How God Works in Me

Posted on March 29, 2024 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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I am always on the lookout, in my reading of the Bible as well as in my prayerful, contemplative meditations of the things of Christ, for the specific thinking that will position me to connect with the working of God in my life. In other words, I’m always looking for the effort required on my part which will allow for God to express Himself in and through my life. Whether that effort required of me be passive (as in, allowing it to happen) or active (as in, something I need to do), the clearer my understanding of exactly what that specific working of my mind needs to be, the more I believe God can and will work in my life.

You might respond to the above by saying to me, “Simple, just have faith.” Okay, I wouldn’t disagree with that statement, but it’s “just” not specific enough. Does it mean I need to do something or think something specific? Does simply believing in God mean I have the faith you’re saying I need to “just have?”

So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word (rhema) of God. (Romans 10:17)

In order for me to have faith, I need to hear from God. So I go right back to the original question, what do I need to do, or not do in order to hear from God? Where can I position my mind and my thoughts in order to better hear from God directly, so that I can have the faith I’m to live by?

For therein (in the gospel of Christ) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

In this administration of the grace of God, which is manifested in the revelation of the mystery of Christ, Paul was set forth by God to be an example to me.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Christ Jesus might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (I Timothy 1:15,16)

Them who should hereafter believe on him. That’s me! Paul is my example today!

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

With the above in mind, let’s take a look at what Paul has to say about exactly what he thought; how he positioned his mind, so that God could and would express Himself through his (Paul’s) life. In this section in I Corinthians, Paul is speaking of his (and Apollos’) ministry to others:

For  we are laborers together with God; you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. (I Corinthians 3:9)

The phrase laborers together with is a single Greek word in the original text, sunergos, which is composed of the prefix sun, meaning with, and ergos, coming from the verb ergazomai, which means to work or to do. Sunergos describes a cooperative effort of (at least) two parties, working toward the same goal. And yet the second half of this verse indicates that the result of the cooperative effort between Paul and God is due to God alone. It doesn’t seem fair, does it? God and Paul are both doing something, working together toward the same goal, but God alone is getting the credit for the results. What then does Paul get out of his efforts? And exactly how does Paul work together with God? Answer these questions and we’ll go a long way in better understanding the specific effort required which allows God to express Himself to and through us.

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only; but now much more in my absence, work out (katergazomai) your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God Who works in (energazomai) you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12,13)

These two verses contain two uses of the word “work,” one attributed to the effort of Paul, and one to God. But each of the two uses has a different prefix, and those prefixes spell out the exact differentiation between what man does and what God does in this “working together” which Paul spoke of in I Corinthians.

First we’ll look at the second verse, 13. The phrase works in is the Greek word energazomai, the prefix being en, meaning in, and ergazomai, meaning to work. The words energy and energize come from this word, and it indicates a working within, an “in-working.” God supplies the energy, or the energizing.

In verse 12, the first verse above, work out is the single word katergazomai, the prefix being kata, meaning down from, and ergazomai, meaning to work. This word indicates something being worked down and/or out, from inside to outside, in a person’s life. To simply define this word katergazomai, I like the word “express.” Man initiates the mental and physical working which is required to express the inner energizing of God. God energizes, and Paul (or any believer) works that energy out into expression. God inspires, man acts on that inner working, to the end that the working of God gets expressed in the physical world. For this cooperative working, God gets the credit for the results, and man is rewarded by God for his part. Back in I Corinthians 3….

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase. Now he that plants and he that waters are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. (I Corinthians 3:5-8)

It is God who rewards the one who allows His (God’s) energizing to be expressed into this world. In fact, God is the reward for the one who so works.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the thorough knowing (epignosis) of His will (His energizing within) in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, (when the work of man is a result of God’s energizing being worked out, or expressed, it always produces the fruit of the spirit) and increasing in the thorough knowing (epignosis) of God. (Colossians 1:9,10)

Man expresses in his living (thoughts, words and deeds) that which God is energizing within, and is rewarded for doing so by an increased knowing of God.

Following are a few more verses containing uses of the word katergazomai, to work out into expression, which is man’s part. Take time to try and understand, as you see each use in its context, that there is an energizing within, a spiritual power or force (whether good or evil) that is being worked out into expression.

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working (katergazomai – working out, expressing outwardly an energizing within) that which is unseemly (deformed), and receiving in themselves that recompence (repayment) of their error which was meet (necessary, required). (Romans 1:27)

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation works (katergazomai) patience; (Romans 5:3)

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought (katergazomai) in me all manner of concupiscence (the desire, yearning, longing which leads one about by the nose)… (Romans 7:8a)

In the following verses in Romans 7, there are three different words which are translated “do.” Those which are not katergazomai are either poieo or prasso, both of which mean to produce an action, or to do or practice continually. Also, it’s good to know that this section in Romans is not speaking of the believer who is in Christ, but rather who is walking in his fleshly, carnal mind.

For that which I do (katergazomai) I know (ginosko) not (I’m not fully aware of); for what I desire, that I don’t do; but what I hate, that I do. If then I do that which I desire not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do (katergazomai) it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform (katergazomai) that which is good I find not (because there is no energizing of God in the carnal mind). For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do what I would not, it is no more I that do (katergazomai) it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that, when I desire to do good, evil is present with me. (Romans 7:15-21)

Two things concerning the above: First, in these specific verses, Paul is not talking about a believer who is in Christ, but rather a believer who is trying to do the will of God in his flesh; and second, each time that katergazomai is used, it is indicating a power or force within which is being worked out, or expressed, through his own actions or behavior. It is sin, evil, which is being worked out into practice by the man who is dwelling in his flesh. No matter what a man wants or desires, when he is in the sinfulness of his flesh, then that sinfulness is what is going to be worked out into practice.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done (katergazomai) all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)

God evidences Himself within His children as an energizing, which energizing is sourced from the wholeness of the spirit of Christ which he received when he believed unto Jesus Christ. When and as it occurs, and according to the energizing of that holy spirit, man responds to it by having it be worked out into evidence in his psychological and physiological (mind and body) life. The benefit, or reward, for a man so working in this cooperation with the energizing of God’s spirit is that he will have more of God.

Paul was so enamored of this increasing of the spirit of God, which is the spirit of Christ in his life that he surrendered himself almost completely to it (he wasn’t perfect!).

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not worked (katergazomai) by means of me, to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed. (Romans 15:18)

How Paul worked together with God is our example today. He lived to experience the energizing of the spirit of Christ within being expressed in and through his life, knowing that doing so would result in an ever-increasing supply of the spirit of God.

 

 

 

 

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The Importance of Paul’s Gospel

Posted on March 15, 2023 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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The ministry of Jesus while on the earth was to only Israel, as he preached and taught the things of the kingdom of God, which still waited for the redemption of mankind, and that Israel should repent and adhere to the heart of the law of Moses. The ministry of Paul the apostle of the glorified Jesus Christ was to all the world, as he preached and taught the things of the kingdom of God, where mankind had been redeemed and God’s grace was let loose upon it, restoring man unto the image of God once again.

