Love Law & Liberty | Jul/Aug 2017

Lilies in the City - July/August 2017 - Issue 22

lilies city

©

A Society of Liberty &

Love

A Divine Prescription 365 Bean Salad

The Law of Liberty

AND ITS TWOFOLD PURPOSE

FOUNDATIONS

A PHYSICAL PARALLEL OF THE TWO GREAT PRINCIPLES

A Declaration of

Dependence LOVE, LAW &

LIBERTY

Staff Picks!

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10 18

12 22

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lilies city

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Social Lily Practical Lily Lily Eats Lily Lifestyle Glowing Lily

6 A Society of Liberty & Love

10 A Divine Prescription 12 365 Bean Salad 14 The Law of Liberty 22 A Declaration of Dependence 18 Foundations 28 Staff Picks

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Boundaries The water is high this time of year on the St. Lawrence river. I sat there watching the tide come in. There's something pleasantly placid about rolling waves; they dance in slowly and saunter back out, just as fast. We were up at Gananoque, a beautiful little waterfront town that straddles the US and Canadian border. The river was busy as the last of the tourist-laden ferries circled the Thousand Islands in front of us. And I sat watching the waves rolling in, and rolling out.

The waves rolled towards the pier gradually but strong. The first set would come just shy of the pier before disappearing in the abyss below. But each successive set would inch closer and closer to the stone boundary. Soon the waves were crashing against the pier, and then overflowing it.

The stone boundary had been crossed; water now ran freely over the pier.

At first it didn't seem like such an accomplishment, then I realized the impediment.

Pedestrians could no longer walk across

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the pier for the hazard of slipping and falling. Their passage was now blocked.

I sat, continuing to watch the water. The stony pier boundary reminded me of the boundaries God sets for us in His Word. At a quick inattentive glance, the principles of God's law (Ex 20:1-11) may seem of little consequence. But they are much deeper and broader than the letter. The law of God does much more than just separate, it protects, lightens our burdens and eases our experience. In this issue we explore how.

"When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, we will find life’s burden light. Whoever walks in the path of God’s commandments walks with Christ, and in His love the heart finds its rest."1 Ellen G White, From Heaven with Love, (Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2009), 221.4

Administrative STAFF Almarie Hill Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally.

Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests. She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.

Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!

Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff?

Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org

Rochelle Mekowulu Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel.

When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.

Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.

Angelique Manning As the administrative assistant at LIC, Angelique is dedicated to using the skills the Lord has blessed her with to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. She believes that true happiness is found in unselfish ministry and with that, loves to serve whether it's by encouraging her family and friends or sharing the love of Christ with people in her community.

Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid 5

Love

A Society of Liberty &

– Harold Sykes

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"God’s law only restricts that which works harm to self or to another."

“So shall I keep the law continually for ever and ever, and I will walk at liberty” (Ps 119:44-45).

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ll societies, however primitive or advanced, are governed by some standard of law. They may be called by various terms such as: rules, codes, moral standards. Those laws may even be an unspoken standard of behavior upon which all silently agree. Even total anarchy is based on “do what thou wilt” which is “the whole of their law.”

The Commandments of God, however, are the absolute moral authority. Coded in ten comprehensive statements and balanced on two tables of stone, it is the standard by which true liberty is secured. Beyond that it weighs in its balances our social behavior and measures the love we have in our relationship with God, and in socializing with our fellowmen.

America, the country known as the land of “liberty,” ironically is the nation with the largest number of incarcerated people in the world. Over two million individuals have been shackled and placed in prisons for breaking the law. Ironic as this concept is, in America liberty is based on adherence to the restrictions of its laws, and disregarding those laws leads to bondage and imprisonment.

God’s government and law is very similar to this in many respects. True liberty can only be had by adherence to the restrictions of His kingdom, and disregard for these restrictions leads to bondage and imprisonment in sin.

Yet God’s requirements reach beyond the outward acceptance and mechanical practice of His commands.

God requires of His subjects to love His Law from the heart and to display that love outwardly as they socialize with one another. A citizen of America may hate the restrictions the government imposes on him, but so long as he obeys them, he will be judged as an "upstanding" citizen. However, one cannot hate the restrictions imposed on oneself by the law of God and be judged an upstanding citizen in His kingdom.

