Matt. 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Notice that Jesus is saying that His church should have a ‘cause and effect’ on the world and will guide them as a glowing city on a hill. It starts by something the world does not have-the salt (the good deeds done ‘in Christ’ that will reflect Gods truth from heaven vs. 16). He also mentions we can lose our effectiveness without this salt or spiritual walk- But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men vs. 13.
Jesus teaches not only can we lose our value to those who do not know the Lords light…but they will have the power to trample over us (with darkness). In a world where evil in constantly fighting God’s righteousness-there is indeed no neutral in Gods kingdom ( see 1 Peter 5:8, Rev. 3:16). We can choose to take a plan of action to aggressively fight evil and bring in the Lords righteousness, or we become ‘trampled by men’. Sadly, many Christians in America do not see their light dimming. We have replaced His salt with the ‘sugar’ of ‘social fellowship’ and good works done by abiding in Him has been exchanged for hearing a sermon while abiding in a pew. The Word clearly states ‘all’ the church will be awakened (jolted) by one loud alarm. This will force His bride to completely reevaluate what a ‘follower’ of Christ truly means.
Matt. 25:5-7 “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they ‘all’ got drowsy and began to sleep. “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ’ “Then ‘all’ those virgins rose
At that time-we will realize we will absolutely need His strength or we will indeed be ‘trampled by men!’
John. 15: 5-6 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers;
Recently I have been guilty of losing my ‘saltiness’. After spending almost 2 years building this web site and speaking about ‘The Kingdom of God’-so we can unite to bring in the Lords glory and fight Satan’s strongholds-I simply felt defeated. So few were willing to listen the Lords greatest teaching and even fewer were willing to unite to fight this evil illegitimate rule. See (Matt. 6:33, Matt. 13:44, Mark 4:30-32, Ephesians 1:19-23).
Yes, my ‘pity party’ had started-and it had to end! I had to get the Lords salt back in my life. While applying these Biblical ‘pillars’ however I noticed something. After trying one or two of them, nothing noticeable seemed to happen. I was still on ‘empty’. The only thing I thought I could do was to keep ‘adding’ the ‘set’ of pillars as described in His Word. Simply put-His Word holds true
Prov. 8:17 ……those who seek me find me.
Also Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
I had to have a plan in my life to work as many ‘pillars’ as I could-and as often as possible. Like breathing and drinking water-it’s a good start but we also need food. The Lord made us with a body, soul and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23), we have to be aggressively nourishing all aspects of our being to have the Lords fire (salt) when combating the darkness of this world. When the Lord died for our sins and rose from the dead, His became our foundation for everlasting life. It is our task however to build and strengthen our ‘house’ –individually and for the entire church. See I Cor 3: 11, Ephesians 4:11-13
Let’s look at some Biblical ‘pillars’ in our Christian walk.
Scriptural Pillars In His Word
I. Pursuing Our Individual Walk With God
Matt. 22:37-39 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
An armies ability is to win a war is based on its total strength. It starts however with each soldiers willingness become as strong and skilled as possible. The scripture declares the same principle.
Jesus gives the church this first and great command and it starts with our individual relationship with the Lord. Simply, we have to abide in the Lord and follow Him with every aspect of our heart. This is a lifelong process. The Bible mentions there are struggles within our heart and until we are face to face with the Lord, we are never free of the need to grow closer to Him. See Palms 51, Phil: 3:12, I Cor. 13:12.
This is the first part of the passage, and the Lord did not confuse the order (Love the Lord then love thy neighbor). Years ago I heard a preacher mention that when he took the Lords ‘vertical’ love and went ‘horizontal’ it changed his life and ministry. In other words, the Bible commands us to develop the same fellowship with God as we do with our brothers (who have God within them).
John 13:34-35 … Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Also 1 John 1:1-4, See Donations-Gold Only-Weekly Thought-Site Map.
I believe the church has only begun to ‘tap into’ this divine love and presence of God. The Lord wants His love to be ‘tangible-and touchable’ (spiritually speaking) within the church. In the end times, His love will not only radiate in our hearts-but between believers in the church (above vs, Ephesians 5:27). This second command also includes the numerous scriptures that require us to live a ‘Christ-like’ life with those in this world.
II. Pursue the Kingdom of God
Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt. 13: 44-46 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
We can see that the scripture mentions there are 2 tasks that are considered the most important in His word.
1) To love the Lord with all your heart,soul and mind-the greatest commandment (followed by loving thy neighbor..) Pillar 1.
2) Seek first the kingdom of God (It is the most important teaching in the New testament See Matt. 13:44-46, Mark 4:30-32). Pillar 2.
This is not a conflict in scripture, but an explanation of how to fulfill the Lords purpose for His church. When we love the Lord with all our heart (and our neighbor) the Lord will put His presence in our heart (John 14:15-21). Those who have been truly following (seeking Him and examining their walk) are able to understand the secret(s) of the Kingdom of God, His greatest purpose and teaching for the church.