I marvel that you are so soon removed from him who called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Galatians 1:6

I once had a monthly Bible study at my home. Once a month I would meet with around ten other men, many of whom were, or had been in ministerial responsibilities. I taught the gospel of Paul, the grace of God, the revelation of the mystery of Christ. The study ended when one of the active ministers (and, as it turned out, he was simply voicing what the others chose to believe) decided to reject the gospel of Paul, stating, “Paul didn’t die for my sins.” This minister thought we should be focusing on the words of Jesus, who did die for our sins. I should have responded to him, “And Jesus didn’t write the Gospels.” In other words, Jesus himself is not a writer of any Scripture. Either we believe what is written as coming from the mouth of God, or we don’t.

Paul’s gospel certainly is not the same gospel as what Jesus preached. Can you imagine why? Well, for one, their audiences were not the same.

But he (Jesus) answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24

For he who worked effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision (Israel), the same was mighty in me (Paul) toward the Gentiles (everyone not of Israel): Galatians 2:8

There is no record of Jesus every ministering specifically to a Gentile.  If you look closely at all the records of the centurion who had a servant who was sick, you’ll see that he had Jewish leaders go to Jesus to request help with that servant, who was most assuredly Jewish. The Gentiles were never included in the benefit that the Christ made available to the world, until after he left the earth.

Paul’s gospel certainly is not the same gospel as what Jesus preached. Can you imagine why?  Well, for two, Jesus did not have the new spiritual birth to offer while he was on the earth. No person was “born from above” until the day of Pentecost, ten days after Jesus had ascended off the earth. In John 3, where Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, he is speaking of a future time, at the resurrection, when those raised into righteousness and eternal life will be “birthed” spiritually to live forever. No person ever got “born again” while Jesus walked the earth. His death and resurrection were required in order for that to happen.

That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. Romans 10:9

But for us also, to whom it (the righteousness of God) shall be imputed, if we believe on Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Romans 4:24

Paul’s gospel certainly is not the same gospel as what Jesus preached. Can you imagine why? Well, for three, the mystery of Christ which Paul preached was not revealed to man until after Jesus died, was raised, and ascended. The mystery of Christ was prepared by God before the world began, for our glory, but was not revealed to us until the gospel of Paul (and others whose writings we no longer have).

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, that which was hidden, which God prepared before the world unto our glory; Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. I Corinthians 2:7,8

Now unto Him who is able to establish 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, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Romans 16:25,26

How could Jesus preach the mystery of Christ, while it yet remained hidden in God, so that the princes of this world would have Jesus put to death, so that his Father could raise him and glorify him by seating him at His own right hand in the heavens, so that Jesus could send the holy spirit into the world so that anyone who believed could be filled with that same spirit of Christ, who could then do even greater works than Jesus when he walked the earth? No, Jesus did not preach the mystery. Paul did. But Jesus did point to a time after he left the earth that would be better than it was when he was on the earth.

… for he (the holy spirit) dwells with you (being in Jesus) and shall be in you. John 14:17b

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient (profitable, advantageous) for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but when I depart, I will send him unto you. Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth… John 16:7,13a

No man was born of the spirit when Jesus walked the earth, for man was still under the law of Moses. Man could only walk by his fleshly understanding, and so he was in a constant battle with the things of God.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7,8

When Jesus walked the earth, no man could know, understand or walk in the things of the spirit of God, for only Jesus had the spirit. (Some of Jesus’ disciples may have had the spirit upon them for a season, but they were never born of that spirit while Jesus walked the earth) Today, via Paul’s epistles, any man can receive, know, understand and walk in the things of the spirit of God. There is such a big difference between the gospel which Jesus preached and the gospel which Paul preached.

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. But the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:12,14

Every man of Israel during the time of Jesus walked in his flesh, unable to walk by the holy spirit which was not yet born within him. Thus, he walked under the curse of the law.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith; but, the man that does them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us… Galatians 3:10-13a

The words of Jesus can be very profitable and life giving, when read and understood in light of the revelation of the mystery of Christ as revealed by the apostle Paul. When they are read and understood as pertaining to the flesh, then they can never bring a man into the presence of God. When the words Jesus spoke are exalted above the truth of the gospel of the mystery of Christ as revealed by Paul, then all they can do is try to make the flesh of man a little better, and point to better days. They can not bring those better days to pass; only the spirit of the Christ within (the holy spirit of God) can do that.

Which (“another gospel”) is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (because he is still under the curse of the law). As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than what you have received (from us), let him be accursed. Galatians 1:7-9

If you believe that what is written in the Bible is the Word of God, then you must believe what is written by the apostle Paul , who declared that what he reveals for us is what God had kept hidden until after His son ascended to His right hand. You must understand that what is being revealed to us by Paul is what Jesus himself alluded to while he was on the earth, but could not himself reveal to us… that what we have available to us today is so so so much bigger and better than what man could receive during the days that Jesus walked the earth.

Was what Jesus spoke while on the earth important? A big yes! But what the apostle Paul spoke (and wrote) is so much more important for us today, for he was tasked with making known to the world the mystery of the Christ within, given to him by that very Jesus who is now seated at the right hand of God.

For I guarantee you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not according to man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11,12

If you promote what Jesus spoke while on the earth over what Jesus at the right hand of God is speaking today through the ministry of his apostle Paul, you are yet in your sinful flesh and are under the curse of living under the law. Rather than seeking the Jesus who walked the earth then, seek the Christ who dwells within today. Subject yourselves to the gospel given to Paul by the exalted Christ, and grow up into the glory which God has prepared for you since before the world began.
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From Faith to Faith

Posted on April 21, 2022 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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For I am not ashamed of the gospel (of Christ), for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek; For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  Romans 1:16,17

I put (of Christ) in parentheses, because most texts do not include those words.  The word translated  “gospel” is the Greek word evangellia, from eu, meaning “well” or “good,” and angellia, meaning “message.”  We get the word “angel” from this last Greek word, which can be, and often is, translated “messenger” in the Bible.

“The gospel” is often understood as “the good news” regarding Jesus Christ, and that is a good understanding.  However, an even better understanding is “the good message.”  The difference?  News is general and a message is specific.  How is the gospel specific?  Let’s take a look…

And Jesus answered him (the devil), saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rema) of God.  Luke 4:4

The word “word” is the word rema (or rhema), meaning “that which is individually received and understood of that which is communicated.”  Another familiar word which is translated “word” is the Greek word logos, and that means “that which is communicated.”  So this word rema has a powerfully specific meaning to it.  It is specifically referring to the understanding of the individual which results after something is communicated.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word (rema)  of God.  Romans 10:17

This word “hearing” means to be instructed; to hear to the end of “getting it.”  Faith comes by specifically receiving God’s communication to you, to the end of you “getting it.”

