The Living Sacrifice- Part 1:

II Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

He became the very nature of our sinful flesh upon that cross. Suffering a slow death to fulfill the will of a loving Father who longed to be at peace with us and reconciled with His very creation. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." 
John 3:16-18

God has planned the best for all of us; The lost would be found. Jesus became that sinner who never sinned. He had become weak (fragile) in His flesh because He was bearing the burden of our sin. His strength was not of His own- and that very strength (God) left (forsaken) Him, so that He could feel affected and conscious of that sin. 

He was crushed & broken- 
Isaiah 53:4-5, 7, 10:
Surely [He HAS borne OUR griefs And carried OUR sorrows]; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He WAS [wounded] for OUR transgressions, He WAS [bruised] for OUR iniquities; [The chastisement] for OUR peace was upon Him, And [by His stripes] WE ARE healed. He WAS [oppressed] and He WAS [afflicted], Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to [the slaughter], And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to [bruise Him]; He has put Him to grief. 
[When You make His soul an offering for sin], *He shall see His seed, *He shall prolong His days, And *the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

He who knew absolutely NO sin, was accused of sin (sin that never even existed in Him) and began to carry the burden and weight that was not of His own. Jesus took the punishment for us. 
Imagine Atlas carrying the world upon his shoulders. Now view Jesus doing this...
Never sinning- ALL the temptation weighing (Pressuring Him, never giving in) on Him & The sins of the world placed on Him. Heavy load, is it not?
He can sympathize with us- but we can not emphasize with Him. For He drank of our judgement & suffered for us.

Can you imagine being perfect (never sinning) and then suddenly enduring a penalty as if you had lived imperfectly?

Another way of seeing this is looking at a "Super Hero" & watching him fight crime with no powers. He would inevitably become vulnerable.

When we sin or willfully sin- Does not that guilt weigh heavy or destroy your conscience?
When we give into sin, we feel guilty! Immediately we ask for forgiveness! Jesus did not need to seek forgiveness from the Father. 

To ponder Jesus' death and consider dying knowing you had no guilty conscience of your own (He was always obedient), but to have one's (the elected saved souls to come) iniquity placed upon you. To feel guilty without guilt; to know sin, without sinning; to feel wrath upon you as if you were the wicked one...

Proverbs 24:10 NKJV
If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.

Jesus may have appeared weak/faint, hanging on that tree to those who put Him there, but The Father put Him there to save the very one's who crucified Him. It was the Father's power that delivered strength to Jesus that led Him there to it. If you have the strength of God- you are no longer weak! For He strengthens you where it lacks; in your flesh.

Questions:
Can you imagine how much our sin must weigh? 
Can you imagine how heavy the entire sin of humankind that existed then (past time) and that would exist (present and future), would weigh?

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

"My burden" is light 
vs. 
"Our burden" was heavy
We can take upon His burden in exchange for eternal life.

He drank from the cup of suffering. 
It's no wonder our sin has been thrown into the sea- that it may swallow it and be no more.

Isaiah 43:25- “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
Micah 7:19- He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.
Hebrews 8:12- For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Could you image the pressure of temptation, But imagine it in a way where you were incapable of giving into it?

Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Taking the place of Barabbas: 
Will continue into Chapter 2 of "The living sacrifice."

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord : thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalms 3:1-8 KJV)

The Word of God- History of Hearts: Part 2

The Word of God- History Part 2: "The Hardened History of Hearts"

*Miraculous signs for Pharaoh: Exodus 4

*The First Encounter with Pharaoh: Exodus 5

*Israel's Deliverance Assured: 

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel,

"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: 

and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which [I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage]: I am the Lord." 

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: 

but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, 

"Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?"

Exodus 6:6-9, 12

*The Ten Plagues: 

Exodus 7:14-12:30

1) Waters became blood- 7:22 "Pharaoh's heart grew hard"

2) Frogs- 8:15 "He hardened his heart"

3) Lice- 8:19 "Pharaoh's heart grew hard"

4) Flies- 8:32 "Pharaoh hardened his heart"

5) Livestock Diseased- 9:7 "But the heart of Pharaoh became hard"

6) Boils- 9:12 "The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh"

7) Hail- 9:34,35 "He hardened his heart, 

So the heart of Pharaoh was hard."

