the fall from of grace

8/8/2019 The Fall From of Grace

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INTRODUCTION

One afternoon at my home on a remote Yukon trapline , I felt a question arise

within my heart. It

had long been in my mind but not at the forefront where it would haunt me.

But on that afternoon in 1984 I was captivated. It was as if my spiritual

growth would notproceed until this question was answered. In my heart I knew the only way to

find the answer

search into God's word but how? Volumes had been written on this issue

,thousands of hours of

research had been done, and millions of stories told marvelous subject. It

seems that everyone

experiences it, yet no one really defines it.

Arguments about it tend to defy intelligence; yet the very purpose of this

function is to draw us

together in unity with one another. Without it the kingdom will not exist.

Without it we couldn't

even experience love.

I John 4:19 says, "we love Him because He first loved us."

So I decided that since there was plenty of time that day, I would write out

every verse in the

Word onto paper and then I'd pray over the collection to see if the Holy

Spirit would quicken

something to me. That is how this pilgrimage into God's amazing Grace began.

Truly, grace is

as amazing as the song says and more.

The more I wrote, the clearer a pattern of definition emerged. The functionsof grace appeared

in a distinct manner and yet even though defined, it keeps it's wonderment and

freedom to be

what our spirits know it to be.

Over the past fifteen years, although this study hasn't stopped, the purpose

of grace definitely is

clearer to me now. Yet, it proves itself to be indeed infinitely

unsearchable.

My prayer became "Lord, why would you show this revelation of your grace to me

and not tosomeone more qualified or recognized?" Then this scripture came to my mind

and I could see

what His answer to my prayer was. Even Paul felt highly unqualified to

expound on what he was

called to teach.

"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that

I should preach

among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: and to make all men see

what is the

fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been in

God, who created

all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities

and powers in heavenly

places might be known unto the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to

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the eternal

purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness

and access with

confidence by faith in Him.

This scripture ("for this cause") , then is my prayer and intent of this

study. For this cause I bowmy knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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 ye,

being rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints

what is the

breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ,

which passes

knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God .

NOW unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or

think, according

to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ

Jesus throughout all

ages, world without end. AMEN." Ephesians 3:8

His Word makes bold statements, and this scripture was given to me as I wrote

this introduction.

I am not a good scripture memorizer, and this passage did not come from a

list. I inserted it here,

because it came the same way this whole study came. It came by inspiration.

So as I write it out,

it appears that He has a bit to say about this book, too. Thank you Lord.

Quotations are from the King James Version. Word meanings are taken from the

Online Bible

and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.






THE FALL FROM GRACEOF

HAS GRACE FALLEN FROM THE CHURCH?

This study begins in the word of God and remains in the word of God. If the

reader does not

enjoy reading the word, then this study could be very boring. If the reader

loves the word, much

wealth will come from it.

In the beginning God spoke to Adam and Eve, Cain, Noah, Abram and Lot. At

this time he only

spoke to his chosen ones. Keeping the law and obeying God's voice as

delivered through his

anointed, was the only way to remain in the kingdom of Israel. After

hundreds of years, Israel

became accustomed to this and tradition developed out of the laws. It

compounded until the

Pharisees and the Saduccees, the religious leaders of the time became

exclusive clubs that

worshiped the law. This led to self pride and condemnation. You'll notice

that God moved less

and less on behalf of Israel as time wore on.

Eventually Jerusalem was in Roman hands and Gods kingdom was in pretty sad

shape. Forcenturies all that Israel had to hold on to was tradition and the hope of a

Messiah. Some were

tired of the way the system was governed. It was certainly not like it was in

the old days, but it

was all that remained. You just go the temple and buy your sacrifice. If you

had foreign

currency you had to exchange it at the going rate which could be whatever the

money changer's

decided at the time. Next you had to seek the best price for buying and

offering to be sacrificed.

One had to work there way through this wringer of commercialism to get to

church. But youdared not complain though: Its God's best. How long would this continue?

Does this sound or

feel familiar in your Christian environment? Shouldn't Gods people have a

better hope than

this?

Of course we know this is where Jesus Christ entered the scene, but the Holy

Ghost started a

little earlier to pave the way for the son of God. He started with the priest

in the Holy Place.

One of Gods faithful servants named Zacharias, spent much of his time in Gods

presence. His

son was to be raised up to move in the spirit of Elijah. He would break

through all the religious

and traditional barriers and awaken the nation again to righteousness. Hearts






would be prepared,

softened, and cleansed to receive the Messiah.

John the Baptist carried the message of repentance and renewal and many tasted

new hope in his

words. Hope for a Godly nation, prosperous, powerful, and free from Roman

rule.

We know that Jesus' goal wasn't to fulfill this hope and most of them believed

because we get to

read it in history. It's easy for us to see. Jesus made it clear exactly

what he came to do. But

there image of a messiah didn't match up and many resorted to the old life.

This Jesus was a flop

to them. Except for the miracles....................

Gradually Jesus was able to reach the hearts of those who were still holding

onto a better hope.

His love, power, and knowledge stirred something inside of them and many left

all to follow him.

When he ascended into heaven he left the promise of the fulfillment of this

hope. Even though

he had proven himself as Messiah, this hope was yet to be made stronger.

Christ in or among us

is our hope and as we're taught of this, then we can be presented perfect in

Christ Jesus. Christ

means the anointed one. The anointed on in us, the Holy Spirit, will bring us

to perfection or

maturity in the anointed Christ Jesus. What a better hope! Heb. 7:19 tells

us "For the law made

nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we

draw near to God."

