Four Pearls

Posted on June 29, 2021 by AntiochCMI

There are euphemisms used in the teachings of Jesus that instruct us today on the blessings we have been given when we were joined in nature to Christ by the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 7 Jesus says these blessings are holy, i.e. of the divine nature and calls them “pearls.” These pearls are virtues of Christ and testify to His holiness. Four of these “pearls” follow:

LOYALTY: N. Constancy, fidelity, faith, troth

The loyalty of Christ to the Father is a manifestation of the truest quality of loyalty known to human kind. “Obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8); “I only do those things I see the Father do” (John 8:29); “My will is to do the will of Him Who sent me” (John 6:38). These are the evidence of the loyalty, constancy, fidelity, faithfulness and troth Jesus had for the Father.

We have seen loyalty on display in others: Jonathan was a loyal and faithful friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1,3-4; 19:2). Timothy was loyal in service to Saint Paul (1 Timothy 1:2,18; 2 Timothy 1;2). We have also seen disloyalty in Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Master; in the Apostle Peter who denied knowing Jesus at His trial, and Demos, who ministered with Paul on many of his travels, but forsook him in the end, at the time of his death, “having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10).

Loyalty is a pearl of great value. It is a holy virtue we would do well to contemplate on continually. Be loyal to the LORD, your friends, your fellow believers, your countrymen.

PATIENCE: N. Forbearance, long-suffering, tolerance, self-restraint

“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect, and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). Patience is a pearl that brings great glory to Christ as He is revealed in us in the truest nature of this divine virtue.

“You have heard of the patience of Job. . .” (James 5:11a). The LORD is “long-suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9b). “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience. . .” (Galatians 5:22a). Yes, patience, that beautiful pearl that keeps us calm in the midst of the storm, in the midst of frustration, when in the maddening crowd; that helps us “keep our wits about us, when all others are loosing theirs”*

WISDOM: N. Profundity, acumen, common sense, sapience, sagacity

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The “wisdom of Solomon” is world renown, but a “greater than Solomon is here” (see Matthew 12:42). Yes, this pearl in all its glory can only be given to us as we abide in Christ Jesus. This gift of God imparted to the lowliest saint is greater than that of Solomon himself. “But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

TRUST: N. Faith, Confidence, Belief

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). What a pearl this verse is to many a believer. So familiar, yet, so profound. “Trust in the LORD.” Believe in Him, be confident in Him; have faith in Him. Commit everything to Jesus. Lay everything on Him. Trust Him with all your heart, soul, body, mind and spirit. In everything let the holy pearl of Trust be your pillow on which you rest your head at night; and let it be your confidence upon your rising to face another day.

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*Rudyard Kipling quotes ( English short-story writer, poet, and novelist. Nobel Prize (1907), 1865 – 1936).

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The Word Is a Stone

Posted on June 26, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“You come to me with a sword, a spear and a shield; but I come to you in the Name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). So said David to Goliath on the field of battle in the Valley of Elah.

Upon uttering his words to Goliath David ran to him “put his hand in his bag, and took a stone and slung it and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Samuel 17:49). So powerful was the force of the stone from the sling of David it penetrated the skull and sank into Goliath’s head. The word of the LORD, in the Name of the LORD is powerful and the stone was the symbol of that power.

In the Valley of Elah, “the valley of the mighty man,” the Word of the LORD was mighty from the mouth of David, the mighty man of God, a man after God’s own heart.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus unknowingly spoke to Jesus thusly, “concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19). Jesus, the Word made flesh, was a Stone, mighty in word and deed; but “a Stone of Stumbling and Rock of Offence” to the disobedient, to those who had Him put to death (cf. 1 Peter 2:8).

Peter spoke by revelation when he declared to Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus responded by saying, “You are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Upon that mighty profession of revelation, given to Peter by the Father: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God;” that word Jesus calls a rock; and upon that word, that stone, Jesus would build the Church.

The Word is a Stone. The Word is a Stone to defeat our enemies. The Word is a Stone of Stumbling to the disobedient. The Word is a Stone upon which to build the Kingdom.

The Law was written on Tablets of Stone. Each commandment was engraved by the finger of God (cf. Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10). Violations of the commandments were subject to death by stoning (cf. Leviticus 20:2; Leviticus 20:27; Leviticus 24:16). Violations of the Word of the LORD made the violator subject to death by the very symbol of the Word, Stones.

