Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part19 is on the topic of who the Son of God is;  our purpose is in the Son, Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

God purposed from the beginning that those who received his Son, Jesus Christ, them he would give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (KJV)

2 Timothy 1:9-10 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, 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: (KJV)

God is calling all mankind unto salvation, having sent out an invitation through His Son, Jesus Christ; but not all mankind is responding back, i.e. answering the call. Many are called but few are chosen; why? Because few have chosen to answer His call and to seek out to know His purpose which He proposed in us from the beginning of the world.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (KJV)

Just as Jesus Christ came into the world to be a witness unto the truth (Christ) that was in him, so is our purpose when we were born again into the kingdom of God, to be a witness unto the truth that is in us; Christ the Son of the living God, our only hope of glory. That truth which is the only way unto eternal life; and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (KJV)

We have been called unto holiness in Christ Jesus; to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; to be an example of the believers; and to be ready to given an answer when asked of the hope that is within us, that one more might be saved and become a witness unto the truth of Christ within them as well; that the gospel of Christ may be preached to every creature, the ministry of reconciliation, that again one more may answer the call of God in their own lives by his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV)

Our life is no longer ours; but His who called us with a holy calling unto salvation in his Son Christ Jesus. We are crucified with Christ, yet we live, but not that of ourselves, but Christ who lives in us; and the life that we now live in the flesh we should be living by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20).

1 Corinthians 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. (KJV)

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV)

And we are purposed from the beginning to endure unto the end; we have not been given the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (Christ in us) so that we can overcome the wicked one and stand before God clothed in white linen (Christ our righteousness) and be called blessed, having been called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb, for these are the true sayings of God (Revelation 19:9).

Our purpose is found in the Son. God bless.

​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part18 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; Christ is the truth that was in Jesus.

The truth that is in Jesus is Christ, the Son of the living God. Search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life; but they are they which testify of me (Christ). If you allow the Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth, the eyes of your understanding enlightened, you will see past the man Jesus, in the physical sense, and come to know Christ, the Spirit of truth that allowed Jesus to live a life without sin. And you will get to know God our Father through his Son; for Jesus Christ said that no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, except the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal the Father (who God is, his character) unto (Matthew 11:27).

Jesus of Nazareth was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power (Acts 10:38). Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God (1Corinthians 1:24). Christ is the Word that was made flesh (Jesus), and dwelt among us full of grace and truth (Jesus Christ). The law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Of these two was made one new man, Christ Jesus, the mediator between men and God (1Timothy 2:5).

Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV)

This is the grace of God: that he sent his own Son (Christ) into the world, made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Jesus), and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ; and to know the truth, so that the truth is able to set us free and keep us free from the law of sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV)

As the truth is in Jesus, so also it is in you; Christ in you the hope of glory. God bless.

John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (Christ). I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (KJV)

​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good morning, today's encouragement is to come to the knowledge of all things that pertain to life and godliness which God has freely given unto us through His Son Jesus Christ.  

If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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All Things
 
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 2:12 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. (KJV)

We have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One and we know all things. So notice it says in the verse above that “we might know”…it is up to each of us to ask, seek, and knock so that the door or eyes of our understanding would be enlightened to know personally from God those things He freely gave to us by His Son Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)

The deep things of God, the depth of both the wisdom and knowledge of God, his judgements, and his ways to the natural man are unsearchable and past finding out because the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned (revealed by the Spirit, the veil taken away).

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV)

When we became a new creation in Christ the old things passed away and behold all things are become new, including the mind. But you need to keep the old passed away and keep the mind renewed in the things of God. The renewed mind is the mind of Christ. If we are operating in the fleshly (carnal) mind the Lord is unable to instruct us, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him?”…But we have the mind of Christ; so if we operate in the mind of Christ the Lord is able to instruct us in the ways of God and reveal more of the Father unto us; seeing Him face to face.

Being one with the Lord (in agreement), is to be able to hear His instruction and understand the things of God and all that has been freely given unto you; the exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. So begins your journey of being perfected by God through Christ Jesus. You start out as a child, but it is God’s good pleasure to see you grow and mature in His divine nature, to become who He would have you to be in Christ; a reflection of Him, to know all things, and to be a witness unto the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:10-12 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)

Remember, just because we have been given the mind of Christ, does not mean that we know how to use it, or that we will remain in agreement with it. It takes effort on our part to exercise our faith, to seek out His ways, to be a doer and not just a hearer of those things that please Him, and to remain in agreement with God and His Word; putting away childish things as the Spirit leads and guides us, so that we can grow and mature in Christ, and see our Father and His Son clearly within us, and be well known to God our Father.