Now we can be like Zacharias. Even better, we don't have to wait our turnlike he did. Luke

1:8,9 says, "And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest office

before God in order of

his course, according to the custom of the priest office, his lot was to burn

incense when he went

into the temple of the Lord." That better hope that Jesus brought was further

described by Paul.

Col. 1:25 "Whereof I am made a minister according the dispensation of God

which is given to

me for you, to fulfill the word of God: even the mystery which has been hid

from ages and from

generations but is now made manifest to his saints; to whom God would makeknown what is the

riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in

(among) you the hope of

glory; whom we preach...... that we may present every man perfect in Christ."

The old saints in Heb 11 tell us that they "all died in faith, received a good

report, received not

the promise; God having provided (foreseen) something better for us that they

without us should

not be made perfect." Here we see that word perfect again.

So now we have the Holy Spirit, its wonderful (full of wonder) powerful,

interesting. How

would this wonderment that we sense bring a whole group of believers to

perfection. Anytime






Jesus moved in any way it was because of Gods grace moving upon him and his

response that

was of willing obedience. Any time God moves: it's through grace. Think of

the word graceful,

we think of beautiful birds flying, horses running, ballet dancing, figure

skaters all graceful in

what they do. Well, anything God does is full of grace, he's not limited in

his expression to us.A bird only flies to be graceful, a horse only walks or runs to be graceful, a

skater is only graceful

while skating. Everything God intends to do or does is full of grace. So as

we move in response

to his grace to us, we too are graceful. As we limit ourselves to only move

in grace, both

individually and corporately, we approach the place of being presented perfect

in Christ Jesus.

Moving in God's grace requires relationship with him. He makes the first move

to draw us into

this relationship. John 6:43 "No man comes to me, except the father which

hath sent me draw

him." This is the first movement of grace. It's very subtle, it undermines

mans pride and self

image. It works deep inside our soul where Satan doesn't go. Satan loves to

keep areas of

emptiness into our lives which leads us in constant pain. God loves to go in

and fill the

emptiness giving an peace in the subconscious level.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind , but now I see.

As you will see this study is not a collection of concepts. God guided me

through his word using

scriptures in their context. Therefore I will be very liberal in the use of

THE scriptures that he

used to impress his heart upon my heart. Please read the scriptures

carefully. They are the fine

print if you please of this study.

Grace as we are looking at it didn't enter until Jesus Christ came with it.

In the Old Testament

grace refers to the kindness and graciousness as in Gen. 6:8 "Noah found

grace in the eyes of theLord." Gen 19:19 "Behold now thy servant hath found grace in thy sight and

though hast

magnified they mercy which thou hast showed unto me in saving my

life:........" The word for

grace here is the Heb word chen. In Ezra 9:8 grace (techinnah) means

graciousness, entreaty, and

supplication. "And now for a little space grace hath been showed from the

Lord our God, to

leave us a remnant to escape and to give us a nail in his holy place that our

God may lighten our

eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage."

The grace of the new testament is introduced with Jesus Christ. Timothy

describes it in II Tim.

1:19 "who hath saved us and called us with a 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: Whereunto I

am appointed a preacher, and an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles."

The Greek word generally used for grace in the new testament is charis. It

means gracious as in

gratifying or divine influence on the heart and the reflection on the life, or

gratitude. Charis is

used 126 times and the word euprepeia is used once in James 1:11 "For the sun

is no sooner

risen with a burning heat but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof

falleth and the grace of

the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his

ways." The word charis we

are concentrating on and the biblical context of this word unlocks the pattern

which envelopes

the purpose and richness of the word grace. The old timers in the scriptures

knew what grace

meant and we are about to explore the "manifold grace of God."

I Peter 4:10 "As every man hath receive the gift, even so minister the same

one to another, as

good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Rom 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is

in Christ Jesus."

This context uses grace as a legal term that gets us out of big trouble.

Rom 5:15 "And the gift of grace.......abounded to many." So grace is an

abundant gift, it got us

out of trouble and it gets us out of trouble. This is where the concept of

greasy grace shows up.

Oh yes, Gods's grace is abundant, but should we consider in sin so grace may

abound? Rom 6:1

Paul teaches that: Moreover the law entered, that the offence (sin) might

abound. But where sin

abounded grace did much more abound and even as sin reigned (past tense) unto

death, even so

might grace reign (present tense) through righteousness unto eternal life byChrist Jesus.

(Romans 5:20:21)

Having predestinated us unto to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to

himself,...To the

praise of the glory of his grace , wherein he hath made us accepted in the

beloved.

Eph. 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of the grace wherein he hat made us

accepted in the

beloved."(Ephesians 1:5,6)

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men......."

(Titus 2:11)

In Acts 18:27 we see that the people believed in the gospel through grace.






We're justified freely through his grace through the redemption ....Where is

boasting then?

(Romans3:24,27)

"The gift of grace abounded to many." Rom 5:15

So grace is an abundant gift, it got us out of trouble and GETS us out of

trouble. This is wherethe concept of "greasy grace"shows up. Oh yes, God's grace is abundant. Grace

abounds so

freely that Paul in Romans said, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may

abound?" (Romans6:1)

Abounding grace can be turned into rebounding grace,"greasy grace," just as

the Canadian

welfare system can be misused. Many people find it easier to live on welfare

rather than finding

a way of improving their lives through education and hard work.

For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared unto all

men....(Titus 2:11)

Grace is a description of the covering we can move under whether we are

regenerated or not .

