You, Lord

By His truth I can be upright

By His strength I do endure

By His power I’ve been lifted

In His love I am secure

He bought me with a price

Freed me from the pit

Full of emptiness and wrath

And the fire that burns in it

I’ve been saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

Saved

And I’m so glad

Yes, I’m so glad

I’m so glad

So glad

I want to thank You, Lord

I just want to thank You, Lord

Thank You, Lord

Nobody to rescue me

Nobody would dare

I was going down for the last time

But by His mercy I’ve been spared

Not by works

But by faith in Him who called

For so long I’ve been hindered

For so long I’ve been stalled

I’ve been saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

By the blood of the lamb

Saved

Saved

And I’m so glad

Yes, I’m so glad

I’m so glad

So glad

I want to thank You, Lord

I just want to thank You, Lord

Thank You, Lord

Copyright © 1980 by Special Rider Music

Well, I guess, if old Bobbie* believed these words, our paths in the heavenlies will assuredly be crossing in that grand and Glorious Day in the Ages to Come.  (...despite what the Calvinists say!)

Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

*"Happy belated Birthday, Bob!"    (May 24, 1941)

P.S.   For some interesting reading, check out the "Christian period" paragraph at this link.

Why Paul...

There are many who don't like Paul...some even think the 13 epistles the Holy Ghost had him pen shouldn't be in the Bible.  But God must feel differently...because, he's in there!  People also feel Paul is egotistic.  But, we need to carefully consider every word of a verse to see what it actually says, we see that Paul doesn't puff himself up whatsoever...

Roman 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

...see, he says he is the 'least' but God, the Holy Spirit, had him write down that it is his office (and his role as apostle to the gentiles in that office) that is the issue.   Similarly, the same holds true with any office of authority, we may not like WHO is in that office, but we had better RESPECT the office or we can find ourselves in deep, deep trouble--be it a child not respecting the authority of their parent or a citizen not respecting the authority of the presidency.  Without intercession, the transgressor (child, citizen or sinner) will suffer the consequences of righteous judgment.  (Remember, God is not a respecter of persons!) 

It would behoove those who perceive--wrongly so--the grace believer's worship of Paul, do as the Bereans and search the scriptures to see whether such is the case.  Therefore, what do the scriptures say of Paul? 

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account [look upon / think] of us [Paul and his followers], as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Clearly, God would have us acknowledge Paul…and along with that, goes respecting his office!

Also, why would God, the Holy Spirit, have Paul write (and preserve as scripture) the following...

2 Timothy 2:7

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

 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

People can argue against Paul with man and maybe 'win' the debate, and they may even 'argue' with God, but it will only be to their detriment. 

When we (those believers who trust solely in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ), stand before Him, we will not be able to say “My pastor said…” or “My mother/father/grandparents, etc., said…” 

No, my friend, we will have no excuse because “God said…”

2 Timothy 2:15

Study [to see what He would have us know/believe, so as] to shew thyself [yourself!] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Although we enjoy freedom and liberty at the moment in our nation, with it comes responsibility.  The same holds true spiritually for the liberty and freedom afforded us in this dispensation of grace.  The world is not under the Law that held Israel in bondage, but every person on the planet earth is to live responsibily and will be held accountable, either at the Judgment Seat of Christ as a believer or at the Great White Throne Judgment as a nonbeliver.  (Just to be clear on what 'belief' is necessary, it is the doctrine of the gospel of grace as given to our apostle Paul clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.)

Let us therefore build our house on the Solid Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He alone says. 

Matthew 7:24-26

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

…and as the hymn writer wrote:  “That Rock is Jesus….the only One.”

To Him be all glory!! 

Be ye followers of who!? Why!?

Scripture tells us…of Paul, "as He follows Christ."  

1 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Does this constitue 'worshipping Paul' as some would question and therefore making the grace message a cult?  God forbid!  Cults, by definition detract from Christ's divinity.  Christ is Paul's very life! 

God has always had a witness…

Moses and the prophets were God’s spokesman to Israel in the old testament. 

John the Baptist was God’s spokesman to Israel heralding the arrival of their Messiah. 

Jesus, in His earthly ministry, was God’s spokesman showing signs, wonders and miracles to the nation Israel.  

The 12 apostles were commissioned by Christ (Matthew-early Acts). 

Thereafter, Paul was given the greater commission of going to the gentiles preaching salvation to the gentiles/nations, independent of Israel. 

…but don’t take my word for it!  What saith the scriptures?

Romans 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 15:15

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

1 Corinthians 3:10;

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

2 Corinthians 13:10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen [nations/gentiles], and they unto the circumcision [believing  [believing remnant of Israel]. 

Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:8;

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Colossians 1:25

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

God gave mankind freewill to make up their own minds:  Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  

But, He also tells us there will be a test—at one of two places.

The Judgment Seat of Christ for believers

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Or….

The Great White Throne for nonbelievers

Revelation 20:11-12

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

I encocurage you to choose you this day whom you will follow.

Grace to you,
;j

Divine dispensary

It is also interesting and vital to keep in mind…
As Pastor Ron stated in one of his blogged answers:

“A dispensation is defined a set of instructions given by God to man for man's obedience.”

God authorized and equipped a ‘spokesman’ with those dispensational instructions that were to be followed.

First when the earth was supernaturally created and mankind birthed, Adam was the first spokesman for God—that is, he was PERSONALLY given God’s word to be 'dispensed' to mankind. …but mankind failed to heed those instructions.

Then when the Nation of Israel was supernaturally created (birthed, when God brought them out of Egypt), Moses was the second spokesman for God—PERSONALLY given God’s word to be 'dispensed' to Israel. …but Israel failed to heed that set of instructions.

