Purity 601 – Part II: The Army of God made Battle Ready

By Jerry Olson
jerrydeanolson@yahoo.com

January 20, 2012

I have spent the last several days in a wilderness area here in Colorado. A time of reflection and a time apart from my home environment, a time separate from my normal everyday life. Perhaps a breath of fresh air in a beautiful mountain setting that I needed for clarity. There was little doubt that the Lord spoke to me. I began to ponder and review my life in the Lord and perhaps for the first time, see more clearly why God accepted my contract with Him. I prayed many years ago now and asked what it is that He wanted me to do, and I told Him. I would do whatever, He asked of me.

It is clearer to me now what I am to do. Oh I had an idea, but not really. I did not fully grasp His idea of my commitment, words like “whatever” Lord. I did not know that it meant death, not just laying down my motives, agenda and self will, and pride, it is more. All in, or total commitment, means death. I mean, double dog dead. Did not Jesus say, “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) You who claim to be My disciples. All armies have enemies, to win you must be willing to die, to sacrifice yourself for the greater good and all soldiers know this fact. Do we truly think it will be any different for us?

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” I Peter 4:12-14

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:12-20

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to fight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:32-34

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” Galatians 6:1-5

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6

“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. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17-18

“Remind them to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” II Timothy 1:8-9

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” II Timothy 2:23-26

“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” Revelation 1:5-6

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” Revelation 6:9

This is Jesus speaking about the lukewarm church below, the one we see today!!!

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.

So then, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16

It would seem that perhaps the cold here spoken of have been called, called into His service and given an opportunity to know Him, although they have not heard clearly what this means. Perhaps their soil is so hard that they just reject any Godly understanding. Truth has passed them by, somehow. The cares of the world are very strong. We know those referred to as hot are those individuals that are first called of God, provided understanding of the gospel message, and the awareness of who the Son of God is and His pre-eminence throughout the universe. They pray and study the Word daily, they hear from God. Those that know what it is to be called and given a special opportunity to be disciples now, sons and daughters of God and eternal life with our Lord promised forever. They immediately go to work in service to the body. Listening through the Holy Spirit what it is God wants them to do. They get joy from the service and the love that emanates from their heart. The bottom line is that they have a strong relationship with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. However, we also have the lukewarm, they know about God, they have heard of the Lord Jesus, perhaps they are fans but not followers. They may go to church and have a pastor and know about the Word of God. They say they are Christian’s when asked, however they truly have no relationship with our Lord. Their soil is very shallow indeed. Perhaps at one time in the past they did have  a short relationship with God and somehow they became unproductive in their faith. Perhaps the riches and the cares of this world drowned out their original commitment. Perhaps they like to compromise and are fence sitters, one leg in the world and one leg in church, only able perhaps to drink weak milk, no meat in their spiritual diet. These are the ones that God is most displeased with, they know better but attention is drawn elsewhere.

“Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, people, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9

“So he said to me, These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and wash their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” I John 1:5

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”Revelation 1:8

“He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Revelation 2:4

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” Revelation 2:15-17

I ask at this moment in time, for your undivided attention, please hear my words. We are brothers and sisters in the Lord, there is little time left. At midnight, the bridegroom will come, do we have sufficient oil, are we ready? Which five will we be a part of? Is it right or productive to use our energy and time for folly? Are we so dull of hearing that we have taken our focus off the ball? Why have we been called? Time is fleeting, much faster than the world knows, and even for some of us. Do we not yet see? The world is crumbling around us, should we not be about our Father’s business? We have been called because the harvest is ripe, but where are the harvesters? We seem to have time and energy for the things of this world, our own pleasures, motives and agendas, even time to judge one another, but little time for the purpose for which we have been called. Is it not, high time to get to work! Where is your heart? Where is your fruit? Do you believe?

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” John 4:35

“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few,

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:3

Are we not sons and daughters? Do we not have the Holy Spirit? Are we not called as disciples? Jesus had twelve as we know and they could do no mighty work in the Lord, until. WHAT! The comforter came in to them, they were weak before, even without understanding. Even after spending three plus years with the Lord! However, when the power and fire came down, they became bold! They were given focus for the job and their work, which each one was given to accomplish in Him. Is it not apparent, as to why we have been given the Holy Spirit? We are also given faith in like manner as His chosen disciples. The Lord gave to His first disciples everything they needed. He will likewise, provide for our needs as well. Do we believe?

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

“I will dwell in them, And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people. Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:16-18

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:4-7

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:10

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” Hebrews 12:7

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” I John 3:1&3

Where is our heart?

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27

Perhaps if we put more time in, reading and studying the Lord’s word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” II Corinthians 4:3-5

What condition are we in? Are we working on our linen?

Spots and wrinkles in our clothing, dirty and soiled, He will not tolerate! Our Father has called us to be righteous in Him. Sin of compromise is of the world and we have been called to change our robes. Only white clothing will be let in. “That He might present it [the church and bride] to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).

“That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.” I Timothy 6:14-15

Let us be steadfast, unwavering, bold, strong as our Rock is, without blemish!!!

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” II Peter 3:14

“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Then he said to me, Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” And he said to me, these are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:8-9

“And the Armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, follow Him on white horses.” Revelation 19:14

Where is my fruit? If I am productive in our Lord’s harvest, fruit should be evident.

Did not the Lord of the harvest give me a field to work in? Perhaps it is time?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12:24-25

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15: 2, 4-8, 16-17

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:17

“Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord.
Your salvation according to Your word.
So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.“
Psalm 119:41-48

Every child of God, called of God, His offspring, are the children of Israel, either by being the seed of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, or by being grafted in, even as a gentile. All of mankind, all have been formed and fashioned by God. He gave us life, He sent His Son to die for all of us. Every person has been granted salvation. Because of God’s love and His grace, not law, we can come to repentance in our Lord Christ Jesus. Is that so hard for us to understand? Let God be God, let us not think so highly of ourselves, this is His program, why are we so lifted up? Our opportunity to be children of God will end, if we remain high minded, and stiff-necked. Are we so dull that we think even for a second, that we can have things our way? Foolish thinking to be sure!!!

“Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.” Romans 9:27-28

Be as little children said our Lord Jesus.

“Then the little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14

Is the Lord not saying, lower your head, stop judging, be your brothers keeper, be kind to everyone, love what is good, be teachable, humble yourself, and walk as a child?

“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves; they are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 12-13

“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people (His people Israel) out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” Jude 5

Brothers and sisters it is time to get involved in the harvest!!!

Have we checked our armor of late?

His servant and yours,
Jerry

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