This is why Christians (so called) seem to be getting away with "murder".As an

undeserved

"benefit" we can see grace as God's welfare system in his Kingdom.

It is God's will that none perish, but that all come to repentance. I call

this stage a facet because

there are times when we all need this type of grace in our lives whether we

are "good Christians"

or not. People tend to believe that they're "above" and "beyond" a stage. A

facet can show up

continuously at any time. Sinners saved by grace are not better than anyoneelse on this planet.

We are simply sinners saved by grace.

"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ

Jesus......"(Romans

3:24)

"But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the

offense of one many are dead,

much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace which is by one man Jesus

Christ......"(Romans 5:15)

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace, which was bestowed

upon me was not

in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I but the grace

of God which was

with me."(1 Cor. 15:10)

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all

men....."Titus 2:11

Grace is the description of the covering we can move under whether we're

unregenerated or not:

But especially if we are regenerated. Gods grace is never ending.

"That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in

his kindness






towards us through Christ Jesus."( Eph. 2:7)

This means that grace gets us out of jail and puts on the street a free man.

It's much like free

legal aid. I'm free, but how do I stay out of jail? I'm liable to slip up

and end up back in prison

and have to start the whole redemption process all over again .(This was why

the Israelites had tosacrifice constantly to stay out of trouble with God).

ON THE CONTRARY, we're EXPECTED to move on in faith with initiative and God's

grace

is there to lead us on.

2. POWER The Second Facet of God's Grace

The next facet of grace is defined in Strong's concordance as "the divine

influence on the heart

and its reflection in the life."

We need POWER on the inside to keep us out of trouble, not rules on the

outside to read all the

time. We would surely forget a few and eventually slip up. We need a friend

who sticks closer

than a brother to warn us before we err. We need a divine influence on our

heart. We need

grace.

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

teaching us that denying

ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godlyin this present

world. ........"Titus 2:11,12

"That he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham or to his seed

through the law, but

through the righteousness of faith. If, the law made heirs; then faith is

made void. There then

would be no pleasing God. You can't abuse a system that goes strictly "by the

book." There's

no faith in following "the book" (Romans 4:13)

This divine influence of the heart and the reflection in ones life producesthe average citizen in

the kingdom of God. This is the moving of the Holy Spirit as we see it in the

charismatic type of

church. The church comes alive and people now have testimony of the power of

God in their

everyday lives.

"And great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33)

Rom 5:27 refers to this "grace in which we stand."(access by faith)

Rom 11:6,7 refers to works(mans' plans and rules) vs. grace: .

Israel never could attain to the fullness of their promise through the law.






"But their minds were blinded: For until this day remaineth the same veil

untaken away in the

reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even

unto this day when

Moses is read the veil is upon their heart. (2 Cor. 3:14)

"Christ is no effect if we're justified by the law" (Gal.5:4)

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is

good to the use of

edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."(Eph. 4:29)

So we see that we are to minister grace to those that hear it.

We are to sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. (Col 3:16)

God gives us more grace to combat lust, to envy. (James 4:5,6)

Teaches that his is the true grace of God in which we stand. (I Peter 5:12)

3. GRACE AS DIVINE GOVERNMENTB ecoming part of God's Kingdom.

After grace influences you long enough, it begins to govern you. After that

God uses you to

govern in the kingdom. Remember governments are really servants or a type of

tool to maintain

a health, prosperous living standard. Governments use words such as election,

offences, law ,

throne, administration, justification, and charity. Also , governments are

servants or you might

say tools.

When the law of Moses came it appeared from Mt. Sinai, Moses brought it down

in glory, but it

only brought condemnation. Notice that God left the law when Moses died or

disappeared on the

mountain. When Jesus disappeared in glory he left the Holy Spirit behind to

administer grace. I

also believe that Jesus on the Mt. Of Transfiguration talked with Moses and

Elijah about the new

covenant or governmental system that was about to begin.

2 Peter 3:18 says" grow in grace". We must start our experience with God withhis unmerited

favour (his welfare system). Spiritually we are a type of refugee coming

into a new kingdom.

Then, being justified by grace through faith, we move up to the realm of

experiencing the leading

of God in our life. This is the divine influence of God in our heart and the

outworking of that

influence in our life. Moving in grace by faith brings us into the ability to

be actually governed

by God through the Holy sprit which should be the foundation for church

government. Because,

we are ultimately called to rule and reign with Christ.

The last two facets of grace are harder to misuse because now we can see that

it takes more use






of faith. To ensure we use this grace properly, the church needs a balanced

constitution and so

we see the phrase...... GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE

Grace is the unmerited favour, the divine leading or influence, and

government.(personal)

Mercy is love, forgiveness, truth. (Terms of the covenant) "Speaking the truth

in love."Peace involves love, fellowship, food "take eat, this is my body."

(Communion)

" Grace, mercy and peace" is found in four places:1&2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4,

2 John 3 " Grace

shall be with you in truth and love."

Revelation starts and ends with the exhortation of grace to you. In other

words John is saying

through all the times ahead. Walk in the Spirit.

So if this facet of grace has to do with government , then we must be

able to get instructions

from "above".

Here are some scriptures which explain this statement.

Isaiah 9:6 -- the government will be upon his shoulder ".(God

talking in his ear

and ours too.) Luke 2:40 -- tells us the grace of God was upon Him.

Romans 1:5 -- says that believers receive grace and

apostleship for obedience to

the faith among the nations.

Romans 11:5 Grace elects people!

Romans 12:6-8 Grace gives different gifts!

1 Corinthians 3:10 People help build in the kingdom according to

grace .