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God’s law only restricts that which works harm to self or to another. This is why we are told, “Love worketh no ill to His neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom 13:10).

The law demands that our private life be a time of developing love by socializing with God, the Source of love, otherwise the enemy may gain opportunity to infuse our minds with subtle poisons that will seep out during our public interactions. Our private life will greatly determine the type of influence our social life has when in public. That silent influence will either inspire those we come in contact with to be obedient to all God’s commandments, at all times and in all circumstances, or it will at moments work ills towards them because our private failings ooze imperceptibly from the pores of a brain contaminated by vice and sin.

To its practitioners, the law of God is far deeper than the restrictions of "thou shalt not" which appear on the surface. The law of God sets at liberty its adherents to demonstrate love by performing every good work that presents itself. Whereas the first three commandments state thou shalt not worship other gods, or make other gods, or take the name of the true God in vain, we are invited to worship the Creator God in spirit and in truth. The fourth commandment, which states on the seventh day thou shalt not do any work, instructs us to do what is best for ourselves physically and spiritually by taking a day to rest and socialize with God. The law continues beginning with our very first earthly social relationship. It cultivates the virtue of showing appreciation for those to whom it is due by commanding us to honor our parents. By stating thou shalt not kill, it beckons us to sustain and protect life. By stating thou shalt not 88

commit adultery, we are inspired to build and protect the family. By stating thou shalt not steal, we are led to consider our surplus and impart to the impoverished who might otherwise steal to satisfy their need.

By stating thou shalt not bear false witness, we are commanded to proclaim the truth to all with whom we speak. By stating thou shalt not covet, we are moved to be happy for those who have the things that we ourselves desire to have.

The gospel can be summed up as God's plan to restore man to His original social standing with His Creator—the liberty of face to face communion that mankind lost through forsaking His law. Step by step this restoration brings individuals into perfect obedience to the will and Commandments of God and teaches each how to socialize with others thus redeemed. At the last they all are granted full liberty and citizenship into the society of heaven—a society of liberty and love—and enter an atmosphere of pure love to socialize with holy beings that have never transgressed God's law.

"The gospel can be summed up as God's plan to restore man to His original social standing with His Creator—the liberty of face to face communion that mankind lost through forsaking His law."

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A Divine Prescription – Dwayne Lemon

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“The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side."

riends, often when we think about the 10 commandments we think of God’s “prohibitions” (meaning things He prohibits us to do). However while it is true and for our good that God forbids us to do things like commit adultery, kill, steal, or have another God, it would benefit us if we took a deeper look at these “prohibitions” from another perspective.

If I were to ask you, do you believe we have problems in our world? I'm sure you would answer, "of course!" And if I were to list the following: Adultery, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Children Growing Up Without Fathers Involvement in their Lives, Homicides Over Dating Issues, Rape, Child Molestation, Child Prostitution, Homosexuality, and Pornography, would you agree these are problems in our world today?

Well, did you know that God gave something to humanity that if followed in His strength, it would eliminate ALL of these previously listed problems? It’s found in the words “Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery” (Ex 20:14). Literally, if no one ever committed adultery as God prescribed, Adultery, Fornication, Rape, Child Molestation and the like would never exist!

Now, if I were to list another group of problems: False Worship, Materialism, Religious Wars, Religious Killings, Gluttony, & Slavery to Fashion.

Would you agree that these are real problems in our world today? Absolutely!

Well, do you know what God gave to humanity to eliminate and protect us from these problems?

It’s found in the words “Thou Shalt have No Other God’s Before Me” (Ex 20:3).

What would our world look like if such prohibitions were lovingly followed? I can tell you, it

would look a bit more like Heaven. It is no wonder that one inspired writer said: “The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience.

As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection.

We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression.”1 The next time you review God’s 10 commandments ask yourself the following questions: How would my life “improve” academically, socially, economically, and morally if I followed this faithfully?

How would following this command help me to be a better Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, or Citizen where I live?

What problems do i presently have that following this commandment could possibly be a solution?

How does following this command improve my mental and physical health?

The good news is while the majority of the people in the world will not follow God’s divine prescription for our health and happiness, (please read Matthew 24:37,38 and Luke 17:28,29), YET, He will have a people (though small) who will (see Revelation 12:17; 14:12).

Will you be one of them? We certainly hope so.

Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, Vol. 1 (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), 235.

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365

S

Bean Salad

Makes 6+ Servings

alads are widely accepted as a staple in the diet of anyone remotely interested in healthy living. Beans are celebrated and known for their high protein content, which is high in bioavailability when soaked/sprouted. These legumes are also high in minerals and trace minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, folate, phosphorous and zinc.

Being an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, benefits for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and can certain types of cancers can be derived from consuming beans.

Here's a basic bean recipe that provides 2 or more servings of vegetables and is so hearty that you may not want anything else. The best part is that, since the varieties of beans are endless, you can have a completely different salad for every day of the year!

– Pearl Jenkinson

Directions:

1. Prepare the chosen vegetables according to your liking.

2. Put the beans in the bottom of the glass dish first.

3. Next, add the shredded and grated vegetables (ex. red or green cabbage, beets, carrots, brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips).

4. Add the chopped vegetables (ex. tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, avocado).

5. Season with the salt and garlic/ onion powder.

6. Add fresh herbs and chopped cilantro.

7. Drizzle the oil of choice and lemon juice.

Enjoy!

To change the flavour profile, experiment with different oils and fresh herbs. Be sure to try a different bean every time and add a grain or your favourite pasta if you like. Most importantly, be colourful and take advantage of local produce that's in season!

Here are some examples with grated carrot, quinoa, pasta and more!

Ingredients:

- Large salad bowl (approximately 120 ounces or 9" diameter or larger) - 2 cups of dried beans, soaked and boiled in salt water - 1 medium onion - 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped - 8 cups veggies of choice, diced or shredded - 1 1/2 cup oil - 1 1/2 cup lemon juice - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon onion and/or garlic powder

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The Law of Liberty AND ITS TWOFOLD PURPOSE – Ikemba Balogu

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“...the law of God is, in and of itself, the law of liberty.”

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he law of God is “the perfect law of liberty.” For it is written: “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed…For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou are become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (Jas 1:25; 2:10-12).

And it is declared in the law of God as spoken by God Himself: “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex 20:14, 13). Thus, it is without question that the law of God is, in and of itself, the law of liberty.

And more than this, when the Lord spake His law unto His people from Mount Sinai, the very first thing that He addressed was not idolatry, blasphemy, Sabbath observance, adultery, theft, deception, murder, or covetousness. No, no. The primary thing that the Lord addressed was liberty and freedom. For “God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out… of the house of bondage” (Ex 20:1, 2). Therefore, the supreme idea of God in setting forth His law to His people throughout all ages is to give a divine expression of freedom and liberty. Thus again, the law of God is, in and of itself, “the perfect law of liberty.”

Now, as “sin is the transgression of the law” of God and as the law of God is “the

perfect law of liberty” (1 Jn 3:4; Jas 1:25), then it inevitably follows that sin is the way by which all are brought into bondage.

For this reason, when Jesus proclaimed before “those Jews which believed on Him” that “the truth shall make you free,” “they answered Him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?” And Jesus replied, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant [or slave] of sin” (Jn 8:3134). Thus, according to the Word of God, sin is the way by which all are brought into bondage.

And Paul further testifies to this truth by disclosing his own past experience of being in bondage to sin: “For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do… Now then it is no more I that do it: but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom 7:15-19). Thus again, sin is the way by which all are brought into bondage.

And this brings us precisely to a very important point as to the law of liberty and its twofold purpose. For many, not knowing the twofold purpose of the law of liberty, have naturally sought to attain freedom from sin through the law itself. Such can never attain freedom from sin in that way for that is not the purpose of the law of liberty. Therefore, let us consider the twofold purpose of the law of liberty.

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First, the primary part of the twofold purpose of the law of liberty is to make known sin in our lives. For this reason, Paul, under inspiration, exclaims: “By the law is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN” so “that SIN by the commandment might become MORE EXCEEDING SINFUL” (Rom 3:20; 7:13). And again, it is written: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not KNOWN SIN, but [or except] by the law” (Rom 7:7). Therefore, as one part of the twofold purpose of the law of liberty is to make known sin and as sin is the way by which one is brought into bondage, then it inevitably follows that the law of liberty is made for those who are in bondage to sin and not for those who are free from sin.

