James Expounds on Faith Volume 2

 The Testing of Our Faith Part 1

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; KJV

There are over 150 verses in the entire Bible that speak about joy. The epistle or ✉ letter of the Apostle James here at the very beginning mentions joy, however, it is not in the way we are often used to hearing the 📝 writers of the Books 📚 of the Bible mention joy. We are most used to hearing about the 😂 Joy of the Lord that should permeate our souls causing our overflow of worship and praise and prayer to Him, but here we find these words from the Apostle James which is not the way in which we see many of the other writers refer to 😂 joy, as it is written here, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" (James 1:2) (KJV). The English phrase 'ye fall into' is translated by the Greek word peripiptō meaning to fall into something that is all around, that is, light among or upon, be surrounded with: - fall among (into). The English word 'divers' is translated by the Greek word poikilos meaning motley, that is, various in character: - divers, manifold. The English word 'temptations' is translated by the Greek word peirasmos meaning a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptations or trials, to try. In other words, the Apostle here wants us to understand what temptations/trials that are allowed to come to us really are meant to do for us. Our Father in Heaven does not need to reassure Himself that we are His adopted children because He knew us before the foundations of the world's He created were ever laid by Him. However, we need to have our faith tried and tested for our own assurance of true faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for despite our struggles and weaknesses we have the imputed Righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord imparted to us and when we submit, surrender, and serve Him obediently we will have the assurance of our faith in our inner man or inner woman and we will be able to know what the Prophet Isaiah wrote to the people of Israel long ago when he said, "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17) (KJV). The Apostle Paul wrote about his many struggles and weaknesses in almost all of his epistles, but he also declared his 💪 strength and overcoming came by virtue of his full and complete reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, His Righteouness imputed, His Grace granted, and His Mercy shown unto him in all of his trials, test, and tribulations brought upon him by the Jews/Hebrew non-Christians and the Gentile non-believers as well, one example that stands out and sticks out and strengthens me the most when I meditate upon it is when he wrote these words to the believers in Rome, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39) (KJV).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of James 1:2, "The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. As good people are liable to be scattered, they must not think it strange if they meet with troubles. 2. These outward afflictions and troubles are temptations to them. The devil endeavours by sufferings and crosses to draw men to sin and to deter them from duty, or unfit them for it; but, as our afflictions are in God's hand, they are intended for the trial and improvement of our graces. The gold is put into the furnace, that it may be purified. 3. These temptations may be numerous and various: Divers temptations, as the apostle speaks. Our trials may be of many and different kinds, and therefore we have need to put on the whole armour of God. We must be armed on every side, because temptations lie on all sides. 4. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself; but they are such as he is said to fall into. And for this reason they are the better borne by him. The graces and duties of a state of trial and affliction are here pointed out to us. Could we attend to these things, and grow in them as we should do, how good would it be for us to be afflicted! One Christian grace to be exercised is joy: Count it all joy, James 1:2. We must not sink into a sad and disconsolate frame of mind, which would make us faint under our trials; but must endeavour to keep our spirits dilated and enlarged, the better to take in a true sense of our case, and with greater advantage to set ourselves to make the best of it. Philosophy may instruct men to be calm under their troubles; but Christianity teaches them to be joyful, because such exercises proceed from love and not fury in God. In them we are conformable to Christ our head, and they become marks of our adoption. By suffering in the ways of righteousness, we are serving the interests of our Lord's kingdom among men, and edifying the body of Christ; and our trials will brighten our graces now and our crown at last. Therefore there is reason to count it all joy when trials and difficulties become our lot in the way of our duty. And this is not purely a New Testament paradox, but even in Job's time it was said, Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth. There is the more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces that are promoted by them." Here also is what Albert Barnes had to say of James 1:2, "Not brethren as Jews, but as Christians. Regard it as a thing to rejoice in; a matter which should afford you happiness. You are not to consider it as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity, but as a fit subject of felicitation. Oh the meaning of the word 'temptations,'. It is now commonly used in the sense of placing allurements before others to induce them to sin, and in this sense the word seems to be used in James 1:13-14 of this chapter. Here, however, the word is used in the sense of trials, to wit, by persecution, poverty, calamity of any kind. These cannot be said to be direct inducements or allurements to sin, but they try the faith, and they show whether he who is tried is disposed to adhere to his faith in God, or whether he will apostatize. They so far coincide with temptations, properly so called, as to test the religion of men. They differ from temptations, properly so called, in that they are not brought before the mind for the express purpose of inducing people to sin. In this sense it is true that God never tempts men, James 1:13-14. On the sentiment in the passage before us, see the notes at 1 Peter 1:6-7. The word 'divers' here refers to the various kinds of trials which they might experience - sickness, poverty, bereavement, persecution, etc. They were to count it a matter of joy that their religion was subjected to anything that tried it. It is well for us to have the reality of our religion tested, in whatever way it may be done."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

