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John 5:23-25 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (KJV)
Father, Son, Son, Father, a package deal, we can’t have one without the other; they work in unison to bring us a plan of salvation, a deliverance from the death sentence that was imposed on mankind because of sin. If one does not know the Son then they will not be able to access the Father; thus the Father will not be able to access us if we don’t come into agreement with His plan of salvation delivered through the Son, Jesus Christ our one mediator. Once a person is able to hear this message for themselves they are then passed from this death sentence and are now set free to a life of liberty in Christ; no longer a servant to sin and its consequences. The hour is now, for those that have been spiritually dead to be able to hear the voice of the Son so that this sentence of death can now be passed from them and erased, blotted out so they don’t have to be blotted out of our heavenly Father’s register, His book of life. Thayer’s definition for condemnation: 2920 krisis (kree'-sis); 1) a separating, a sundering, a separation; b) sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) Where are you at right now in your walk? Do you know the Son so that you can access the Father and continue to be innocent, or are you still seeking to find freedom in the realm of the flesh, the area that is enmity with God and caused the separation in the first place? Did you know right now, that if you are in Christ there is no condemnation; but at this moment, today, you have passed through the gates of hell, the prison that kept us in bondage waiting for our death sentence to be carried out, having been declared innocent by the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of sin and death is spiritual; and I was carnal sold to sin, stuck in a realm of misery and hopelessness. It took a new law, a law of faith in the work that Jesus Christ did on my behalf to set me free so that I no longer have to live in bondage to sin and death. If you notice verse 4, this is an ongoing process, one that began in the Spirit and needs to end that way in order for one to gain their permanent inheritance into the kingdom of God. 1 John 3:18-24 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV) In the Old Testament they had the ten commandments as well as the old law, which if one goes back to the Old Testament they will see how complicated it was. The Lord has given us a new commandment, a simple one to keep us free from sin and no longer be under a death sentence. Sometimes we do stray, and if our heart condemns, which in this case is referring to convict, then one needs to heed to the voice of God so that they can restore the confidence back toward God. God will prick the heart and let us know when we have gotten off His path and are trying to establish our own righteousness, which in His sight is referred to as filthy rags. Once this confidence is restored again we are able to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, and not have to be concerned with how mankind sees or perceives us. The simple commandment is to believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ so that the love of God can continue to be shed abroad in our heart, and that we can know and not just guess or hope that He is still abiding in us. So how are you accessing the Father today? Are you going to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and us, or are you trying to climb up some other way which is the way the devil would like you to go, back to his realm? The Bible says that if you try to access the Father any other way but through the Son, then you are like a thief and a robber, robbing God the opportunity to work in your life and present His plan of salvation to you to set you free from condemnation and guilt. Once you have been delivered and set free from your sentence of death don’t think for a moment that the enemy is not out to have you retried and convicted of sin again. So it is of utmost importance that one continues in the faith grounded and settled, and in no way giving place to the enemy. John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (KJV) God didn’t send His Son to scare you into the kingdom with messages of hell and death, but rather a message of love. It is your choice to believe in the message He is delivering and continues to deliver through His Son, and to believe in His name. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, a name which is above every name, the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and enabled to continue in His plan of salvation enduring to the end. With all that is in the name of Jesus Christ, are you using the full name, or are you leaving it out of your prayers? Some people think it is all in the name of Jesus and leave out Christ. Ever wonder why it is called the spirit of antichrist, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience? If you wish to establish a personal relationship with the Father, then it can only be through the Son where there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
There is knock that is going out to all mankind, a spiritual knock that is knocking on the door of our heart seeking access into it. This is also an open door into the heavenly realm and as we are going to find out it will take a spiritual key to successfully unlock it. You not only have the opportunity to allow the Lord access into your heart, but you now have access into His realm, an heavenly realm through a spiritual door. Revelation 4:1-3 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (2) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. (3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. (KJV) Isn’t it interesting how your viewpoint changes once you let the Lord into your heart, how your vision has now been greatly enlarged and expanded into the heavenly realm? The eyes of your understanding are now enlightened to the realm of the Spirit and you are now able to see clearly who God is, allowing Him to reveal His plan of salvation to you personally. You are now able to give an eyewitness account of what you are able to see because you chose to operate in the Spirit and are no longer stuck in the realm of the flesh. You are now seated in the heavenly realm, and are now partakers of the heavenly gift of Christ and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Him. You will find the more one stays seated in the heavenly realm the less they will be entangled in this fallen one; and will continue in the joy, peace and confidence of the Lord. The closer you get to God the more you will come to know His voice, and be able to discern what He is speaking and the spiritual meaning of His word; seeing things from His point of view. God does not lower His standards to fit mans’, but rather if you wish to get to know Him personally then you need to do it on His