2 Corinthians 9:8 -- Grace that you abound unto every good work.

Titus 2 :11 -12 Grace teaches us.

Hebrews 4:16 There is a throne of grace .

Hebrews 12:28 Grace to serve God..Hebrews 13:9 Established with grace.

2 Peter 3:18 Grow in grace.

STUDY OF ORDINANCES

1. WHAT DOES GRACE REPLACE?

There is a great controversy in protestant theology concerning the law of

Moses and how much

of it relates to our walk in Christ. Some say all, some say most, and some

say a lot and some say

none.






Included in the law are ordinances (Heb 9:1) written which pertained to the

ways of living and

worshiping. That definition can hardly be used accurately as you will see.

Ordinances here is the Greek word dikaioma (Strongs 1345) and is used ten

times in the New

Testament. It means...

1) that which has been deemed right so as to have force of law.1a) what has been established and ordained by law, an ordinance.

1b) a judicial decision, sentence of God-either favorable by which

he aquits a

Man and declares him acceptable to him or unfavorable: a

sentence of

Condemnation.

2) a righteous act or deed.

The word ordinance used elsewhere in the New Testament had other meanings.

Dikaioo (strongs 1344) to justify one or ones self as righteous

Dogma (Strongs 1378) Doctrine of public decrees

Doctrine of roman senate

Doctrine of rulers

Rules and requirements of the law of Moses carrying

suggestion of

severity and threatened judgment.

Certain degrees of the apostles relative to righteous

living

Dogmatizo Decree, command, enjoin to lay down an ordinance (from

1378)

So we see that these definitions include every ruling given in the old

testament. Truly and

respectfully it is the Old Testament!

The apostles, when they wrote of Christ's actions and message on earth, they

didn't record much

on whether they or Christ adhered to the Mosaic laws. They followed keeping

the feasts and

worshiped on the sabbath. But any records of strict adherence were omitted.

Was this

intentional or were they so taken up with following the son of God that it

didn't matter anymore?

Paul in Romans 7 speaks to people knowledgeable in the law and shows how

Christ legally

changed our commitment from one law to another.

Paul being a Pharisee of the Pharisees knew the law with extreme accuracy and

we are fortunate

that it was he that explained in legal terms the new covenant.

But Christ even alluded to a change several times when he called it "your

laws" in John 8:17 and

John 10:34. Christ says in John 13:34 "a new commandment I give unto you."

Now, are we not

told to follow him? Did he not say except ye hate father and mother and all

his relatives ye






cannot be my disciples? Is our ear to be cocked to anyone but Him? Whose

words are spirit and

life? Who is the way, the truth, and the life? What else blends or enhances

the appearance, the

mind, the light, the word, and the revelation of Christ himself?

One would say that anyone after him, aligning with him would be an imposter.

Anyone with himand beside him would not have equal rank and authority as him. Even John the

Baptist bowed

out of the spotlight to make way when Christ stepped forward. One then, could

only say that any

authoritative power or legislation instituted before Christ came could stand

and blend with his

teachings and commandments. But if Christ is truly the son of God then we

should take a fresh

look at his words and see if we are missing something which up til now has

left the church in a

controversy. We won't worry about this controversy now, but first we'll look

at the word and

then any controversy will fade out of sight.

Romans 7 is written to those knowledgeable in the law. A woman is bound to

her husband by

the "law of her husband" verse 2. If she marries another while he is still

alive she is an

adulteress. When he dies, though, she is no longer an adulteress when she

marries again. Note

that she may not marry while her husband and HIS law lives. That is adultery.

Having a second

husband with HIS law is impossible. The point I'm making here is one can't

live by two laws.

Christ, the son of God's death looses us from the law of Moses. Christ

respected the law until

his death and fulfilled the law by bringing in a better hope by his

resurrection. We are now

espoused to another with His law, even him who is raised from the dead.

Verse 6 says we were held but delivered from that law to serve God in newness

of Spirit.

Chapter 6 tells how we were crucified with Christ, dead to sin, so let not sin

reign anymore.

Verse 14 sin shall not have dominion because we are under grace not law.

LAW IS THE SECURITY OF SIN

Yield your members servants of righteousness unto holiness (fruit unto

holiness) and the end

everlasting life.

Now sin is seen in a new perspective. I do what I hate, I hate what I do.

Its no longer I doing it

but sin dwelling in me. Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Romans 7:25, I thank

God! Romans 8:2 for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me

free from the law

of sin and death. Note that it's the law in Christ Jesus, not the law in us.

Stay in Him, get in

Him, run into Him for refuge. Sin cannot follow you into Him. Old Israel had






cities of refuge.

In certain crimes you were safe in a city of refuge as long as you stayed

inside of the walls.

Remember, sin is condemned in the flesh........ but paid for....."behold the

lamb of God who

taketh away the sin of the world."

All sin past, present, future is condemned by His death. Sin can only leachonto our flesh, or

carnal nature and tends to death. The Spirit is life because of righteousness

and lives in us to

quicken our mortal bodies. The word quicken here, used in proper context with

the rest of the

verses is present tense. Romans 8: 12 - 14..... for as many as are led by the

Spirit of God they are

the sons of God and we cry abba father.

Getting back to being espoused to another: when our old marital relationship

ended, a new

covenant came into being. Most assume that most of the old covenant

resurrected with Christ.

Not so. It was nailed to his cross. Col. 2:14 blotting out the handwriting

of ordinances that was

against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way, nailing it to

his cross.

Not only did he take away the ordinances, he spoiled principalities and powers

making a show of

them openly in triumph! No question now who is King!