8) Locusts- 10:20 "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart"

9) Darkness- 10:27 "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart"

10) Death of the first born- 

"And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said."

"All God has to do to harden Pharaoh's heart, or to harden our heart, is to withhold His own Grace." 

- R.C. Sproul

"Today if you hear His voice..." Do not harden your heart! Great Grace has fallen upon your ears- Freely receive it! - Jem

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: While it is said, "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."

Hebrews 3:8, 15

Continued-

•take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

•the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, "We be all dead men."

•And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses.

•And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. 

•And they spoiled the Egyptians. 

•And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 

-Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 

•And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

* It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt:

* this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. 

Exodus 12:31-37, 40-42

Hard hearts throughout scripture in the New Testament:

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Matthew 13:14-15 

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Mark 6:52 

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, 

"Why doth this generation seek after a sign?"

*verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, 

"Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? 

perceive ye not yet, neither understand? 

have ye your heart yet hardened? 

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" 

Mark 8:12, 17, 18

Old Testament- 

*bitter waters made sweet *bread from heaven

*water from the rock Exodus 15:22-27; 16:1-37; 17:1-7

*the Lord sends quail 

Num. 11:31-35

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Ephesians 4:18

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their [conscience seared with a hot iron].

1 Timothy 4:1, 2

"Now, I hold no man's faith to be sure faith unless he knows what he believes."

- Charles Spurgeon 

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may *hear when I speak with thee, and *believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord."

Exodus 19:9

To be continued...

The Word Of God- History Part 1:

"He brought us out... That He might bring us in... -Deuteronomy 6:23

Confirmation-

*Promises to Abram:

" I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." Genesis 12

*God's Covenant with Abram:

"After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15

*Abraham's Faith Confirmed:

God did tempt Abraham- And he said, "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 

By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 

That in blessing I will bless thee and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; 

and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

[because thou hast obeyed my voice]." Genesis 22

*The previous Command to enter Canaan:

These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the Lord had given him in commandment unto them; On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying, Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

Deuteronomy 1:1, 3, 5, 8

vs. 1- "These are The Words"

Note:

The 11 day journey took 38 years, 8 months and 20 days.

-Long Term Rebellion (Refusal to believe God).

*Josiah Reigns in Judah:

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. 

*Hilkiah Finds The Book of The Law:

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan (the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam), the scribe, to the house of the Lord, saying, 

"Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord : 

and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the Lord, to repair the breaches of the house, Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house."

Howbeit [there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.]

*Dealt Faithfully verses Unfaithfully:

"This he said (Judas), not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein."

"For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor." John 12:6; 13:29

-Continued

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe,

"I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord." 

And [Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it].

And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said,

"Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord." 

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, "Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book."

And [Shaphan read it before the king.] And it came to pass, when [the king had *heard the words of the book of the law], that he rent his clothes. 

"Go ye, enquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, [concerning the words of this book that is found]: for great is [the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book], to do according unto all that which is written concerning us." 2 Kings 22:1-11, 13

To be continued...

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8 KJV)

The Living Sacrifice- Part 2:

Isaiah 53:10

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

The crowd chooses Barabbas:

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 

Prisoner-

1. A person held in custody, captivity, or a condition of forcible restraint, especially while on trial or serving a prison sentence.

2. One deprived of freedom of expression or action

"For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles." Ephesians 3:1

"Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death—the devil."

Hebrews 2:14

"Freedom"

Freedom to Sin or Freedom from Sin?!?

Freedom to struggle or struggling to be Free? 

Freedom in Christ or Freedom in Choice?

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1 

And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 

So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them,

“Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 

For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, 

"Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 

The governor again said to them, 

“Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”

And they said,

“Barabbas.” 

Pilate said to them, 

“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” 

They all said,

“Let him be crucified!” 

And he said,

“Why, what evil has he done?”

But they shouted all the more,

“Let him be crucified!” 

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9; 11:29

Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified:

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying,

“I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 

And all the people answered,

“His blood be on us and on our children!” 

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. 

-Pilate ended up condemning an innocent Man and releasing a guilty man. Jesus took his place on the cross. 