A person’s faith, the faith that is required to walk in the righteousness of God which is revealed by the gospel (from Romans 1:17 above), comes as a result of receiving into the understanding what God is revealing.  Here’s where things get real interesting.

But the righteousness of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?  (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep?  (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  But what does it say?  The word (rema) is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart; that is, the word (rema) of faith, which we preach; That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; ;and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Romans 10:6-10

Our “job” as believers is not to determine who is in and who is out of the faith (who’s going to heaven and who’s going to hell).  Our “job” as believers is to share the word (rema) of faith which we receive of God specifically.  Paul preached the specific word (rema) which he received from God by revelation.  When you hear and “get” what Paul preaches, due to God Himself revealing the truth of what is being spoken or written into your heart, it then becomes your faith.  Thus, the righteousness of God is revealed “from faith (Paul’s) to faith (yours).”

How that by revelation He (God) made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words), Whereby (by revelation) when you read, you may have my understanding in the mystery of Christ;  Ephesians 3:3,4

This is a perfect example of “from faith to faith.”  What is required of “the just” when God reveals something to their heart?  Believe it and walk in it; live by it.  That specifically tailored good message that is received from the spirit of God by one believer, is thus passed on to another, and thus the righteousness of God is revealed from one’s faith to another’s.  And where did it all begin?

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if (when) I depart, I will send him unto you.  Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come (things which were not true then, but which became true in the future he is speaking of).  He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.  John 16:7,13,14

The word “show” is the Greek word anangello (there’s that angellia word again!), one of 20 different Greek words which are translated “to show.”  This word means to report back, notify, announce.  I get a picture of a soldier in the midst of the fighting sending a messenger back to the general who is directing the battle, filling him in on specific details.  The holy spirit of God, the spirit of the Christ within; is going to glorify the Christ within us, by revealing to us specific details concerning him and his spirit within.

These verses reveal that the faith which now exists on the earth began with the faith of Jesus Christ himself.

But now the righteousness of God without (apart from) the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference (between Jew and Gentile).
Romans 3:21,22

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in (eis – unto) Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives 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 2:16,20

Jesus Christ, after he ascended off the earth and was glorified, sent his spirit into the world.  His spirit testifies (witnesses) specifically of things concerning Christ.  This is what is being communicated by the faith of Jesus Christ.  As each specific thing of Christ is revealed to the heart of a man, who accepts it as true (in other words, believes it), the faith of Jesus Christ is thus transmitted to that man.  And so the righteousness of God is revealed from faith (Christ’s) to faith (that man who believes).  The same is true when that man preaches to another (or others) from out of the faith he has received, and a hearer (or a reader) receives what is revealed by the spirit and believes what he hears.  Thus through the years, the righteousness of God, the reality of the Christ within, has been revealed from faith to faith to faith to faith, all by the spirit from Christ.

Now unto him who is able to establish you according to my gospel (his specific good message), and (which is) the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (the spirit reported, the rema was heard and faith came), which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest (by revelation, which is a manifestation of the spirit), and by the writings of the prophets (not just Paul, but others) according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for (eis – unto) the obedience of faith.  Romans 16:25,26

The just shall live by the faith which comes from the spirit of the Christ within upon hearing the good message from another who has received from the spirit of Christ!
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Check out these other related studies:

The Faith of Christ has Come! | Give Me Christ
How Do We Get Faith? ….. God GIVES It To Us | Give Me Christ
The Shield of Faith | Give Me Christ

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Division in the Body

Posted on March 30, 2022 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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Whenever and wherever I have preached and taught Jesus Christ and people have responded, there has come a time when a spirit of division rose up within the resulting fellowship(s).  Some person or group began speaking evil about another person or group.  People began recruiting others to agree with their divisive way of thinking, seeking to justify their evil ways by winning others over on to their side.  Backbiting as a result of bitterness, pride, offense, envy, anger and confusion became pervasive, at least within a small group.  The ensuing divisiveness wanted to take center stage over the seeking of Jesus Christ, thus exposing itself as the work of evil spirits,

It makes no sense for those who are enjoying the growth of the spirit of Christ within their lives to point fingers at others’ perceived weaknesses or shortcomings, especially at those who bring the good news of Christ.  This finger pointing is simply based on feelings and the “fact-finding” which results from such feelings.  Negative feelings, without the guidance of Christ, always seek to justify themselves, yet if allowed to be expressed are nothing but the works of the flesh as recorded in Galatians.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:  Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21

The word “works” is from the Greek word energeo, and can be translated “energizings.”  This indicates that there is a life force doing the energizing, which indicates the working of devil spirits.  This doesn’t mean someone who gets angry for a bit is possessed by a devil, but it does indicate that someone who is driven by these things has given themselves over to the energizings of devil spirits.

Some people use this last verse to say that anyone who does these things won’t get to heaven, but that isn’t what is being revealed here.  God is telling us that people being driven by these evil energizings are not growing into their spiritual inheritance, no matter how much effort they put into justifying their evil feelings.

But……

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness (kind practicality), goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self mastery); with such the law doesn’t concern itself.  Galatians 5:22, 21

Quite a bit different, these fruit of the spirit, are they not?  They are so different than the energizings of the flesh.  Compare the two.  The one group are dark, self-serving, evil; the other are light, lovely, desirable.  Which do you choose?  The one will separate and divide an individual from the group, leaving them in isolation and despair; the other will inspire unity and appreciation, for self and others.  The one pushes, the other rewards.  The one dwells on the flesh, the other on the spirit of Christ.  Satan vs. Christ.  That is always our choice.

What to do about this divisiveness?  The worse thing that can be done is to enter into the fray, into the accusations and personal attacks and/or the justifying and self-defense.  Rather, what is to be done when divisiveness raises its ugly head is the same thing which is needed even without such attacks underway… seek Christ.  Put on the whole armor of the spirit of Christ, the armor of God.

Finally my brethren, be strong (dunamis – empowered) in the Lord and in the power (ischus – developed strength) of his might (kratos – overcoming power).  Ephesians 6:10

The battle takes place in the heart and mind, and the battle is not ours, but rather is the Lord Christ’s.  Allow his spirit to live richly within your living and thinking, and do not seek any specific result or action in the flesh, for that is Satan’s arena.  Do not think evil of any man, for that itself is the work of the evil one.  Realize that the enemy, your enemy, who is also the enemy of God, is spiritual, not physical.  The ones suffering the most from Satan’s attacks are the ones in whom Satan is working.

Keep seeking Christ.  Allow his spirit to guide you, strengthen you, imbue you with wisdom.  There is no fleshly result that is required by God, only that you draw close to Him and walk with Him.  Division in the body of Christ is bound to happen on this side of the gathering together.  Pray you are never a willing participant in the fleshly energizings which inspire such divisive thinking and behavior.  Rather, stay strong in the spirit of the Lord and in the faith which has been given you by what the Father has revealed within you.  Christ is enough.
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Other related studies:
Different Gifts | Give Me Christ
How to love other Christians | Give Me Christ

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Life in Christ Without Meetings

Posted on February 23, 2022 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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Is there a life, a living in Christ without meetings?  Oh No!  And what could/should any meetings “in Christ” look like?

