You Are Unique

Dan Baxley

www.yahshuaservant.com

Want some good news?  Of course the Gospel of Yahshua and How we can have "eternal life" through Him, and about the coming of His Kingdom (Government) to take possession of His inheritance and establish His ruler-ship our to Jerusalem -- of course that (whew).  The "good news" I want to speak of is all about "you". 

As you should have been able to determine, I am not writing to those outside of the Body of the Messiah.  I'm not trying to convert anyone, as you know.  I am trying to communicate with the "believer", that individual that actually believes what his or her bible says.  Make no mistake, the job of getting the Word out has been done. The Apostles started it and nearly finished it.  Down through the centuries the "publishing' of the Words of our Savior has been accomplished.  The Words of our Savior are being published this day in China, the last great hold out in allowing the Holy Bible publication within its borders.  It is not my job to convince, to argue, even force anyone to accept the Messiah as Savior.  My Savior left a last command that has been ignored by nearly everyone.

Revelation 22:10-12  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Do you see it?  He is pretty much telling us to leave the sinner alone, to stay out of everyones business.  You see, it is the Father's and the Son's business to bring people into the Boby of the Messiah.  But what about the "Great Commission"?  Go back to the context of the command to go into the world and you will see it is addressed to His Disciples, to the Apostles.  But what about Mark 16, you ask, isn't it pretty plain were are to 'go into all the world'?  Go to any reliable source and you will discover that Mark 16:9-20 is a fabrication -- that's right, it is a later addition not contained in the more reliable manuscripts.  I know, I know, it is in the King James, and it is wrong.  This is one of those things that stick in the throat of those fussing about the "King James" only doctrine.  Those that hold to the King James Only tell us that all other translations are evil and of the Devil.  Okay, say this part of of the book of Mark is blessed by the Holy Spirit, making the KJV holy, let us just assume that is so for a moment. 

Mark 16:14-18 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

First things first, notice, this is again something that is address to the Apostles, not to the general assembly.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the Gospel should not be preached, or taught, only that this order, this "command", is not applied as we see it being practiced today.  So, our Savior tells the "eleven" to 'go into all the world'.  Next we are told that those that "believe" will 'take up serpents'.  Now, do you know of anyone that has taken the "commission" of preaching the Gospel taking up snakes?  Are those that take the "commission" to themselves able to drink poison and it not harm them?  Are they casting out demons in the Name of our Lord Yahshua?  Hardly, every and any name but the birth name of our Savior.  Now back to the real world.  Someone added these verses and will one day have to answer for it.  As I mention before, it is not difficult to prove these verses are spurious, and most modern translators and translations have either corrected this or make special note of this truth.

I'm getting a little side track, this was supposed to be all about you.  But I thought the need to understand how your position, as I see it, should align with, "staying our of everyone's business".  You see, you have enough on your plate without complicating things to the point of the ridiculous.  Certainly a new convert is sometimes so excited about seeing everything with fresh eyes and a mind that is filled with the Love our our Father that wanting to share this with everyone around, especially those close is only natural.  I know, I did.  What usually happens, however, is cautious silence, even rejection.  Once you begin you spiritual journey it can get lonely. Loved ones within your family will not be as excited as you are and will not be so willing to accept this be found truth you so fervently want to share.  It is only natural for the "called" individual to seek out someone, anyone to share this understanding. In many cases the new convert will attempt to join with others but if you stay true to His word it will not be long before you either have to compromise, quit studying the Word, or quit the group.  Our Messiah warned of this.

Matthew 10:35  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.

Matthew 10:37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Matthew 23:9  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

I am not against being part of a group.  Some people function much better with others around for encouragement.  The day the group becomes your focus, however, and your private bible study ceases and you are convinced by those smarter than you to listen to them, or that they convince you they have the authority of the Apostles, or they are the "authority" is the day you need to question yourself.  When the leadership of your group begins to demand unquestioned loyalty and for you not to listen to anyone without their approval.  When your question and they accuse you of "judging" or of being "divisive" it may be time to check for the exits.  In a controled groujp the "judge not" club is brought out sooner or later.  Vast numbers of early believers have been cowed into submission to  mere men by these words, "judge not".  Perhaps you have been able to keep your spiritual life in place and have lovingly managed to continue with the group or organization you feel comfortable with, then you are blessed indeed.  But we all need to consider our seriousness and our calling, praying for decernment.  Consider the following instructions and ask, is this you?