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24-25 KJV)

The crucifixion:

As they went out, they found a man of *Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 

(Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to *Cyrene and visitors from Rome-Acts 2:10)

Research:

"The prisoner then usually had to carry the horizontal beam (patibulum in Latin) to the place of execution, not necessarily the whole cross. Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. When it was done in an established place of execution, the vertical beam (stipes) was sometimes permanently embedded in the ground."

http://www.thenazareneway.com/details_history_of_crucifixion.htm

Simon of Cyrene and The Cross:

-Questions-

Was Simon of Cyrene in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover?

Or to fulfill a Will and to carry The Lamb of God's cross?

Was he converted? 

Did Simon lead his sons to faith in Christ?

"And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross." Mk. 15:21

Carried our sorrows- Isaiah 53:4

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:34-37 KJV)

-Furthur study in scripture pertaining to "Simon of Cyrene"

Acts 6:9; 11:20, 26; Luke 22:26; Romans 16:13

Definition: The word crucifixion comes from the Latin "crucifixio," or "crucifixus," meaning "fixed to a cross."

The Romans chastisement of crucifixion wasn't exercised by the Jews. The Jewish people distinguished crucifixion as one of the ultimate gruesome customs of death (Deuteronomy 21:23). 

The Romans used this approach of punishment as a system of jurisdiction and predomination over society.

"Leave out the cross, and you have killed the religion of Jesus. Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth; it is the heart of it."

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

God is Sovereign- Satan attacks Job's character: Part 2

The character of Job:

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil."
vs. 1

So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.
vs.5

Romans 12:1---
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 
vs. 8

The Lord Himself speaks of Job His servant- "There is none like him on the earth."
What a marvelous statement! The Lord's servant Job being supported by his God with such high esteem toward him. What great characteristics Job has! The Lords confidence in Job is astounding. What a honor to have the Lord refer to you this way. 

Question:

Now if we were able to hear of something like this from the Lord, do you not believe we may begin to become egotistical a bit? 
Thinking to highly of ourselves?
Boasting of oneself?
Do we sometimes let the praises of others, feed our prideful hearts and minds?

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord , and Satan also came among them. 
And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered *My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have *blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has [is] in *your power; only *do not lay a hand on his person. ”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord .
Job 1:6-12

*My servant- This is such a wonderful reminder of who's children we are! He speaks of Job as "His servant" and Job is a faithful servant. A call of obedience and Job was obedient- "even unto death." 
Matthew 26:38---
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death."
(Type of Jesus?) 

Consider Satan tempts Jesus-
(Mt. 4:1-11)

Romans 14:4, 7-8---The Law of Liberty:
Who are you to judge another’s servant? 
To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 
Romans 15:1, 3-4---Bearing others' burdens:
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 
For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
I John 4:4- The Spirit of Truth and The Spirit of Error:
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

God [is] ALL KNOWING:
Psalms 139:1, 4-5, 11, 14, 23-24

O Lord , [You have searched me and known me.]
For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord , [You know it altogether.]
You have [hedged] me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 
If I say, 
[“Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”] Even the night shall be light about me; [I will praise You], for I am [fearfully] and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, 
And that my soul [knows] very well. Search me, O God, and know my heart; ["Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."] 

vs. 23-24 Try me...
That is exactly what God did to Job; He tried him!

Loving God under trials:
James 1:12-18

Qualities needed in trials: 
vs. 19-20

To be continued- 
"Job Loses..." Job 1:13-22

God is Sovereign- Study in Job: Part 1

If you obey God only because He blesses you, the shallowness of your faith will show up in the testing time. Matthew 7:24-27; 13:20-21
Faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. James 1:1-8; 1st Peter 1:3-9

Job & his family-

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. (Job 1:1-3 ESV)

Job was:

Blameless- Free from or not deserving blame; guiltless: "A blameless child."

Upright- Adhering to rectitude; righteous, honest, or just: "An upright person."

Being in accord with what is right: "Upright dealings."

One who feared God- 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

Fear- Reverential awe, especially toward God: The fear of God. 

Synonyms: Awe, respect, reverence, veneration.

"The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."

Proverbs 10:22

-The wise practice righteousness and grow in wisdom. 

"Blessings are on the head of "the righteous," 

-but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 

The mouth of "the righteous" is a fountain of life, 

-but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 

The wise lay up knowledge,

- but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. 

The tongue of "the righteous" is choice silver;

- the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

The lips of "the righteous" feed many,

- but fools die for lack of sense. 