The New Testament has very little to say concerning gathering together as believers of Jesus Christ, at least in the manner most Christians today have experienced.  Since most people today who do believe consider their meeting time (usually on Sunday morning) the most important act of faith each week, it seems odd that God doesn’t have more to say about it.

I’ve asked other Christian believers where the Bible says we should/must gather together in a church building every Sunday.  Here’s a verse many go to:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

The word for “assembling together” is sunagogia, from which we get the word “synagogue.”  It indicates a smaller, intimate gathering.  Obviously, in order to exhort one another, as is encouraged by this verse, we’re going to have to be in the presence of one another. The verse before this also indicates that people gather together, in order to “consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works.”  There is no indication as to a number of believers that needs to be involved in this assembling together.  Two?  Four?  A dozen?

I Corinthians 14 is an entire chapter devoted to behavior in a gathering of the saints, some verses of which we will be taking a look at.  Romans 16 spends a lot of time talking about gatherings of the saints (“churches”) which were meeting in people’s homes, as do portions of Colossians 4 and I Corinthians 16.  No mega churches there!  At the end of every one of the “general” epistles of Paul (Romans – Thessalonians), time is spent addressing individual believers, or addressing believers in an individual way, encouraging each believer in their relationships with one another.

And that is the main thrust of the truth of Christ which lives and grows in the hearts and lives of individuals; not that large gatherings are important or necessary, but rather that intimate, personal interaction is necessary and important.  What happens if there is no specific weekly meeting which claims to be supplying your need to connect with others in Christ?  Why then, the whole week can supply that need!

One man esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.  Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it.  Romans 14:6

Do read the entire context of the above verse.  This indicates that though it is not wrong to have a specific day in which to draw close to Christ and to one another in a group meeting,  it is not necessary; and not only so, but that it is possible to draw closer to Christ through interactions with other believers every single day!

It is easier, when a specific day and a specific time for meeting with others becomes central to one’s faith, to begin to relegate all spiritual interactions with others to that time and place.  I have spoken of Christ to others during the week – Christians – and had them look at me like, “Why are you talking to me about Jesus… this isn’t church?!”  When there is not one single day or time or place, then it becomes easier to seek that relationship and those interactions whenever and wherever they can be found.

I have had people who I am in conversation with about the things of Christ tell me, “Well you really ought to go to church.  The Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves,” to which I reply, “What do you think we’re doing right now?!”

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth, as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father Who is in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  Matthew 18:19, 20

Two or three!  Two or three!  Not ten or twenty or thirty or a thousand!  Two or three!  The greater the number, the more challenging it is for it to be an intimate gathering, where each can receive and give as the Lord directs.

I encourage you to read I Corinthians 14 and to imagine yourself in it.  In verse 5, the word “church” is used.  “Church” is better understood today as a “gathering” or “assembly.”  It’s a meeting of believers., with absolutely no indication of a large number.

How is it then, brethren?  when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation.  Let all things be done unto edifying.  Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the other (prophets) judge.  If anything be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace.  For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 
I Corinthians 14:26, 29, 30

If everyone can have a chance to speak, the gathering can’t be very large in number.  These “meetings” weren’t in order to accomplish a specific task, or to carry out a weekly duty to God, but rather were a result of growing spiritually in Christ, and in order to grow even more!  They occurred because people got filled to overflowing during the week by their interactions with Christ, directly and via one another, and they wanted to share in the exciting life which was blossoming within them.  The gatherings were for mutual spiritual encouragement, but they were never to take the place of the individual growing up into Christ; rather, they were a celebration of that very thing.  You live each day in a growing appreciation of how the spirit of Christ is growing in your understanding and being expressed in your mind, heart and life, and you want to share that with others who are going through a similar experience!  That is the assembling of ourselves together.

I am a part of several different “churches” or meetings, on a weekly basis.  To each of these gatherings I bring the life of Christ which has grown within me, which has been experienced by me during the week.  Likewise, I look for the opportunity to grow in Christ by hearing of how others have experienced God’s spirit in them.  One of these meetings generally has three of us, one generally has six of us, and one generally has fourteen – eighteen of us.  And with each one… there is Christ in the midst!

I know many believers who “don’t have a church they go to,” or who “haven’t found a fellowship.”  My encouragement is to seek Christ throughout the week, in prayer, in Scripture reading and meditation, in interaction with friends and anyone you interact with (check-out clerks, fellow walkers, neighbors, the doctor, etc.).  Seek one or two others with whom to get together on a regular basis in order to share how Christ is working within you (you singular and you plural); others who are open to your loving encouragement, and to whose hearts you are open.  Seek the revelation of the Christ within together.  Where and how often you get together is totally between you and Christ.  Enjoy the freedom, the challenge and the reward of connecting with others in Christ, as you are led and filled by his spirit within.

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Other related studies:
Do I HAVE to go to Church? | Give Me Christ
Greet the Saints | Give Me Christ
How to love other Christians | Give Me Christ

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Is the Holy Spirit (Ghost) a He or an It?

Posted on February 5, 2022 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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I was at a home fellowship once which was not my own, and I happened to reference the Holy Spirit as an “it.”  One young man spoke right up in an affronted tone.  “You called the Holy Spirit an it!” he exclaimed!  Well, let’s get to the bottom of the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, shall we?  A “he” or an “it?”

We generally think of things that are “it” as being inanimate, and thus having no life; or as having no gender, like an amoeba or a tree.  The spirit of God has no gender, but it certainly has life!  In fact, it is life… the life of God!

Spirit or Ghost? Pneuma is the Greek word almost always translated “spirit” in the Bible.  It is used a total of 385 times in the New Testament, and is translated other than “spirit” only four (4) times.  One other Greek word is translated “spirit” and that is the Greek word phantasma, and in today’s vernacular, it should be translated “ghost.”   The two times phantasma is used are Matthew 14:26 and Mark 6:49, both times speaking of Jesus’s disciples thinking he was a ghost when they saw him walking on the water at night.

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit (phantasma – ghost) and cried out:  Mark 6:49

Of the 385 times pneuma is used in the New Testament, whenever it is used alone (without the word hagion – holy), it is always translated “spirit” or “spiritually” in the genitive (literally, “of the spirit”), except in the four (4) instances.

(Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus)  Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again (anothen – from above).  The wind (pneuma – spirit) blows  (pneuo) where it wills (desires, intends), and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell where it comes from, and where it is going; so is every one that is born of the Spirit (pneuma).  John 3:7, 8

Here the spirit is likened in its behavior to the wind.  Perhaps that is the reason the first use of pneuma in this verse is translated as “wind,” (there is a different Greek word usually used for “wind”) even though the second use of pneuma in the same verse is translated as “spirit.”  Perhaps this is because the word “blow” is the verb form of pneuma, pneuo, used six (6) times in the New Testament and always translated “blow,” like it is in this verse.