Jesus, the Word is a Stone, but He is a Living Stone that gives Life. The letter of the Law kills, but the Spirit gives Life (cf. II Corinthians 3:6). If you have come to Christ Jesus, you have come to “a Living Stone, disallowed, indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). Yes, even as the Scripture says: “Behold, I lay in Zion a Chief Cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded” (1 Peter 2:6; see Isaiah 28:16).

Jesus said, “Did you not read in the Scriptures, ‘the Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ . . . whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (Matthew 21:42,44).

The Word, Christ Jesus, is our Living Stone, a tried Stone, our Rock; precious, a sure foundation. Call on Him, fall on Him, trust in Him; you will not be confounded or put to shame. Even the gates of hell will not prevail against you. Trust in Him, your Word, your Rock.

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When the LORD Turns Things Around

Posted on June 23, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the nations, the LORD has done great things for them. The LORD has done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalms 126:1-3).

Captivity: Exile, prisoners; carry away captive

What a glorious day it is when the LORD moves to restore the fortunes of a nation, a people, a community, an individual soul. The Psalmist summarizes the euphoria: “we were like them that dream.” In another Psalm it is written: “You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth; you have girded me with gladness” (Psalms 30:11).

Gladness, rejoicing, laughter, singing, dancing express the overwhelming joy of freedom, restoration, return to our Land, our people, our homes. Oh, what exhilaration when the LORD turns things around.

The elation of seeing the LORD move in His mighty power to overcome our enemies who took us captive and carried us away to foreign gods, another king, another language, to a place of exile. The captivity has been turned back, overcome, put down; and we have been delivered by the LORD’s decree. Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us.

Yes, we are glad; we are grateful; we will “sing praise to You, O LORD, and not be silent. O LORD, our God, we will give thanks unto You, forever” (Psalms 30:12).

When the LORD turns things around, order is restored. Peace returns to our Land. The Scales of Justice are balanced again. The Government is upon His Shoulders. The prophets speak truth, the priests serve with sanctity and kings reign in righteousness. The LORD is worshipped in the beauty of holiness and the people bow before His Throne with contrite reverence.

When the LORD turns things around, love abides, hearts are reconciled, neighbor serves neighbor and only One is exalted in that day. We believe for that day; we pray for that day; we hope for it and wait patiently for that glorious time: when the LORD turns everything around.

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The Day of Jezreel!

Posted on June 19, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together; and appoint themselves One Head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the Day of Jezreel” (Hosea 1:11).

Jezreel: God will sow, plant; to conceive seed

God is a sower and He is sowing His good seed into the world today. He is sowing in all lands, people groups, cultures, nations and families. God is going forth bearing precious seed and planting that seed in the most diverse places, among many diverse groups: Chinese, Iranians, Koreans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Somalians, Colombians, Turks and Afghans. Oh, what diversity. Oh, what a harvest there will be. Oh, what a springing forth and sprouting up from the land there shall be. Great is the Day of Jezreel!

Jesus gave us the parable of the sower; then explained it to His Disciples this way: “He that sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom. . .” (Matthew 13:37-38a). Yes, Jesus Himself is the sower. Jesus Himself was sent into the world. Jesus Himself is the great Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. Jesus Himself is Apostolically sending His word everywhere; Christ is the prophetic voice being heard in all the earth; He is the great Evangel; He is the Pastor/Shepherd of His sheep; and He is the Teacher of His Disciples in all the world. Christ “led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8b). In every country, nation and tribe, His gifts, the Children of the Kingdom, His Good Seed, are going forth with the light of the Gospel into the darkest places to shine; and their light will not be put out. Oh, how glorious is the Light!

Oh, Rulers of Darkness, behold the Light! Behold, the harvest in your land! How great a harvest it is! What a glorious Day of Jezreel!

Listen, America, Canada, Russia and EU. Do you hear the sound of rain? The early and latter rain before the great harvest? Do you hear the Angels singing, rejoicing over the souls of those being saved in your lands? It is a joyous sound. It is a song of praise and worship to the Lamb. Oh, how glorious is the Day of Jezreel. Yes, the “harvest truly is great” and the “LORD of the Harvest” has gone forth with His laborers to gather them in (cf. Luke 10:2).

Behold, you children of Abraham: Israel, House of Saud, and all Arab lands; Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq; the LORD of all Nations has come to your people. Open wide your Gates and let the “King of Glory” come in (Psalms 24:7). Who is this “King of Glory” you ask? “The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of Glory” (Psalms 24:10); and He has come to your Land, and to your people. Bow before Him and worship. The prophets of old have spoken of you and your time to shine has come. Peace.

