|
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)
This week we have been looking at the term contrary, what works with God and what is in opposition to Him, which many times ends up to be our own thoughts and ways. Instead of spending so much time entertaining worst case scenarios like you did in the past before you had any hope, cast that junk down immediately before it takes root and becomes a stronghold. The other thing to keep in mind is to be open to what our Lord is asking of you, to step out in faith, even if it totally contradicts what you think works or has worked in the past. Luke 11:21-23 When a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV) When you don’t keep yourself armed with the mind of Christ that peace that you experienced in the past can slip away quicker than you realize as soon as you lean back to your own understanding. The enemy isn’t stronger than God; however, if you let down your guard and allow those imaginations to have more of an influence than the truth, you open the door to the enemy. You cannot begin your walk in the Spirit and then think something in the flesh will make it complete; what it will make is a complete disaster. There is no middle ground with our Lord; you are either with Him or against Him. 2 Peter 2:18-19 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (KJV) There are many false prophets delivering doctrines of demons, who although they preach liberty, have themselves sold out and are trying to get you to buy in to their nonsense. 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (KJV) If you couldn’t stomach this doctrine before, why would you return to something regurgitated, thinking it would be the answer? Many have started out strong in the Lord, but have allowed their spiritual house to be broken into, and have been robbed blind by the enemy who appeared as an angel of light, a minister of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV) Remember we are in this world; however, we are not of it; rather we are just passing through on our way to something better. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (KJV)
What our Lord considers rich compared to what man thinks, is as different as night and day. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. (KJV) There is a spiritual thief who would like to break into our spiritual house today and rob the Church blind by diverting mans’ attention from above back to this world again. Your heart will only treasure what you put into it and that will determine which realm you will love the most. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man 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. (KJV) The enemy today has many deceiving and being deceived because they have turned a blind eye to the truth thinking something in this carnal realm could ever supply all their need. Given the fact that we came into this world with nothing and we can’t take anything with us upon our departure, why are so many still chasing the cheap carnal mirages of the enemy? Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (KJV) The theme of this week has been our own thoughts and ways, and how foolish they really are as compared to what our Lord has to offer. Why would you spend so much time and heartache chasing things that God said He will provide for His people? If He says He feeds the fowls of the air, then will he not provide for you also? James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV) Hey Church, I know this sounds a bit contrary to all the other stuff you have been getting bombarded with, but why not become rich in something you can actually take with you, being rich in faith. You want a hundredfold return? Well, I would rather have the Lord’s reward of eternal life anytime, compared to what man has to offer which is just the mammon of this life that is highly flammable to say the least. Luke 12:26-28 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (KJV) You know all these money pitches that man keeps putting on the front burner, making it appear to be so important? The reality is that in our Lord’s realm this should be the least of your concerns. Luke 16:10-11 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV) Why not let God be true today and every man a liar? That’s the least we can do. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (KJV)
Finally, from this point forward we are going to take the hill, kick some butt, and take names later, right? We are going to put on the whole armor of God that is Spiritual so that we don’t get taken back down by the tricks of the enemy. This battle takes place in the mind; and without a daily renewing of the mind so that we can have the same mind as Christ, we will let down our guard and take one to the vitals which can have a deadly effect if not dealt with. When one falls from grace they end up wrestling with flesh and blood; in other words, they allowed the enemy to attach a physical face to the issue so they end up trying to justify their lower nature. Just the foolishness the enemy likes to see God’s people fall for. In fact this kind of wrestling is just as fake as the kind we see on TV. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which is not lawful for a man to utter. (KJV) Paul was a man who God used to pen a good portion of the epistles, letters written to the New Testament church. He speaks of a man who had an out of body heavenly experience, which I believe pertains to him having been stoned and left for dead. 2 Corinthians 12:5-7 Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (KJV) Many today seek their own glory based on works, or whatever nonsense they think impresses God. Paul actually took pleasure in his infirmities or shortcomings because it kept him humble. After seeing the things he saw he realized that this is a tough act to follow and will only work by grace through faith and definitely not of his works. I have had a messenger of satan buffet me many times trying to remind me of my past. I have used that as a plus because it keeps me humble, realizing how foolish my own thoughts and ways really are. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Sounds a bit contrary doesn’t it; especially in a world where macho is portrayed as being a real man. The moral of today’s study is that you will never realize the power and strength for yourself until you realize how weak and incomplete you really are on your own. When I am weak that is when I am really strong in Him. Dearly loved, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. (KJV)