Thus, it is written “that the law is not made for a righteous man, but [the law is made] for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and IF THERE BE ANY OTHER THING THAT IS CONTRARY TO SOUND DOCTRINE” (1 Tm 1:9,10).

Secondly, the other part of the twofold purpose of the law of liberty is to bring us to Christ; and this part is no less important than the first part. For “the law was our schoolmaster TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST” and “CHRIST is the end [or purpose] of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth” (Gal 3:24; Rom 10:4). Therefore, as the second part of the purpose of the law of liberty is to bring us to Christ and as the first part of the purpose of the law of liberty is to make known sin in our lives, then it follows that the only way that a man may be delivered from the bondage of sin is through Jesus Christ.

Thus, Paul, when explaining his past experience of being in bondage to sin, he declares: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through JESUS CHRIST our Lord” (Rom 7:24, 25). And in another place, he emphatically writes of Christ: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh… He also 16

Himself likewise took part of the same [flesh]; that… He might… deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb 2:14, 15). And again, Christ Himself declares: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me… to preach deliverance to the captives, and… to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Lk 4:18; also read Is 61:1). Therefore, Jesus Christ is the only Deliverer and Liberator from sin.

Consequently, we ask: Will you be delivered from the bondage of sin? Will you be made free?

For it is written: “If the SON [Jesus Christ]… shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” for “the law of the the Spirit of life IN CHRIST JESUS hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Jn 8:36; Gal 5:1; Rom 8:2).

"Therefore, the supreme idea of God in setting forth His law to His people throughout all ages is to give a divine expression of freedom and liberty."

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FOUNDATIONS A Physical Parallel of The Two Great Principles – Harold Sykes

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"God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is author of the moral law."

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"Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne" (Ps 97:2). he word "habitation" used in the scripture quoted above actually means "foundation." "Righteousness" according to Psalm 119:172 is "all of God's commandments," and according to the book of James 2:12 the "law of liberty" is the standard by which we are to be judged.

Therefore since righteousness and judgment are the foundation of God's throne, we are being told that the law of God is foundation of His government.

In conversation with one of the scribes, Christ was asked the question, “ ‘Which is the first commandment of all?’ And Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is... thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment’ ” (Mk 12: 28-30).

Having been compelled to go the first mile, Christ goes the extra mile and adds, "the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two hang all the law and the prophets” (Mt 22:39,40 cf. Mk 12:31).

These two great principles, love toward God and love toward man, are the foundation upon which everything else hangs. There is an interesting quote found in the book Counsels On Diet And Foods which says, "God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is author of the moral law. His law is written with His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every faculty, which has been entrusted to man."1 God however is more than just the Author of the physical and moral laws, He is

in fact the Author of our very being. Hidden repeatedly in His design of the human frame are illustrations of His foundational principles.

The foundation of the study of health begins with understanding the anatomy and physiology of the body. The foundation of a fully formed human body is the skeletal system upon which everything else hangs. The skeletal system is divided into two main sections: the Axial skeleton, which is the central region of skeleton and includes the skull, vertebrae, and the ribs. The second is called the Appendicular skeleton, which includes the appendages (arms and legs) and the bones which connect them to the axial skeleton. "On these two hang all" the rest of the body's anatomy.

Christ in speaking of the first great commandment pointed to the mind, the heart, and the strength. The strength refers primarily to the stomach as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:17, "Blessed art thou, O land, when..thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!"

Ironically, or should I say providentially, everything Christ named in connection to the first great commandment, the mind (brain), the heart, and the strength (digestive system), is contained in the axial region of the skeleton. The Axial skeleton embodies that great principle of the law which reveals our duty to love God. In speaking of how the Pharisees treated their "neighbors" Christ said, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers" (Mt 23:4). In His statement Christ covers the whole region of the shoulders to the fingers, which coincides with the appendicular skeleton. We are admonished in Galatians 19

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6:2, "Bear ye one another's burdens [shoulders], and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Also in Matthew 6:3, "when thou doest alms [helping our neighbors], let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." Again in Romans 10:15, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

The Appendicular skeleton is the region which contains the arms and the hands by which we feed ourselves, clothe ourselves, and take care of ourselves; and according to the law, we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. The Appendicular skeleton, by which we "reach out" (or "out reach"), to extend the arm and hand to help or greet our neighbor, as well as the legs and feet which move us closer to people, embodies the second great principle of the law which shows our duty to love man.