Indeed, what a wonderful day the LORD has promised us through His prophets, His Apostles proclaiming His Word. Shout for joy you saints of God. Shout for the Harvest time is here in the Great Day of Jezreel! Hallelujah!

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Sowing Discord

Posted on June 16, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“These six things doth the LORD hate; yes, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue. . .a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among Brethren” (Proverbs 6:16a, 19).

Discord: a contest or quarrel, brawling, strife, contention

By continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine we stay true to the desires of the LORD’s heart; and avoid being entangled in the present contention in the contests of men. We can live above the fray, above the quarreling, brawling and strife of tongues.

The Apostle warns us, “Now I beseech you, Brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the Doctrine which you have learned and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Paul also declared to the Church at Corinth: “Now I beseech you Brethren, by the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Discord is out of harmony. Discord is like fingernails on a chalkboard. It just makes you react with repulsion to an unhealthy, unholy and dissonant environment. Avoid it like the plague.

The word Discord comes from the Latin dis cord (heart); expressing negation, reversal of the heart. The one who sows discord has a bad heart. Jesus said “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). Sowing seeds of discord comes from evil thoughts of the heart for the purpose of causing division and doing harm to the community at peace.

Discord comes from an evil heart with evil intent, to divide, to cause division among us, to pit one against another based on all manner of criteria of the offenders choosing.

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Overcome evil with good, out of a good heart. Be perfectly joined together in the faith; show forth the love of God to your neighbor. Then watch what harmonious melodies the LORD will sing over us in the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.

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Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine

Posted on June 12, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ Doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

What a strong foundation upon which to live out our faith: the Doctrines of the Apostles, fellowship in the community of believers, breaking bread from house to house (Acts 2:46), and prayer.

Saints of God, we are all of the “household of God and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:19b-20).

During the time of the Church Fathers the Doctrinal Creed was established and has become our confession of faith. This Creed is commonly known as The Apostles Creed, or Apostolic Creed. This is what we believe and hold to as the Apostles’ Doctrine:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, our LORD.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried.

He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.”

Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine keeps us secure in our faith. It keeps us from deception; from departing from the faith; from the voices of “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1); and from all manner of lies, false prophets, false teachers, heretics and those who by “cunning craftiness lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14b).

Beloved, pray for one another. Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (cf. Ephesians 4:3). Pray in accordance with the promise, that we will one day all come “to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. Amen

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Blood on Our Hands

Posted on June 10, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. . .” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

“When you spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15).

“Your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness” (Isaiah 59:3).

“They have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands. With their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons whom they bare unto Me, to pass them through the fire to devour them” (Ezekiel 23:37).

The Prophets have spoken the word of the LORD. The shedding of innocent blood defiles us in the eyes of the LORD. We have blood on our hands from iniquity: from adultery, from our proud looks, from speaking lies with a perverse tongue, and worshipping our idols and offering them our sacrifices.

What is the LORD to do? When we spread our hands in prayer, He sees innocent blood and hides His face from us.

What are we to do? Repent. Humbly confess our sins before the LORD. Put away our idols. Speak truth and not lies. Humble ourselves in the sight of the LORD, and sacrifice our proud looks on the altar. Cease from our perverseness, and walk in the right ways of the LORD. We must wash our hands in innocence to purify our hands and heart before our God. The Psalmist declared: “I will wash mine hands in innocence; so will I compass thine altars, O LORD” (Psalms 26:6).

The blood of the innocent has been shed. The blood shed in our Land, in our streets, in our homes is on our hands. The blood of our children, our sons and daughters, slain with their blood on our hands. We have become defiled, unworthy of the courts of the LORD and His holy presence. How then shall we be made clean? “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts you double minded” (James 4:8).

Washed, cleansed, purified, justified, sanctified in the blood of the Lamb, the water of His Word, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Are you ready to enter into the New Life? the New Creation? Are you ready to walk in holiness, purity, righteousness and the favor of God? There is a way out from the bloodshed, the defilement, the iniquity and sin, the uncleanness of adultery and idols. There is a way to be cleansed from the blood on your hands if you are ready to receive your change.

Yes, there is hope; there is forgiveness; there is cleansing. The LORD is waiting to set you free.

