Jesus Christ -

Respect of Persons

There is no respect of persons with God.”
Romans 2:11

There is no respect of persons with God states the apostle, Paul. In other words, there is no distinctions regarding individuals who are in Christ Jesus. Those distinctions disappear because our focus is on Christ Jesus. Can we have respect for others? How do you define respect of persons? Respecting someone means to treat them by showing you care about their well-being. Do we really care about another’s well-being? The Greek Strong’s Concordance word for respect of persons is “prosópolémpsia,” and its meaning is showing partiality, or personal favoritism. It seems so easy to show respect for those we like rather than those we do not like. Do we have good role models to show us the way to respecting others?

Who can show us the way? In the world we look to parents, teachers, friends, bosses, and coworkers. We like to imitate those who we think are at the top of their game in performance. But let us remember that performance is action, and it may not always have good moral standards. We must also consider motives of an individual, the reason why they do what they do. There is no respect of persons with God, for He looks at us through the eyes of His only begotten son Jesus Christ. We must know who we are as a person and know that we are all sinners. Paul states, “who will render to every man according to his deeds” in Romans chapter two verse six.

It is God who will judge man’s work whether it is good or not. Let’s look now to verse 10 of Romans chapter 2, where Paul exclaims that “glory, honor, and peace, to everyman that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” This Paul states before he affirms that there is no respect of persons with God. Whatever law you put yourself under will bear forth the result of what is written in your own heart. Your conscience will bear witness to it whether you excuse or accuse yourself and others. Why? Because no one is better than another person. The “scripture has concluded all are under sin, that the promise of faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those that believe,” [see Galatians3:22]. Thank the Lord that the promise of faith is in Jesus Christ. This shows that God cares for each of us, and He provided a way for all of humanity.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1 John 4:10

Jesus is our atonement and the promise of faith. Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” [see Hebrews 12:2]. Through the love of God came Jesus his son. Good moral codes come from God. The Bible gives us the history of people’s actions and you can learn how partiality and personal favoritism brought jealousy and hatred against others rather than love. Today, Jesus is our example of love without partiality. Can we see that God is no respecter of persons like Peter did in Acts chapter ten, verse 34. God sent his son Jesus Christ, who is lord of all no matter what ethnic group we came from. This includes every individual on earth, no matter where they were born. God is acquainted with all our ways. We need Jesus as our sacrifice for sins so we can be forgiven and become a new creation in Christ Jesus.

He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.“
2 Corinthians 5:15-17

Christ died for all, and we now live through faith in Christ Jesus. There is no competition or favoritism with God. He will accept all who believe in His Son. When an individual believes in what Jesus has done, they have entered into the Kingdom of God as his children. They now have access to the throne of God and can ask him for anything. Even in matters regarding kicking a drug or alcohol habit. Their self-respect relies on Jesus who is the author and finisher of their faith. They are valuable in God’s eye and have a future. Because of Christ, they learn the royal law of loving thy neighbor as thyself. They no longer fear, for God’s love through his son, has broken down the chain of bondage of fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18

Remember that a person who is afraid, is not made perfect in the love of Jesus. You need not fear any longer or have shame when you have placed your sins and fears at the feet of Jesus. We have been reconciled to God. As a child of God, we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof,” [see Romans 3:13-14]. As followers of Jesus, we should not be boisterous in what we do in order to gain recognition in the body of Christ, for all glory belongs to the Lord. Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Corinthians 10:31]. We need the power of God to intervene and bring not only restoration but reconciliation. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, there should always be respect for each other. Unity embodies loyalty and friendship in Christ. It is as the Apostle Paul told the Philippians.

Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.”
Philippians 2:3

This means that one should give respect to others and also be treated in the same way. Know that you may be tested on your own partiality, or personal favoritism. We rarely hear how “respect of persons” is a sin. We must make the choice to love our neighbor as our self. This is the second greatest commandment that Jesus exclaimed in Mark chapter 12, verse 31. That is why James, the brother of Jesus, stated the following in his writings;

But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
James 2:9-10

Listen to what the apostle Paul told Timothy.

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”
1 Timothy 1:5

The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart. Having a pure heart means that you have a clear conscience. Jesus said to love your enemies and to bless those who curse you, do good to them that hate you. [see Matthew 5:43-44]. This is not possible in our own flesh even if we try very hard. We must yield ourselves to God and pray for God to help us to become more like Christ. We must ask for the Holy Spirit to come and change our heart to reflect Jesus in our lives. We must grow towards maturity of godliness until we all come into the unity of Christ’s love. Only then will we realize the true value and meaning of having no respect of persons like Jesus and the apostles had in walking daily in his love.

Who is the Head of Man?