Some of God’s people throw words out haphazardly because they react in the flesh and have not yet learned to respond in the Spirit. When you enter your prayer closet are you going to hear what the Lord has for you this day, or are you going to tell him what you think is going to work instead? Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools. Pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (KJV) When you committed your life to Christ you vowed to give Him all of it, not just bits and pieces, or second hand stuff that you were discarding anyway. It’s time to pay up Church; and I am not talking about tithing which is all that the false prophets seem to focus on today. Because of the lack of their commitment to the Lord they have to hit up the people to make up for the shortfall. Instead, I am talking about presenting yourself daily as a living sacrifice; where you have died to your own thoughts and ways and are now open for something that works and gets results. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) All those thoughts and ideas you thought would work, or all that advice you have been giving to God, put it in the vain column and move on or your reality check will keep bouncing and be stamped with N.S.F, non sufficient faith. You will never understand how to walk in the wisdom of God until you realize how foolish your own limited carnal understanding really is. 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (KJV) The preaching of the cross of Christ is a spiritual one; where we keep our own thoughts and carnal wisdom nailed to it no matter how much the flesh struggles to hang onto them. It’s only when you allow your own wisdom to be destroyed that God can replace it with His. So where are all these wise guys and know it all’s according to the flesh going to end up? Well, right along with all the other fools that thought they knew more than God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-24 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, 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) Mans’ religions and doctrines are foolish and a waste of time. By renewing your mind daily in the Lord you get to operate with the wisdom of God which is only found in Christ. After all look where He ended up, isn’t that where you intend to end up also? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘contrary’: 480 antikeimai (an-tik'-i-mahee); From 473 and 2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to: KJV-- adversary, be contrary, oppose. Flesh and the Spirit, two totally different realms, like night and day. As you go through your Bibles you will find a lot of things pertaining to the Spirit that totally contradicts what you have been taught in the flesh. It’s sad to say but a lot of those things are being taught in the so called churches that we are surrounded with; doctrines of man, which are nothing more than religious rituals. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) Spiritual blindness is when someone is being deceived; and the worst part is that they are deceiving themselves. Do you desire to be wise in the Lord? His only requirement is that you become a fool. Sound a bit contrary? It’s time to let go of what we think so that we can know what God has for us instead. 1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. (KJV) It’s up to you to humble yourself, giving God someone to work with and through. Many times we have preconceived notions of how our prayers are going to be answered; and if the Lord decides to answer them any other way than what we thought we may miss out on His solution. One of the most humbling things you can do is truly cast all your care upon on Lord, and then He can provide all the answers that you need. Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV) The same measure of faith that was given to Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the same measure that you have been given as well. The difference is that Jesus Christ didn’t tell God what He couldn’t do; rather he humbled himself and presented God with someone to work through. Are you ready today to let go of your own thoughts and ways, so that the blessings above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined can manifest? Dearly loved, let God be true; and every man a liar which includes your own thoughts, ideas, and understanding. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 4:3-5 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. (KJV)
