The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Blog

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee

Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

To fulfill the promises that God made Christ had to become human. In today’s verses Joseph is told about this miracle in a dream. As an obedient servant of God he does what he is told. He takes Mary as his wife and when the baby is born it’s named Jesus. Let us all strive to be as obedient at Joseph in our lives.

Message 86:5-9

I bring a warning and a deliverance. All they that believe and obey the gospel shall find it. Many represent Christ and have faith to do many miracles. This is good, if they hear the final call—this the midnight cry and obey it. Their works will stand the test. If they speak against this work believing not that I come, they have not God—and will not be of the bride, the Lamb’s Church in the end. He that believeth not these words nor cometh not to obedience, hath not God. God’s plan will not change to suit them that believe not, they must conform to his will.

We must follow God’s will not our own. When we study the word of God and then choose not to follow it we only hurt ourselves. If you want to be with God on the last days you need to follow his will and commandments. You cannot add your own ideas or do your own thing. You must follow the truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-24

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And 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. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Good words of advice to us even today. We need to strive in all things to please the Lord and if we do the things listed above we will accomplish that. I really like the part where it says to prove all things. This makes sure that we don’t follow some idea that is not of God.

Matthew 8:19-22

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

The time to follow Christ is now. We need to stop wasting our time with things that do not matter and start focusing in on the one thing that will save us. It is easy to get caught up in life, but we need to keep our eye on the prize and not get caught up in the distractions of this world.

Romans 8:7-11

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Christ is what gives us life. Man will only lead to destruction. When you follow Christ and allow him to enter into your heart you will be clean and full of life. If you don’t have Christ you will be lonely and dead. Which will you chose?

Matthew 2:1-15

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

When the wise men came to worship Jesus, they were doing it for the right reasons. When they told Herod about it though, he wanted to see Jesus for the wrong reasons. Even though Herod said he wanted to worship Jesus, he really wanted to kill him. The same can be said about people today. There are many people who claim to worship Christ, but their true thoughts are based in evil. We need to be like the wise men and follow God and avoid these people in our daily lives.

Message 85:4-5

Let mankind come all the way. Those that will hear the small whisper, hear the loud voice, hear the call of God may thrust in their sickle and reap, for the harvest is white—nigh unto gathering. I have spoken prudently, and surely. This is the assured way.  Let all that come be baptized and the hands laid on them that the Lord by his Spirit may confirm their works.

Sometimes when the Lord calls us, it is not very loud. Most people expect there to be a large event that God will use to call us home, but sometimes it small everyday events. When you do hear the whisper listen closely, and it will become louder and clearer. When you hear the Lord, make sure you come to him, but do it correctly by the way of baptism and the laying of the hands.

From Br. Norm

Ecclesiastes 9:10, tells us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, no device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Most of us trudge along in our lives and at times we even feel weary of what constitutes our life. It is easy to become complacent and more or less just go with the flow. This is also true of our walk with God. We sometimes find ourselves content to be happy and allow others to do and to labor. We let the choir sing and we just find joy in listening. While there is a lot to be said with contentment in where we are at: the Lord said to labor while yet there is day. Christ desires we not be lukewarm. Where are you at today?

Revelation 10:9-10

“And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.”

We people hear about this message, many will be joyful but that joy will not last long.  When people read and understand the message they will not like what it says.  This is because the message speaks God’s unaltered truth.  Most of mankind have been living with mans ideas interwoven in God’s teachings.  When people learn that their beliefs are not of God, they will have a choice.  Change to follow God’s true message or believe what they want and not follow God.  A lot of people would rather believe what they want instead of following God’s truth.

Message 107:2-3

“The hearts that are humble will hear the call of God to be up and doing in this work of hope and salvation. There is much to be accomplished. The power of the adversary has enthroned his influence in the minds of many, ruining the lives of those that will not learn truth and come to doctrine.”

