Let us Hold Fast our Faith

May 3, 2022May 3, 2022 Inge Schultz

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised).
Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast our faith in the one who offered himself by which we are all sanctified. Our confession is in a person [the body of Christ]. In the book of Hebrews, we find the explanation for the new Covenant as being superior to the many sacrifices of the Old Testament. The sacrifices of the blood of bulls and of goats in reality could not take away humanities sins [see Hebrews 10:4]. It could not clear the conscience of man. Furthermore, the burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, God did not take any pleasure in it {see Hebrews 10:6-8]. If we can understand that the Old Testament sacrifices was a shadow to what was yet to come. That in Christ all things are fulfilled, and this includes sin and healing for our bodies. How can man deal with their own personal sins? How can man alleviate the guilt and pain associated with sin? Only through Christ are we given relieve from the burden of sin. Today, no one has faith in the burnt offerings of a bull or goat. It simply is not done anymore.

We have the body of Jesus Christ who offered up one sacrifice for sins forever, and then sat down on the right hand of God [Hebrews 10:12]. One sacrifice for sins forever means for all eternity. Because of this one sacrifice everything hinges on being perfected through the body of Christ to sanctify those who believe and have faith in this sacrifice. It was the apostle Paul who stated, “we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish,” [see 2nd Corinthians 2:15]. God accepted Christ who is His son as the perfect sacrifice for all humanities sins.

Ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
Numbers 29:36

Christ was that sweet savor unto the Father and the Holy Spirit was a witness to all who are in Christ in that it projected the power of God to witness and confirm the New Covenant. We have the partial promise of what is written in Ezekiel 11:19 and Jeremiah 31:33 about man having the law of the Lord written in their hearts and minds [see Hebrews 10:16]. And we also have God’s promise not to remember the sins of man. There is to be no more offering for sin since Christ is the fulfillment of the perfect lamb that was sacrificed. The purpose of Christ was to reconcile man unto God, but Christ sacrifice also destroyed the works of the devil. Thus in 1st John 3:8 it is written, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” In the next verse it goes on to say that whoever is born of God, does not commit sin. There is a clear separation from the works of sin in those who believe. A person who is born of God is separated unto God and this is sanctification.

The believer becomes aware of the work of devil who is also known as Satan. The root of sin is selfishness. The issue with Satan is following his own will and not the will of God. We know from John chapter 10 verse 8, Jesus exclaims that only “thieves and robbers” came before him. Then he stated what the thief’s purpose is and that was to steal, kill, and destroy. This is the opposite of what Jesus’ purpose is, and that is to give abundant life. We should think twice when it comes to being deceived by Satan. We should not be ignorant of his devices. We can learn from examples given in the Bible how Satan works in the following scriptures.

Luke 22:31 – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”
Luke 13:16 – “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”
Acts 5:3 – “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”
Mark 4:15 – And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”
2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

The conflict with Satan is in doing something wrong. Satan’s desire is to have us and put us under bondage. This is done through slandering another person’s character, lying to keep or get something from someone, taking away God’s word from someone and denying it, and deceiving someone by becoming an angel of light. These are the works of Satan. In Job 1:7, the Lord God asked Satan, “From where do you come from?” Satan replied, “from going to and from in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Simon Peter understood later after his own experience with his own self-confidence in denying the Lord the importance of being steadfast in faith in the person of Jesus in times of suffering no matter what happens.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
1 Peter 5:8

Peter is telling believers to cast all their cares upon the Lord before he makes the above statement about be vigilant. Peter then tells believers to resist the devil steadfast in the faith. In Hebrews, being steadfast in our faith is to hold onto our profession of our faith without wavering. Wavering between belief and unbelief is like having two minds that is being tossed back and forth. It is as James stated in 1:6, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavered is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Are you being tossed back and forth on the wave of the sea? We should remember that being tossed upon the wave means we have no faith. There is no assurance of faith because one has indecision. The just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, [see Hebrews 10:38]. I am always reminded of what Hebrews chapter 12 states in the latter part of verse 1 and in verse 2.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Hebrews 12:1-2