James Expounds on Faith Volume 1

 Greetings to the Saints Then and Now

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Twelve Tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. KJV

This Apostle James is thought to be the brother (in the flesh, born to Joseph and Mary our Lord Jesus' Earthly Parents) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that being true, he refers to himself simply, sweetly, and solely as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James recognized that the Brother he knew and loved from his childhood whom he had played countless games with for many years was not only his brother, but the Savior of the 🗺 World and the very God who created him and everyone else on the 🌏 planet, therefore, we find this greeting and description of himself opening up his ✉ letter to all the believers from the Twelve Tribes of Israel scattered 💭 throughout various other countries in the 🗺 world, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." (James 1:1) (KJV). In like manner to every individual Hebrew of the Twelve Tribes of Israel who had come to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and were persecuted by their fellow Hebrews who had rejected Christ as the Son of God and their Messiah, so are most of we true Christians in this ⌚ time and of every era and generation persecuted by non-believers, even those of their/our same 🏡 household, as it is said by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-36) (KJV) and scattered in various places around the 🗺 world, for the true ⛪ Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not visible in one 🏢 building over another or in one Denomination or Non-Denomination over another. We the true children of God adopted in His family by way of the 'new birth', as it is written, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23) (KJV) are all over this 🌏 planet in the above places and in 🏡 house Churches or other places, some of us are together with other true brothers and sisters and some of us are separated from our true brothers and sisters 'in Christ' not by choice, but by the providence, purpose, and plan of our Father in Heaven. Where ever we are, we are the Temple of the Living God just as the Apostle Paul wrote with these words to the Church @ Corinth, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) (KJV). This should be the direction, the determination, and the desire of every single one of us who belong to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The English word 'servant' used here by the Apostle James to describe himself is translated by the Greek word doulos meaning a slave (literally and figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency to our Lord and Savior Jesus Chist); we are His servants/slaves.

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of James 1:1, "We have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. I. The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Christ's kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant. Note hence, Those who are highest in office or attainments in the church of Christ are but servants. They should not therefore act as masters, but as ministers. Further, Though James is called by the evangelist the brother of our Lord, yet it was his glory to serve Christ in the spirit, rather than to boast of his being akin according to the flesh. Hence let us learn to prize this title above all others in the world - the servants of God and of Christ. Again, it is to be observed that James professes himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ; to teach us that in all services we should have an eye to the Son as well as the Father. We cannot acceptably serve the Father, unless we are also servants of the Son. God will have all men to honour the Son as they honour the Father (John 5:23), looking for acceptance in Christ and assistance from him, and yielding all obedience to him, thus confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. II. The Apostle here mentions the condition of those to whom he writes: The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. Some understand this of the dispersion upon the persecution of Stephen, Acts 8. But that only reached to Judea and Samaria. Others by the Jews of the dispersion understand those who were in Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and other kingdoms into which their wars had driven them. The greatest part indeed of ten of the twelve tribes were lost in captivity; but yet some of every tribe were preserved and they are still honoured with the ancient style of twelve tribes. These however were scattered and dispersed. 1. They were dispersed in mercy. Having the scriptures of the Old Testament, the providence of God so ordered it that they were scattered in several countries for the diffusing of the light of divine revelation. 2. They began now to be scattered in wrath. The Jewish nation was crumbling into parties and factions, and many were forced to leave their own country, as having now grown too hot for them. Even good people among them shared in the common calamity. 3. These Jews of the dispersion were those who had embraced the Christian faith. They were persecuted and forced to seek for shelter in other countries, the Gentiles being kinder to Christians than the Jews were. Note here, It is often the lot even of God's own tribes to be scattered abroad. The gathering day is reserved for the end of time; when all the dispersed children of God shall be gathered together to Christ their head. In the mean time, while God's tribes are scattered abroad, he will send to look after them. Here is an apostle writing to the scattered; an epistle from God to them, when driven away from his temple, and seemingly neglected by him. Apply here that of the prophet Ezekiel, Thus saith the Lord God, Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come, Ezekiel 11:16. God has a particular care of his outcasts. Let my outcasts dwell with thee, Moab, Isaiah 16:3-4. God's tribes may be scattered; therefore we should not value ourselves too much on outward privileges. And, on the other hand, we should not despond and think ourselves rejected, under outward calamities, because God remembers and sends comfort to his scattered people. III. James here shows the respect he had even for the dispersed: greeting, saluting them, wishing peace and salvation to them. True Christians should not be the less valued for their hardships. It was the desire of this Apostle's heart that those who were scattered might be comforted - that they might do well and fare well, and be enabled to rejoice even in their distresses. God's people have reason to rejoice in all places, and at all times; as will abundantly appear from what follows."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 191