With someone greater right inside you, why would you settle for anyone else’s interpretation of salvation? They are just like the world because they are limited to the world’s way of thinking by their carnal minds. These are the people who think the greater works that are taking place are because of what man has done and not what our Lord is doing. The problem is they keep looking outward, instead of inward to allow this greater witness to have more of an influence on them. I John 5:9-11 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (KJV) I encounter many Christians, that the first thing they do with new born believers is recommend that they go find an organization, and then that they establish a relationship with God. However, I have found the opposite to be true. First establish a relationship with the Father through His Son, and then if the Lord is leading you to a place of worship, so be it. Many newborns get aborted by man’s lesser interpretations of the Gospel rather than hearing the greater one first hand. You will always find that you cannot know the Father without knowing who His Son is and what name He responds to. John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (KJV) In order to live in the Spirit you will have to die to those things of this world. Our Lord considers this the greatest act of love, not only toward Him, but toward His people also; because you will be ready to give the correct answer to any man that would ask you how to walk in the Spirit and experience this plan of salvation the way that our Lord intended it to be walked in. John 4:23-26 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman says unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (KJV) The true worshippers today know who they are in Christ, and are able to walk more by faith and less by what the outward would try to dictate as truth. The true worshippers know that God is not limited, and that His plan of salvation is not based on what man is doing but rather on what His Son has done and continues to do on our behalf. The true worshippers know that the greater works that are taking place today are in the realm of the Spirit, and not the realm where man thinks his works are greater than God’s. John 14:12-14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (KJV) Greater works; well, only when we allow it to be done by our Father through His Son Jesus Christ, and not by what man claims they are doing on His behalf. God bless Church, and keep looking inward and you won’t be left out. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV)
John the Baptist was questioning things, especially right before he was about to have his head cut off for the gospel’s sake. He wanted to know that he was following the right Lord, the real deal so to speak, and our Lord gave Him a simple response. In our Lord’s short time here on earth He was the first born again man who was demonstrating the greater things that were available with God and what could manifest for those that believe. Isaiah 29:17-19 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (KJV) Keep in mind that our Lord has not only opened the blind carnal eyes, as well as raising people back from the dead, now He is able to go above and beyond this carnal realm. Our Lord is able to show those that were blind spiritually, how to see and walk by faith which is only found in the realm of the Spirit. You know, the Lord considers you a fruitful field, because now you are able to bear the fruit of the Spirit. So the things we see prophesied in the Old Testament are now manifesting in a greater realm, but only if you know where to look. Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV) I asked a group of Christians if they have ever seen someone raised from the dead, or the blind receive their sight, or the deaf ears opened; and I recently heard some large prominent people discussing this matter, asking why this isn’t taking place anymore. Well, as far as the group of Christians goes, no one raised their hand or acknowledged that they had seen any of those things manifest. However, when it was pointed out that they were looking in the wrong realm, then there was a change of heart. In fact for any born again Christian, every time you look in the mirror you see someone who was dead in sins, blind to the truth, and unable to walk in the Spirit, rise up and come alive Spiritually. Ephesians 1:17-19 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 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, (KJV) The whole reason that our Lord died for us is so that we could be resurrected to a new life in Christ, and to be able to see what is taking place in a greater realm than the one we had settled for in the past. Do you see yourself today as that new creation in Christ, one who has risen from the dead? Dearly loved, remember you were crucified with Christ, nevertheless you live, yet not you, but Christ lives in you; and the life which you now live in the flesh you live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you. It’s the new you. Great is the mystery of godliness. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:11-12 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)
I have been hearing this verse being quoted lately and have heard many different interpretations of it. Some today have the gall and audacity to think that the greater works that are taking place today involve satellites and global communications of the gospel, taking it to far reaching ends of the earth. Leave it to mankind to try and pull a spiritual God back down to our level, thinking that God would actually need our help. When I hear the watered down carnal interpretations of the so called gospel that these people are sending out the only greater thing they can expect to experience is condemnation. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickened; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Mankind thinks that God’s word is limited, and that the only way it can reach the world is through them. God and His plan of salvation has been working just fine, especially when man gets out of the way and lets the Spirit have its way. There is no place on earth that God nor His message has not reached, and if the Lord decides to get someone’s attention He is more than capable of doing it. Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (KJV) Some claim that they are reaching all these people, something our Lord couldn’t do because in order for Him to travel he would have had to walk for days. Well folks if God is no respecter of people, in other words His Son died for the sin of the whole world, then it is safe to say that salvation is available to all. In fact, I would be willing to say that those that hear the message straight from the source Himself, Jesus Christ through the Spirit, are much better off than hearing it from a bunch of wannabe carnal Christians who think they are doing God a favor, and that without them the world could not be reached. Psalms 98:1-3 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. 3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (KJV) Now the Lord will send people to speak on His behalf and to show them His plan of salvation, but there is a big difference between those that God chooses and uses and those that think God could not get His message out there without their assistance. God’s word is alive and well and free flowing like a river; man is the one that keeps damming it up and putting obstacles in the way with their carnal thinking. Isaiah 52:9-10 Break forth into joy; sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (KJV) The Lord is doing a great thing, why not let Him do it His way? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:11-12 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)
Not only did our Lord talk the talk, but he also walked the walk. In fact, he challenged the people to not just believe what He said, but to be doers of the spoken word. Yet with all that we see throughout the gospels and the great miracles, we see our Lord saying that greater things would manifest. So what could be greater than the dead rising up from the graves, the blind receiving sight, or deaf ears opened; sounds like a tough act to follow. John 16:6-7 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (KJV) Today I often hear those who question just why don’t we see the same miracles take place that happened in our Lord’s time? Just exactly what are these greater works that could possibly take place beyond what our Lord did? Well it’s comforting to know that these greater works are happening right in front of our eyes Church, the question is which eyes are you looking with, the carnal or the spiritual? John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV) So out of our belly living waters are going to flow? Well yes, because once our Lord left this realm and delivered a perfect sacrifice on mans’ behalf, He sent the Holy Spirit to us so that we could be born again and operate in a greater dimension. Now to the carnal man it would be mind boggling to think that we would walk around with waters gushing forth, but spiritually it should just be another day at the office. Keep in mind that when our Lord spoke these words the greatest miracle had not yet taken place, that being mankind having the ability to be born again. John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV) Given the fact that flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom of God it would take a rebirth not only to enter this realm, but to be able to see what is taking place. So the first birth into this carnal realm is quite a feat to say the least, but the greatest birth that a person can experience is the second one which takes us to a greater realm. Have a great day in Christ church. God bless. John 5:19-21 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for what things so ever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and showed him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickened them; even so the Son quickens whom he will. (KJV)
In this fallen world we are surrounded with many who will stop at nothing to achieve what they think is greatness. We see the term great as well as greater throughout the Bible, however, this greater realm is not found in the outward. So many miss out because they are still trying to achieve what man says is greatness, measuring greatness by outward things, like having a big following. Nothing could be further from the truth, because all of mankind has access to true greatness when they receive the things of God and put them into practice in their walk. Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (KJV) Before your conversion in Christ you were not partaking of the fruit of the Spirit. The things you see listed above cannot be bought on-line, or found on an end cap at Wal-Mart. For those that have truly tasted and have partaken of this fruit they know that nothing else comes close, it’s the greatest gift available. However, in order to keep bearing fruit in your life you will have to keep your old nature dead, died and buried. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV) In this fallen world greatness is based on 'what have you done for me lately', and once you are no longer considered an asset you will be kicked to the curb. The realm of the Spirit is so much greater than that of the flesh. The realm of the Spirit promises us eternal life without the strife. The realm of the Spirit has no sickness or death; it’s a realm where no weapon formed against you will prosper. This fallen life has such big expectations that will never satisfy and always leaves one lacking. The word of God is the only thing that can satisfy that inward hunger and void without the hangover of sin. Psalms 145:3-6 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. (KJV) Is your goal to achieve greatness in this life? Well, why not go to the greatest source and see how much greater His realm is than this limited fallen one has to offer. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|