So, if Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, then we have a living faith, and our faith is not in vain or dead. He is faithful in the promise he has given us. Our walk is in faith because we believe in who He is. When we know the will of God, we can stand with assurance that what we ask for we will receive. There is no indecision because it becomes a fact afterwards. Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. It is not evident now, but it will bring the substance and it will become a fact. This is especially true when praying for healing of any kind of sickness. Like the crippled woman who was bound for 18 years with a spirit of infirmity. Should she not be loosed from the infirmity that Satan had bound her with? Oh, yes Lord! Help our unbelief and cause us not to waver in our faith when it comes to healing. Let us hold fast our faith and confession in you. Let us keep our efficacy always in Christ the one and only sacrifice. Let us see the works of God in our own life so that we may rejoice in the glory of God’s promises. Let us give thanks that as believers we are now unto God a sweet savor of Christ. Hold fast your faith in Christ and don’t let go of it for any reason. He is our life for all eternity.

Covenant, Rest

Are your bones dry?

April 19, 2022April 20, 2022 Inge Schultz

Have you lost Hope?

And I shall put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land; then shall ye know that I, the Lord, have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.”
Ezekiel 37:14

Ezekiel, who was a priest, was carried away into Babylon, but he stood strong in the Lord and prophesied. Ezekiel prophecy is to this day being debated as to its meaning and fulfillment. In essence it speaks to the glory of God and future events. Some of it has been fulfilled and some of it is still yet to come in the future. Many are asking if we have entered into the last days, and it may seem close, but not all prophecies have been fulfilled. This is the time to take up your Bible and dust it off and begin to read it with more fervor just to know about the prophecies it reveals. No matter what tribe you are from, you can be grafted into the vine again if you believe. The Apostle Paul spoke about the olive tree and how if God did not spare the natural branches so He will not spare those who live in unbelief. The Lord God is adamant about unbelief. The olive tree speaks to the promise of Abraham’s seed. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness [see Galatians 3:6]. Paul also stated that He is an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham [see Romans 11:1].

The mystery is in the two houses that came from the 12 Tribes of Israel. The two nations known as the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Israel. The Jews are descended from Judah, who was the fourth son of Jacob. This is written down in Matthew chapter one in verse one through four and this genealogy is carried through to the time of Christ birth. Jerusalem was capital of Judah while the capital of Israel was Samaria. Today, this is still being debated as to its title that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The Six-Day War after 1967 was when Israel seized all of Jerusalem. In 1980, Israel declared Jerusalem as its capital even when many did not consider this valid. So, the debate continues. However, in Ezekiel there is the vision of the bones who are for the whole house of Israel and God does not leave anybody out. The prophecy to Ezekiel is the sign of the two sticks for, one for Judah and for the children of Israel. Take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel [Ezekiel 37:16].

Join them one to another into one stick, and they shall become one in thine hand.
Ezekiel 37:17,19

Just read on and you will read about the covenant of peace, and it shall be an everlasting covenant. There is a specific order for Ezekiel prophecies. There is restoration of the land, then of the people, judgement, and worship of the Lord. Just remember that the 12 Tribes of Israel became two nations, the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Also, remember that there are 8 covenants that was given throughout the history of the Bible. Most of us are familiar with the Mosaic covenant because we have heard of the ten commandments. Let us also remember that there are conditional and unconditional covenants. In Ezekiel chapter 36, a new covenant is mentioned about God giving a new heart and a new spirit and taking away the stony heart [see Ezekiel 36:26]. There will come a time when national Israel comes to believe that Jesus is the Saviour and the final sacrifice for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul states that some were blinded and that they are in a period of slumber. Paul also spoke about Elijah who spoke against Israel for killing the prophets and ignoring God’s covenant. Thus, Israel is only partially blinded, for some have received the gospel of Jesus Christ. In any case, God is able to graft them back in again.