The Bible teaches us "the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Lv 17:11). Through the study of anatomy and physiology we learn that the bones of all places produces the blood, making it the fountain of life. Consider that in connection with the wisdom of Solomon, "The law of the wise is a fountain of life” (Prv 13:14).

So much so are the bones a symbol of God's law, that Christ who never broke the law had a prophecy concerning His bones: "when they came to Jesus...they brake not his legs.. that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken” (Jn 19:33, 36).

"Whether studying morality or health, from a Biblical standpoint, we will discover there is but one great foundation, the law of God which illustrates love and leads to liberty."

The skeletal system also demonstrates the great principle of self-sacrifice by yielding its independence and submitting itself to be the anchor to uphold the muscles. Instead of being restricted by so doing, the skeleton actually gains more "freedom" of movement as the two systems act in unison. "So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever, And I will walk at liberty” (Ps 119:44-45).

Whether studying morality or health, from a Biblical standpoint, we will discover there is but one great foundation, the law of God which illustrates love and leads to liberty.

1. Ellen G. White, Counsels on Diets and Foods (Washington: Review and Herald, 1946), 17.

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A Declaration of

Dependence – Jaleesa Almarales

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"Those who declare independence from Satan’s kingdom must declare total dependence on Christ’s righteousness."

As an American, summertime brings nostalgic memories. If you’re school age, it reminds you of summer vacation. If you’re an adult, it may still remind you of summer vacation. Amidst the fun and memories, the Fourth of July remains a constant reminder of summertime. As far as I can remember, as a child, it rained almost every year on the Fourth. Yet, whether rain or shine, there was the smell of food barbecuing on a grill. In New York City, the fire hydrants was opened and all waited in anticipation to see the sky lighten with fireworks. Yes, for many the Fourth of July is a time for fun, food, and socializing.

However, at some point in life, you realize that the original purpose of the Fourth of July is not fun, food, or socializing but is instead an event to declare America's independence from England. Have you ever stopped to wonder why the thirteen colonies wanted independence from England? The Declaration of Independence gives us insight. As it formally declares independence from the tyrannical rule of the king, it reads: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,… The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

The laws that governed the King’s government placed the thirteen colonies in bondage and went against the unalienable rights of, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” And yet today, although we may live in the country of freedom, there is another declaration to be made, not solely to a worldly power but to a spiritual power.

“To prove this let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”

We are told that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rules of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 23

6:12). In the Christian walk, there are spiritual governments at war. During the war that was started in Heaven, Lucifer declared independence from God’s government. Instead of bearing the glory of the Creator, he endeavored to win the worship of the heavenly host.

In order for him to accomplish this he had to transfer worship from God to himself, which could only be done by encouraging them to break God’s perfect law of liberty.

and dependence on self became the principle that governs humanity.

At Sinai, God desired to show the children of Israel the government they operated under by giving the law in stone. However, they placed themselves in bondage by answering, "all the Lord hath spoken WE will do" (Ex 19:8). As long as they thought they could keep the law in their own strength, they would continually break the law of God.Thus the law became a “yoke of bondage.”

It is through perfect obedience to the law of God that we render Him worship, but unfortunately a third of the heavenly host choose to declare independence from God’s government. Here lays the foundational principle of Satan’s government: SELF. Satan claimed that the best way to maintain happiness is by self-exaltation. Said the prophets “… thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee… thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness…” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most High” (Is 14:14; Ez 28:15, 17).

The two classes of Satan’s government are revealed: those who willingly choose to disobey the law and those who disobey by thinking they can keep the law in their own strength.Therefore, the history of that nation is a history of sinning and repenting. We then see evidences of this manifested throughout the history of man and without divine intervention, our case was hopeless.

When Satan deceived Adam and Eve into transgressing the law of God, they chose to disbelieve God’s command, however, they did not yet understand the true results of their actions. Satan tempted Eve to believe that she could attain a higher state of being, “then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Gn 3:5). They then became in bondage to their sins, “for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Pt 2:19). “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin...”

(Rom 5:12).