The mouth of "the righteous" brings forth wisdom,

-but the perverse tongue will be cut off. 

The lips of "the righteous" know what is acceptable, 

-but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse."

Proverbs 10:6, 11, 14, 20, 21, 31, 32 

Blessing- A special favor, mercy, or benefit: "The blessings of liberty." A favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness. The invoking of Gods favor upon a person: "The son was denied his father's blessing."

And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:5

-Literally "blessed" but used here in the evil sense, and so in verse 11 and 2:5, 9

But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will "curse" you to your face.” vs. 11 

But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will "curse" you to your face.” 

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? "Curse" God and die.” 2:5, 9

To be continued...

The Untamable Tongue- Part 3: The Mute Button

"So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you. Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. Those who hear God’s teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like. But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God’s perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God’s teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy."

(James 1:21-25 NCV)

"We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves to those we let slip out."

- Winston Churchill

Slaves should yield to their own masters at all times, trying to please them and not arguing with them. (Titus 2:9 NCV)

Slaves, yield to the authority of your masters with all respect, not only those who are good and kind, but also those who are dishonest. (1 Peter 2:18 NCV)

We are owners of words not spoken. Once spoken we are not so quick to claim ownership of them, but are subject to them; as a slave is subject to his master. 

The account of Jesus before Pilate:

He went back inside the palace and asked Jesus, “Where do you come from?” But Jesus did not answer him. (John 19:9 NCV)

"The wise say very little, and those with understanding stay calm." Proverbs 17:27

He was beaten down and punished, but he didn’t say a word. He was like a lamb being led to be killed. He was quiet, as a sheep is quiet while its wool is being cut; he never opened his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7 NCV)

Jesus remained silent because I believe Jesus was submitting to His Father. He was to drink from the cup of suffering- If Jesus defended Himself, He would be disobedient toward His Father; and Jesus was without sin. 

Jesus responded with meekness:

He was meek because He was under His Father's will (Provocation: Law/Submission to His Father's will). 

We learn to be obedient to our Heavenly Father, with Jesus' example:

"A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger." Proverbs 15:1

"If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: “I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them,” says the Lord."

Romans 12:17, 19 

Martyr: One who endures suffering or death for a belief or cause; one who suffers without complaint- to persecute or put to death for devotion to a belief or cause.

These men/women are following the footsteps of Jesus. They drink of the cup of suffering. Obedient to their savior who has reconciled their relationship with the Father. 

Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 

He is not here; he has risen from the dead. Do you remember what he told you in Galilee? He said the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people, be crucified, and rise from the dead on the third day.” Luke 24:6, 7 

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." James 1:19 

To be continued...

The Untamable Tongue- Part 2: The Tongue Is...???

My tongue is a reflection of what is in my heart ♥
-Jem

The Tongue is:
A "fallen" course of nature, can not be tamed (lack of control due to the flesh), unruly evil (sin is no longer nonexistent), deadly poison, curses, defiles, fire, iniquity, a "little" member, stumbling block...

Controlling it:
Ponder judgement, do not boast, use it to bless...
Humankind uses the tongue as an evil instrument to wound others. God uses this evil for our good! It certainly gives an opportunity to
1: "repay evil with evil" (do not repay/ seek vengeance) Rom.12:17
or 
2: Use it to "overcome evil with good and live peaceably." 12:18,19,21
"Do not be Overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 

Fill in the blank:
My tongue is "Wicked" (A sinful part/member of my body), "Because I (we) use it as a weapon."

Note:
Our brain controls our thoughts, memory and speech (speech- our tongue). The left part of the brain controls language, speech etc. Human vocal apparatus- used to produce speech. Speech Production: Process by which spoken words are selected to be produced.

Philippians 4:8 *emphasis on [are]
"Finally, brethren, whatever things [are] true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if there [is] "any" virtue and if there [is] "anything" praiseworthy—meditate ("Think" about these things) on these things."

Colossians 3:5
"Therefore 'put to death your *members' (the tongue- little member of the body) which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, *evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Romans 12:2 
"And 'do not' be 'conformed' to this world, but 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind', that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Mark 7:20-23 
And He said, “What comes out of a man, that 'defiles' a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed 'evil thoughts', adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, 'wickedness', deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, 'blasphemy', pride, foolishness. All these 'evil things' come from *within and defile a man.”