And he (the second beast, who served the first beast) had power to give life (pneuma – spirit) unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.  Revelation 13:15

Two (2) times a form of the word pneuma is used as “give (or yield) up the ghost” and both speak of Jesus dying on the cross.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit (pneuma); and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (ekpneusen).  Luke 23:46

Ek is the Greek preposition indicated by a line coming from out of the center of a circle.  Here it is prefixed in front of the verb form of pneuma.  Jesus prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit,” and then the spirit came out of him.

Why the word “Ghost?”  My understanding is that the translators of the King James Bible had more than one group responsible for doing the translation, and that there was disagreement among the groups as to how pneuma hagion should be translated.  They compromised (truth by committee) and did it both ways! Of the ninety-three (93) times hagion pneuma is used in the Bible,  (89) times it is translated Holy Ghost, and four (4) times as Holy Spirit.  Exact same words, different translations!

The word “ghost” has come to mean an apparition of a dead person, and that is why I believe the term Holy Spirit should be used at all times.  The spirit is not an apparition, it does not generally appear to anyone’s eyesight.  It also certainly does not represent a dead person.

To Capitalize or not?  The word pneuma is used three hundred and eighty-five (385) times in the New Testament.  Of the times it is translated simply as “spirit,” without the qualifier hagion (holy, pure), it is capitalized one hundred and thirty-three (133) times, and it is not capitalized one hundred and fifty-one (151) times.   

It appears that whenever the word pneuma is used of either a devil spirit or a person’s physical life, then “spirit” is not capitalized, but whenever the word pneuma is referring to God, then it is capitalized.  There are plenty of exceptions:

And he (Jesus) sighed deeply in his spirit, and says, why does this generation seek after a sign?…  Mark 8:12a

Jesus’ spirit was of God, so why not capitalize?  The same with the word below:

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit…  Luke 23:46a

It gets even weirder:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:5, 6

So that which is born of the capitalized Spirit is uncapitalized spirit?

It is the spirit that quickens (gives life); the flesh profits nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  John 6:63

Apparently it is the uncapitalized spirit that quickens, and not the capitalized one.  If I’m understanding the translators’ thinking here, the spirit that gives life is that spirit which is born of the Spirit, and not the Spirit directly?  Okay, I think I’m getting it, but now I read:

He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  (But this he spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified).  John 7:37, 38

I would have thought that this would have been an uncapitalized spirit which would be flowing out of a believer’s belly like a river of living water.  Perhaps the translators felt a need to capitalize because the pneuma hagion, Holy Spirit was used in such close proximity?

Here’s where we begin to get a glimpse of the theology of the King James translators.  When the word was referring directly to God, in their thinking, then it should be capitalized.  When it was referring to what was of, or what came from God, then it was not.  Except in this last verse, because they believed the Holy Spirit was a person of the Trinity, so it had to be capitalized, which now has confused the whole thing!  In this last verse, the spirit being spoken of which flows out of a person is the holy spirit, which is of God, and not God Himself.  This holy spirit is given to those who will believe on Jesus in the future.

In the original Greek texts, from which the entire New Testament was translated, all letters were capitalized, with no punctuation, verses, paragraphs, chapters, or even spacing, seeing as “paper” (papyrus, skins, whatever) was at such a premium.  The Word of God was considered important enough that all letters were capitalized.  So how would a translator know which to capitalize for his readers today, seeing as we have rules for which letters get capitalized and which do not?  Well, as we’re seeing, that is left up to the translators’ own decision making.  Were they correct in their thinking?  Were they incorrect?

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  II Timothy 2:15

If you believe this is God’s Word for you, then you must accept that you bear the responsibility for deciding which times, if any,  the word “spirit” should be capitalized or not.  Myself?  I read the Bible with the realization and understanding that because all words were capitalized in the original texts, then no words are capitalized, or set apart from others, in those texts.  So I read the Bible as if no words are capitalized, and this is especially true of this word pneuma, or spirit.  Spirit, (see, I did capitalize it at the beginning of a sentence), holy spirit, spirit, I just never exalt one use of the word above another.

But if the Spirit (spirit, because it’s of God) of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit (spirit, because it’s of God) that dwells in you.  But if you live after the flesh you shall die; but if you through the Spirit (spirit) do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit (spirit) of God, they are the sons of God.  For you have not received the spirit of bondage, to fear again; but you have received the Spirit (spirit), whereby we cry, Abba Father.  The Spirit (spirit) itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.  Romans 8:11, 13-16

He or It?  When the Spirit is referring directly to God, I would refer to the Spirit as a He, even though God is not a man, and so He does not have a sex, or gender.  He is referred to as our Father, as  Lord, and these are masculine words, and so I refer to God as “He.”  In the Greek language, “spirit” is masculine, and  in the Greek (as in many other languages),  the pronoun must agree in gender with the noun it relates to.  For example, in French, la table, which is feminine in gender, would be referred to as “she.”  La table, elle est la bas.  Literally, “The table, she is over there.”  Of course, when translating into English, we would say, “The table, it is over there.”

And so the translators had the strong tendency to refer to the spirit, because it was of God, and to the holy spirit, because they believed it a member of the Trinity, as a “he.”

Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  Romans 8:26, 27

In the above, the spirit (Spirit) is referred to as an it.  If you’re looking for a consistent rhyme or reason from the translators of the King James Bible (or any other translation), you’ll have a definitely confused theology.  I think you’re seeing that it is more important to understand the truth of what is the spirit of God, the holy spirit, than to wrestle with whether the spirit is a he or an it, whether it should be capitalized or not.

God is a (“a” is not in the text) Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.  John 4:24

God is Spirit.  God is spirit.  Spirit is His nature.  What He gives to those who believe on Jesus is His spirit, His nature, which is holy.  God gives unto us His holy spirit.  It is now our holy spirit, because it was given to us as a gift.

Whereby (the thorough experiential knowing of God) are given unto us 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.  II Peter 1:4

Is the holy spirit which was gifted to us a He or a he, an It or an it?  Well, you’ve got it, you’ve experienced it, what would you call it?  Do you have a man living inside you, or do you have Christ’s spirit living inside you, through which you can walk in oneness of spirit with God, because it is His spirit?

Who (God) also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.  Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with open face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  II Corinthians 3:6, 17, 18

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Who or What is the Holy Spirit | Give Me Christ
Holy Spirit Sanctification | Give Me Christ
Jobs of the Holy Spirit | Give Me Christ
The Manifestation of the Spirit | Give Me Christ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Spiritual Math

Posted on January 15, 2022 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

 

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I find it amusing when a scientist claims that he/she doesn’t believe in God, and that the reason is that God’s existence can’t be proven.  Meanwhile, that scientist’s understanding of their specific discipline most assuredly involves the use of so-called “imaginary” numbers; that is, numbers which don’t really exist.  Ironic, isn’t it?

