Daily Bread 12-14-18

Philippians 1:7

Even as it is meet for me to think of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

ref. - Eph 3:1 - For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ph 4:14 - Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Thank God that we have true grounded men that will stand and defend this gospel. Just as the Apostle Paul withstood many trials and many offenses defending this gospel there are still men today that will do the same. Standing even through the disdain and desertion of their own people to defend and stand so this gospel can remain pure and holy throughout the ages. And just as there are many who kick against and many who try to upend this gospel, there are also those who are of great help. And it is through these people that God works to continue this holy, pure, unfeigned word. Because of these few men, others have become partakers of this grace. Now, not to draw attention to these men, but to what God has done through them. Even though many times it seemed that they stood only with God and without the help of men they still persevered and this gospel is still standing strong today. Thanks to God, that is. But, as we said, there are some supporters and this is who Paul was addressing. Telling them how much he loved and cared for them, and that their support was not going unnoticed. They were in his thoughts and prayers daily as they had shined as lights in the darkness when he was in need of aid. Today, there are few who will truly defend a pure gospel, and there are many who will not listen to their representation of the gospel because these men do not meet up to the man made "holy" standards, but Paul faced this with the Pharisees as well. Paul was by no means a perfect man, and he admitted it, but he preached a gospel of truth and purity that could not be denied. Just as the world was changing from this gospel so did Paul transform. And by the support of a few and the grace of God his writings are written today for our learning. So, today, when you enter into a Church, determine if you support what is being taught. Determine if it is according to the word of God and it supports the very same gospel that was given to Paul by Jesus Christ. If you have questions, ask them. If the answers are according to the gospel and lead you closer to Christ, follow them. If you are not in support of the teaching and the Church that you are in because of foul doctrine and things that do not coincide with the word of God, then pray to him and wait for his answer. But if you do not agree because you are disobedient and want to hear worldly teaching of a Spiritual doctrine, then you are in great need of a savior. Be the ones who Paul held in reverence and were dear to his heart, not out of gainsaying or boot polishing, but out of your strength and perseverance to support the Church and this gospel. As the word of God says, The fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. We may think that we don't need the prayers of others and that we can do this on our own, but the truth be told, we need the prayers of those called by God and we also need to support these men by confirming and defending what they teach and preach. Otherwise, we are not followers, but reprobate minds out wandering around looking for the next thing to satisfy our worldly lusts. This is not Gods will nor will it get us to eternal life. Stand strong, stand in support, and stand together in Christ!! Have a great day!!!