GRACE GAZETTE
Volume XIIIssue 4
Published occasionally for Zion’s mourners
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12::12-13

LIBERALS

But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. Isaiah 32:8

The Kingdom of GOD, which the LORD JESUS CHRIST came into the Earth to manifest, is in direct contrast to the kingdom of this world. HIS Kingdom is one of LIGHT and TRUTH. Yet the prince of darkness is the god of this age and world system. He is the “father of lies” and the “accuser of the brethren”. He has been used by the LORD to blind those who are marked for destruction and does go “about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” (see John 8:44; 12:31; I Pet 5:8; Jude 1:4; Rev.12:10)

Every principle and philosophy that appears as right, good, and logical to the natural man is at odds with the principles of the Kingdom of GOD. Solomon noted this in the Proverbs when he said, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Pro 14:12) This is exactly why the LORD short circuited the inquiry of Nicodemus saying, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

The Kingdom of the LORD JESUS CHRIST is not concerned with politics of one kind or the other even though many on both sides of the political aisle will invoke HIS NAME as though to indicate that HE is “on their side”. The LORD said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until the time of the end. As a testament to the wickedness of men, there have been few days upon the earth when there has not been some armed conflict going on somewhere. Nearly every war that has ever been fought has been waged by men who are convinced that HE is “with them.”

When asked about HIS kingdom, by Pilate, the LORD said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36) The sons of GOD are never taught in the scriptures to take up arms for political gain or dominance. Rather the LORD taught HIS people in this fashion, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Mat 5:44)

Now some will immediately say, that will never work in this world. They are exactly right. This is not political advice, but rather, it is the commandment of HIS Kingdom and is alone intended for those who are HIS subjects, who gladly serve HIM night and day. Woe be to the man who claims the right to kill and maim others to accomplish a political objective, because he believes his cause is just and right. Paul plainly taught that the saints are to be engaged in warfare continually, but the only enemy against which this war is waged cannot be seen by the natural eye, nor can his kingdom ever be assailed by the power of flesh and blood. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2Cor 10:3-5) This is the only “field of battle” for the inhabitants of HIS Kingdom.

We often hear the word “liberal” bantered about on radio and TV talk shows and newscasts. It is generally used to refer to a particular “political position” which is also called “left wing”. The other “position” is called “conservative” or “right wing”. The “liberals” are fairly sure the “conservatives” are devils, and the “conservatives” are completely convinced that there is no greater evil than to be a “liberal”.

When we read this term “liberal” in the scriptures it has nothing at all to do with any political position. In fact those who are called to be members of this Kingdom of Righteousness are made to be “liberals” in the scriptural sense. The term “liberal” means “bountiful or generous”. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7)

Quite often when the scripture mentions “giving” it has reference to a gift of money for various needs. Yet the “bountifulness” of the sons of GOD is not limited to the giving of money but rather is an attitude of desiring to help with any need, great or small. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) It has to do with the manifestation of love for the brethren, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Php 2:3) The flesh will always oppose this attitude and seeks to convince the “liberal” man to look out for himself first.

This is the site of the greatest of battles that can be waged as “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” (Gal 5:17) James has reference to this very battle when he says; “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) All of GOD’s children are sure to be defeated on this battlefield except that they have ONE who is in them who is greater than he that is in the world. This is HE of whom Paul writes saying, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Php 2:13) The SAME of whom Isaiah speaks “LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.” (Isa 26:12) HE is that ONE in whom the Psalmist trusted, “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” (Psa 57:2)

This is the place where the children of GOD stand, even as Paul told the Ephesians, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Eph 6:12-18)

Some paint this as picture of the activity of the flesh in doing battle against a spiritual foe, as if a man in his own power can avail himself of this ARMOR. Yet this is the very armory of GOD wherein HE is pleased to equip HIS saints for battle and it is in HIS strength alone that they are both clothed, prepared, sent, and do conquer. Carnal men cannot wear this “armor” for they are not fitted for it nor does it suit their taste.

The “liberal deviseth liberal things”, (i.e.; he embraces that ONE who is BOUNTIFUL). His imagination is filled with thoughts of the extreme glory of HIM who is HIS HOPE and EXPECTATION. He muses upon HIM in the night seasons and rejoices in the ONE who is his STRENGTH. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psa 28:7)

By liberal things shall he stand”. The bounty of CHRIST is enough for the children of GOD, they look for no other. In contrast to those who are the subjects of the kingdom of this world, the Psalmist says, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” ((Psa 17:15)(see the preceding verses).

mam