The physics of creation is most deeply and intricately understood by an understanding of waves (wave theory, quantum mechanics).  This involves mechanical physics as well as chemistry.  The Schrödinger equation (also known as Schrödinger’s wave equation) is a partial differential equation that describes the dynamics of quantum mechanical systems via the wave function. The trajectory, the positioning, and the energy of these systems can be retrieved by solving the Schrödinger equation.  This equation involves the use of a number which does not exist; that is, the square root of negative 1.  What number, multiplied by itself, equals  -1?  That number does not exist; hence, it is imaginary.

Algebra itself became separate from the measurable field of geometry when and as it discovered and embraced the concept of these imaginary numbers.  These imaginary numbers came into being as a means by which complex formulas could describe the behavior of the physical universe.  Since these scientists accept the fact of an imaginary thing being responsible for explaining their science, why is the concept of an invisible God so hard for these scientists to grasp?  It must be due to the forces of darkness.

For we grapple (in intimate encounter) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against authorities, against the overcoming powers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in the heavenlies.  Ephesians 6:12

Scientists have no problem accepting things which don’t exist in the physical universe in order to help them understand that same universe.  The problem with their unbelief is not logical, it is spiritual.  Since they have not (yet) chosen to believe on Jesus Christ as the son of God, and thus have not (yet) received his spirit, they simply can not apply spiritual logic and problem solving (math) to life.

But if our gospel be hidden, it is hidden to them that are lost; In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  II Corinthians 4:3, 4

If a man’s understanding is his god, then he will reject what he does not understand.  Scientists are notorious for this rather obvious shortcoming, as evidenced by the persecution which many groundbreaking scientists have had to endure over the years.  Copernicus,  Servitus, Galileo, Einstein are a few of such scientists, whom we now laud for their novel discoveries, but who were in their day rejected by other scientists; hounded, persecuted, and even put to death for their discoveries.

The way we think today in the so-called western world was birthed and developed in Ancient Greece.  It might surprise you to know that some of the greatest Greek philosophers were also mathematicians;  Pythagoras, Aristotle, Plato to name a few.  The western mind is a scientific mind, seeking out cause and effect by logical thought.  Premis, deduction  hypothesis, theory… this is the vocabulary of the scientific mind.  It is also the the vocabulary of logical thought.

Casting down imaginations (logismos – logical reasoning) and every high thing that exalts itself contrary to the knowing (gnosis) of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
II Corinthians 10:5

God does not tell us to flee from logical thinking, but rather only from that logical thinking which leads us away from the knowing of Him in a personal way! There is a logic which leads us away from the knowing of God, which the above-described scientists use; but, as you’ll see in the following verses, there is a logic which leads us into a closer relationship with our spiritual Father.

Likewise reckon (logizomai – logically reason) you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:11

For I reckon (logizomai) that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

Brethren, I count (logizomai) not myself to have arrived; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,…  Philippians 3:13

The word “logic” comes from the word “logos,” which you may recognize as the word used for “word” in the Bible.  But logos means so much more than simply a word you see on a page or hear someone speak.  Rather, logos is the truth represented by the sound or image we know of as a “word.”  The essence of logos is that which a thing communicates of itself.  For example, different examples of the logos of water are that it is fluid, it flows, changes shape, has different states depending on temperature and pressure, has a specific feel, can change other things into different states (corrode steal, dissolve salt for example), and is necessary for life.  These are only some of what water communicates of itself.  As man comes to understand logos, he becomes what we today understand as educated.  If he delves more deeply into specific aspects of the logos of a specific thing, depending on the subject matter, he becomes a scientist, or perhaps a musician, an artist, a doctor, a lawyer or some other professional.

In order to grow spiritually in our relationship with God, we receive the revelation of the Christ within, but that’s only the beginning.  We are to use our logical reasoning (and more and more so as we come to understand the logos of God) so that the Christ within can find useful expression.  Thus we live as children of God.  The same scientific logic which helps us understand our physical world also helps us see the spiritual reality of the Christ within find useful expression in our daily existence.

But go you and learn (manthano) what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.  Matthew 9:13

The word “mathematics” comes from the Greek word mathema, meaning “something learned”, or “a lesson.”  Mathema itself is derived from this verb manthano, meaning “to learn.”  The logic of mathematics is the building block of true science; that is, seeking to discover and then apply the cause and effect of the material world and its forces which make up all of creation.  This is the stuff of science, yes, but this is also the stuff of God.  There is no such thing as “blind faith.”  We cannot believe what we cannot understand. (We can only believe in it, which is not the same thing).  Until and unless we grasp the truth of the logos of a thing, we will be unable to consistently live in the expression of its truth in our lives.

But you have not so learned (manthano) Christ; If so be that you have heard him (you came to an understanding of his logos), and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus;  Ephesians 4:20, 21

When and as the spirit of Christ is revealed within us, that is only the beginning of our walk.  We then apply the logic of our spiritual minds  (the mind of Christ), solving the “problem” of how that truth of Christ fits into our everyday thinking and acting and deciding and prioritizing and reasoning and doing.  Each instance of living like so is a lesson learned from the spirit of God within us.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples (matheetees) came unto him; Matthew 5:1

This is the first use of the word “disciple” in the Gospels.  The root word for the word “disciple” is manthano, to learn!  And to be Jesus’ disciple, one had to go to him to learn from him.  Now here’s an interesting thing.  This word matheetees, disciple, is never found in the Pauline epistles, which is that portion of the Bible which is specifically addressed to us today, which reveals the truths of the Christ within.  Perhaps the reason for this is that we don’t go to Jesus to learn; rather, he comes to us!  We don’t learn like those disciples learned from Jesus during the time of the four Gospels.  Today, we are taught by God via the spirit of the Christ within us, which over time transforms us into the very image of Christ.

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

The mathematics of God is the discovering of the practicality of the cause and effect of the spirit of Christ living within us.  As we learn the lessons of the spirit, which is directing our living and doing in harmony with the spirit of the Creator, our Father, we discover that we are taking on the very nature of the spirit of the Christ within.  Our mind is thus being transformed into the mind of Christ himself.

But the natural man (without the spirit of God) receives (into practice) not the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know (gnosko – know by experience) them, because they are spiritually discerned (anakrino – investigate, determine, figure out a solution for).  But he that is spiritual discerns (anakrino) all things, yet he himself is discerned (anakrino) of no man.  For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?  (an Old Testament saying)?  But we have the mind of Christ!  I Corinthians 2:14-16

Having the mind of Christ, we have the spiritual ability to do spiritual math, to solve  problems with critical spiritual thinking and application.  Just be willing to learn of Christ.  Don’t expect others to understand where you’re coming from or even where you’re going.