The vision is in the future where the nation of Israel will be restored to its original glory with those 12 lost tribes that were taken into other nations. The Lord God is doing this for His own Holy names sake to bear witness of the fact that His name was profane by the house of Israel [see Ezekiel36:22]. God will bring them back into their own land and He will cleanse them from their filthiness. God has not forgotten his covenant with His people in regard to being alienated from the land of their inheritance. The 12 tribes of Israel that has been taken into captivity are mentioned in Revelation chapter 7 verses 1 to 8. However, lets back up to the warning the Lord gives to the shepherds of Israel in chapter 34 of Ezekiel. This is a clear warning to anyone who leads a flock as a pastor where the pastor only feeds himself and not the flock [see Ezekiel 34:2-6]. Take care of the flock that God has given you. God will gather up the lost sheep of Israel and he will make a covenant of peace. Those whom God gathers will know about the new Covenant.

The new Covenant is mentioned in Hebrew 8:8 of the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This Covenant is new and not of the old covenant when they were taken out of Egypt. God knew that they did not continue in his covenant. In Hebrews verses10 to 11, it states that the Lord will put his laws into their minds and write them into their hearts. Plus, they will not have to teach their neighbor or brother anymore. This is an amazing thing that will happen, and it has not yet happened. Everyone will know the Lord. The realities of the new Covenant should be realized by those who call themselves Christians who are Gentiles and not of the nation of Israel. That Christ came and gave his own blood to obtain eternal redemption for us. We can read of the importance of it in Hebrew 9:14.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

No flesh can be justified by the works of the law [Galatians 2:16]. In fact, we should remember what the Apostle Paul was telling the churches at Galatia. Paul did not want to void the grace of God by going back into legalism of the written law. That is why Paul stated, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” Galatians 2:20. The law was added due to transgressions [wrongdoing, sin]. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for cursed is everyone that hanged on a tree [see Galatians 3:13]. This was so that the Gentiles could receive the blessing of Abraham and that the promise through Jesus Christ might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Remember the law was the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. But the law cannot justify a sinner or sanctify a believer. Only through Christ are we justified and sanctified. Justified by faith and sanctified by the Spirit through Christ Jesus.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:2

This was so that the righteousness of the law would be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. If your bones are dry, then come to the Lord who will give you fresh water to drink and renew the spirit in your mind to that of Christ. Jesus said, “come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your soul,” [Matthew 11:28-29]. Let us all enter into His rest, and His peace. Let us remember how David exclaimed, “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” Yet, now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee, [Psalms 39:4,7]. Yes, my hope is in the Lord. There is hope in the Lord, let us place our life in the Lord’s hand and rest from our works and be cleansed and renewed in our mind and our spirit that we may see the glory of the Lord God where our hope is.

Covenant, Mercy

The Mercies of the Lord

September 14, 2021October 20, 2021 Inge Schultz

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
Psalms 89:1

Have you sung of the mercies of the Lord? What does it mean to sing of the mercies of the Lord? Has God saved you from the hand of the [evil one]? These are important questions we must answer for ourselves because it is based upon a promise that God has made generations ago through a covenant. In Psalms chapter 89, it is all about a covenant that God made with David. However, God’s covenant began with the children of Israel who came out of Egypt. That covenant was carried on through David. In fact, it is still being carried on today, for many are being grafted into the vine through Christ [see Romans 11:23]. I do not know of any covenant that has lasted this long in history, but it is amazing how our God in loving kindness and compassion provided a way through Christ for us to be grafted into the olive branch. It is unbelief and disobedience that detaches us from the olive branch and the covenant or promises of God.

God’s faithfulness to graft people into the vine is a mystery especially for the Jewish population, but God’s promises is a sure thing and will continue to carry on for all generations. This is something to sing and shout about. A covenant is an agreement between two people. That agreement carries on a commitment of honoring a pledge. David was a man after God’s own heart because he learned about obedience and repentance. David had a passion for God and wanted to build a house for God like his own. David spoke to Nathan a prophet about building that house for the Lord. The Lord told Nathan that he did not ask for a house to be built for him. Since the time he brought Israel out of Egypt, God has walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. God went on to say to Nathan the prophet to tell David how He has chosen David from the “sheepcote,” which means a covered enclosure for sheep to being a ruler over the people of Israel [see 2 Samuel 7:8].