And, finally, when the Church, the Body of Christ was supernaturally created (birthed, on the Road to Damascus) Paul then became God’s spokesman for God—that is, he was PERSONALLY given God’s word, replacing the Law of Moses with the Law of Christ to be 'dispensed' to all who would receive and believe, and then in pure grace sealing them with the Holy Spirit. …the Holy Spirit can and will not fail.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [Ephesians 2:8]

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. [1 Thessalonians 2:13]

Suffering persecution

While working on one of Derrick's posts for Swordstudy, getting it ready for a 5/26/11 publication date, I read a noteworthy paragraph I thought particularly well-phrased and want to remember for myself (and any who read it) as an encouragement to keep on keeping on in the things of the Spirit.

When we read, If we suffer, we shall also reign with him, immediately we think of 2nd Timothy 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  When we think of suffering persecution, we naturally think of physical harm, but persecution takes many more different forms than just physical and the adversary is very aware of this.  The purpose of persecution is to try and prevent our living godly in Christ Jesus and communicating God's grace and Christ's finished work to others.  When we yield to God, and Christ is living His life through us, we can count on the fact that we will encounter persecution in whatever form that it takes, and it can also come from many different places such as the home, neighborhood, work, or (may it not be) church as well.  Just as one example, think about how much easier it is to raise our children in the ways of the world, as opposed to raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and the opposition we encounter when we endeavor to do so.  When we suffer with Christ, we reign with Him, because it is when we are walking in the Spirit, that we realize our heavenly position in Him seated at the right hand of God, blessed with all spiritual blessings, and the peace and love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.  [emphasis, mine]

With the above paragraph in mind, now read the following verse, and consider how it aligns with God's perspective...

Romans 8 ¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  ¹⁷And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  ¹⁸For I reckon [a mental decision/conclusion] that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

What an encouragement to, when having done all, to stand,  stand fast [don't succumb to the pressures of life]     Why?  Well, because God has a purpose and reason for us to do so...

2 Corinthians 4 ¹⁶For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  ¹⁷For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

And, where is it we stand?   Well, in the hidden gospel the Lord Jesus Christ, gave to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascas--revealing it to him first of all to take to us gentiles.  Thus we have the Apostle Paul sent out by Christ with the greater Commission, supersceding the one He gave to the 12 to take to Israel. 

Romans 1  ¹Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Romans 16  ²⁵Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  ²⁶But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations [aka gentiles] for the obedience of faith:

1 Corinthians 15 ¹Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

What an encouragement to keep on keeping on with Him in The Gospel, today...and every day. 

Have a blessed day In Him!

;j an

P.S.   What a joy to have His Word on it!   It is a sure Word--one that we can take to the proverbial bank! 

"To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

P. P.S.   Ever ask yourself why mainline christianity doesn't preach the mystery?   It's there...right there in the Authorized Version, in the majority of manuscript evidence.  Could it be because of the father of lies?

2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For further consideration on the topic of suffering from a Grace perspective visit Twincitiesgracefellowship.blogspot.com.

Good versus Excellent

Don't get the cart before the horse.

     ...yet shew I [Paul] unto you a more excellent way.  Consider what I [Paul] say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. [1 Corinthians 12:31b; 2 Timothy 2:7]


A sister-in-the-Lord recently wrote: 

     "There are so few who want to hear anything outside of their [religious] comfort zone.  I just had a friend say that maybe it was selfish to spend so much time studying [the bible] rather than helping people.  I fear her church must be getting into the Social Gospel like so many others."

Hmmm...maybe this sister should have then asked her friend which of the two God might think was more important: studying the Word so as to be approved unto God or helping others in their physical needs?  Studying--as He tells us to do in scripture so that we, after being saved, come to the knowledge of the truth so as to perform our God-ordained vocation of being His ambassadors*?  Or, simply applying a band-aid on their physical/social  needs/problems...as they march on toward Hell without hearing and accepting the saving gospel of grace, as revealed to our apostle Paul by the Risen, Ascended Lord Jesus Christ, Himself.  (A gospel, by the way, that the vast majoirty of christendom fails to 'see' was NEVER preached by Jesus in His earth, nor were the 12 Apostles given it to preach.  ...but that's a topic for another time. )

Well, the answer is both!   Good works are good...and we are to do them.  But, in order to be effective and God-honoring in our good works we must apply ourselves to studying and preparing ourselves for the task at hand...by the renewing our mind, day by day [Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6].  Without the Spirit's leading, we are walking in the flesh.  (Who would want to go to a physician for what ails them that didn't first do the required book work?) As my grandmother used to say: Let's not get the cart before the horse.

Many are well-meaning but, without studying the Word rightly divided, we are not equipped by God unto all good works.  We are not minding the things of the Spirit; rather we are walking in the flesh.   And we know from studying the scriptures that...in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.  [Romans 7:18]

Therefore, let us...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Why? Because ...All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  [2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17]
 
Oh, and one more thing.  Why does any student study?  Because there is going to be a test!  Scripture speaks of a testing by fire: one where the student will emerge with the reward or suffer loss.

Granted,... much study is a weariness [work] of the flesh. [Ecclesiastes 12:12]  But, remember there is coming that Day when...Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.   [1 Corinthians 3:13-15]
  
...better get studying for the Test of all tests!  It'll be here before we know it!!
 

_______________  

*  2 Corinthians 5:19-21

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we [as members of the Body of Christ] are ambassadors for Christ...

[AMBASSADOR:  diplomatic representative: a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another]