(2Co 6:14-18) 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 uncleanthing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. KJV

One of the Seven Thousand

I have written on this before (Follow this link for more), but I 'm making a small mention here, as it concerns "you".  I know there is instruction concerning the order of things in a group setting.  These instructions can be found in 1 Timothy, chapter 2 and 3.  How many do you know that really follow these instructions?  "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.  I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." NIV 2:11.  There are other instructions about selecting "Overseers" and "Deacons" (a husband of only one wife).  These instructions should be followed by all groups desiring to follow the Words handed down to us by the Apostles. This would be "your" first problem in selecting a group to join, or be baptized into (Our baptism is to be "into His Name", not into this or that group, Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Gal 3:26) -- do they follow these instructions?  First of all, nearly all Christian groups of today do not recognize the "birth name of our Messiah, YaHshua.  These instructions in group conduct and leadership selection were given for any group, or groups, claiming to be followers of the Messiah.  Try reading Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 18 about "headship"  and --

1 Corinthians 14:33-34  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. KJV

But wait, there is more:

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. KJV

I'm not picking on women -- these are not my writings.  I'm trying to make a point.  In a perfect world, a perfect church would be like this.  Man has so polluted the words of the Apostles and of our Savior as to make it nearly impossible to adhere to the rules and regulations the Apostles attempted to set down for the Church of YaHshua.  Certainly order was needed and the right kind of order but as you can see today almost no one follows these instructions.  So, where does that leave "You"?

None of this may apply to you personally.  You may be on of the lucky ones having found a group of like belief and appetite for the Word and a clear understanding about the "freedom" you have in YaHshua.  I personally am opposed to the attempted "restoration" of the Old Covenant for whatever reason.  The New Covenant has been introduced by our Savior and has given us a "unique" opportunity to live on this Earth as strangers yet at peace with all men.  No matter where you live your goal is to live a peaceful life with those around you and to suffer only for His name's sake.  Yes, you can live in a communist country or a place like Iran and the only thing your neighbors should be able to charge you with is being a follower of Yahshua.  It may be impossible for some believers of YaHshua to follow the instructions outlined by the Apostles for an orderly church meeting as you may be the only one in you city that is a follower of YaHshua.  You may be under persecution for being a follower.  Always remembering, our true "citizenship" is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Your freedom is not to be bound by the traditions of men.  The traditions of men can do you no harm.  Can you see this?  If you live in a place that follows traditions of men and you cannot avoid these traditions, short of sacrificing to idol and demons, then as a stranger in that land, your true citizenship in Heaven, then you have not sinned.  There is an "unless", however, if you cannot grasp what I'm saying, if it is a sayings you cannot tolerate then do as you please.  If you think a particular custom, tradition, or Holy day is a must do then follow your conscience, you have not sinned, but don't try to enforce your concept of what being "religious" is on others.  the time is coming when all will know the truth equally and for those of you thinking all has been finished and YaHshua has "fulfilled" all the Laws and the Prophets you had beter think again.  It is not finished and has not been completely fulfilled but it will be -- at His return.

While on this Earth our bodies are present and subject to the present things, even the worldly things that interfere with our true love.  While the natural man of this world has the mind focused on things of this world, the spiritual mind on things of Heaven, where our natural "citizenship is, and we patiently await its coming (Philippians 3:12-21).  Even though we live in this world made by men, and even though we must deal with the things of this world, our hearts are on Heavenly things.  Our desire is for the Kingdom of YaHshua to come.  It is not for us to attempt to establish the Kingdom before its time, that is the duty of Yahshua and the timing is in the hands of our Father.

Here is the thing that should concern "you", the thing that makes you "unique", if you will hear it:  

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

"Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling", this then is your job, your mission.  Working out your own "salvation" not someone else's.  Mind your own business, keep your own house (Titus 2:5, and I believe this applies to men as well).

You have a special calling.  You're, marked by the Name of our Savior, by the Name of our Father in Heaven, and you are called for a unique task.  

Galatians 4:4-6  But when the fulness of the time was come, God (our Father) sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God (our Father)hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. KJV (Spirit of His Son -- Holy Spirit)

We are made "sons" through the Messiah YaHshua and this makes it possible for us to be able to cry, Abba, or "FATHER".  Only a real son (in our case, by adoption) has the right to cry, 'Father, Father', and expect Him to hear.  But wait, there is more:

 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God (the Father) through Christ. KJV

No matter where you are, how you are forced to live while sojourning on this Earth, you are in training.  As a son of the Living God, now a brother with the Messiah, you are being trained up for your duties to come in the Kingdom.  All of this marvelous truth is bound up in the Messiah.  Nothing can happen for us without Him.  We have been selected not for anything we have done, but all the same, our selection is toward a future purpose.

Revelation 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. KJV

To be "Kings and Priests", this is your future, this is what you are in training for, this is why you call on the Father.  You have but a small part of the Holy Spirit right now (2 Corinthians 5:5) but it is enough for the task we have at hand.  We are personal witnesses to the truth of our Father's Word and that of His Son YaHshua.  The Father lives in us (John 4:12; Romans 8:9) as does the Son (Colossians 1:25-27: Galatians 4:6).  You cannot have one without the other (1 John 2:23).  You, my friend, are being taught our Heavenly Father and this is straight from the lips of YaHshua:

John 6:45  It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. KJV

"It is written in the Prophets (Old Testament): "They will be taught by God (the Father).  Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to me (YaHshua).  NIV John 6:45