The winds blows where it wants, and you hear the sound of it, but can’t tell where it’s coming from or where it’s going.  So is everyone that is born of the spirit.  John 3:8

Learn of Christ to use your logical mind to express his spirit through your everyday living, and you will enjoy the benefits of spiritual fruit abounding in your life to the glory of God.

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Did We Create God?

Posted on June 12, 2021 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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Did God create us, or did we create God?  Because if we created God, then we’re going to have to work very hard (and many people do) to protect Him and justify His existence to others.  In this case, we’re not protecting God, actually, but rather are protecting our idea and self-creation of God.  We are protecting us!

If I have a stone, and I tell you I’m going to throw the stone down very hard on the ground, do you feel threatened?  Why not?  Because you didn’t create the stone, and you know that the stone “can take care of itself.”  Even if it breaks into pieces, what does that matter to you?

But if I tell you I don’t believe in the existence of God, would you feel threatened?   And if another has a doctrine concerning their God which differs from yours, do you get indignant and angry that it doesn’t agree with your understanding or doctrine?  If you do feel that way, perhaps it’s because the God you have is one you’ve created yourself; perhaps even using the Bible or the preaching of others to do so! Once you meet and get to know the one true God, you stop feeling threatened by anyone else’s unbelief (or misbelief).

(Jesus is speaking to his disciples)  These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not be offended (become indignant).  They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time comes that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service.  And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known (gnosko – known by experience) the Father, nor me.  John 16:1-3

The only reason a person gets offended, angry, indignant, argumentative when they disagree with your doctrine or understanding of the Bible, of God, of Jesus Christ himself, is because they don’t actually know God.  Rather, in the place of that personal spiritual relationship with God and with His son, Jesus Christ, they have manufactured their own God in their minds, staking their lives and well being on that very precarious supposition, that the God they’ve created is the one true God.  In actuality, they are their own gods!

For God does know that in the day you eat thereof (of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil), then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.  Genesis 3:5

Here’s what happened on that cursed day.  Instead of becoming like God, they lost their relationship (the eternal spirit) with the true God, and from then on had to create their own, or be their own. (In life today, instead of claiming to be God, people claim to be His true representative, to represent Him truly).   In being consigned to a life of having to be their own gods, they became enemies of the true God.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the spirit, even so it is now.  Galatians 4:29

It was the religious leaders of the day who desired and had Jesus, the Anointed of God, put to death.  They allowed the most vile of devil spirits to direct their paths, in having the son of God tortured and put to the worst possible death.  Why?  Because they, in their flesh, had a self-created and self-maintained construct of God (which was actually themselves), which they, being able to impose this self-constructed God on the people they lorded over, were severely threatened once the true, actual God came into their midst in the person of Jesus.  The true God and the false can not exist in peace in the same arena.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.  If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.  But all these things (out of hate) will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent me.  John 15:20, 21

The Reformation of the 1500’s (and ever since), which is celebrated the world over, as the hegemony of the Roman Catholic Church was broken, did not bring about true spiritual freedom.  For in the place of the Roman Catholic Church came the Lutheran Church, the Calvinist Church, etc. etc.  One enslavement was exchanged for another.  (This is not to negate the countless individuals who received Christ and had a true relationship with God.)  If you were in the Lutheran Church, then you marched to the beat of the Lutheran-created God.  If you were in the Calvinist Church, then you either marched to the beat of the Calvin-created God, or you were either banished or put to death.  Today is not much different.  Except in Christ.

But living in an expression of the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things who is the head, Christ:  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint (spiritual relationship) supplies, according to the effectual working (of the spirit) in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  Ephesians 4:15, 16

I’ve actually heard the following in a Sunday sermon:  “It’s all by grace, there’s nothing you can do to earn God’s love… now here’s what you’ve got to do.”  Seriously!  Why the contradiction?  Why the need for one person to impose their ideas on others of work and effort needed to please their God?  Because their God is self-constructed and therefore a relationship with that God must be self-maintained.  This is not the truth, but a fabrication of man.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, out of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know (gnosko – by experience) the love of Christ; which is the absolute pinnacle of all experience, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.  Ephesians 3:14-19

This is what God can and will do for you if you come to the point in your life where you are tired of needing to maintain the construct of God in your mind; when you die to the self which created (and needed to create) that God, or even the need to be God,  and instead accept the work of the Christ into your life and heart.  He can not begin his work, until you have ceased from your own.

For Christ is the end of the law (and all the effort it requires) for righteousness to everyone that believes.  Romans 10:4

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law (which is by your own effort), but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  Galatians 2:16

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives 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.  I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.  Galatians 2:20, 21

The Christ, Jesus, is our door into the presence of the actual true God, Creator of all good  things, visible and invisible.  Unless and until you are willing to surrender at the cross of Christ your idea of God and of what He demands of you, where all human effort has ceased in death, you will not be able to walk with the actual true God.  Christ is the life of God, planted in our hearts by the faith which God imparts when and where He reveals to us the spirit of His son.  Either you are willing to cease your own efforts and receive His efforts on your behalf, or you are still trying to do it on your own, partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  In this case you are living as if you are God, needing to create God in your own image, rather than allowing God to create you in His.

The transition not only begins in a moment of time, the first time God reveals to you Christ, but it continues after that by God continuing to reveal to you the spirit of His son in you.  “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” (Ephesians 3) “Faith comes by hearing…the word of God.” (Romans 10) = Christ dwells in your hearts by hearing the word of God.  Not by simply reading it, but by hearing it (which means by “getting it”), where it comes alive inside you.  When you are ready, you will hear God speak (reveal) to you the truth of Christ.  When you are done with all your own efforts, and lay them down at the cross of Jesus Christ, then God will be able to begin His own construction in your life.  Then life with the true God can begin.

Since you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above (his work and accomplishments), not on things on the earth (your own).  For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  When Christ, our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4

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Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdom of God

Posted on May 2, 2021 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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Since these terms are used so often in the Bible, in the New Testament anyway, let’s take a look at exactly what they mean.  Let’s clearly understand the difference between the two, so that from now on when we read these terms in the Bible, we know exactly what is being spoken of.

Kingdom – area  within which a king or other authority reigns supreme
Heaven – the spiritual realm

Just from reading the two terms, it should be clear that the kingdom of heaven is where the spiritual realm reigns supreme, and the kingdom of God is where God reigns supreme.  The kingdom of heaven is made up of two kingdoms:  The kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil.

And Jesus knew their (the Pharisees, who were accusing Jesus of casting out devils by the prince of devils) thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand; And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Matthew 12:25, 26

“But wait,” you might think.  “Doesn’t God reign everywhere?”  The answer is no, He does not.  If He did, there would be no death or evil.  No, God gave man dominion over the earth, and God never took it back.  What Adam handed over to the serpent (the devil) when he got deceived, Jesus Christ has won back by his defeat of the devil.