Galatians 5:17 
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." 

*Opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Hebrews 13:15 
"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, 'the fruit of our lips', giving thanks to His name." 

Psalms 47:6-7
"Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding."

*Acknowledge His name. "Give thought" to do (do- actions) what [is] honorable in the sight (Salt And Light) of all. By their sight/our ACTIONS, not our words.

"My Tongue is a reflection of my what is in my heart." -Jem

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. (James 3:9-12 KJV)

The Untamable Tongue- Part 1:

"He's changing the human heart- the 'not' ought to be into the ought to be." - Jem

James 3:1 NCV
"My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become *teachers, because you know that we who *teach will be judged more strictly."

Teacher's- vs. 1: 
Speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth- So help you God!

James 3:2 NCV
"We *all make many mistakes (All stumble). If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too."

All- vs. 2: 
All/Everyone- none of us (mankind) are secluded from this text.

Romans 3:23-24 
"Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ."

James 3:5-8 
It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things.
(Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things).

A big forest *fire can be started with only a little flame. And the tongue [is] like a *fire. It [is] a whole world of evil (iniquity: wickedness/sin) among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through (Defiles) the whole body. The tongue [is] set on *fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life. 

James 3:6 NKJV
"And the tongue [is] a *fire,
a world of iniquity. The tongue [is] so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on *fire the course of nature (Nature: our fallen nature); and it [is] set on fire by hell."

Note: The tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity- sin/wickedness
*The tongue [is] iniquity- not ought to be so, but [is].

7-People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them, but no one can tame the tongue (James 3:2 NKJV- If anyone does not stumble in word, *[he is a perfect man], able also to bridle the whole body).

No one (No man/flesh) [can] Tame (control): Our nature is fallen and of the flesh, lacking control.
vs. 
Jesus (perfect man) [can] Tame (control): He was with out sin.

It [is] wild (unruly) and evil and full of deadly poison.
Unruly evil: Sin is no longer contained but let loose, our tongue moves about turning our spoken words/speech into wicked instruments of hurt and intentional evil.
Romans 12:17 
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."

*I emphasize the [IS] because it's such a certainty.

James 3:10-12, 17 NKJV
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing (Praise/worship)and cursing (blasphemy/mocking).
My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 
Ought not to be so: Powerful words to describe the fall and it's repercussions.

Vs. 2- Perfect man (ought to be), instead it's- "not ought to be so" (imperfect man).

Since the fall of man, the generations of humankind struggle; they fight with their human nature (flesh) constantly. Ought not to be- because of the fall of man, yet Jesus set us free from the law (judgement) and has forgiven our sins. Repenting and desiring a thirst for righteousness. we want to be Christ-like & He continues that work daily to mold us into His son's image.
Philippians 1:6 
"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Vs. 11-12
Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Examples of things that 
*"ought to be" 
compared to 
*"not ought to be" things. Nothing else changed in the creation, in the fall, but man!
Our reconciled relationship began with God, giving His son, a love gift (us). The death of Jesus saved us from judgement. When He called us, He began a good work (the change) in us. We are a new creation- born again/The new man; regeneration.

To be continued...

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, (Psalms 39:1-3 KJV)

No Other Doctrine- Part 6, Vs. 6-7:

1 Timothy 1:6-7 NCV

Vs. 6 "Some people have missed these things and turned to useless talk."

Vs. 7 "They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand either what they are talking about or what they are sure about."

A famous saying from those who are lost and without Christ will say openly, "It does not matter what you believe in, as long as you believe in something." (Useless talk/Verse 6)

Questions:
-It does not matter what you believe? 

- Even in your freedom to 'choose' your beliefs, causes you to receive an eternal punishment for sinning against the one and only true God?

Teacher's of the Law/Verse 7:

Those who follow these false teacher's, 'can not' explain their beliefs. They practice falsehood, and yet- defend their beliefs when questioned about it. 

-Why would they defend their beliefs when they themselves can not explain their beliefs?