turf in His realm. While many try to put God in a box and label Him with manmade denominational interpretations of how they think He operates, only those that access His kingdom through His door, Christ, will find His true meaning and establish a personal eternal relationship with Him. John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV) Jesus Christ is the only way of escape from this present evil world, and the only way into the kingdom of God to show us what is available to any man that would be in Christ; a new creation. Anyone that would try to tell the people different is described as working on behalf of the thief, who robs people the opportunity to access the kingdom of God, by distorting the truth and leaving them without the key to open this door and access the kingdom of God and all the spiritual blessings which are located in the heavenly realm. Matthew 16:16-20 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (20) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV) It’s upon this revelation, the name of Christ, that the Lord built His church and made a way of access into God’s kingdom. Mankind was imprisoned by the influence of sin and death, which kept us in bondage to this fallen nature. But now we have been given the keys of the kingdom so that we can escape and unlock the gates of hell that kept us in bondage, and enter into the realm of the Spirit. The key is Christ, the revelation of who the Son of God is, and the only name that will unlock the door to heaven and give us access to His kingdom. Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for access: 4318 prosagoge- 1) the act of bringing to, a moving to 2) access, an approach to God, that is, that relationship with God whereby we are acceptable to Him and have assurance that He is favorably disposed toward us Do you have the right key that will open the door for you and give you access into the heavenly realm so that you can see for yourself what the mystery of the gospel is? There is a whole new realm above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought of; a whole new way of seeing things the way our Lord sees through His eyes and understanding. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) If you notice in verse 10, the Lord is revealing His wisdom to His church; to those that are in the Spirit and are seated in the heavenly realm. God’s true church and His people have answered the door, and not only let the Lord into their heart but have now learned to gain access into His realm with boldness and confidence through the key that unlocks this door, Christ Jesus our Lord. Ever hear the term the door swings both ways? Well we have to allow Him access into our heart, and the more we let Him in the more He opens up to us as well, an open door policy if you would. How are you seeing things today, and from what vantage point are you looking from? Are you still stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh and things seem like old news, or are you accessing the Father through Jesus Christ so that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened to His truth? Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. (KJV) Many thieves and robbers come in the form of religions and religious organizations which talk about God but never truly teach the people the key to access His kingdom. It is like taking a person to the hospital; driving to the front door but never entering in to get what is needed to make them healthy. What good is having a vehicle if you don’t have the key that will start the engine and get you where you need to go? You have access to the throne of God through His door, a can do man who has given us access to His eternal riches; so now the question is will you respond? Here’s your key to success. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 1:18-23 The 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, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV)
When you think of the head of a corporation, the CEO, or anyone else that is put in the position of being in charge and making decisions, you would think it would be someone that is the most qualified, and like with many corporations someone that has worked their way up through the ranks and has proven themselves. God has chosen His Son Jesus Christ to not only mediate on behalf of Him but to be the head of the Church, having proved Himself by living a life without sin then resurrected to God’s right hand. What better person to be chosen and to have working on your behalf than Jesus Christ; the most qualified being in the universe. And yet with all that is available to mankind so many choose someone or something else to have authority in their lives, and are robbed of their eternal inheritance that can be only found in Christ. Who is running your life today; who have you chosen to be the head? The fact that God chose Jesus Christ to be the head of His church, wouldn’t that be good enough for you also? Or are you still looking for a shortcut to heaven, an easier path with someone that isn’t so strict to deal with? Being the fact that Jesus Christ was the first born into the realm of God and established the only path that leads to our eternal inheritance would that not make Him more than qualified to be the head of your house also? 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV) God set an order as to how His church would operate and who would be in charge. While mankind tries to alter His decision and think they can do a better job, it’s only those that come into agreement with His plan who will be blessed of Him; otherwise they will find themselves kicked to the curb. Paul knew the order God had set in place and was encouraging the people to follow the example he set that was based according to God’s word and the revelation of the mystery of Christ. Anytime someone tries to alter this plan, or change it to fit their interpretations, they end up on their own and in a ditch with the rest of the blind that they were following. 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (KJV) God has set in order a perfect plan for how His church would operate and who would be in charge and mediate on its behalf. Anytime we try to alter that plan we are telling God He is a liar and didn’t make the right decisions, or appoint the right members. If Jesus Christ is not the head of your house, and your prayers are not being directed to the Father through His name, then you are none of His. You know you can cut off certain parts of your body and still live, but once you cut off the head then you are dead. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Mankind has come up with many names, many denominations and titles that they put on the Lord, none of which is based on the word of truth. They may be ever learning things about the Bible but never come to a knowledge of the truth in Christ, which makes it a complete package. If you desire to draw closer to God, then the only way that it is done is through His Son, because all the fullness of what God has to offer the Church is in Him ready to be revealed to those that seek Him. With what measure or effort you put forth in spending time in the word of God and prayer is what is returned to you; so unto those that hear the message of Christ that our Father is delivering will be given more, but those that ignore Him will have whatever was there taken away and stolen from them. Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) How many remember summer camps where late at night you would stay up and tell a bunch of farfetched stories to younger children and watch them oooh and ahhh? The same thing is going on in a lot of religious buildings today; many are manmade doctrines based on lies and deceptions which point the people to their own works rather than acknowledging the completed work God has done on our behalf through His Son who is now making intercession for us to remind us of His truth. Unless one establishes a rock solid foundation based on the doctrine of Christ they will end up believing a bunch of far fetched fairy tales that appeal more to the flesh than the Spirit. How many of you would walk into your bosses office and tell him off and think that you would have a job much longer? That basically sums up what the creation tries to dictate to the Creator anytime they don’t accept God’s plan of salvation, thinking they know better than the boss. 1 Peter 2:4-8 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV) God said this stone which has been disallowed of men is precious in His sight. This stone that God chose to be the head of the Church, mankind has the nerve to tell Him He was wrong and made a mistake. When the buildings were built they were patterned after the setting of the corner stone; so if that stone wasn’t set right the whole building would be off. The same holds true with the Church, if Christ isn’t the head, the chief cornerstone and foundation of their building it will not be built according to the standards of our Father and be rejected. Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (KJV) Who is the foreman, the head honcho in charge of your building today? Is it up to code and being built according to the blueprint God drew up, or are you cutting corners and leaving out the most important part of His plan? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:6-7 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (7) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (KJV)
When you think of a right hand man you think of someone that is familiar with an organization and how it operates. As we see here our Lord is specific to say that the only way to the Father is through the Son; this same Son the Father sent to deliver the message of salvation and pay the price for sin to reconcile us unto Him. So having had a man that was able to walk this earth and live a life without sin demonstrating how to walk in the Spirit, what better man to have seated at the right hand than someone who has been there and done it, right! You know, the question one has to answer is this, if God entrusted Jesus Christ to be the one mediator between Him and us, are you also willing to trust in our Father’s decision as well? Because anything else will not get you access into His kingdom; and what it comes down to is, that you are saying that He is a liar and not one to honor His word. Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (KJV) You know, you have a right to this tree of life right now because you have been grafted into it to bring forth fruit unto God. It’s only those that not only hear His word but then do his commandments that will have an eternal access to it. However, anything that is not according to the word of God but based on a lie will be on the outside and not able to get through to the Father. It is so very vital to know who is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for His church so that you can access the Father through the Son and know that you are a partaker of His divine nature and will not be left out. 1 John 3:22-24 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV) A simple commandment is that we should believe on the name of Jesus Christ and the completed work that He did on behalf of mankind and the work He continues to do making intercession for us. If you are not confident in your prayers and are not getting the results you sought, you may need to check to make sure you have the right access code, otherwise you will be trying to access a God of truth by a lie. Who is a liar, those that deny that Jesus is the Christ, God’s right hand man who is ever making intercession for us. In fact those that deny the Son are denied access to the Father, and thus the term antichrist. Ephesians 1:17-21 That 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: (18) The 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, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (KJV) Mankind has had spiritual blinders on, and are unable to see beyond the realm of the flesh because of sin. God having sent His Son to redeem us from this curse, reconciled us to Himself when He raised Christ from the dead and set Him at His right hand so that we could now be adopted back into the kingdom of God. Christ is the power and wisdom of God that removes the spiritual scales from our eyes and enlightens us to come to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation which is wrought only to those in Christ. Thayer’s definition for wrought: 1754 energeo- 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power; to work for one, to aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one's activity, to show oneself operative There is only one name which is above every name; there is no other name under heaven by which we will find entrance to the throne of God, that being Jesus Christ who is seated at the right hand of God ready, willing, and able to reveal God’s plan of salvation to any or all that seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. So again, if God has entrusted this man with the position of mediator, and throughout His word is pointing us to Him through His Son, isn’t it time you started trusting in Him also? Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV) If you truly desire a personal relationship with the Father then it is time to start looking beyond this realm and into the heavenly one. In order to access the Father you will need a name that is higher than anything here on earth to give you access to a God that is able to do above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought. Aim higher; for those in the realm of the flesh the sky is the limit to them; to those that are in Christ there are no limits, for as the heavens are higher than the earth and its way of thinking so great is the mercy of God that He would send His only begotten Son to not only die for us, but continue His mission in the form of a mediator. Imagine if you were accused of a crime and had to go to court against a bunch of high priced lawyers who knew the laws backward and forward. Now imagine if you could access an attorney that could prove your innocence and set you free, but you instead chose to represent yourself and ended up convicted. That is basically what happens to those that don’t accept Christ as their Savior, and allow Him to mediate God’s plan of salvation to them on a daily basis, but choose their own defense and end up eternally convicted. The spiritual evidence to set you free is delivered to you through Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be imprisoned to sin and death. Romans 8:34-39 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) Jesus Christ condemned sin in the flesh so that we could be set free from our eternal death sentence. He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us so that we no longer have to be separated from the love of God which is being manifest to us through His right hand man, Christ Jesus our Lord. Being the fact that God decided He was the right guy for the right hand position, isn’t it time you did also? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 1:1-4 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (4) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (KJV)
Hebrews 1:1-4 It was bit by bit and in many different ways that God in olden times spoke to our forefathers through the prophets, 2. but in these latter days He has spoken to us through a Son, whom He had appointed lawful owner of everything, and through whom He had made the worlds. 3. He is the reflection of God's glory and the perfect<a> representation of His being, and continues to uphold the universe by His mighty word. After He had procured man's<b> purification from sins, He took His seat at the right hand of God's majesty, 4. thus proving<b> Himself to be as much superior to angels as the title He has inherited is superior to theirs. (Williams Translation) Thayer’s definition for mediator: 3316 mesites- 1) one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant 2) a medium of communication, a arbitrator One of the things Jesus Christ inherited when He sat down on the right hand of the Father was the position of mediator. Being the fact that He was a partaker of flesh and blood and demonstrated a life without sin, what better man to have as a go between? He is able to help us and comfort those that are suffering by showing us the way of escape that He took when He had to deal with the same sufferings. Our Lord and mediator is not asking us to do anything that He Himself wasn’t willing to do. All He is asking us to do is believe on Him. In the Old Testament God spoke to the prophets and His people in many diverse and different ways, this at times included the use of angels. In fact, one time we see an account where the message was delivered through a donkey so that the prophet God was trying to use at the time wouldn’t make an ass out of himself; which by the way would get the attention of anyone hearing a donkey speak. But now we see the word of God is quite specific to tell us that God is speaking and revealing Himself through His Son, the one He has chosen to mediate His plan of salvation to mankind through. The fact that Gods speaks to us through His Son would mean that the only way we could speak to Him would be through His Son as well. Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (KJV) Although some religions and doctrines claim they have had personal contact with angels and were inspired to write what they heard from them, Paul warned against this doctrine because it perverted the gospel of Christ and the message God was delivering through His mediator. There are fallen angels surrounding us in the heavenly realm, which is why the devil and his workers are described as the prince of the power of the air. Keep in mind there are different levels of heaven or the heavenly, so anything above this earth is described as the heavenly. Basically put, if the message received doesn’t line up with the word of God being delivered to us through His Son Jesus Christ, then it is not of God but rather a doctrine to keep one in darkness. Knowing God can only come through the Son and the revelation of the mystery of the gospel that is hid in Christ ready to be revealed to those who choose to walk in the Spirit and not be led by the desires of their flesh and its fallen nature. A fallen angel will try to appeal to our fallen nature, seeking to deceive us into thinking that we can have the best of both worlds, which only leaves one lukewarm and no longer a partaker of the divine nature. Galatians 1:10-12 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Did you know that you have direct access to the Father through His Son, like having speed dial on your phone? Has the Lord himself revealed God’s plan of salvation personally to you which can only come through the Son, or are you settling for second hand, hand me down doctrines from fallen people that appeal to fallen natures? This same revelation that was revealed to Paul is available to you also if you are willing to come to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and let Him reveal His mystery to you. It’s a mystery to our carnal understanding and senses which is why so many miss it. But for those that are willing to worship God in Spirit and in truth, they will find it revealed to them through the Spirit. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) Are your prayers getting answered, are you establishing a rock solid foundation that will last an eternity? As we see in the above example, no man can access the Father without a knowledge of His Son our one mediator. In order to get to the throne of God you need to do it by the name of Jesus Christ, the one name that is above all others. If you desire the Father to reveal Himself to you then it will only be through the revelation of Jesus Christ in accordance with the word of God. It is the doctrine of Christ which God gives credence to, the true message that He sends through His Son. You have direct access to the throne of God; and just like with a phone number of someone close to you, it is something you will want to know by heart. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 2:4-7 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth? (5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (7) Whereunto 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. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for mediator : 3316 mesites (mes-ee'-tace); from 3319; a go-between, i.e. (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor): KJV-- mediator. Paul knew what his calling of God was, and that it was to point the people to the Father through His Son, the one and only mediator between God and man, that man being Christ Jesus. This is the mystery of the gospel that God enlightened unto Paul, and why he suffered so much persecution for teaching them the name of Christ and the power in His name. When I look at verse 4 I think of many that have been saved at one time and walked with the Lord but never came to a working knowledge of the truth so that they could endure to the end. Some think all they have to do is make some commitment, or answer some alter call and it is done. The truth be known, this is only the first step. In order to continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away one needs to come to a working knowledge of the mystery of the gospel by accessing the Father through the only name whereby one can be saved, that being Jesus Christ the name above all names. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (KJV) We are in the last days, and the fallen nature of man continues to wax worse and worse with deceptions and lies, most of which are found in the form of religion and religious organizations. Mankind is more in love with themselves and their own desires than having a love for God and seeking His truth which will set them free from their lusts. While many promise liberty and are ever learning scriptures that pertain to the Bible they twist them to fit their own lifestyles and never come to the knowledge of the truth which is only found in Christ, the one mediator between God and man. They portray a form of godliness but deny the power of God which is Christ and are left defenseless. Romans 1:15-16 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (KJV) The devil doesn’t mind religion as long as there is no truth, and especially if there is no power source. No wonder our adversary is referred to as the spirit of antichrist, doing all he can to keep the people of God powerless and without truth. You mention the name of Jesus and you are speaking a common name that is used of mankind and still is in use, but you add the name of Christ and now you have plugged the people into the heavenly power source, a mediator that is able to give us the truth, and only the truth will set one free. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (24) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (KJV) So many books are written about power in the name of Jesus, so many sermons and prayers on the name of Jesus, this being taught despite what the word of God clearly says. Christ is the Son of God, the one and only mediator, our go between and middle man, our only source of power and access to the wisdom of God. What good is having a light if you never plug it in; this is just the place the devil wants the Church to be in, darkness. If you don’t know the Son then you won’t know the Father, because the word of God is quite specific to say that we cannot access our Father without this knowledge. To some it is a stumbling block and to others it is foolish; thinking what difference does it make if I just say Jesus and not Christ, God knows our heart? God does know your heart, now the question is how well do you know Him? The only way you are going to get to know Him is through His Son and what He has done on our behalf, and what He is still doing on our behalf. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) If you don’t have peace in your life today be assured it is not on God’s end. If you desire His peace and answers to your prayers then it will only come through His mediator, Christ Jesus. Our Lord said that He was the door and it was only by Him that we would have access into the heavenly realm to be partakers of the heavenly gift. If you don’t know the family name then how can you expect to partake of our heavenly inheritance which is only given to those in Christ? Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) Have you rented a motel room lately and seen how they use cards to get access to the rooms? If you don’t have the right card to the right door you don’t get in. How about a computer, you need the right password to get access otherwise you are denied. The Bible is very specific to tell us who the one mediator is between God and man, and what His name is. In fact there is no other name under heaven that is given among mankind, or any name mankind can come up with that will give them access, but the name of Jesus Christ. So if you sense today that you are still on the outside looking in here is the key that will unlock the door and let you step out of the realm of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit, Jesus Christ. Not just because I say so; but if you take the time to read the Bible you will see that the Lord’s people throughout the New Testament were instructing His people and pointing them to the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:8-12 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV)
Why did Paul describe the riches of Christ as being unsearchable? Mainly because you won’t find the riches of Christ in the realm of the flesh, which is where many are still looking for the answer, and are still being deceived into thinking they will find it in the riches of this life. Where else and what price tag can you put on having a boldness and access to the throne of God with a confidence because of your faith in Christ? Nowhere else could this be found, nothing else could come remotely close to giving you this kind of peace and joy; a perfect love which casts out all our fear. This is the manifold wisdom that the devil has been fighting against the Church to try to detour us from this truth which sets us free and allows us to see and understand the fellowship of this mystery, which is hid to the carnal man but revealed to the spiritual man in Christ. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so great is this mercy and the riches of this wisdom to those that seek and find it with all their heart. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) While we were running around on this earth chasing our tail in destruction and misery before our conversion in Christ, we were missing out on all the spiritual blessings that are in Christ. Haven’t you spent enough time knowing that the things of this life are nothing more than a dead end? So why do so many try to incorporate the riches of this life with the riches of God? Like Paul said, ‘have we suffered so many things in vain if it yet be in vain?’ When you try to mix and match you end up corrupting the original living waters with man-made additives that pollute and distort the original intention. While I hear of so many testimonies of people that limit blessings to this realm, mostly how God has blessed them financially, I rarely hear of those that have come to a true understanding of the mystery of the gospel where all the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ, and those that have a working knowledge of the Son. The things of this life are temporal, which refers to temporary, but the things of God are eternal, and only those that build their foundation on the name of Jesus Christ will be able to tap into all these spiritual blessings in Him. So why settle for less Church? If you desire the things of God then you need to start looking in His realm, on His turf, which is spiritual and located in the heavenly places. If you wish to seek the riches of this life then go get the Wall Street Journal. Luke 6:24-26 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. (25) Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. (26) Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (KJV) Those that have settled for the riches of this life have their reward; and as we brought nothing into this world, they have nothing to take with them once they depart. Because they chose to have a good time while they were here they will spend an eternity mourning and weeping over the fact that they neglected the true riches and spiritual blessings that were in Christ because they listened to and supported a bunch of people pleasing ear tickling hucksters who claimed to be prophets of God. So when all men speak well of them watch out, because obviously they were no threat to the devil but rather were speaking on his behalf under the pretense of religion. While many think the so called church of today is so strong and growing rapidly, the devil doesn’t mind if mankind has religion as long as it doesn’t involve the truth which will set them free. After all the enemy has been playing mankind for a chump since the garden of Eden by talking mankind out of partaking of the tree of life, which is Christ, and settling for a cheap imitation for something of this life. While many are building their monuments which they claim are in the name of the Lord, then have the nerve to name the ministries after themselves which truly shows you whose ministry it really is; very few are building the people up in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we may be saved. Ephesians 3:14-19 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (KJV) Again, what price tag can you put on the riches of this inner strength that is only available to those that know our Lord Jesus Christ and how to access Him? To be able to have a faith in Him rooted and grounded in the love of God, like a tree planted by the river of life so that no matter what storms we endure we will not be blown over with winds and self serving doctrines of man, is priceless. This is a love, a confidence and strength that goes beyond anything we could have ever imagined or thought of, one that can’t be bought or found with the riches of this life but is freely given to those that seek it in the heavenly realm. The Lord’s riches of His glory are eternal. The riches of this life are only temporal and have an eternal price tag of misery and destruction to those that chose to limit themselves to them. Matthew 13:22-23 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (KJV) The seed is the word of God which is Christ; and those that nurture and water it with the living spiritual waters will see it grow and produce a spiritual crop, all the spiritual blessings God intended for you to partake of. Those that choose the things of this life will find themselves deceived in the end and forever regretting what they ignored and were talked out of. So where is your treasure today, and what realm are you seeking it in? Are you settling for something of this realm, or are you looking above and beyond this one into the heavenly realm to find the unsearchable riches in Christ so that the eyes of your understanding can be enlightened to a working knowledge of this mystery? 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) The root of all evil can be traced back to one thing, the love of money. So where does your root system lead to, the love of God, or to the love of money? What source are you drawing from today will determine your true intents and motives of the heart, and where you are going to spend your eternity. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (KJV)
Salvation is truly a free gift; the good and perfect gift which came down from above in the form of Jesus Christ the Son of God who came to bring reconciliation between God and mankind. While the world is constantly peddling its goods to people, and spicing up its ads with the offer of a free gift included, in the end the buyer ends up footing the bill, it’s just disguised somewhere in the fine print. The Lord who provided a free gift to all mankind having paid the price by His own sacrifice has now asked us to receive this gift freely and distribute it that way also. Mankind may play favorites especially with the rich, but God’s word is available to all, and should be made available by those that have been called to teach and preach without a price tag. Now that doesn’t mean that if you are getting fed somewhere and the Lord asks you to help support the cause, that you ignore Him; but the key is knowing when the Lord is asking and not when these fat cat preachers are begging the congregation with their giving messages. Those that are operating in the liberty of Christ will be preaching messages that are building up the people and showing them who they are in Christ. Those that haven’t been set free and are still more concerned with the treasures and upkeep of this life will center their sermons around the upkeep of their ministry and their works, not on the ministry and work the Lord has done for them. Luke 16:19-25 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (KJV) When looking at this example it parallels what I see going on today in the so called churches and with many of its worldly preachers. Because they have spent so much time and effort on their own upkeep, which many of them do on the backs of others instead of giving the congregation the meat of the word of God, they just end up with crummy self serving doctrines. Those that had come to their organizations seeking the Lord ended up with nothing less than watered down doctrines and a few crumbs, while those that should have been giving them the bread of life were more concerned with collecting the bread from the congregation. As we see the end result, with what measure they gave was measured back to them, having chosen the riches of this world over the eternal riches of the Lord. If you find you are being bombarded with endless sermons that focus more on giving and supporting the organization rather than focusing on the spiritual needs of the congregation, it may be time to move on if you truly desire to grow in the Lord. And by the way, whose lame brain idea was it to do these stupid telethons, especially this stuff I see on TV? I don’t care who they are or who they think they are, the last time I looked the Lord went into the temple with a three-fold cord and cast those cheap hucksters out. It was the devil that invited them back in to set up their cheap carnival side show acts, and its people that don’t spend enough time in the word of God that