From that time (after his temptations in the wilderness) Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 5:17

Why was the kingdom of heaven “at hand”  (meaning it was present right then, or about to be)?  Because though the kingdom of heaven existed before Jesus, it was never available to be manifested, or brought into understandable reality, to men prior to Jesus.

And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him; but you know him; for he dwells with you (being in Jesus) and shall be in you (beginning on the day of Pentecost).  John 14:16, 17

Though the kingdom of heaven was all around during the Old Testament, it was completely (except for rare occasions) hidden from view, until the son of God was manifested on the earth, beginning at his baptism by John.

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;  Matthew 3:17

The kingdom of heaven today includes God, angels (both good and evil), and the children of God, including the Christ.  These are the sum total of all spiritual beings.  The kingdom of God includes only God, His children and His angels.  Of course, when we speak of God, we are speaking of His spirit, which is what God is.

God is (a is not in the text) spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.  John 4:24

Angels, both good and evil, are also spirits, though they have at times manifested in physical form.   This is why, whenever the kingdom of heaven is spoken of, there are usually included good and evil, and often the idea of when the evil will be eradicated.

Here are a few parables which Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of heaven, along with Scriptural references:
Matthew 13:3ff  The different seeds sown by the sower
Matthew 13:24ff  The sower and the tares
Matthew 13:47  The net which gathers good and bad fish

But the kingdom of God is all good.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the holy spirit.  Romans 14:17

So technically, the kingdom of God is a subset of the kingdom of heaven, as is the kingdom of the devil.  In the future, there will be no difference between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God.

Then comes the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom (of heaven) to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet.  I Corinthians 15:24, 25

When Paul was speaking of being caught up into the third heaven in II Corinthians, he wasn’t talking about a third level of heaven, but a chronologically third heaven.  God was revealing to him the spiritual realm with no devil.

… such an one caught up to the third heaven, II Corinthians 12:2b

In the first heaven, there was God and His spirits and there was no evil and Lucifer was the angel of light.  In the second heaven, Lucifer made war with God and has been cast down and his ability to operate is bound to earth.  He is the god of (spiritual) darkness and death and is called the devil.  In the third heaven, all evil spirits will have been destroyed in the lake of fire, and heaven will be once again and for ever be all good, containing God and His spirits and in addition His children (us).  This is the heaven which Paul saw when he was “caught away.”  He saw a future heaven, perhaps even its manifestation.

As there are three heavens, so are there three earths.  The first is described by Genesis 1:1, which came to ruin, as described in Genesis 1:2.  The making of the second earth is described in the verses following Genesis 1:2, and is the earth we live on today.  The third earth is described in Peter and Revelation, among others.

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.  Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.  II Peter 3:12, 13

Today, the kingdom of heaven is entered into by man walking in the spirit, and only by a bold confidence to enter into the spiritual battle.  It is not for the faint of heart!  Without having the spirit of God, you can’t even enter into the spiritual battle.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm.  Ephesians 6:12

In conclusion, when we speak of the kingdom of God (and in the book of Acts this is what is recorded as being what Paul preached all the time), we are speaking of where the spirit of God has its way.  Though the term may include a reference to the kingdom of God exerting itself in the physical world, the term itself only directly refers to the spiritual realm where God’s will reigns supreme.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, holy be Your name.  Your kingdom come (when your kingdom manifests itself in this physical world), your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Matthew 6:9a, 10

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Are We Free to Sin in Christ?

Posted on January 18, 2021 by stevehartlaub@gmail.com

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If you ignore the law in order to become transformed unto Christ by his spirit, you are free indeed, able to express the glory of God.
If you ignore the law for any other reason, you are simply a lawbreaker.
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Ever been sharing the gospel and some wise soul responds with, “Well, if we’re not under the law, does that mean we can just go out and murder somebody?”  Of course, they usually have a smug smile of satisfaction on their face, figuring they’ve presented you with a question that can’t be answered.  Well, here is an answer to that type of thinking.

Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.  Romans 7:4

The word “married” is very incorrectly translated in this verse, being the Greek word genesthai, which is the 2nd person aorist infinitive of ginomai (“married” is the Greek word ganeoo).This word ginomai means to be generated or to become or to be produced.  It can be understood as a being created or produced or modeled, like a sculptor produces a sculpture.  As he works, the sculptor is creating or producing something which is becoming something.

The 2nd person (you, your) aorist (action initiated in the past) infinitive, means this specific word in Romans should be translated “you to have become.”  I know that seems clumsy all by itself, but lets plug it into the rest of the verse in which it sits.

Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of the Christ; unto (eis-with the immediate and intended result being for) you to have been generated to another, who was raised out from among the dead, in order that we should bring forth fruit unto God.  Romans 7:4

I find this final phrase, “that we should bring forth fruit unto God,”  fascinating, because this exact same word ginomai is used in describing  how a tree produces, or generates fruit!

What Romans 7:4 is telling us is that the body of the Christ (referring to the physical body of Jesus, who was the Christ, dying on the cross) caused us to be dead to the law (that we were married to) with the result being that we immediately began to be modeled, or generated or produced, or molded, or developed toward becoming like the risen one.  Why, for what purpose?  For the purpose that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.  So (in this manner) shall you be my disciples.  John 15:8

If you are no longer under the law for any other reason than becoming like Christ, you are simply a law breaker.  But if you are in the freedom from the law brought about by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then you are so in order to be made like he is today.

 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world.  I John 4:17

This understanding of why we are freed from the law, what righteously frees us from the law and to what end, is borne out in other sections of scripture.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things (the law, walking by the flesh-our passions, lusts and worldly wisdom) are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God,
II Corinthians 5:17, 18a

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin?  God forbid.  For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Galatians 2:17-19

This last verse may inspire the question, “how am I dead to the law through the law?”  The law itself indicates that a man is under the law as long as he is alive (in the flesh).  The next verse in Galatians indicates the solution to the question.

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives 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

The death of Jesus Christ became my death, with the result that his life (resurrected life) becomes my new life.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved); And has raised us up together (with him) and made us sit together in heavenly (realms) in Christ Jesus;  Ephesians 2:4-6

Because the death of Jesus has become our death, his entailing freedom from the law has become our freedom from the law, the end result being that his becoming glorified unto God and bearing much fruit becomes our becoming glorified unto God and bearing much fruit.

That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first hoped in Christ.  In whom, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1:12-14

Becoming like Christ can only be accomplished by the spirit of Christ, and can only occur apart from the law, for the law deals with our flesh, and becoming like Christ only happens in the spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind (which deals with the law) is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God (the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus from vs. 2), neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh can not please God.   Romans 8:6-8

Outside of the spirit of Christ, which is continually generating us unto the becoming like Christ, there is no pleasing of God, no glorifying of God or bearing spiritual fruit.  There is only the law, the flesh and death.
Outside the law are two possibilities:  1)  Being a law breaker; or 2) Becoming like Christ.
The choice is yours.  1) Be under the law; 2) Be a lawbreaker; 3) Be becoming like Christ.  Choose one.
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