All rules which were contrary to us in any way, whether of God or Satan were

taken out of the

way and SPOILED.

Did I say all the rules? Definitely. You say, "back that up with scripture."

Paul says in second

Cor. 3:7, "but if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones,

was glorious, so that

the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the

glory of his

countenance: which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration

of the spirit be

rather glorious?

Rather in Greek Mallon, meaning: more, to a greater degree

a) much by farb) rather, sooner

c)more willingly, more readily, sooner

First of all, how could Paul call the stones the ministration of death? He

said that the purpose of

the Law was to expose sin, and the wages of sin is death. The Law made nothing

perfect but the

bringing in of a better hope did.

Gal. 3:10 says, "for as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse:

for it is written,

cursed is everyone that continueth not in all the things which are written in

the book of the Law

to do them. V13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law.






Paul told the Galatians that they were bewitched. Someone in the fellowship

sneaked in and saw

that some weren't circumcised. But, he gave them no subjection not even for

an hour.

To give subjection to these concepts is to frustrate the grace of God and to

embrace these

concepts is to push grace out of the church. Hence, the fall ofgrace.

We have been given a relationship and a walk of faith. It was ministered by

the Holy Spirit

having nothing at all to do by the works of the law. It was heard by ears of

faith just as Abraham

heard centuries earlier. No law had been written yet and other religions

abounded. God just

called Abram to separate himself, family and servants to a journey with a

promise.

The law was added afterward because of transgression (Galatians 3:19) to keep

things in order

til the seed should come to whom the promise was made! This is the exact

point in history

where the law finishes its purpose and has no more use.

We're talking about the seed of Abraham from whom the promise was made.

Galatians 3:16

says that the seed (singular) is Christ. First came the promise and 430 years

later the law

appeared. The promise was shelved and the scripture (verse 22) concluded

(held) everyone under

sin.

We were held under a covering! Instead of a promise (to Abraham).

According to Paul the law shut us up unto the faith which should afterward

appear. After many

centuries the faith we were shut up unto became obscured and absorbed into a

mechanical

religion. Generations passed and the hope of the promise faded into a dream

for tomorrow: for

some other generation.

The law became a school master to keep us on hold til Christ and our faith in

him should come.

This scripture makes it quite clear that Christ's revelation has ended themandate of the law.

Hearing by faith and embracing Christ has brought us into a walk of faith

whereby we can please

God. Galatians 4:3 says we were in bondage under the elements of the world,

under tutors and

governors (priests, teachers, and pharisees) needing redemption even though we

were under the

law. The elements or rule of the law were weak and beggarly, therefore we

needed a better hope.

Galatians 4:10 includes observing days, months, and years and times as part of

the bondage and

this brings fear to Paul that this mixed worship made his labour in vain!

He exclaimed to the Galatians that Abraham had two sons, one of bondage which

is Agar or






Hagar or Mt. Sinai! What could Mt. Sinai have to do with children of bondage?

Hagar had a

child to Abraham because he couldn't wait for the promise. The son was a poor

substitute

compared to Isaac who was born to a woman beyond the age of child bearing. A

woman who

even laughed when she heard the news of her conceiving. But laugh or not it

still happened. Theplan still proceeded because it was predestined to happen.

Did God's promise to Abraham fail even though his hope faded? No way! Did

Abraham's

impatience cause trouble down through time? Absolutely!

What then should we learn from this? Well, to God, the creator of all the

earth, a promise is a

promise. He will have his plan carried out and finished to perfection in

spite of us. Our

impatience will only cause trouble for us. God's solution to Abraham was to

cast out the

bondwoman and her son! Cast out Agar, Hagar, Mt. Sinai, the law?! You bet!

All the problems

in the middle east today are form Abrahams impatience. Our church today and

the controversy

are stemmed from the same problem.

Mt. Sinai has to be cast out. Her work and her son are of no use to the

kingdom of God. In fact

they bring bondage and kill faith. When faith is dead, God cannot be pleased

If you have ever felt that God is not happy with you it is because there is

something or someone

pointing an accusation at you. That accusation will pronounce you guilty andfear results.

This is the lifestyle of the Jerusalem below. Galatians 4:25. This speaks of

the church of the

world. Agar speaks of the church following the law to which Jerusalem answers

to. So todays

church follows the rule coming from Mt. Sinai and keeps itself in bondage.

Whereas the Jerusalem from above or the church birthed by the Spirit is free

and is the mother of

us all!

Which would you want to be part of? I see no sensible conclusion but to let

go of the one and

embrace the other. In fact Galatians 4:30 reminds us to cast out Mt. Sinai in

order to be free.

To be a part of the Jerusalem from above we through the Spirit are to wait for

the hope

(something we can taste, it is so real) of righteousness by faith. This faith

works by love and

nothing else. Works to relieve your conscience won't do it. Works of faith

by love fulfill the

law of Christ. Just one work by the law from Sinai demands a thousand more

accurately carried

out as dictated to you. This eliminates spontaneous works of the spirit

through faith.






In Gal 5;13 Paul now explains a facet of our liberty that the church doesn't

want eliminated.

Moving in liberty unlocks the ability to do things according to our carnal

nature without an

accusing finger, pronouncing us guilty of the infractions of the rules.

The argument is that there has to be some boundaries established or the churchwill disintegrate.

Paul answers this simply, yet authoritatively by saying in

Gal. 5:13 but by love serve one another

Gal 5: 16 walk in the spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the

flesh

" " 18 but if you be led by the spirt you are not under the law!

