richardwbelcher

Under His Feet Part 1

The Old Testament promises that Messiah will have dominion of the works that God has created.  Psalm 8:6 You (Father-God) have made him (Son of Man, i.e. Christ) to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You (Father-God) have put all things under his feet.  From this verse, some have tried to emphasize the superiority of the human species.  However, Ephesians appears to temper that notion.

      Eph 1:19-22   [That you would know]  the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us who have believed, according to the working of His mighty power which He wrought when He raised him (Jesus) from the dead, and set him at His own right hand in the heavens,   Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come:    And has put all things under his (Jesus’) feet, and gave him,  the head over all, to the church.

      Dominion and authority belong to Christ.  Through the Christian experience, we get to understand the greatness of God’s power toward us (not our power toward something else).  Jesus was placed far above all other powers not from only this timeframe, but also over those from the age to come.

      The Father gave HE WHO IS ABOVE ALL to the church as the head of the organization.  To be part of this living body, one must be receiving directives from the head and should be completing them as a faithful subject in His kingdom.  The Father puts all things under Christ’s feet. So as we carry out HIS bidding, the authority and position of Jesus blankets us.

Under His Feet Part 2

Psalm 110:1&4  You have made him (The Seed of David) to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, ...  The Lord has sworn and will not repent, "You (Christ) are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.       Hebrews discusses the priestly role of the New Covenant.  Jesus stepped into this role when the Father raised him from the dead.  Christ had been paying for our sins, when God stretched out His hand and returned glory to the suffering servant in the lowest part of hell (Psa 86:13; 84:11).

     This resurrection using glory fulfilled the prayers of Jesus in Gethsemane  "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, so that thy Son also may glorify thee:  As You have given him power over all flesh, so that he should give eternal life to as many as You have given him. ... And now, O Father, glorify me with Your own self with the glory which I had with You before the world was." (John 17:1,2&5).

      Glory returns to the Son because that is what He laid down when He took on flesh.  As the Godhead (and the Word), Jesus had power over all before He came into a body.  HE was forsaken by the Father so HE could pay the sin price.  Afterwards the attributes of the Father were returned to Christ as He was resurrected into righteousness and placed in the highest position of authority.  As believers follow this model, they are commanded to take up their cross daily and die to self-will and, as their reasonable service, to not conform to this world.

Under His Feet Part 3

Hebrews 2:8  You have put all things in subjection under His feet.  For in that He put all in subjection under Him, He left nothing not put under Him.      1Cor 15: 27-28  He hath put all things under his feet. But when he says all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under him.And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, so that God may be all in all.

      In this age of grace, all things are under God’s feet.   Christ waits expectantly for all enemies to literally become His footstool.  The things placed under Jesus are those that relate to creation; it excludes reference to God.  Once the battles of this age are over, Christ will bring about a new heavens and new earth.  At that time, Heavenly Jerusalem will be translated to earth and the tabernacle of God will dwell here.  God Himself shall be with us in a manner that man’s presently-mortal body cannot withstand (see Rev 21:1-3).

Under His Feet Part 4

    Jesus spoke saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Therefore you go [in my name] Matt 28:18.  The authority we operate in as Christians comes from Christ.  He was placed above all principality and power because He was able to live in a body of flesh without sinning.  When believers grasp that they operate UNDER Christ, then Jesus will be their Head and they will be motivated to fulfill His commands because of their great love for Him. We no longer die because of sin, but we are to die daily to fleshly dictates.

      God has raised us up together in Christ Jesus and made us sit together with Him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6).  This statement is a wonderful concept, however it is only half the thought.   God raised us in Christ SO THAT in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (Eph 2:7).  Thus, in order for God to prepare you for what He will demonstrate in the next age [when He takes up residence on the Earth in New Jerusalem], the Father ordained adoption during this age.  The plan does not finish with your salvation. It goes on into the next age.

We are seated with Christ NOT because we are someone special (although we are someone special to God) BUT BECAUSE that is part of the method through which God finally obtains sons and daughters. It concludes in the next age because then we will have the full capacity to understand the richness of the grace extended to us and because then our sin will have been silenced.

      I know that I am not deserving of the mercy extended to me.  I appreciate that, as the Mercy Seat, Jesus propitiates my record so that the Father sees HIS sacrifice and not my actions or thoughts.  My meager obedience is a small surrender of my will as a love-offering to the ONE who saved me from a horrible fate.  I wish to place myself under His feet and to allow Him to train me to walk according to His example.   Would you position yourself under HIS tutelage?  Are all things in your life under His feet?   AMEN

Peace Peace

 "I create the fruit of the lips: Peace peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the LORD, "and I will heal him." Isaiah 57:19.        The word in the Hebrew for lips means (a)the quality that defines unique language or (b) the border-edge of a specific item.  God declares that He has created the defining evidence [regarding His kingdom]: the product that flourishes within the borders of His country.  In other words, the attributes that identify actions within God's kingdom originate with HIM.