​And as you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ you begin to see personally more of what you have been given, more of what you know, and more of who God intended you to be from the foundation of the world. All things given so that you are able to continue in the faith and become grounded and settled in the truth of the gospel of Christ, not moved away from the hope that is within you (Christ in you the hope of glory), and receive the end of your faith, the crown of life, the salvation of your soul, a gift of eternity with God our Father and with His Son Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

John 11:11-14 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (KJV)  

God’s word was made flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus Christ, who was sent from God to deliver mankind from a death sentence to one of eternal life. The things our Lord did and demonstrated are still available to His people today; those that God sends to speak words of life and wake people up from their spiritual stupors. When you see the phrase sleep it does refer to death also. Lazarus is someone we can identify with ourselves. And as we read yesterday, a man who was stuck in darkness, bound up in grave clothes whose life stunk, and was being resurrected from his sleep by the word of the Lord. We too were dead in sin and trespasses but are now made alive again so that we are able to walk in newness of life in the Spirit, no longer bound by the desires of the flesh.  

Ephesians 5:14-16 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV)  

Many think and are taught that someday there will be a wonderful resurrection to a new eternal life with Christ, and for many of them they can hardly wait for that day to come. Those that have their spiritual senses exercised today know that now it is time to awaken from our spiritual stupor, arise from the dead and walk in the light of the glorious gospel of Christ and the path He chose for us before the foundation of the world.  

Thayer’s definition for awake:
1453  egeiro- to arouse, to cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life  

Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV)  

Have you woken up from the dead; are you arising now and heeding the spiritual calling, or are you all caught up in the striving and cares of this life? Now it is high time; time for you to be seated in the heavenly places with Christ, and not stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh with its dead end results. Your salvation is near, the Lord Himself is standing at your door knocking on the heart to see if you will let Him in and give you new life. Like with the example of Lazarus, He is ready to roll away the old stony heart and set you free to the only liberty you will find, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So are you heeding the call of our Lord; are you stepping out in faith into a new realm so that you can be partakers of the heavenly gift that God sent to us through His Son Jesus Christ? Now is the day of salvation, now it is much nearer than you thought; so will you get up from your spiritual hangover and answer the call, or will you sleep in and miss out on an eternal heavenly reward which is rightfully yours for the taking?  Have you put on the whole armor of God which is Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be taken down by the fiery darts of the enemy and put back to sleep? Walk in the Spirit of Christ so that you no longer have to be in bondage to the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling its deadly desires which are contrary to our Lord’s desire for you.  

1 Corinthians 15:31-34 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. (33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (KJV)  

Paul himself realized that in order to resurrect daily to this new life in Christ he would have to die on a daily basis. The outward or the old man continues to perish on a daily basis, because we are now walking by faith and relying more on our spiritual sight than the physical one. Our inward man should be renewed on a daily basis so that we stay awake and alert spiritually, and are not ambushed by the enemy. Are the eyes of your understanding enlightened to the things of the Spirit, or are they becoming heavy and you are drifting back to sleep again? Take heed to the warning in verse 33, because Paul did not say that evil communication might corrupt, but rather would corrupt good manners. These warnings are not put in the Bible just to fill in pages or finish a paragraph, but are there for the benefit of His people so they won’t be deceived back to sleep again, but rather stay awake and alert to the things of God. Some people are not aware of these things that many may consider little and trivial, but remember it only took a little leaven to leaven the whole lump, and for those that don’t operate in this knowledge, like Paul said, he speaks this to their shame. It’s one thing if the people of the world decide to ignore the word of the Lord and perish; it’s another to see God’s people perish because of their lack of knowledge in spiritual matters; which in the end is all that truly matters.  