 The Final Greetings or Farewell to the Hebrew Converts

Hebrews 13:22-25 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen. KJV

The writer of this ✉ letter to the Hebrew converts to Christ and to us today and of every era and generation is now closing what he declares to be a short 📝 writing to them earnestly entreating them to 👂 listen to and heed all of his divinely inspired words urging them and intended to persuade them to action in every area of their/our Christian walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The 📝 writer (whether the Apostle Paul or some other Man 👨 chosen by Christ) at the time of his 🖋 penning this 📄 document is being persecuted by the Satanic Romans along with Brother Timothy and surely other disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. The main point and desire is that he would be able to be freed from his present persecution by our Lord Jesus Christ and be reunited with all of them, as it is written here with these words, "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen." (Hebrews 13:22-25) (KJV). He 🙏 prays again so earnestly, eagerly, and energetically that he will be able to make it through his current persecution and be able to praise, worship, and glorify our Great God and Father Jesus Christ just as Nehemiah declared that Ezra spoke of Him with these words, "And Ezra blessed the LORD, the Great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground." (Nehemiah 8:6) (KJV) and likewise just as the Apostle Paul spoke of Him in his ✉ letter to Brother Titus with these words, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14) (KJV).

Although the 📝 writer of this ✉ letter wanted to and did instruct them/us and even give them/us comfort, the primary reason for his expressing to them here to 👂 listen to or to use his exact words, 'suffer the word of exhortation', he more than any thing wants them/us to bear with these words in this entire epistle and be encouraged to (despite any of their/our outward circumstances, conditions, or concerns) do exactly what the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers @Philippi with these words, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14) (KJV). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 13:22-25, "He gives the Hebrews an account of Timothy's liberty and his hopes of seeing them with him in a little time, Hebrews 13:23. It seems, Timothy had been a prisoner, doubtless for the Gospel, but now he was set at liberty. The imprisonment of faithful ministers is an honour to them, and their enlargement is matter of joy to the people. He was pleased with the hopes of not only seeing Timothy, but seeing the Hebrews with him. Opportunities of writing to the Churches of Christ are desired by the faithful ministers of Christ, and pleasant to them. Having given a brief account of this his letter, and begged their attention to it (Hebrews 13:22), he closes with salutations, and a solemn, though short benediction. The salutation. (1.) From himself to them, directed to all their ministers who had rule over them, and to all the saints; to them all, ministers and people. (2.) From the Christians in Italy to them. It is a good thing to have the law of holy love and kindness written in the hearts of Christians one towards another. Religion teaches men the truest civility and good-breeding. It is not a sour nor morose thing. The solemn, though short benediction (Hebrews 13:25): Grace be with you all. Amen. Let the favour of God be towards you, and His grace continually working in you, and with you, bringing forth the fruits of holiness, as the first-fruits of glory. When the people of God have been conversing together by word or writing, it is good to part with prayer, desiring for each other the continuance of the gracious presence of God, that they may meet together again in the world of praise."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 190