But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:3

One of the biggest questions that many Christians have is, should a women become pastors? Heated debates and discussions regarding this topic are still going on today. But the real question we should be asking is “Who is the head of man?” Why? Because this speaks of the authority and order that God has established. A hierarchical system or organization is the order of positions. The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth “let all things be done decently and in order,” [see 1 Corinthians 14:40]. We should have the peace of God which passes all understanding if we keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, [see Philippians 4:7]. In early Christianity there were women that worked with the apostle Paul and even held services in their homes. Two women named Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi were at odds with each other, but the apostle Paul exhorts them to be of the same mind in the Lord. [see Philippians 4:2]. The importance to be of the same mind in the Lord is to be one in the spirit. Paul states to help those women who labored with him in the gospel. Furthermore, Paul states they are fellow workers, and their names are in the book of life. [see Philippians 4:3]. Women do have an important role in sharing the gospel.

We must remember that the apostle Paul mentions Phoebe, a sister and servant of the church at Cenchreae [see Romans 16:1]. Phoebe had a leadership role as a deaconess at the church of Cenchreae and Paul recommended her as worthy of confidence as to receive her as saints in the Lord. She was a helper to many people and provided aid to those in need. Woman who are trained in the word [the Bible] are used for the glory of God in going forth and sharing the Gospel of Christ. These women worked together with Paul in sharing the gospel. All things are put under the feet of Jesus, and he is the head over all things in the church [see Ephesians 1:22].

Paul makes it clear who is the head of the church, and he also makes it clear who is the head of man and woman. If there is any question, look at what Paul told the church at Corinth.

“But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
1 Corinthians 11:3

God is not the author of confusion but of peace [see 1 Corinthians 14:33]. We must remember that women were separated from the men within the synagogue in the early church. During a service the woman were at times loud in the balcony talking and this disrupted the service. They were commanded under the obedience of the law of Moses because they were supposed to be taught by their husbands at home. If they did not understand the meaning of what was being taught in the synagogue, they were to ask their husbands at home. Man had the role of teaching their wives at home what the will of God is and what it means in their own life. Today, sharing and reading the bible is open to everyone. Women teach their children the stories of the bible. Husbands should take on the role of leadership within the home by loving their wives as the Lord loves the church. Having a leadership role means to lead in love and understanding. This means caring enough to know what is important to your wife and child by helping them to grow in the love of the Lord.

Those who are pastors are in Gods eye shepherds who feed the flock. They will have a greater judgement for how they feed their flock in the church. I have witnessed the scattering of the flock in churches, and this has saddened me. If you do not have compassion like Jesus, you should not be a pastor. A pastor must understand his own weaknesses and the importance of being merciful, forgiving, and loving. This is the key to becoming more like Christ. God does not want pastors to be merciless, or greedy. Just look at the following two verses in the bible.

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore, they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.”
Jeremiah 10:21

“Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter.”
Isaiah 56:11

We must be aware of the greedy dogs who go their own way instead of the way of Christ. There are too many inexperienced people in ministries. The apostle Paul warns about this in 1st Timothy chapter three about what the qualifications of Bishops, Elders and Deasons should be. Let us remember that Christ being the head of the church has put all things under his feet. Christ is the good shepherd who has given his life for the sheep [see John 10:11].

Have you heard of the story of Mary Jane Featherstone, known as Polly? Polly was drawn towards a Salvation Army meeting when she heard the sounds of trumpets and drums marching down the streets of Bradford, England to a theater. She went into the theater to listened to a woman evangelist name Gipsy Tillie Smith. Polly gave her heart to Christ. She later married Smith Wigglesworth. Polly had a reputation as a winner of souls. She was encouraged to continue in evangelistic services. She taught Smith Wigglesworth to read. One day she told Wigglesworth to preach at a service. It happened one day that the spirit of the Lord took over Wigglesworth voice and he was able to speak without stuttering. Wigglesworth had a speech disorder, and God healed him of this disorder. I share this story just to show that God will use anyone including a woman to share and preach the gospel of Christ in order to save souls from the power of Satan.

There are occasions where God uses Woman in evangelistic work, and this is done by a faithful servant of the Lord as shown in second Timothy chapter 4. Polly Wigglesworth is an example of a faithful servant of the Lord. Polly did not self-appoint herself to this position but was chosen for this task. We must not use any kind of authority by force in regard to positions held in the body of Christ. The walk and service of a believer is to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, [see Ephesians 4:3]. Who has the preeminence over all things? Is it not Christ who has the preeminence?

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Colossians 1:18

Yes, Christ is the head of the body, the church, for he arose from the dead in order to bring us back to God. This is the mystery of God, and it is all in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I am the Door

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20

Do you hear Him knocking at your door? Are you safe within the sheepfold of God? Jesus said, ‘I am the door of the sheep,” [see John 10:7]. How can Jesus come and sup with us? If anyone claims to be Christ, we know it is not true, or do we? Jesus told us in verse 8 of chapter ten of John that all that ever came before him were thieves and robbers. Thieves and robbers! These days, it is all about who you trust. The door has a lock, and you have the key to unlocking it. He is knocking at the door every day. Will you open the door? The door is your relationship with God. Your communication with the almighty God. Is it open or closed? Only you yourself can answer that question. But to know God you must open the door. There are two doors that the priest goes through to the mercy seat and between the two cherubim is where God communes with the priest, [see Exodus 25:22]. This is the same place where God spoke to Moses in the tabernacle in Numbers 7:89. God desires a place to commune with His people.