" " 24 and they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the

affections and lusts.

" " 25 if we live in the spirit let us also walk in the spirit

What does Jesus say about this walk in the Spirit? In John 3:6 he says "That

which is born of the

flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit (v.7) marvel

not that I say unto thee you

must be born again. (From above) (the heavenly Jerusalem instead of Mt.

Sinai). (v8) the wind blows

where it lists and thou hears the sound thereof, but cannot tell where it

comes from, and where its

going: so is everyone that is born of the spirit.

NOTE: EVERYONE!!! Do you see a church like that? Anywhere?

A church like that may not have any boundaries written down to keep it from

straying but it sure

would be a church actively serving neighbours fervently with a mysterious love

and source ofdirection and strength.

Think about it!

Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name

Jesus for he shall save

his people from their sin."

Luke 1:32 "He shall be great and he shall be called the son of the highest:

and the Lord God shall

give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the

house of Jacob forever: And

of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Luke 2:10 "And the angel said unto them, fear not for behold I bring you good

tidings of great joy;

which shall be to all people."

Luke 2:13 "and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly

host praising God, and

saying, Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

Luke 2:30-32 "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared






before the face of

all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people

Israel."

Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; and

behold a voice out

of the cloud which said "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased,

Hear ye him."

Matthew 5:1-16 Beattitudes and Commandments of Jesus

Matthew 5: 17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law (the disciples were

obviously led to

believe that Jesus was dictating new commands and that the law was done) or

the prophets; I am not

come to destroy but TO FULFIL."

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, til heaven and earth pass, one jot or

one tittle shall in no wise

pass from the law, til all be fulfilled! * Notice he said he would be the one

fulfilling the law. It

would be done by his resurrection power giving us a new nature, enabling us to

do what Christ taught

in Matthew chapter 6 and 7.

Now after reading all his beatitudes and commands: Jesus (The King of Kings)

says in Matthew 7:24

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will

liken him to a wise man

which built his house on a rock:"

Luke 6: The commands and beatitudes are repeated and in verse 46 Jesus said

why call ye me Lord

Lord and do not the things I say?

If we believe what God said (about listening) to Jesus: "Hear ye him", and if

we believe what Jesus

said ("The law will be fulfilled and I will fulfill it")(do what I say). I

can't repeat that phrase enough

"do what I say."

Luke 6: gives us the mind of Christ. This must be the foundation of our

Christian mind set.

Many teach that tithing came before the law and so it must be maintained

today. Abram in Gen.

14:20 "Gave Melchisadec tithes of all. (Allis referring to the spoils which

Abram's men took back

from roving kings.)

Notice the word there is gave. When God included tithing into the law , it

became something to be

paid. Thus , the law ,which previously in this study we saw that it only

points to sin and guilt,is

backed up in Malachi. He prophicies that not tithing is robbing God. We've

seen that Jesus nailed all

ordinances which were against us to his cross . That includes this one.






So, how do we fit Abram's 10% gift into the new covenant ?

Well, Abram gave a tithe only once! It was something he did in faith to bless

the priest Melchisadek.

It was a one time deal and Melchisadek turned around and bless Abram. Genesis

14:19, Heb. 7:7.

Heb. Tells us in chapter seven that Levi, being in Abrams lions payed tithes

in Abram. Abram (pre

law) gave while Levi (law era) paid. When Levitical priesthood took over Levi

took (Heb. 7:5) tithes

according to the law.

This scripture says that Levi paid tithes while in Abrams loins. This was to

show that God sanctioned

the concept of tithing into the Mosaic law to support the new priesthood. A

whole tribe would be

dependant on the other eleven tribes for their livelihood in the promised

land.

When the new covenant came in the old was disannulled ( Heb 7:18 ) due to the

weakness and

unprofitableness of it .

That didn't stop the old from being practiced .Hebrews 8 says that there are

still priests who offer

(present tense) gifts according to the law .

Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that they pay tithes of herbs (according

to the law) which shows

how detailed and legalistic their religion had become. The Lord was actually

showing how theirlegalism sidetracked the whole spirit of Gods initial plan in the first place.

That was to keep Israel

upright until Messiah should come.

When the law was fulfilled in Christ there was no written instruction on how

tithing fits into the new

covenant. First and foremost, notice that the Levites are out of a job in the

new covenant. In fact

there are no earthly priests ordained to be mediators anymore. Hebs. 8:4 says

that Jesus couldn't be

a priest because he was from the wrong tribe and God told Moses to build

everything according tothe pattern shown on the Mount (Sinai, Agar, Hagar, Bondwoman, Law Gal. 4:24)

which

Bondwoman (Gal 4:30) we are to cast out.

So while God brought tithing into the Mosaic law and Paul made an explanation

of how it was

sanctioned (Heb 7), there is no such explanation to show us how to tithe now

that faith (Messiah) is

here.

Paul having been very legalistic would surely have mentioned something if it

were as important as

the church makes it out to be today, but he didn't. So the only reasonable

explanation to include

tithing in the new covenant would be to resort to being spontaneous in giving






a tithe when the Holy

Spirit inspires one to do it. Notice Abram gave ten percent of the spoils, he

got back all his peoples

belongings, all his allies belongings plus the belongings of his enemies. But

he only tithed of the

spoils.

Heb 7:4 spoils - in Strongs Concordance Greek word number 205 definition aheap, top of the heap,

best of the bootie, spoils.

He didn't keep any spoils for himself or his people, he just took what they

lost in the first place, plus

some food to eat. All the rest he gave to the Kings which were his allies at

the time, less 10 per cent

of the bootie. After that, God said to Abram "I am thy shield and thy

exceeding great reward."