The words "peace,peace" are a translation of a repeated word.  Not merely peace, but peaceful peace does the Lord offer to those close and those far away.  Jehovah Rapha states that He will also heal them (literally or figuratively).  Therefore crossing into the Kingdom of God  opens the pilgim to the effects of full salvation and the benefits of peaceful, God-sustaining peace.

The same phrase is found in Isaiah 26.  God will keep one in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him, because he trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3).  Here the translators chose perfect peace for the same Hebrew phrase. Multiplied peace comes to those whose minds constantly center on the Lord trusting in HIS power to bring about HIS will.   We will not have peace that surpasses understanding unless we meet this dual criteria: constant trust!

     If one thinks about the things of God but has no desire to do them, then one will not experience the deep peace the Father promises.  Considering the commandments without desiring to do them makes that person double-minded (James 1:7-8); he can receive very little from the benefits of the New Covenant.  However, when our minds lean on the Lord and His power, our circumstances will yield to God's will if we faint not.  We will have peace within the storm, and our actions will be based on our committment NOT on the demands of the circumstances.  AMEN

Thinking About Salvation

 

      Psalm 85:2   "You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah"    The word Selah means to accentuate: to  pause, to lift up and consider.  This verse asks the reader to think about forgiving iniquity and covering sin.  What do those words mean in the origional language?

      The word used for forgiven means to lift, bear up, carry, or take away.  This is what God has done with our iniquities.  The nature of the word connotes the cross.  "If I be lifted up, I will draw all unto me", Jesus said [John 12:32].  The Father takes the record of our wrong, picks it up, carries it to Christ, and takes it away from the account of the believer.

      Sin and iniquity are different words refering to seperate aspects of unholiness.   Iniquity refers to perversity, depravity, and evil worthy of God's punishment.  The word translated "sin" means to miss the way or to go wrong.  Psalm 85:2 states that God carries away the facts related to our moral depravity and HE covers our mistakes and missteps.

      I like the inference of the word "covered": concealed or hidden.  It relates to the mercy seat covering so that the Father does not observe the items over which HE might be upset.  Jesus took our punishment for sin so that when the Father looks in our direction, God sees Christ's sacrifice and STOPS LOOKING DEEPER.  Therefore the Father does not see our record, only Jesus' payment for our iniquity.

      The way of salvation is a process to "selah". Salvation starts with what God has done for us through Christ.  It continues as we are transformed into His likeness until we walk in the fulness of the stature of HIS image.  We get born-again as the enterance into this Kingdom. We are not to remain ignorant babies, but are to grow into fully-trained, mature sons and daughters who are able to disciple others. 

True Peace

    Jesus stated "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you:not as the world gives, give I to you" (John 14:27).  Isaiah also wrote, "The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance for ever" (Isa32:17).

     Do a quick word study on Strong's G1515 and H7965, and find that these words translated peace basically mean a state of tranquility based on completeness, soundness, and safety.  Their over-300-uses show a trait about peace that ties to the New Covenant and to the empowering that comes through the finished work of Christ.

    From John Chapter 14 to Chapter 16, Jesus explains what will happen as He becomes the LAMB.  Christ then states, "These things I spoken to you so that in ME you might have peace."  Christian peace is the tranquility in the face of worldly or carnal pressure to respond in a Godly manner by following the guidance of Holy Spirit. [Isa 57:2, Rom 8:6, Eze 37:26, Isa 48:18]

A familiar Biblical blessing prays "The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Num 6:26).  For that to happen, the Father must turn His face toward you, and allow the light of glory to shine from His face in your direction.  That light comes to those who were once in the shadow of death so they may be guided in the way of peace (Luke 1:79, Isa 9:2, Isa 49:6).  Christ dismantled the wall of partition between believer and the Father (Eph 2:14) so that when we come before Him, God does not shoot out a judgment bolt, but extends a Father's hand  (Heb 4:16). This truth fills us with joy and peace (Rom 4:8)

     Jesus did not come to extend peace to the world, but He provided the means through which we can follow after peace and righteousness (Heb 12:14). If believers harken to the commands of the Lord and walk after the Spirit, they will have true peace like a river and righteousness flowing like the tides (Isa 48:18).  The world will see tranquility in our unsettlingtimes because of the soundness, safety, and salvation given by God through the Lord Jesus.  The fruit of righteousness will be sown in peace by those doing peace (Jam 3:18). AMEN

Quality of leadership

        A bishop/overseer must be a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate Titus 1:7

        Most of the time, people expect leaders to act like a trail driver pushing the herd where it does not want to go.  However, Biblical leaders should be examples that believers aspire to be like.  As a lover of hospitality, the bishop enjoys being with others.  That includes those whom he watches over as they grow in their own faith and ministry.  Isolation sends the wrong message and sets up an air of separation that leads to exaltation above that which the Lord intends for leaders.