support this junk and will also be held accountable for doing so. Oh, they may promise you liberty but the truth is they are the servants of corruption because of the fact that they have sold out themselves, and have been overcome by their own desires, and are now brought into bondage of them. Just because they have sold out doesn’t mean you have to support them in their folly. Many of these people have taken the calling of God and then added their own interpretation to it and have created a monster, thinking bigger is better, the more the merrier. Just because they haven’t lived within the means God had intended doesn’t mean it is up to you to feed their monster which is just a manifestation of their inflated egos. Matthew 23:16-23 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! (17) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? (18) And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. (19) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? (20) Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. (21) And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. (22) And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. (23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (KJV) Basically what they are saying here is the priority has been misconstrued, putting the cart before the horse. Today I see and hear a lot of doctrines that have the people sitting in a cart, getting what comes out the backside of the horse as well. Instead of being more concerned with the weightier matters, faith, mercy and righteous judgment, they are more concerned with their commitment to giving and supporting the temple. They are willing to overlook spiritual matters, it’s the gold they are concentrating on and holding the people to. It doesn’t matter to them if you don’t spend time in the word of God or grow in the things of the Lord, that seems to be the least of their concerns, but don’t you dare miss tithing or that’s when they claim you will suffer the wrath of God. Everything to these people and their fallen nature’s is center on giving, which is why they twist the scriptures and sermons to make it look like God is more concerned with it as well. Again it is important and your obligation is to support wherever you are being fed, but when the outward temple becomes more of a priority than feeding the inward one, then it may be time to rethink and pray about moving on. Matthew 23:24-26 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (KJV) God is more concerned with the inside rather than the outward appearances. Now it is up to you to discern and rightly divide the truth so that you too can freely receive the gift of God and freely distribute it as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
Is there anything more highly esteemed and sought after by mankind than the riches of this life; which many are led to believe that by someday acquiring enough of them they will find peace in their life? As we see again in verse 14, the Lord addressed and warned those that were covetous, which is just another form of idolatry. This get rich mentality has crept into the teachings of many; so in order to justify their lifestyles they become people pleasers with prosperity messages limited to the realm of the flesh that promise so much and deliver so little. No wonder our Lord was derided and chastised for teaching against these false doctrines, trying to point the people to the realm of the Spirit by forsaking the things of the flesh. Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (18) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, (19) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (20) The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (23) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV) Why are so many people preaching and teaching a doctrine today that can be detrimental to ones spiritual well being? No man can serve two masters; in order to grow and mature in the Lord one has to forsake the things which are highly esteemed here on earth to partake of the heavenly gift. The Lord instructed the rich man to go and sell out to this way of thinking; and rather than continue seeking the treasures of this earth become a follower of Christ and begin partaking of His spiritual treasure. If you notice to, the Lord didn’t try to get Him to donate all his riches to the Jesus Christ worldwide evangelical association, but rather distribute it to the poor. How few true teachers do we have left today who are more interested in the spiritual welfare of the congregation and not for their own personal welfare, who are willing to lay down their lives and desires for the sake of others. The eye of the needle has been described as a smaller opening in the large gates which go into the city. In those times the cites had walls surrounding them with a large gate in front that had a smaller opening just big enough for quick access into it. In order for the camel to enter in it would have to crouch down on all fours having had all the cargo it was carrying removed before it could get through. The same holds true with the believers; we humble ourselves before the Lord, and before entering into His realm we leave all the old baggage and what we thought were priorities behind us and walk in a newness of life. Anytime we try to hang onto the old and enter into the new, any excess baggage and cargo will get in the way and block ones entrance and not allow them to continue forward, which is what the rich man in the above parable was experiencing. Is there something you are hanging onto today that is keeping you stuck in the realm of the flesh and not allowing you to move forward on the path of life? That thing that has been eating at you, something you have been trying to justify before men may just be what is now an abomination in the sight of God and needs to be discarded and left behind so that you are not the one that ends up left behind and on the outside looking in. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) All these things that are so highly esteemed among mankind and highly sought after look good and sound good to our carnal senses, but make no sense to the spiritual ones. If your love and affection is more toward the world and the things of it, which are in the process of dying and passing away, then you too will end up passing away with them. It’s only those that are willing to forsake these things, take up their cross and crucify the flesh and its carnal desires, who will be allowed access into the realm of God, and who will continue in the truth grounded and settled and not moved away by cheap imitations of the devil. No man can serve two masters; double minded, unstable, and unable to move forward in their walk: like the old time prisoners which had the ball and chains attached to them to keep them bound. 1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) While the world and its worldly preachers will tell you the importance of giving so that you can acquire more, the simple truth is in being content; content with the fact that you are a part of the kingdom of God and an inheritor of His eternal life, having forsaken the desires of this temporal one. While so many that have been called to teach and preach the things of God end up to be nothing more than cheap hucksters peddling the word of God and giving special treatment to the highest bidders, simple contentment is where one will find true peace, and the joy of the Lord. You came into this world with nothing and you have the opportunity to leave it with everything. The question is, ‘what is highly esteemed in your life today, and is there anything you are coveting after that is causing you to err and miss the mark?’ Anything other than contentment is idol worship, and it will keep one idling instead of moving forward and maturing in the Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 37:3-4 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)