Matt 4: 11-12 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, they may be ever seeing but never perceiving
In other words, a soldier for Christ has to become ‘trained’ in Him (genuinely follow and love the Lord-Pillar 1) before he can be humbled (also honored) to accomplish the Lords greatest purpose-pursuing the Kingdom of God-Pillar 2. A true disciple who is willing to surrender the things of this world (including personal ministry) will have the scriptures of Gods kingdom and reign revealed to him (heavenly secrets made known!)
Jesus is ‘waiting’ for the church to finish its purpose as listed in the scripture below.
Hebrews 10:12-13 But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,
1) To Bring down the glory of God from heaven-and accomplish the Fathers will on earth.
Matt. 6: 9-10“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
2) Defeat Satan’s rule above the earth
Rev. 12:7-11 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, …But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down…or Satan, … He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. ..They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
3) This will start Lords reign on earth (being united with Christ)
Matt. 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Ephesians 1: 9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, …to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Jesus declares this truth will be the most neglected teaching in His Word and rise to become His greatest teaching.
Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
I personally believe the evangelical church has many important Biblical truths correct. They believe the Word is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16),our entrance into heaven in by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9) and those who are born again personally know the Lord. As the above scripture indicates however, I also believe the present church is almost at a complete loss to accomplish the Lords purpose for her, to pursue the kingdom of God that will begin His reign. We are to actively fight darkness and bring in His heavenly glory. The Lord gives us His weapons and methods to accomplish this (see kingdom of God, Main Menu-site map). Until the church diligently pursues His greatest teaching (pillar), we can never achieve His purpose for being united with Him (Eph 1:9-10). Satan will remain as the illegitimate ruler over the Lords world and will continue to blind those who are lost (2 Cor. 4:4). We need to start now and not be caught ‘off guard’ and those who did not have the Spirits oil when the cry rang out (Matt. 25:1-13).
Personal Note: While actively fighting Satan’s throne as described in His word can be our toughest challenge, it is also can bring in the Lords ‘salt’ in a significant way. This pillar is made to bring down His glory from heaven. There is nothing in life that can be more fulfilling that having His presence touch our lives (see kingdom of God site map).
III. Union with the Saints
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Notice the writer does not have a ‘schedule’ on how many times we should meet but mentions the need to prepare for the coming struggle with darkness by ‘The Day Approaching’. This is in reference to The Day of The Lord where the Lords vengeance against sin and darkness are at their ‘nova’ (see prophecy–site map). What we call ‘church’ has taken on numerous meanings and traditions-but the word says we come together to have to Lords glory ‘glow’ in us. See Fellowship or Friendship
Ephesians 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Paul teaches the end result is the ‘fullness of Christ’. In other words, if we combine the first two pillars (the greatest commandment and seek first the Kingdom of God) we have the purpose for the church.
1) To individually become strong in the Lord (love the Lord with all our heart-followed through by the actions of loving others). This will allow us to spiritually see (receive a humble heart) thus understand the ‘secrets’ to the kingdom of God. (Matt. 13:11)
2) When we pursue the Kingdom of God-Gods will and glory from heaven starts to invade our hearts and churches. This includes fighting Satan’s darkness as commanded in His Word (see Kingdom of God-Main Menu-Site Map).
3) Church was never intended be the ‘last stop’ for Christians. Again, Paul says the Lord gave ‘All’ leadership gifts to attain the ‘fullness’ of Christ’. Our purpose is to go out into the community and fight Satan’s darkness in battle and return to church in order to receive ‘His fullness’. This is done (as mentioned in the Word) through praise ,worship, teaching and fellowship. Only when we are truly devoted to seeking our heavenly Fathers will and battle the darkness in our communities will our churches be filled with the Glory of God, or the ‘fullness of Christ’.
IV. Obtaining the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:4-5 On one occasion, while He (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
John baptized with water, which symbolized being dead to sin and born into the kingdom of God through the blood of Christ (Luke 3:3, Romans 6:4).
Notice scripture says Jesus gave them a command-not an option! When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit the above scripture in Acts says the Father has given us a gift-a provision from Him. Jesus says this provision is so important, I do not want you to minister without this extra provision ‘anointing’ of the Holy Spirit. There have been many debates within the church in this area and for the most part Satan has kept the original power of the church hidden for two millennium (he understands in the end times we will use the power to literally bring him down (Rev. 12:7-11).
When we believe in the Lord the Word says we the receive the presence or ‘seal’ of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Without the ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’ however, we operate more in ‘our strength’ without the extra gifts, insight and power from heaven. This is tragic! To break Satan’s darkness over mankind, we need to be working for Gods heavenly presence and power, not our own (2 Cor. 4:4-6). Jesus ministry included the gifts of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and mentioned that if you could not believe Him, save yourselves and believe in the miracles (by the Spirit on Him John 3:34, John. 10:38). This pillar is not the first or even the second, but not applying the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to our Christian walk is saying to the Lord-
we don’t need your special provision-help from heaven, we can do it on our own. For those of you who know the Word, know this type of thinking can only have disastrous results (see Baptism of the Holy Spirit-Main Menu-Site Map).
V. Praying
I Cor. 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind;
Paul mentions two types of prayers. Prayer with our mind and prayer with the spirit (see references below).