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The Day of Reckoning

Posted on June 6, 2021 by AntiochCMI

What student does not get a little anxious at the time of Final Exams? What business is not concerned with an audit from the government? What employee does not worry a little when having an annual evaluation? Why? It is a Day of Reckoning.

Reckoning: a time of visitation, accounting.

During the Day of Reckoning there are those who are the officers in charge, and there are those who are the subjects of review. In the Kingdom there is an Arbiter of Oversight; One Who is the Officer in Charge; One Who holds the Office and to Whom all accounting must be made. He is the LORD God, the Master over the House, the Almighty.

A Day of Reckoning is coming. A Day of Visitation for the Final Exam, the Supreme Audit, the Evaluation to see what manner of Student, Steward, and Disciple we have been. How did we conduct our affairs? Were we honest? Did we act in accordance with Standards of Righteousness? Were we Just? Did we use honest scales? Were we good custodians over things entrusted to our care? Or, were we corrupt, dishonest, and accept bribes? Were we reckless, careless and prodigal? What is in the Records? The Day of Reckoning will disclose all things. The Day of Visitation will uncover every good and evil deed.

Some will be praised and promoted. Some will be disgraced and removed. What about you, are you confident or shaking in your boots?

The wise man keeps his house in order; keeps his affairs straight; keeps his records clean. The corrupt man is deceived and thinks he will not have to give account. The wise man fears God, the LORD, the Master over the House to Whom he must give an answer. The corrupt man cares nothing for such foolish notions as God, religion, accounting to a higher authority. He has everything covered with his connections. His hubris will be his undoing.

The One to Whom we must give account cannot be bribed and has no favorites. “Everyone of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12); so says the Apostle (see also 1 Peter 4:5). In the Day of Visitation everyone shall give an answer. Everyone will give account for his stewardship over that which was committed to his trust.

The Prophets have warned us of that Day. The Apostles have admonished us to watch and be vigilant to guard ourselves against that Day. How have we done? We shall see.

The Day of Reckoning is here. Are you ready?

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The Man From Wayville

Posted on June 3, 2021 by AntiochCMI

There was a man from Wayville

Who constantly walked uphill;

Then whereupon he made the crest

He always mused and thought it best

To suddenly walk downhill.

Up and down he traversed the ground

For many a day and night;

Then he discovered the ground he covered

Was always within sight.

But he dared not venture

Where peradventure he could not

See his way;

So up and down he goes around

Unto this very day.

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All Rights Reserved: June 2021, James E McCardell

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Yes, God is Good

Posted on June 1, 2021 by AntiochCMI

“O give thanks unto the LORD for He is Good; for His mercy endures forever” (I Chronicles 17:34).

Good: The character or nature of beneficence to all. In essence righteous; in nature kind, merciful, compassionate. Good is self-sacrificing, loving, gentle and in effect always a blessing.

Indeed, God is Good. God is Goodness. It is in the nature of God to save, to rescue, to redeem from all harm. God is Good for Goodness sake.

In our world today and since the days of Adam, it is of a truth to say that God is good and only God is good. Jesus testified to this when the rich young ruler addressed Him as “Good Master”. Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There is none good but One, that is God” (Mark 10:18). Yes, God is good and He is the only good. Compared to Him our goodness is a stench. The Prophet, Isaiah, well said, “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness like filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

Yes, only God is Good. Of course, saying it out loud is a terrible affront to the self-righteous; deeply offensive to the arrogant, the proud, the haughty, the self-important, the elitist, the high and mighty ones. These despise the lowly, the humble, the self-effacing, and meek ones. Oh, how the God haters hate to hear that simple phrase, God is Good.

But you, saints of God, give thanks to the LORD for His Goodness. Give thanks to the LORD for He is God. Give thanks to the Beneficent One, the Righteous One, the Kind, Merciful and Compassionate One. Oh, give thanks to the Loving, Gentle and Blessed One. Our God, our LORD, our Father, our Savior, our King.

In Character, in Nature and in Essence God is Good. That is a foundation on which to build your faith; to carry you through the trials, tribulations and tests of this life. That is a solid rock, a sure foundation, a high tower and strong defense against all the attacks of the enemy against our faith in God. Yes, God is Good. Simple but true, and it will carry you through. Believe it, confess it, sing it, declare it, shout it from the housetops. Yes, God is good!

Yes, God is Good. Yes, God is Good, Yes, God is Good. He’s so Good to me.

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