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV)  

The Bible says that we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, coming to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation for ourselves so that we no longer have to guess, but know who we are in Christ, and find our place within the body. Many that have had a spiritual awakening at some time, end up falling back to sleep, this after becoming weak and sickly. It’s because of their lack of discernment and diligence, as well in making the Lord their priority that they ended up in this condition. The Bible warns us of the many false prophets that shall come preaching damnable heresies to the point of denying the Lord, and they bring upon themselves swift destruction. Not only will the false prophets suffer eternal consequences because what should have been the bread of life was actually polluted and full of deadly spiritual diseases which eat like a cancer, but those that follow them and lend their support to them will also suffer the same consequences as well. So wake up Church; you have a Bible and you have access to the throne of God so that you can sit together with Christ on a daily basis and hear His words firsthand; they are spirit and they are life to those that hear. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel again and end up in a ditch spinning your wheels, but stay alert and follow the only path that leads to eternal life, the same path our leader and forerunner Jesus Christ followed Himself. God bless and keep the faith.  

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 11:23-26 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)  

Today it is a common knowledge that someday we will die and then be resurrected into the heavenly realm, or I should say that is the desire of every believer. However, if you notice the wording in verse 25, you will see our Lord makes the statement that ‘I am the resurrection as well as the life’, not I will be or have been, but I am, right now. Not only does He refer to Himself as the resurrection, but also the life; in fact by simply believing in Him we will never have to die.  

Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)  

Thayer’s definition for quicken:
2227  zoopoieo-
1) to produce alive, to begat or to bear living young
2) to cause to live, to make alive, to give life
    a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate
    b) to restore to life

If you notice in verse 6, the word hath is used, something that has already taken place and continues to. We were all dead in our sins; our old fallen nature kept us separated from the things of God so that we were not able to partake of the new life in Christ. Now that you are a partaker of this new life by being born again into the realm of the Spirit, Christ is resurrected in you, and allows you to be a partaker of His heavenly kingdom. You are now resurrected from a spiritual death, a separation from God, and have access to the throne of God through the name of Jesus Christ so that you can sit and hear the message of Christ on a daily basis. These are the true riches of an exceeding grace that is available now, not just some day in the sweet bye and bye.  

Colossians 2:12-13 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (KJV)  

It’s a spiritual baptism that allows you to be spiritually risen with God from your dead end life in the flesh. Have you ever heard the term baptized by fire? Well, those that truly know the Lord have been baptized, identified as partakers of Christ by dying to self, allowing Him to resurrect and lead them on the path of life. In the Old Testament the children of Israel were considered to be baptized unto Moses as well, because the life they were now living was one that was following the commandments of God as He instructed Moses on how they should live. We too are identified with Christ, because we choose to be led by His spirit and not our old fallen nature which is influenced by the lusts of the flesh, thus giving us access to the heavenly realm.  

Galatians 2:20 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. (KJV)  

You know, in order for there to be a resurrection there first has to be a death. Although many claim they want to go to heaven, few are willing to die to get there; which spiritually is something that should be taking place right now. Crucifixion was and still is a most excruciating way to die, and one that truly does keep the body in subjection. The Lord is asking His people to take up their own cross on a daily basis and die to self so that they can walk in newness of life being led by the Spirit and not the lower nature. So who is leading and guiding you this day; and are you headed in the right direction, taking a seat in the heavenly realm so that you can hear the message of Christ, and carry out His personal plan of salvation He intended for you to walk in? The life we now live should be a life of faith of the Son of God; what He has done on our behalf, as well as what He would like to continue to do in and through you. Now the real question is, ‘will you let Him’?  

Romans 6:3-7 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)  

Remember what happened after our Lord was crucified? There was a resurrection that brought forth a new man. Those of us that allow our old nature to be crucified and buried will also experience the likeness of His resurrection by walking in newness of life, and not according to the old dead sinful nature. It is only those that truly die to sin who are freed from its deadly grasp, and are set free to walk in the Spirit and no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  

Romans 6:8-11 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)  

Verse 8 begins with the word ‘now’; a now faith in Jesus Christ that the life we now live in the flesh is one that will be by the faith of Him. We should be dead to sin so that we can now resurrect ourselves alive spiritually unto God through the one mediator between God and man, that being Jesus Christ our Lord.  