 Sacrifices Pleasing to God Part 17

Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

The writer of Hebrews continues and concludes his prayer for the Hebrew converts to Christ. The writer of Hebrews after he had finished praying for God the Father's Divine blessing and protection over them now wants the Father to grant to each and every one of them/us 💪 strength and ⛮ power within their/our innerman and innerwoman, as it is written with these words, "Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:21) (KJV). The little English phrase that 🔰 begins this verse, 'Make you perfect', is translated by the Greek word katartizō meaning to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, make perfect, join together, prepare, restore. The English phrase 'that which is wellpleasing' is translated by the Greek word euarestos meaning fully agreeable: - acceptable, wellpleasing. The 📝 writer of Hebrews is praying now for their/our future success in letting nothing stop them/us from declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ as the only way of sinful humanity to be reconciled, redeemed, and right with God, because all other ways of being religious or spiritual are 🤥 lies that will lead to eternal separation from God/hell. The 📝 writer of Hebrews wants them/us to be eqipped for the intense and relentless spiritual battles that they/we will be engaged in for the remainder of their/our pilgrimage on the 🌎 earth. The great Psalmist King David knew not only of the spiritual battles with the enemy, but he also was privy to, part of, and prevailed in many actual physical battles with the enemies of God the Father as he wrote about in many of his 🌴 Psalms included these words, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thine Hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy Right Hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy Mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine Own Hands." (Psalms 138:7-8) (KJV).

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 13:21, "The Apostle here does not affirm that they were then perfect, or that they would be in this life. The word used here - καταρτιζω katartizō - means to make fully ready; to put in full order; to make complete. The meaning here is, that Paul prayed that God would fully endow them with whatever grace was necessary to do His will and to keep His commandments. It is an appropriate prayer to be offered at all times, and by all who love the Church, that God would make all His people perfectly qualified to do all His will. Working in you - The idea here is, that the only hope that they would do the will of God was, that He would, by His own agency, cause them to do what was well-pleasing in His sight. It is not from any expectation that man would do it himself. Through Jesus Christ - The idea is, that God does not directly, and by His own immediate agency, convert and sanctify the heart, but it is through the Gospel of Christ, and all good influences on the soul must be expected through the Saviour. To whom be glory forever and ever - That is, to Christ; for so the connection evidently demands. It is not uncommon for the Apostle Paul to introduce doxologies in this way in the midst of a letter. It was common among the Jews, as it is now in the writings and conversation of the Muslims, when the name of God was mentioned to accompany it with an expression of praise." Here also is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 13:21, "The mercy prayed for: Make you perfect in every good work, etc. Observe, (1.) The perfection of the saints in every good work is the great thing desired by them and for them, that they may here have a perfection of integrity, a clear mind, a clean heart, lively affections, regular and resolved wills, and suitable strength for every good work to which they are called now, and at length a perfection of degrees to fit them for the employment and felicity of heaven. (2.) The way in which God makes His people perfect; it is by working in them always what is pleasing in His sight, and that through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Observe, [1.] There is no good thing wrought in us but it is the work of God; He works in us, before we are fit for any good work. [2.] No good thing is wrought in us by God, but through Jesus Christ, for His sake and by His Spirit. And therefore, [3.] Eternal glory is due to Him, who is the cause of all the good principles wrought in us and all the good works done by us. To this every one should say, Amen."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 189

 Sacrifices Pleasing to God Part 16

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, KJV

The 📝 writer of Hebrews now turns away from requesting the Hebrew believers prayers for him to praying divine blessing and protection over them, as it is written, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant," (Hebrews 13:20) (KJV). The Apostle Paul concluded most of his ✉ letters with this decsription, designation, and declaration of our Great God and Savior our Lord Jesus Christ, for example, "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (Romans 16:20) (KJV), therefore, this is why many Christians believe that Paul is also the author of this ✉ letter to the Hebrews. I personally have gone back and forth as to whether or not he did 🖋 pen this epistle, but I am unsure if he did or not, however, what I am sure of is that whether it was Paul the Apostle or one of the other men selected by God to 📝 write His Holy Word, each and everyone of them would always pray for the Father's divine protection and blessing upon other brothers and sisters 'in Christ' without hesitation. This first part of his prayers for the Hebrew believer's declares our Great God 'The God of Peace' and this is a Character of God that many unbelievers question because of all the despicable 😈 evil acts of men and women that goes on around the world. However, the presence of evil in the world 🗺 is not of God's doing, but the first man (Adam) allowed or 🔓opened the 🚪 door to the 😈 evil one the 👿 devil, therefore, all those acts of such in humanity are because of our human nature that was corrupted by Adam's sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Despite this fact, God wants to grant or give a fraction or sliver of His peace to any sinner who would turn to Him through Christ Jesus our Lord. At all times does He want to give His peace and rest to us His sons and daughters 'in Christ'. Here is some of what Alexander MacLaren had to say about 'The God of Peace', "He is the tranquil God, dwelling above all disturbance which comes from variableness and all ‘the shadows east by turning’; dwelling above all possibilities of irritation or agitation. And yet that great ocean is not stagnant, but through all its depths flow currents of love, and in all its repose is intensest energy. The highest activity coincides with the supremest rest. The wheel revolves so swiftly that it stands as if motionless. We read that ‘the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly,’ and also that ‘the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds,’ and again that the peace of God will sit as umpire in our hearts, detecting evil, judging actions, awarding the prizes. For, indeed, when that peace lies like a summer morning’s light upon our quiet hearts there will be little in evil that will so attract us as to make us think it worth our while to break the blessed and charmed silence for the sake of any earthly influences or joys. They that dwell in the peace of God have little temptation to buy trouble, remorse perhaps, or agitation, by venturing out into the forbidden ground. So, brethren, the great name of the God of peace is itself a promise, and entitles us to expect the completeness of character which alone brings peace."