The Devil will work very hard to pull as many people away from God as he can.  It is up to us to not listen to his whisperings, with the help of God. Those that are humble and obey God will be blessed for the work that they will do.  The more work we do for God with humility, the more blessed we will become.

Message 49:1

Behold, again I come to give instructions to the Church. I speak the will of the Lord. It is life to those that obey it. Write the message as I shall give it. The decrees of God are unalterable—let no man change them. Let no one speak lightly of the words I bring. I am the Messenger of the Lord and I speak his will.

We are not allowed to change the word of God. There are lots of people in the world today that want to change the word of God to fit what they want to teach.  We can not do this.  If God wanted to the word to say something different, he would have done so. We also have to follow his word.  We can not say, that verse is not that important don’t worry about it.  Obedience is very important to God.

Message 76:4-5

“Much has come to pass, and wars, famines and prosperity have come and will yet be. The faithful are making ready to bring about the Lord’s Zion. Many represent Christ and are helping to bring peace. Satan’s work will be destroyed. The Lord sees the faith and good works of those that do his will. Continue and your way will be pleasant.”

As promised things are becoming difficult in these last days. We have to keep doing his work and we will receive God peace.  Even though there is pain and destruction in the world, it is possible for us to have peace in our own lives.  Keep following his commandments and the peace will follow.

Alma 8:8-10

“And it came to pass that when Alma had came to the city of Ammonihah he began to preach the word of God unto them. Now Satan had got great hold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma. Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people which was in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance.”

Just because people are not listing to the truth, does not mean that we should give up on them.  When the people of Ammonihah did not listen to Alma, he just prayed harder to God that he would open up their hearts. We have to be like Alma and not give up.  It is important that we follow the way of the Lord and stay fast to his directions and spirit.  Many will listen, but some will not.

Message 62:9

“Therefore, fear not and fret not, but do the Lord’s bidding. Save your strength that you may do that which the Lord will yet bring forth that all nations may flow together, for Christ shall be Lord of all and King of kings and all men will serve him. Then shall be no more evil to hinder, but all shall be delightful in the Lord. ”

When we are doing the Lord’s work, we need not to worry.  It is very important that we remember that God’s plan and our plan are two different things.  We have to have faith and obedience. There will be a day when the Lord’s kingdom will reign.

Psalms 32: 7-9

“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.”

We need to have God be apart of or lives, not just what we do, but how we think and interact with the world. He will teach us and lead us though the tough times as well as the good. But we have to make sure that we understand his teachings and can think on our own.  That way we are not lead by others who pretend to be of God.  We each have to follow God with our heart and our knowledge, not that others.

Deuteronomy 8:6-11, 19-20

“For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;  A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.   When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: . . . And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.”

There are several popular ideas out in the world today that God owes us good fortune, that he will bless us no matter what we do.  This is not the case.  As we can tell with the Israelites, this is not the case.  To keep God’s blessings we have to keep his word and follow his commandments in the fullest.  If we do this we will be bless.  We might not be blessed with riches or with things of this world, but it would be imposable to to say that God does not bless us in our daily lives.  So keep the commandments to receive our blessings.

“Thus saith the Lord your God, ‘Let all be established in my doctrine, be not divided, be ye one in purpose, for I have designed the way. Oh ye my servants, I have called thee to be messengers of peace among my people. My love is unto you and I would have you love one another. Help ye one another and I will send deliverance unto you. My Spirit shall bless you if you will open your hearts to me. Bring my sheep into the fold for I shall be their King and all mankind shall know I have spoken. The words I speak, even by my messenger, must be obeyed. Hear my voice today’.”

It is important that we always keep up God work. We should do this as a group, not just as individuals.  If we all work together, we will be able to much more accomplished towards our end Goal, spreading the word of God.  We need to do this with Love.  There is no excuse for us not doing our job.  Lets keep up the good work.

Click on the link to read the paper or right click and chose “save as” to download it to your computer.

Mar-Apr 2009 Final