The open door speaks to not only communication, but relationship. One must communicate in order to have a relationship. For many, God is distant because they do not know how to communicate to the Almighty one. Yet, Jesus said, “I will come into him and sup with him.” We must know the importance of the door that Jesus claims to be. What does it mean to hear his voice and have him [sup with us]. We can read about Jesus and the Father’s relationship in the Bible. But we must first go back to the day of atonement where the priest had to make sacrifices not only for himself but for the people as well for all their sins. This sacrifice opens the door for communications with God. But God did not take pleasure in these sacrifices for sin [see Hebrews 10:6]. He made a new covenant where only one sacrifice for sins was made forever, [see Hebrews 10:12]. It is the offering of the body of Jesus Christ who become the final and only sacrifice for sins. In this final sacrifice was God pleased. That is why Jesus is the shepherd because He laid down his own life for the sheep [see John 10:11].

I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
John 10:9

Jesus is the door to which we can enter into the Holy place where the mercy set is. We can enter in by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, [see Hebrew 10-19-22]. When we enter the door of Jesus, we enter into the mercy seat of God. Jesus is the blood sacrifice for our sins, and therefore, we are able to commune with God. We can come boldly to the throne of grace because of Jesus. That is why we can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Because we have had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us hold fast our profession of faith. Let us not waver in our faith in Christ Jesus. We enter in by faith and that is believing and receiving what God has revealed to us in the Scriptures. Do we trust in God and in Jesus Christ whom God sent? That is a question that each of us must answer for ourselves. Each person must answer the question if they believe in that “God so loved the world that He gave us His only son in that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life,” [see John 3:16]. One cannot come to the God any other way but through Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins.

I say unto you, He that entered not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbed up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”
John 10:1

There is that thief and robber again. There is only one way to come to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the door to eternal life. All other methods are considered as a thief or robbers of your soul and life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” [John 14:6]. We have a heavenly Father who is merciful.

I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”
Hebrew 8:12

The heavenly Father will be merciful to us, and He will not remember your sins anymore. He will not remember your sins. He sees you through the eyes of Jesus. Jesus and the Father had a personal relationship with each other. Jesus knows the Father and that speaks to an intimate relationship. Jesus said, “as the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep,” [see John 10:15]. Take a look at the very next verse of John chapter ten. In verse 16, Jesus speaks about the other sheep he has, and those other sheep hear his voice. The other sheep are those who are not of the Jewish fold. These are the Gentiles who were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel having no hope and without God in the world, but now are a part of the commonwealth through the blood of Christ, [see Ephesians 2:12-13]. How exciting is that? Jesus is our peace who hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. We are all one in Christ and the Father receives us because of Christ sacrifice. Our faith and confession are a testimony to God and to others.

Our confession of faith is very important because it speaks to where we stand. We are either in the fold of the shepherd or we stand outside of the gate/door. Jesus tells us to fear not because we are more valuable than the all the sparrows. If we confess Christ before men, then Christ will confess us before the Father who is in heaven, [see Matthew 10:32]. But look at verse 33 of Mathew chapter ten, for it states that if we deny Christ, He will deny us before the Father in heaven. We must remember that He is always faithful, but mere man stumbles in his own belief. We must repent in order to revive our soul and have the door open to the pastures again whereby we may communicate. At the end of this age the church who is in revival are those who hear his voice and God knows of their works, for he has set before them an open door and no man can shut the door that He opens. God opens the door unto those who have kept His word and who have not denied His name [see Revelation 3:8]. Those who are His know that of themselves they are nothing, but with God they have become strong. They know their position in Christ and all things become possible because of their faith.

You must know the father and the son. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” Are you one with Christ? If you are one with Christ, then you are His followers and listen to His voice. This means you get acquainted with him and his ways. You read his will and testament to become familiar with his way. The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us into its meaning [see John 14:26]. This means whatever you do, you do as unto the Lord and not unto yourselves. This means that we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works and not evil, [see Ephesians 2:10]. Jesus himself said he could do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do, He does. He had an intimate relationship with the Father and the Father revealed to Jesus what he should do. Let him teach you what you should do. Read his word daily and pray for understanding. Jesus exclaims that if you know him, you know the Father. This is such an amazing statement, and we many just gloss over it without giving it careful thought.

When you are reading any book, do you not look at the “characters” of the book? To know the characters is to know something about them. Thus, the Bible explains the character of God in who he is and what he has done. If you believe in God, you must also believe in Jesus Christ. If you do not, then how can He prepare a place for you in heaven. Remember that Jesus is the door, the way, the truth, and the life.