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Written by Pastor Burkinshaw
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Tuesday, 20 May 2008 |
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Pray Without Ceasing: 1 Thess 5:17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I was asked on our website's discussion page, what does it mean to pray without ceasing mean? I am having trouble concentrating on what is "really" important, without seeming selfish. I know God knows what’s going to happen anyways, so, it sometimes feels like its not doing any good. Because this is of such importance the Lord led me to preach a massage on the need to pray without ceasing. Psalm 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. To pray without ceasing means to stay in constant state of prayer while going about your daily life starting with prayer the moment you wake up. Psalm 88:13 But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Prevent is an old English word that means to come before the usual time. Psalm 55:7 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Prayer is the Soul of man talking with God. A thankful person will thank the Lord that they were given the grace and the privilege to wake up to another day. James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. A Christian who wants to live for the Lord should be in a constant state of prayer and meditation on God’s word as they go about their daily life. Psalm 119:7 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. The New Testament Christian can apply any principle of the word of God to himself as long as it does not cause him to violate the sound doctrine of the Pauline epistles. Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: The reason for this is that the whole Bible was written for us, but the whole Bible was not written to us. Rom 15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Where the works of the law do not apply to us who are saved by grace of God. Gal 2:6Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. The morality and righteousness found in the law of God acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Jesus Christ for the salvation of our soul. Gal 3:24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. As the great apostasy of our day and time moves us every closer to the removal of the church, the great tribulation, and the great and notable day of the lord many Christians that are lead by that spirit of apostasy desire to evade the offence of the cross. Gal 5:11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12I would they were even cut off which trouble you. The offence of the cross is the blood atonement of Jesus Christ and it power to cleanse us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. This is the reason why the doctrine repentance is being over looked by the false preacher’s and teachers of out day and why the phrase of asking Jesus into your heart is often very dangerous. Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The morality of the law is also good for instruction in righteousness because we are to be a holy people.1 Thess 4:8 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. The study of the entire Bible will always edify the reader in both the old and the New Testament. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. In the book of Joshua verses one through eight can only apply to the Jewish people directly as it is there doctrine but in verse eight and nine we find general promises that can apply to the Christian spiritually. Joshua 1: 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. It is a very simple thing to do pray without ceasing as people are more than capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time; so I recommend meditating on the word and communing with the Lord at the same time. I John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. This gives the Christian a living relationship with his lord and gives God’s guidance to his people and it will bring the Christian into fellowship with God. 1 Corinthians 2: 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. When a Christian regularly studies God’s word and asks for the lord’s guidance in his life by prayer while going about daily tasks the Holy Spirit will bring in to memory the appropriate scripture in the proper context to guide your life into pleasing God. Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. The Lady on our discussion site said that it sometimes feels like its not doing any good. That is why we should continue to pray as our soul is often heavy. Even the psalmist endured this heaviness of the soul. Psalm 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. It should be remembered that we are the Lords servants and not the lord our servant. 1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. We lack many spiritual and some times carnal things because we are not spiritual in our prayer life. James 4:1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. There is no restriction or specific place to pray especially if a Christian desires to have true fellowship with the Lord. 1Tim 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. But, all prayer should consist of four parts that acts on the behalf of man to God. A: Adoration is the praise and worship of the Soul to God. Psalm 95: 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. C: Confession and repentance from every known sin. Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. T: Thankfulness for anything and everything. Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. S: Supplications intercessions, requests, petitions, and desires. 1 Timothy 2:1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. The purpose of learning to pray without ceasing: Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Learning to pray without ceasing will strengthen the inner man. Eph 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, When we learn to pray without ceasing we will then have the wisdom to make the good choices of laudable ends. Eph 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, As we pray without ceasing our love for the lord will grow and we will be filled with the fruits of righteousness. Phil 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Where the saints pray without ceasing they will walk in lowliness and meekness and endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit. Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When a person prays with out ceasing and becomes a spiritual creature it becomes obvious to others but not to himself or he would be lifted up with pride. 1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. After twenty-six years in the ministry a disingenuous prayer life does not impress me at all no matter how pious a man’s word may sound. 1 Thess 5:19Quench not the Spirit. You do not need to pray about what is clearly commanded in the scriptures. Where the Holy Spirit has given us a clear revelation in the word of God we need only obey. Luke 14:23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. You may think the Holy Spirit has not led you to get a job but that is a great error since he has already spoken. 1 Tim 5:7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. You can pray about not keeping your word and commitments but God has already taken notice of your sin. Eccl 5:4When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. 5Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. 6Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? 7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God. It is never right to quench the Holy Spirit but it is the pastor who God hath ordained to set the agenda of the church. Heb 13:17Obey 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. Many that believe they are spiritual people, but forget the spiritual are humble. Isa. 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 16For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. 17For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. 18I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. 19I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. 20But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. The carnal man will hasten with his feet! Prov. 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. But, the spiritual man understands the kings business requires haste. 1 Sam 21:8And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste. Spiritual life under the sun is all about time and Judgment! Eccl 8: 5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.6Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. 7For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? That is why a Christian should learn to pray without ceasing. 1 thess 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 May 2008 )
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