Gen. 15:1

So what Abram gave was not out of his livelihood, but out of his blessing or

profit. This would be

contrary to Moses law and to show how pleased God was with Abrams heart and

attitude he spoke

in Gen 15:1 to let Abram have a say in the reward he would want from God. He

wanted an

heir........period. Not riches or fame just an heir was what his whole heart

desired.

In Exodus 23:20 - 26 we see how God sent an angel before the Israelites to

bring them into the land

of promise and defeat the inhabitants. Then came a promise of bread, water,

health, prosperous herds,

flocks and children being born and fulfilment of days in every ones life. Allthis if they warily obeyed

the angel and didn't provoke him. How much more should we warily follow and

obey the Holy Spirit

today? Our enemies would have fear (respect), our jobs prosper, our dollar

stretches farther, our

home and families are stable and happy, our debts are paid off, crops do well

and weather behaves

itself! All our resources prosper when the Holy Spirit administers true

divine Gov't or grace in the

church. Notice I have described all these things in the present tense and not

the future. I'm not

dreaming of a day ahead. These are facts that my family and people we'velived with in Community

have experienced. It almost became common place to see miracles occur into

moving the way we felt

the Spirit of God showing us to proceed.

We've since left the community way of church life and still our God does all

of the above. He is

waiting to show the church as a whole the exceeding abundance of his mercy and

grace. He

recognizes no denominational boundaries. All who call upon the name of the

Lord shall be saved.

Our reasoning minds set up these boundaries and our misconception of grace

keeps the veil over our

eyes. Instead we should learn to hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking in our

hearts, personally and






with others. Just as the apostles would get supernatural instructions to go

here or not to go there, so

will we. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth.

He also made a strong

statement that we would do greater miracles than they had seen him do! All

this happens as we trust

and obey. The Holy Spirit waits for us to exercise our faith to listen.

There are believers everywherewho can sense the true moving of the Spirit because of humility. They just

commune with the Lord

and follow his instruction for their lives at the time. They don't see

themselves raising the dead or

healing the sick making a spectacle for the Lord. In fact that is how to

chase the gentle dove away.

These people are pillars who can't be shaken by winds of doctrine or fears of

wars and rumors of

wars. They are instructed in the scriptures as they are quickened by the Holy

Spirit and are able to

(minister grace to the hearers) the perfect Word at the right time. They

bring peace because they are

at peace.

In Communist countries these Saints have been the ones the believers gathered

around for strength

and guidance. In those situations pet doctrines don't give you strength.

Rules have no place. Many

times the underground church would only gather to worship when and where the

Holy Spirit called

them. Eventually the secret group of believers would just know where and when

to gather so that no

Government persecutors would ever find out. Talk about amazing grace!

If our Bibles were ever seized and our churches torn down would our churchessurvive? Of course!

How? By raising up of Godly men, woman and children first hearing from and

moving out in the

Holy Ghost. Could the Holy Ghost keep the church alive without Bible Schools,

Universities,

Denominations and (God forbid) even our Bible? Yes, absolutely! ! ! How

much more could this

work of the Holy Spirit be unleashed with the (help) of all these things?

Maybe I should say How

much more should this work of the Holy Spirit be unleashed with the "help" of

all these things?

I've experienced many miracles in daily life, simply by listening to the mind

of the Lord. As a church

we've seen healings, protection, storm clouds parted at harvest times, words

of counsel, wisdom and

knowledge. The Holy Spirit tells us how much money to give and to whom it is

to be given.

Sometimes he tells us not to give or not to go somewhere only to find out

later the wisdom behind

the instructions.

After years of walking this way we've seen our dollar stretch beyond belief.

We find we can't afford

not to live this way. Luke 6:35 says "But love your enemies, and do good and

lend hoping for nothing

again, and your reward shall be great and ye shall be the children of the






Highest for He is kind unto

the unthankful and to the evil.

Hoping for nothing again. To me that means to give or lend or do good you

expect no pay backs.

This word lend in the Greek means to loan on interest see Strongs 1153.

Another word in Luke 11:5

talks of lending in the context of supplying a need Strongs 5531 from 5530 tofurnish what is needed.

The point I'm making here is that we are instructed what to do with our money

and not to ask for

extra money or advantage in return. Luke 6:35 shows us to be lenders, not

borrowers. If we profit

from that then we are not children of the highest! I personally believe that

includes not to expect a

tax receipt in the mail for income tax purposes. If I give to an

organization and receive a receipt I

don't throw it out. On the other hand when I put money in the offering I

don't use a numbered

envelope. When the Lord tells us to give to someone in need the money goes

into a blank envelope

with their name on it. They don't know what is in it until they open it. We

often get thanks, rarely

we don't.

This scripture in no way means to lend your money, tools, car, or house etc

and never expect to see

them again. It means to be ready to help someone in need and get them on

their feet without charging

them interest. When it comes to someone needing bread, Luke 11:5 we should

have plenty of bread

on hand to bless the needy with what they need. That makes us like our Fatherwho is good to the

unthankful and the evil.

If the church is blessed with bounty then with the help of the Holy Spirit the

church should be the

chief administrator of charity in the world. Notice Acts 6:5 that Steven was

one of the seven

appointed who was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Act 6:8 says he was full

of faith and power and

did great wonders and miracles among the people! How many more Stevens are

there suppose to be

in the church today? Are you one?Of course as was mentioned earlier there are those who abuse the worlds

welfare system. I'm sure

abuse would show up in a church system also. But Paul made it quite clear

that if a purpose won't

work neither should he eat. He also said to only help woman who are widows

indeed.