We can have the best intentions to do something for the Lord, but it may not always be in God’s will to carry out what we have personally planned. Such was the case with David. God was reminding David where he came from and what his purpose was in that he was to be a ruler over the people of Israel. It is God who appoints people to a position. It is God who finds the place for the people to dwell. It is God who withholds the wicked from afflicting His children and or people. Within the family of God is mercy everlasting in that His purpose is to restore and bring healing to all generations. You can read for yourself in 2 Samuel chapter 7 what Nathan told David in verses 4 through 17. It is amazing that God spoke about the past and the future with David and we can also see how God had a specific plan for David’s life.

In verse 3 of Psalms 89 it states a covenant was made with David and that his seed is establish forever. God affirms His covenant with David, and David rejoices in the goodness of the Lord. If you read on in Psalms 89, you will find that God chastened those who do not follow in His will or commandments [see verses 30-32 of Psalms 89]. Despite the disobedience of His people, God still showed his loving-kindness and faithfulness [see verse 33 of Psalms 89]. Forgiveness and restoration are in God’s hand. God will never break his covenant, nor the words that were spoken from His lips. We can have the assurance through Christ that we are grafted into the precious vine that gives us life eternal. Like David we can sing of the mercies of the Lord forever because Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

God is able to save us from all sins, and from the evil one who is Satan. How wonderful are the mercies of the Lord that He provided a way for everyone to be saved. Let me tell you how great this is. I was born out of wedlock, and I have traveled halfway around the world to learn about the salvation of the Lord. Today, there are a lot of lost teens who are looking for their identity. I wanted to know who I was and where I came from. I had no ties to my real father or my mother’s family. There are a lot of people who question their identity, and there are those who also run from their family identity. I found out that my grandmother was of Jewish lineage through a will after she had passed away. I never had the opportunity of meeting my grandmother. Today, many people are finding out about who, or where they came from through DNA testing. My DNA is split right down the middle like two sides of the coin. One side is the Jewish lineage, and the other side is where fables and stories of paganism come from. Our culture can influence who we are as an individual, but we make the choice to follow it or something else. Sometimes this can be a battle that we fight with on a personal level. In my early teen years, I ran away from home in the city of Perth. In Kings Park in the city of Perth, I was physically assaulted. I cried out to God, and He saved me from being seriously hurt and from being choked to death.

God’s love and mercy saved me. He spoke to me and told me I had to go back home. I was totally lost and did not know where I was, but He miraculously brought me back home. I was amazed that God would talk to me in an audible voice and that He would help me to bear the verbal abuse of my mother. I did not understand why I got the negative verbal abuse nor why my mom was angry. We do not always know the truth behind the situation that we are in, but God knows. After this experience, I fully trusted in God to see me through. I did not know about God’s son Jesus Christ. All I knew was the ten commandments that I had memorized when I was nine years old. God had a plan for my life, a future that as a teen, I was not aware of. I had to trust God that He would work it out no matter what happened. You may find yourself in a similar situation not knowing where you are going, or what the future may hold for you. Trust God to bring you through any situation and to place you where you need to be. His love and mercy will restore you and bring healing to your heart and soul. No matter what danger you are in, you can call upon the Lord to save you. He will protect you and provide shelter when you need it. In 1974 in Seattle, I learned about God’s son who died on the cross for my sins. It is through Christ sacrifice on the cross that we can come to the Father in prayer. I also found out that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets [see Matthew 5:17].

No matter what you are going through, you can be assured that God knows all about it. His Love and mercy are always available to you. It is through Christ that we can enter the throne room of grace and mercy to ask for help. Like David, we can also sing of the mercies of the Lord.