I have personally dealt with this very issue. I mentioned Mormons/Jehovah's witnesses- were in fact a cult. A family member of mine began to defend her friend who happened to be a Mormon. 
The Mormon told me, "If you have any questions let me know." 
In fact I did, not for knowledge or understanding purposes (I know it's not the truth), but for her.
I asked, "Why isn't Joseph Smith mentioned in the Bible as a prophet and what about the book of Mormon, Jesus Christ has His 'second' testimony, where is the prophesy about this?" 
She never answered. She could not answer these simple questions. She was willing to give me "so-called" insight into her beliefs but when it came to sharing facts (the answers to my questions; prophesy about Joseph Smith & the book of Mormon), she had no proof. It's easy to witness (Share what you believe) and also to deceive people, but it's another to prove what you believe is in fact the truth. I do not need to 'convince' (Cults try to convince), someone I believe in God! He (God) has convinced (proved His existence) me to believe in Him! 

A family member of mine (who proclaims Christianity) made a statement that proved her lack of knowledge.
She said, " We are 'all' (False religions/Christians) worshiping the same God.
Many others commented and were quite upset that I would say nasty things about people's "Religions."
I simply stated, "I am not talking about Religion, I am talking about the Truth!!!"

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teachings you received from us. For you yourselves *know how you ought to follow our example." 
2 Thessalonians 3:6-7

*At the End of Gods word; after Revelation ends, is there something like,
"to be continued..." Absolutely not!

Revelation does say:
(22:18-19)
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to these words, God will add to that person the disasters written about in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away that one’s share of the tree of life and of the holy city, which are written about in this book."

Deuteronomy 4:2
"You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." 

No Other Doctrine- Part 5, Vs. 5:

I Timothy 1:5-7 NKJV

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith." (vs. 5)

"from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk." (vs. 6) 

"desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm." (Vs.7) 

Vs.5- Part 5: (to be continued)

The commandment is Love: 
Love for enemies, for foreigners, for God, for other people & loving truth & peace.

Leviticus 19:18, 34-
"You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord .
For Enemies, for foreigners, for God, for other people & loving truth & peace." (Vs.18) 

*Toward strangers-"The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." (Vs.34) 

*Toward enemies- (Proverbs 24:17)

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles."

*Toward fellow Christians- 
(John 13:14-15, 34-35)

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." (Vs. 14)

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (Vs.15)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (Vs.34) 

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (vs.35)

*Demonstrated by obedience- 
(I John 5:1-2)

"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him." (Vs.1) 

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments." (Vs.2)

*Pure heart: 
which no man has naturally; every man's heart is naturally impure; nor can he make it pure; by the strength of nature, or by anything that he can do (there are some that are pure in their own eyes).

Though there are some that have pure hearts, and they are such, who have clean hearts created in them by the Spirit of God; who are regenerated and sanctified by him; whose hearts are purified by faith; whose hearts are sincere and upright, and without hypocrisy.

*Good conscience: 

*Faithful conscience- (Genesis 39:8-9 NKJV)

But he refused and said to his master’s wife, 
“Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. *How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

*Unfaithful conscience- (Jeremiah 6:15 NKJV)
*Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No!
*They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down,” says the Lord.

*Guilty conscience- 
(Matthew 26:75)
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” *So he went out and wept bitterly.

Titus 1:15 NKJV
To the *pure all things are *pure, but to those who are 'defiled' and 'unbelieving' 'nothing is *pure; but even their 'mind' and 'conscience' are 'defiled'."

*Sincere Faith, Does not exempt from guilt (Ignorance).
Genesis 20

*Forgiveness of enemies must be sincere- 
(Matthew 18:35)
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

*Whatever is done must be in sincerity- 1 Corinthians 10:31

*Jesus was an example- 1 Peter 2:22
*Ministers should be examples- Titus 2:7

Opposed to human wisdom:
(II Corinthians 1:12)
"For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you."

Should characterize our love to God and Jesus. Our service to God and our Faith, Love to one another, our whole conduct and the preaching of the Gospel. 

*The doctrines of the Gospel-
I Peter 2:2-
"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."

*Preaching the Gospel without sincerity-
Philippians 1:16-
"The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains."

Prayer-
Heavenly Father, allow and grant this message to be heard and understood, with your blessed knowledge and wisdom. May your truth be the burning fire of those hearts that may be softened, to those you have predestined to call, draw, and save. May you loose the binding of the enemies lies and his wicked craftiness on those who believe they know you and are indeed dead and belonging to the enemy himself- his children of wrath. Enlighten them with your light, which exposes! Amen.