We have been talking lately about treasure and what it is the heart truly is set on; the things of God or the things of this life. Where your treasure is will determine where the heart is and which way it is going. As we have spent so much of our life in the past living in the realm of the flesh we were more concerned with our bank accounts here on earth than our spiritual welfare. We spent most of our time consumed with how to make deposits in our accounts so that we wouldn’t end up bankrupt. With a new heart will come a new desire; now our attention should be more on making a direct deposit into our spiritual bank account on a daily basis so that we have enough to supply the need. The enemy will try to access your account and rob you blind, so it is up to you to make sure you stay alert and keep a watch over your heart. It is the true riches of God that we have access to, and this is why the devil fights so hard to keep you from accessing these spiritual riches and would like nothing better than to keep you in bondage by chasing temporal riches. Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (KJV) While driving a few weeks ago we spotted eagles and other birds off the road working on some fresh road kill. When we slowed down to get a picture the eagles were the first to fly off and not present a close picture, but kept their distance. For those that are stuck in the realm of the flesh and seek worldly riches the same holds true. Although they come up with their own ways to get rich, and think they are getting close to the answer, it somehow eludes them and is outside their grasp. This is just the realm the enemy would like to see the people of God pursuing as well, getting caught up in the things of this life so they are not able to access the things of God and His true riches. Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV) Which account have you been depositing into today; which one will have the sufficient funds in it if needed; or will your reality check bounce because of insufficient funds? Has the devil gotten into your account and replaced the true riches of God with a fake love and affection for the things of this life, funny money? Or have you held fast your profession of faith without wavering and found the fruit of the Spirit, the love, joy and peace of God above and beyond any gold or silver this earth has to offer? Remember, no man can serve two masters; you will hold to one and despise the other. So which one are you holding to today, or should I say which one has a hold on you? Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (KJV) Remember that parable about putting new wine into an old wineskin? It doesn’t work; it ends up breaking and spilling the new wine. The same holds true with us, we cannot grasp and hang onto the new unless we are willing to let go of the old desires, replacing them with new heavenly ones. Once one partakes of the new they find out that the old just doesn’t satisfy anymore. In fact the more one partakes of the new the more they realize how they have been ripped off and were missing out on the true riches of God, and how God does richly give us all things to enjoy without the bondage. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV) Remember all that effort you have been putting into your physical desires? Well the Lord said He would give you the desire of your heart if you would put that same effort and affection into the things of His realm. Remember, even though you thought you made progress in the realm of the flesh it still left you empty and not satisfied. Well the peace of God which passes our understanding gives us the true desire of our heart despite what our outward circumstances may try to dictate. Once one has truly tasted the goodness of God they find that it is the one thing they were always looking for just never able to achieve in the realm of the flesh and its carnal thinking. Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (KJV) When you truly treasure the things of God more than the things of this realm that is when you will experience the love of God which is an eternal treasure. While so many teach and preach a prosperity message which limits them to the realm of the flesh, a few have found the true treasure chest which is located in the heavenly realm ready to be revealed to those that are willing to walk in the Spirit. Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) Why do you think Paul suffered such great conflict, and why the enemy did all he could to keep this truth from being preached? Is there anything more comforting than to know the true love of God; being able to have a full assurance and understanding of the mystery of God that has been hidden in Christ but now ready to be revealed and accessed by those that are more concerned with the eternal treasures? How many movies and books have been written that deal with treasure hunts and how those that seek it must follow the clues hidden in the maps to find it? These movies also show the opposition and how many thieves try to keep them from finding it, as well as attempting to steal it from them once it is found. You have a treasure map, and all the clues point to the Father who can only be accessed through His Son and a working knowledge of Christ where this treasure chest of spiritual wisdom and knowledge awaits those that seek it with all their heart. Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (12) The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. (KJV) Ever hear of fools’ gold? Those that think something in this realm will ever satisfy a spiritual need will find themselves shortchanged and spiritually bankrupt, robbed blind. So while the world and its worldly preachers are asking what's in your wallet, the Lord is asking what is in the spiritual account, and what realm are you banking on? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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