When our Lord Jesus Christ lived upon the 🌎 earth, He was fully man and fully God at the very same ⏲ time, and this is the fact that makes it so special and important for us. God cannot ever die because He is eternal, however, when He made Himself Man and God at the same ⌚ time, then for our sakes (sinners) He died so that each one of 👥 us could be redeemed/reborn, therefore, His resurrection from the dead back into a new glorified body is a promise to and for us that we also will be resurrected from our physical or bodily death and given new resurrected bodies (like His) (1 John 3:2) to be with Him forever in Heaven. Here is some of what Alexander MacLaren had to say of 'The God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant', "So, then, we have here brought before us Jesus who is risen and ascended, as the great Shepherd of the sheep. Looking to Him, what are we heartened to believe are the possibilities and the divine purposes for each of those that put their trust in Him? Gazing in thought for a moment on that Lord risen from the grave, with the old love in His heart, and the old greetings upon His lips, we see there, of course, as everybody knows, the demonstration of the persistence of a human life through death, like some stream of fresh water holding on its course through a salt and stagnant sea, or plunging underground for a short space, to come up again flashing into the sunshine. But we see more than that. We see the measure of the power, as the Apostle has it, that works in us, ‘according to the energy of the might of the power which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead.’ As we gaze, we see what may be called a type, but what is a great deal more than a type, of the possibilities of the risen life, as it may be lived even here and now, by every poor and humble soul that puts its trust in Him. The Resurrection of Jesus gives us the measure of the power that worketh in us. Expect great things; believe that what Jesus Christ came into the world and died to do, what Jesus Christ left the world and lives to carry on, will be done in you, and that you too will be made complete in Him. For the Shepherd leads and the sheep follow - here afar off, often straying, and getting lost or torn by the brambles, and worried by the wolves. But He leads and they do follow, and the time comes when ‘they shall follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth,’ and be close behind Him in all the good pastures of the mountains of Israel ‘We see not yet all things put under Him,’ but we see Jesus and that is enough. But the blood of the covenant does not mean only the death by which the covenant is ratified. We shall much misapprehend and narrow New Testament teaching, if we suppose that. The ‘blood is the life.’ There is further suggested, then, by the expression, that the vital energy, with which Jesus Christ came from the dead as the Shepherd of the sheep, is the power by which God makes us ‘perfect in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight.’ So, two practical counsels may close my words. See that you aspire as high as God’s purpose concerning you, and do not be content with anything short of the, at least, incipient and progressive accomplishment in your characters and lives, of that great prayer. Again, see that you use the forces which, by the Cross and the Resurrection and the Ascension, are set in motion to make that wondrous possibility a matter-of-fact reality for each of us; and whoever you are, and whatever you have been, be sure of this, that He can lift you from the mud and cleanse you from its stains, and set you at His own right hand in the heavenly places. For the name, and the risen Shepherd, and the blood of the everlasting covenant, make a threefold cord, not to be quickly broken, and able to bear the weight of the loftiest hopes and firmest confidence that we can hang upon it."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 188