The Lord desires to hear and have fellowship with His children. This comes by our prayers. When we come to Him and cry out to Him, He hears us. This is a beautiful promise
John. 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
This may be the most important part of our ‘seeking Him with all our heart’ –pillar 1. The Bible also mentions the Holy Spirit helping with our prayers through what many call our prayer language (praying with my spirit-I Cor. 14:14-15). Please refer to the scriptures that explain the importance of the Divine Holy Spirit helping us by taking our prayers to the throne room of God (see Praying with the Holy Spirit-Prayer and Baptism of the Holy Spirit-site map).
If we exclude this type of prayer, again we are telling the Lord we do not need the Holy Spirits guidance in our prayer life. The Word is not trying to insult us when it says ‘We do not know how to pray, but the Spirit intercedes (with groans) in accordance to Gods will Romans 8:26-27). Thus, the Lord is explaining that when we use our prayer language the Holy Spirit takes our prayers and ‘adjust’ them to be in one accord with the Fathers will. We have a ‘divine representative’ going to the Fathers throne room in our behalf. While I can understand how a Christian could be ignorant about this provision from the Lord, in concerns me greatly when a brother in Christ receives scriptural references about the Holy Spirit taking our prayers to the Fathers throne and not pursue this passionately. It simply blows me away! How selfish it is to tell the Lord I refuse to have Your Counselor help my prayer life! How can we turn down The Fathers Spirit that can help our family and loves ones receive eternal life?
Personal Note: When praying, I would be at a complete loss without my prayer language. As the Word states in I Cor. 12-14, we can ask for interpretation of the Holy Spirits Words. If you follow1 Cor: 14:14-15 and pray both with your mind and spirit, you can ask the Spirit to interpret His meaning. You will receive vital direction on how to proceed with the eternal well-being of those you are praying for. This is truly a holy and wonderful gift from the Lord!
VI. Fasting-breaking down strongholds
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert 2. where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days,
14. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
Theologians have noted the Jesus was filled with the Spirit going up on the mountain to fast but coming down He had the power of the Spirit. In other words, fasting brings about the power from heaven. In 1 Cor. 4:20 the Word says the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk and power. Heavenly power is the tool to break the devils ‘powers’ of this world and the Biblical method to acquire power is fasting.
Isiah 59:6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
While fasting many times is mentioned with prayer (Dan. 9:3, Acts 14:23), I was led to show that it is part of our walk (pillar) that is also ‘different’ from prayer. Jesus had many insights into heaven from an early age because of His holy walk and prayer life (Luke 2:41-52),but it was not until the Spirit was manifested at His Baptism and He fasted that He had power to perform miracles (Luke 3:21-22, John 10:38). Our purpose is our Christian life is not to perform miracles, but to follow the Lords example to be one with the Father (John 17:11 &22). As Jesus changed the lives of thousands however through His powerful displays of Gods glory, we also need to apply this spiritual pillar to our lives. To set our loves free from the blindness of the God of this age is well worth any sacrifice we make (2 Cor. 4:4)
VII. The Word of God –applying this to your life.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is… laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
From the above scripture we see that the Word is Gods weapon to bring in truth to our soul (and can make our spirit separate and alive), has authority over the body and will be the standard of judging and ‘giving and account’ to God.
The writer is saying the Word is alive from heaven because it is God’s Word from heaven! Friends, the Word is glowing from the glory of Gods throne room, but we have to swing it into action for it to have value. In all three temptations from the devil Jesus in His weakness from fasting 40 days used the Word to combat Satan (Matt. 4:1-11). In today’s churches and Bible colleges, the emphasis is studying the Word and not ‘swinging it’! Yes, we have to know the Word in order to use it, but unless we fight with it (under the leading of His Spirit) we do not accomplish anything. When we leave camp (church) we fight Satan in the area by swinging the sword of His Word. This is the only way to bring in the Kingdom of God.
2Corth 19:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
For the most part-we abide in the pew and record the word in our minds. This is like an army training individuals for war and never leaving the classroom. As scripture teaches, the glorious Word from heaven is meant to fight and not to be left on a pew. Beloved, there is a new church arising. Lets us use all His biblical pillars of truth as much and often as possible. May He bless you ever so richly for pursuing His kingdom and showing His truth to the world.
Attachment: Honor Your Temple From God
1 Cor 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
As mentioned above, the Lord made us with a body, soul and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). After finishing this article I realized I had erred excluding this ‘pillar’. Our bodies are the ‘vehicles’ that transport the Fathers glorious truth by His Spirit within us. If we abuse our bodies we are fighting against His desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge o truth 2 Tim. 2:3-4. While we should not ‘point fingers’ at those who fall short-because we all do-neglecting this Biblical pillar will hinder our soul and spirit as well. The Word says we need to sanctify all three (1 Thess. 5:23). Sometimes I have ‘dragged my feet’ in this area and at times the conviction from the Lord to honor the body has seemed stronger than all the above pillars combined. Peter reminds us the joy that awaits us as we serve Him with our ‘whole being’.
2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.