       If he values "good" men, the leader esteems them and promotes them.  This word refers to recipricating friendship with people of good character.  Although we certainly must have aquaintences in the world, morality reinforces righteousness and resolve.  The life of Christ patterened before us encourages our own dedevors to be like HIM.  Because the tendancy to compromise exists in fleshly, carnal ways (that all are commanded to crucify daily), a life of sobrity and temperance Biblically extends into every area. Too many leaders are being corrupted privately and then are being exposed publically.

       The earthly examples of Christianity have flaws and will disappoint because they are not yet fully transformed into the image of the SON.  Leadership is not about establishing a kingdom or a position; but it is to be a venue through which one exorts others, and through which one lays down personal praise as one guards and protects. True leadership sees themselves as LEAST in the Kingdom. AMEN.

NOT a Religion

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.

       Paul was addressing Jewish-Christians who were placing themselves back under Judaism because it was the base religion from which Jesus ministered.  They were not valuing the fact that Christ established a NEW covenant which simplified, but elevated, the Old Testament religion.  Circumcision was the mark of that old covenant.  Because Jesus freed believers from the penalties associated with the laws of Moses, Paul stated that the believer's mark was not circumcision of the flesh, but circumcision of the heart (Rom 2:29). The new birth removes excess flesh from the heart and recreates the inner man into a new creation (John 1:12 & 2Cor 5:17). 

        Galatia Christians were admonished Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.   I, Paul, say unto you, that if you get circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. (Gal 5:1-2).

         Reinstituting religion denotes salvation based on the works of keeping its tenants. The effect of Jesus’ death and sacrifice are taken out of the relationship if the works one performs defines salvation.  A religious system cannot guarantee holy living due to the nature of the unregenerated heart.  That is why God uses faith[ G4102 pistis ]: a conviction about the truth concerning what God has stated.

          Paul warned, This deceptive persuasion comes not of Him who calls you (Gal 5:8).  ... For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only don’t use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal 5:13).  He knew that the understanding of grace can lead to the false conclusion that we can do anything (Rom 6:1-4) because grace abounds. He tells the Galatians that we have liberty not to be free from restraints, but so that we may serve others through agape.  We have been delivered from the compulsion to follow the flesh, into the arena where we willingly die to self-interests and serve the Lord’s bidding by serving others. This requires dying to self-will.

       The paradox is evident.  Jesus freed us from God-instituted religion so that we have the freedom to become a love-slave [ you are not your own; you have been bought with a price (1Cor 6:19-20)].  In Christ, faith works by sacrificial agape. We find out what God is commanding us to do, and we use His power to accomplish it; believing that His grace within us is the difference.  Even though our flesh feeds us contrary messages, Christians have God-life within them to enable them to accomplish God’s will [not their own desires].

       Therefore true Christianity is a lifestyle in a spiritual kingdom. It is not a religion but a relationship.  We have much to learn concerning it. And I think little time before its truths should be governing every area of life and godliness.  Amen

 

Principal Principle

       Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world." Matt 28:19-20 

       Some settle on the word POWER and try to show how Christians have power over the enemy.  It IS TRUE that we are delivered out of the kingdom of darkness, and that the devil has no more power over us. However, the thrust of Jesus' words is about making disciples by teaching them to observe the things that Jesus taught.

       We have centered on God is LOVE, but have not incorporated the love-walk between believer and Creator. Jesus showed us that it is possible to do what the Father does and to say what the Father says: to strive to be one with Him.   And just as Jesus was obedient to the Father, Christ said "If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" [Mark 8:34, Matt 16:24 Luke 9:23].

       Denying oneself in a kingdom principle. To acknowledge and honor the King denotes refusing to do one's own will until the will of the King is done.  To defer first to the King's will requires a daily putting of self interest on the cross and being obedient to the dictates of the Soverign.  Submission in the kingdom comes with blessing following those who obey (if necessary,at personal loss). We do not seek blessing or reward; they are byproducts of righteous service.

       The modern church has forgotten some of the basic "servant" scriptures as it has rediscovered the "blessing" scriptures that the Lord states are benefits of obedience in the kingdom.  Am I willing to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and die to self-interests so that the will of the Father is done?  Am I teaching others the fact that Jesus' death purchased enterance INTO the Kingdom so that I could freely  sacrifice for God  instead of involuntarily serve evil?

  When I was a child, I spake as a child and understood as a child. If I want to be mature, I must put away childish, self-serving responses and observe all that Jesus commanded.  AMEN