 Sacrifices Pleasing to God Part 15

Hebrews 13:18-19 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. KJV

Now the 📝 writer of Hebrews begins his descent into the conclusion of his entire ✉ letter (Chapter 13 being the closing one) and the first thing he says as he begins his conclusion is that of asking them to pray for him, as it is written, "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner." (Hebrews 13:18-19) (KJV). The prayers of a son or daughter of God the Father is the one thing that cannot ever be 🛑 stopped by our enemy the 👿 devil. Every brother and sister 'in Christ' doing the will of God needs not only to 🙏 pray for themselves/ourselves, but they/we also need the prayers of other members of Christ Mystical Body to go along with ours. There can never ever be too much praying to our Father in Heaven. This 📝 writer of Hebrews was undoubtedly facing very harsh, hard, and horrific persecution from the two-legged 👿 devils everywhere he went declaring the truth of the Word of God. It was then and it still is now the goal 🥅 of the enemy to harass the true servants of Christ on every turn in order to keep us from declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ (which is the only truth) throughout the world. It is the 😈 devil's desire to see his 🤥 lies spread about in the 🌎 earth more than the truth of God. Therefore, we find this 📝 writer requesting the prayers of other like minded sisters and brothers of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he would be able to live out his divine destiny doing the will of God. The 📝 writer of Hebrews was persuaded of his desire, determination, and dedication to live honestly or in a good way among them as well as among the two-legged 👿 devils in the 🗺 world, so he requested their prayers to God knowing that He hears His sons and daughters always and at all ⏲ times of the day or 🌃 night.

Remember when the Apostle Peter and the Apostle John were threatened by the Sanhedrin Council and they came back to the other believers and they all with one accord prayed for boldness to declare the truth of God what happened, as it is written, "And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against Thy Holy Child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, By stretching forth Thine Hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the Name of Thy Holy Child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:24-31) (KJV). In war between Nations, the 🔫 weapons are often times deployed from far away from the enemy with ballistic missiles and other type 💣 bombs that can be launched from high above the ground by fighter jets or drones in order to render damage, decimation, and destuction to the 🎯 targets of the enemy. Likewise, in our spiritual warfare with the 👿 devil and his demons we too have a 🔫 weapon in our arsenals that can hit the enemy from afar off and he has no radar or detection device to 🛑 stop it or to intercept it and that is prayer (2 Corinthians 10:4 & James 5:16).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 13:18-19, "The Apostle recommends himself, and his fellow-sufferers, to the prayers of the Hebrew believers (Hebrews 13:18): 'Pray for us; for me and Timothy' (mentioned Hebrews 13:23), 'and for all those of us who labour in the ministry of the Gospel.' 1. This is one part of the duty which people owe to their ministers. Ministers need the prayers of the people; and the more earnestly the people pray for their ministers the more benefit they may expect to reap from their ministry. They should pray that God would teach those who are to teach them, that he would make them vigilant, and wise, and zealous, and successful - that He would assist them in all their labours, support them under all their burdens, and strengthen them under all their temptations. 2. There are good reasons why people should pray for their ministers; he mentions two: (1.) We trust we have a good conscience, etc., Hebrews 13:18. Many of the Jews had a bad opinion of Paul, because he, being a Hebrew of the Hebrews, had cast off the Levitical law and preached up Christ: now he here modestly asserts his own integrity: We trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. We trust! he might have said, We know; but he chose to speak in a humble style, to teach us all not to be too confident of ourselves, but to maintain a godly jealousy over our own hearts. 'We trust we have a good conscience, an enlightened and well-informed conscience, a clean and pure conscience, a tender and faithful conscience, a conscience testifying for us, not against us: a good conscience in all things, in the duties both of the first and second table, towards God and towards men, and especially in all things pertaining to our ministry; we would act honestly and sincerely in all things.' Observe, [1.] A good conscience has a respect to all God's commands and all our duty. [2.] Those who have this good conscience, yet need the prayers of others. [3.] Conscientious ministers are public blessings, and deserve the prayers of the people. (2.) Another reason why he desires their prayers is that he hoped thereby to be the sooner restored to them (Hebrews 13:19), intimating that he had been formerly among them, - that, now he was absent from them, he had a great desire and real intention to come again to them, - and that the best way to facilitate his return to them, and to make it a mercy to him and them, was to make it a matter of their prayer. When ministers come to a people as a return of prayer, they come with greater satisfaction to themselves and success to the people. We should fetch in all our mercies by prayer."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Letter to the Hebrews Volume 187

