Heralds Digest

"He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." (Romans 14:6 NKJV) Dominion over time and space on earth is designed as inherent responsibility of man, and not an accidental privilege within his existence. When the focus of all of man's engagements is God, the detail of the embodied activities cannot deviate from the worship of the Lord. The secret of a life of total dominion is open to those who acknowledges that their secret motives are open to God. Therefore, it makes no sense to argue on every motion in life, when acquaintance with the God of heaven, who rules over motives behind the motion, is compromised. Unlike religious motions, dominion lifestyle is patterned by righteous motives and the worship of God as the only essence of its existence.

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:14 NKJV) Provision of the flesh includes attractive decorations with regalia that command dignity and respect. The only problem is that the pressure to provide these decorations often expose the heart to danger. Whether intentioned or provoked, every engagement in unrighteousness underscores the practice of evil. While others may be careless about rules, believers are called to walk properly, in holiness and righteousness. Unless we accept to be fully covered by Jesus Christ, we cannot be free from all appearance of evil and attractions to unrighteousness.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith" (Romans 12:6 NKJV) A full-house is not measured by the size of the building, but by the complementary engagements of members within the building. Where everything works, there is no deficiency of hands towards the provision for every need. Such is the expectation within the household of faith; there is no redundancy of ideas. Since everyone is created for something special, there is no room for competition. This implies that the understanding of the special gift upon anyone is an indication of his relationship with God; and it is not expected to be by the comparison one's potentials with the abilities of other member of the community. We owe it to God alone, especially when we fail to function according to the divine auction.

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33 NKJV) One of the natural possessions in life is the ability to develop bond through relationships with either family or friends. Due to several twist and turns, relationships are easily broken than built, leaving a concerned party with endless questions. The same dynamics are typical of relationship between God and man, especially when previous record of intimate or covenant relationship is evident. Despite the call of God to minister to Gentiles, Apostle Paul was restless on the broken relationship between God and his kinsmen until his exposition to the depth of God's wisdom and judgments. Man is limited in wisdom and all attempts to possess his relationship with others can be frustrating. The knowledge of the God of all wisdom and an intimate relationship with Him represent the best and principal possession in life. Onc...

"For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10 NKJV) The major difference between righteousness by the law and righteousness by faith is that the former is established with human efforts, while the latter is based on God's redemption plan. Every religion teaches man how to please certain God by conforming to some established human activities. Unfortunately, every sincere seeker of God often discover the futility of attaining a consistent and reasonable level of righteousness in human standard, needless to talk of measuring up to God's standard. Nevertheless, the foundation of God's righteousness is built on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. That the sacrifice of one man would suffice for the sin of others is insane in human intelligence. Yes, only faith can enable the submission of head's struggle to heart's salvation, by believing in the superiority of God...

"As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”" (Romans 9:33 NKJV) Whenever one is identified, a sane person should do all within his ability to avoid the stumbling stone. Real stumbling stone is set to do nothing other than slipping and tripping anyone that is ignorant of its intention or incapable of undermining its strategy. However, when God laid a stumbling stone and a rock of offense in Zion, He did that to present a Savior and not a Destroyer. By the reason of the fall of man from grace, man is set on a sloppy descent into the pit of hell. However in Zionist's view, messiah's job responsibilities must embrace violence against forces of opposition in order not to constitute a stumbling stone. Although the way of the cross sets an unfriendly apathy to worldliness and unrighteous practices, it saves the heart from sin and leads home. The only crossover from shame is an abso...

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35 NKJV) The struggle over the doctrine of eternal security would be futile with absolute commitment to the ministry of the Spirit and submission to the evidence of His love. The ministry of the Spirit is committed to the safe keeping of all those who are redeemed by grace from corruption; and the evidence of God's love is demonstrated in the sparing of His own Son. The Spirit that keeps believers safe in the arms of the Savior understands the futility of 'what' we face, so He addresses 'who' is behind the veil. Behind our tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword is the One who is conquered at Calvary. The Apostle's persuasion about his security in the love of Christ represents his personal commitment to the Spirit during his experiences with the realities ...