John 11:39-44 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (40) Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (41) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. (42) And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (43) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (44) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (KJV)

If you look at the spiritual implications of what took place with Lazarus, you can see the similarities of how it parallels our own rebirth into the realm of the Spirit. We too at one time were bound up in sin and our life did stink as well, being dead spiritually and separated from our Lord. Once the stone, or should I say the stony heart was taken away, a new life was brought forth by the word of the Lord and resurrected. We were all bound up with sin and unbelief, but now we are loosed and set free to serve our Lord in spirit and in truth. Is everyday a new day with you; has the Son risen in you to enlighten you to the new life in Christ, or are you still spiritually bound in some dark realm? Arise and shine, and Christ shall give you life again.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)  

God gave us the perfect gift in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we too could manifest God’s plan of salvation however or whatever way He sees fit. The question you have to answer for yourself is ‘will you find your place in the body of Christ and allow His spirit to work in you as well?’  

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV)  

God has set and would like to set you in the body where He knows you are best suited, and where you would be able to be the most effective. While many think that they know how to be the most effective, it’s only those that allow God to work through them in the place He would have them to be who will be the ones He will work through, and manifest His Spirit through. Are all of us qualified to be in the position of an apostle or a prophet, if not then leave it alone. Are you developed enough in the calling or qualification of healing, or speaking in tongues and interpreting them as well, if not then don’t pretend you are just because someone else is. Like verse 31 says, covet the best gifts or qualifications that you are best suited for; because if you haven’t been called to a certain position, or you are trying to operate in a place that God hasn’t called you to or you are not developed in, you will be ineffective. I have been a truck driver and a transit operator for most of my working days which is a talent God gave me and blessed me with. But I can assure you that if I needed medical attention or knew someone else that did, I would gladly point them or myself to someone that was qualified and had an understanding concerning healing. You know what they say about those that are their own doctor; they end up with fools for patients. Have you ever watched medical shows on TV when they do an operation? You see that it takes someone who is trained and knows what they are doing so that they can provide the remedy. Just because you stayed at a Holiday Inn doesn’t make you qualified; the same holds true in the Spiritual realm. God does not want a novice any more than you would want a novice physician doing life and death surgery on you.  

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV)  

Paul ended chapter 12 saying that he would show us a more excellent way, and here it is, what it comes down to is the motive of the heart. You may have a tremendous zeal for God, but if it is not being done in love then it is all for naught and will profit nothing. Love is laying down your life for the brethren; finding your place in the body and allowing God to work through you no matter where He has set you in the body, or how He chooses to work through you. You may have learned to speak and pray in a tongue of man, or that of an angel, or a spiritual nature, but if it is not done in love it is of no avail. So again, what is the motive of your heart, and how are you responding to the calling of God and the gift He has given? Are you a gift that is allowing the life of God to flow through you, or have you become a stumbling block to others, causing more confusion than peace?  

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (KJV)

The manifestation of the Spirit is given for us to profit in, and nothing will demonstrate that better than the motive of love. Everything we see here in the above verses totally contradicts what we have learned from the past, like the term looking out for number one. Number one is now the members of the one body in Christ, something we should be more concerned with than our own desires. The Bible says that we should do unto others as we would like done unto us, even though the second part of that verse doesn’t always turn out that way. Even though we don’t always receive from others what we put forth, it doesn’t mean we should lower our standards and stoop to a different level.  

1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV)  

God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son so that we could partake of His divine nature and learn how to reciprocate His charity, which is another word for love, back to Him as well as other members of the body. Love never fails; it is a sure fire way to allow the Spirit, the gift of Christ, to manifest and work through us. While many have tried to impress others with much speaking and head knowledge, and while others thought that by speaking in tongues they would really be impressive, in the end it will all just vanish away and the only thing left that will make any difference is those that chose to walk in love. How have you answered the call of God? Are you doing it with the motive of love not only on His behalf but for the members of the body of Christ as well, or are you motivated by trying to impress others, which has just been described as being of no profit?  

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV)  

Someday we will be able to see the totality of God’s plan of salvation without having to deal with our carnal understanding. So for now we will have to settle for a glimpse into the heavenly realm, building a foundation one day at a time. The best way to clear this up for today is with an understanding and a motive of love, a perfect mature love that casts out all fear. How are you handling the gift God gave? Are you able to see for yourself where you fit in the body and is your desire to edify others, or are motives childish and self serving? It’s the best gift available to all mankind, the gift of God, which He would love for you to receive if you would love to have it.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.