 Sacrifices Pleasing to God Part 14

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. KJV

In this very next verse of Scripture, the writer of Hebrews declares that obeying the Pastor or Preacher that our God has placed in position to lead is a sacrifice that is pleasing to our Father in Heaven. The 👶 children of God are not to give up their/our own conscience or our judgment, but instead submit to their leadership, so long as their leadership is directed by the truth of the Word of God. We can look sadly back in history and are reminded of good souls who wanted to do the will of God, but they submitted themselves to a 👨 man or 👩 woman that led them into paths of destruction instead of the truth. The type of leader that is pleasing to God the Father is one who labors in the Word of God as the Apostle Paul reminded Brother Timothy with these words, "Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:17-18) (KJV). So then, the Elder or Pastor or Teacher or Bishop or Reverend are those who must desire to lead the children of God into the Truth of God's Word. Yet, we know that neither of these 🚹 men or 🚺 women are without sin, but it is their sincerity to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Truth that is of utmost importance and their desire to please Him. Therefore, the 📝 writer of Hebrews declares these words to the Hebrew converts to Christ back then as well as all of us who belong to Him today and from every era and generation, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) (KJV). Those who are appointed by Christ to lead should be our guides just as the Apostle Paul declared to the Corinthian believers with these words, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corithians 11:1) (KJV).

The leader appointed by God should be a 👨 man or 👩 woman who is following our Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Scripture and not bringing in heretical doctrines that are not supported by the Word of God, for this is why the children of God must read, study, and pray over the Word of God individually so that we may be able to discern these false teachers from the true teachers of Christ. The Apostle Peter gave us a glimpse into what the real motivation of the false teachers would be with tbese words, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Peter 2:1-3) (KJV). Notice that the false teachers use subtleness to spread their 🤥 lies to gain the favor of people (even some of the true people of God) and take from them to enrich themselves, that is, to make merchindise of people. The television airwaves today are full of these people. Let us be prudent, patient, and purposefully studying and praying that we might not fall into any of these subtle web of 🤥 lies that will throw us 🚵 off course. It is the desire of the true leader of God (who leads and governs as Christ does) to watch for our souls as one would be taking first watch in a camp in the woods or wilderness to ward off or scare off predators that would come into the camp to hurt and kill all there. This is the hearts desire of the leader of God that has been truly appointed by Christ Himself, for they don't see their brothers and sisters in Christ as those in whom they can take from, but to give to and mainly their understanding of the Word of God as the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit imparts, imbues, and illuminates His Word to them, for this is profitable to them and to us.

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 13:17, "The reference here is to their religious teachers, and not to civil rulers. They were to show them proper respect, and to submit to their authority in the Church, so far as it was administered in accordance with the precepts of the Saviour. The obligation to obedience does not, of course, extend to anything which is wrong in itself, or which would be a violation of conscience. The doctrine is, that subordination is necessary to the welfare of the Church, and that there ought to be a disposition to yield all proper obedience to those who are set over us in the Lord. That is, to all which they enjoin that is lawful and right. There are in relation to a society: (1) Those things which God has positively commanded - which are always to be obeyed. (2) Many things which have been agreed on by the society as needful for its welfare - and these are to be submitted to unless they violate the rights of conscience; and (3) Many things which are in themselves a matter of no express divine command, and of no formal enactment by the community. They are matters of convenience; things that tend to the order and harmony of the community, and of the propriety of these, 'rulers' in the Church and elsewhere should be allowed to judge, and we should submit to them patiently. Hence, in the Church we are to submit to all the proper regulations for conducting public worship; for the promotion of religion; and for the administration of discipline. They have no selfish aim in this. They do not seek 'to lord it over God’s heritage.' It is for your own good that they do this, and you should therefore submit to these arrangements. And this shows also the true principle on which authority should be exercised in a church. It should be in such a way as to promote the salvation of the people; and all the arrangements should be with that end. The measures adopted, therefore, and the obedience enjoined, should not be arbitrary, oppressive, or severe, but should be such as will really promote salvation. The Ministers of religion must give account to God for their fidelity. For all that they teach, and for every measure which they adopt, they must soon be called into judgment. There is, therefore, the best security that under the influence of this solemn truth they will pursue only that course which will be for your good. That they may do it with joy, and not with grief - Greek μὴ στενάζοντες mē stenazontes - not sighing, or groaning; as they would who had been unsuccessful. The meaning is, that they should so obey, that when their teachers came to give up their account they need not do it with sorrow over their perverseness and disobedience. That is, their giving up their account in that manner - as unsuccessful in their efforts to save you - would not be of advantage to you, but would be highly injurious. This is a strong mode of expressing the idea that it must be attended with eminent peril to their souls to have their religious teachers go and give an account against them. As they would wish, therefore, to avoid that, they should render to them all proper honor and obedience."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…