His teachings may not have been politically correct but they are effective.

Anybody can do something

to earn his or her keep . There is always a place for you in the kingdom of

God. Some can teach,

pray, repair electronics and others can lift heavy furniture. No one should

be out of a job and hungry

in Gods kingdom. With Stevens around to administer this type of system it

would be an evangelistic






outreach all on its own. This may all sound far fetched but if believers each

did their little part to add

into the Kingdom little by little Christs initial plan would take effect.

Miracles would show this to

be from Gods hand and not from mans finite brain. Both the giver and the

needy would be blessed

and rejoice together in Gods bounty. Yes, there would be those who would

rather be hungry than tofit into where God wants them. That would be their choice but I tell you

there would be very few

professional bums in Gods plan. His grace would save, feed, warm, teach, and

give you an

occupation.

Titus was told by Paul to let ours ( our people) learn to maintain (translated

- profess honest trades

) good works for necessary uses that they be not unfruitful .

Galations 6 talks much about these concepts

V 4 Let everyone prove his own work

5 everyone should bear his Own burden

6 when you are taught in the word then teach others who teach in

all GOOD things .

This includes natural things and spiritual things . We're to be productive

and fruitful.

V 9 Let us not be weary in well doing : for in due season we shall

reap if we faint not

10 and as we have therefore opportunity let us do GOOD unto all men

, especially unto them

who are of the household of faith .

Here we see the practical aspect of a healthy group of believers in a

community .

Looking down the rest of this chapter we see how these truths are corrupted by

those who want you

to conform to their way.

Folks , we're exhorted to STAND FAST IN THE LIBERTY GAL. 5 !!!!!

We're called to be a church without spot or wrinkle : washed in the Blood of

the Lamb. Christ won't

return for a Church that constantly feels unworthy ,insecure ,and not up to

standard .

His Blood makes us worthy, secure in Him , and makes US : YES US ; the

Righteousness of God

in CHRIST.When the Church gets hold of this , THE LORD HIMSELF THEN will be

free to RETURN

AT ANY TIME ! It's up to us. 1 THESS 3:13 5:23

Back then the Church had it's members who didn't want to let go of the old

covenant . There were

too many comfortable doctrines that had crept in and would be exposed by the

new covenant.

Titus 1:9 gives us the first example . Some of the circumcision especially

were gainsayers, unruly,

vain talkers and deceivers. They needed to hear exhortation and sound

doctrine. Down in verse 14

we hear of Jewish fables , commandments of men which turn from the truth. The






Bathsheba, his wife , while he was home from the battle . That way David

couldn't be caught in his

adulterous act with Bathsheba. The child born to them died, but later Solomon

was to be born from

this relationship.

Now, can you imagine Jesus Christ ,The Son of God being called the son of

David? After all David

did? Even back in the Old Testament because God promised that David's linage

would never depart

from the throne of Israel.

All this was pointed out to show the new covenant leaves no condemnation.

But to he who believes

not ( in the new covenant) is condemned already!!!!!

No matter how many rules you follow ; one slip ( which is inevitable ) and

you're condemned.

It's very difficult to comprehend that we can be restored and spotless

without any condemnation.

Yes, when we're convicted we will feel a sense of shame and remorse. But we

are just as readily

be able to sense the love of God restoring us and the cleansing power of the

washing of the water of

the Word.

More importantly we should be ready and willing to see it happening and

accept happening in

others around us . We must forgive and forget just as our Father in Heaven. No

Peer Pressure.

"And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against

us."

It's clear now to see that the Law of Moses is quite different than the

Law of the Lord spoken

of in Psalms ." The Law of the Lord is Perfect Converting the Soul"Psalms

19:7

The Law [of Moses] made nothing perfect Hebrews 7:19 but the bringing

in of a better hope

Christ and His Law Romans7:4 did.

His law is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , soul, and strength

and thy neighbour as

thyself.

Grace ministered by the Holy Spirit is the empowerment to the fulfillmentof this Law.

The Apostle Paul wrote that all he learned before meeting Christ he counted as

dung compared to the

beauty of the nature found in Christ.

King David was a man after God's own heart because he was given a taste

of the Law of the Lord.

He wasn't hesitant in expressing what he knew and felt about it, either. We

are to express what we

know and sense about it, too . Just as David was loved and honoured by God so

is everyone follows

in his footsteps.

Now for the bottom line. This has been an unveiling of sorts of the practical

method of living a godly






life by the new covenant, there is much joy and blessing. The catch is from

the words of Timothy (II

Timothy 3:12) "All who live godly will suffer persecution." Satan is

satisfied to allow religious man

to function, but when grace takes over Satan will try to shut you down. Jesus

said that a persons

enemies would be those of their own household. That word household can mean

your immediatefamily or a church family. It was the church of the day that called for the

crucifiction of Jesus. He

cam to his own and his own received him not. He was shamed by the church

(Israel) he loved. But

he despised the shame and endured the ultimate persecution for the joy set

before him.

That joy was to bring a church into a vision of and the complete expression of

his Fathers grace on

earth as it is in heaven.

Why would he teach us to pray for Gods will to be done on earth as it is in

heaven if it were not

attainable? The church so far hasn't come very close to this ultimate

request. The reason is grace has

fallen.

Let us be cleansed and washed by the word and persuaded to embark in faith and

respond to the grace

we've seen in this study. It's here. Lets go!





the fall from of grace

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