Humanity was now in league with Satan, “carnal, sold under sin”, citizens of Satan’s government (Rom 7:14). Humanity and Satan were of the same mind “because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be” (Rom 8:7). Adultery, fornication, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, envying, murder, drunkenness… and such like is the outworking of that government (Gal 5:19-21). Now living under self-government, independence from God 24

The facts show that humanity is under Satan’s tyrannical government and are “taken captive by him at his will” “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (2 Tm 2:26; Rom 3:23). The very law that was to give us freedom from idolatry, murder, envy etc. revealed to us the deceitful and desperately wickedness of the human heart. But praises be to God, if that was not our condition we could not be recipients of God’s grace. “For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:17).

So then, it is time to declare just as our forefathers, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness… But when a long train of abuses and usurpations.... it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

In complete contrast are the principles of God’s government. “The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness.”

How was God to accomplish this? Here enters the promise “I will put enmity between thee and the women and between thy seed and her seed; it

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shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gn 3:15).

Speaking about Jesus, Paul writes, “that at that time ye were without Christ… having no hope, and without God in the world… are made nigh by the blood of Christ… that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity… Now therefore ye are… fellow citizens with the saints” (Eph 2: 13, 16, 19).

The scene of the cross reveals to the dull eyes what humanity will do under the government of Satan and what the total outcome would be if Satan ruled the world. The love of God manifested by Jesus on the cross made reconciliation possible. The enmity that was once towards God and his law has been slain. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross settled all doubts about the principle of love, which is the foundation of God’s government. The sacrifice of the infinite One exalted and honored the law. His righteous life in perfect obedience to the law, death and resurrection, showed the exalted character of God’s government which could not be changed to meet man’s sinful condition. Therefore, the power that Jesus had on earth to live out the law of liberty in his life must be given to all. Those who declare independence from Satan’s kingdom must declare total dependence on Christ’s righteousness.

Just as we look at the flag and pledge our allegiance, as Christians we are to look to the cross and pledge our allegiance. It is what was accomplished at the cross that gives us freedom to obey the law of liberty. We must daily survey the cross and seek to understand what happened at the cross. “When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly”; “now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ” (Rom 5:6; Rv 12:10).

In this spiritual warfare there is no such thing as dual citizenship, we cannot serve two masters. When Satan rules we are put in bondage to the laws of selfishness that govern his kingdom and we are servants of sin unto death. In God’s government you are given life, liberty and happiness in Christ who gives you power of obedience unto righteousness by his grace and the power of the indwelling Spirit. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor 3:17). When we accept, by faith, the righteousness of Christ, “we are delivered from the law… that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” “for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (Rom 7:6, 2; Cor 3:6) and Christ lives out the fruits of the Spirit in us. Therefore brethren, “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal 5:1).

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Staff Picks!

FOR HEALTH HABITS

W

hen it comes to health habits, consistency is everything. So, we're always striving to maintain good eating, sleeping, working, and playing habits--but life can be unpredictable.

Amidst the changing tides, here are our top 3 unchangeables.

These health habits we most consistently implement for better bodies and minds:

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Angelique's Pick

1. Twice-dail devotion!

I start and end my day by spend

with God, it may sound clichĂŠ but strong foundation to my day and

2. Brush teeth

I love to smile. So to make sure m in tip top shape you can catch me and/or flossing after every meal, fo clean pearly whites.

3. Drink wate

The wellspring of life! I drink plen ularly to keep my body well hydra only elevates my mood but keep glowing!!

ks

ly

ding time t this lays a d my life!

h!

my teeth is e brushing or squeaky

er!

nty and regated. It not ps my skin

Rochelle's Picks

1. Trust God!

Seeking, depending and trusting in God for everything everyday is vital. It's first for me because it underlies all other health aspects.

Without God there could be no health of mind or of body.

2.

Eat well!

I love fruits and vegetables! The nutrients

found in them are the building blocks of our bodies. Rather than indulging in caloricdense foods that can't fulfill our body's needs, I prefer to go to the source and choose balanced, plant-based meals. Like feeding on God's word, the spiritual nutrients go much further than the empty calories.

3. Routine exercise!

It all lies in a conscious effort I make to not be sedentary, whether it’s brisk walks as breaks from my desk, or full-out HIIT workouts, exercise is part of my regular routine. And when I miss it, I quickly see the ill effect.

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30 Lilies in the City - February 2015

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