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Good morning. Today's video Dead Set is on the topic of faith; faith without works (being a doer, not just a hearer only) is dead. Act on your faith; walk by faith and not by sight. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning, today's encouragement is to come to the knowledge of and to use the keys of the Kingdom that were given to you through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Will you use them? If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Keys of the Kingdom
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV) In Christ Jesus we have been given all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue. The Lord said in Matthew 11:27 that the Father has delivered all things unto him; and this so that we might know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent. The Father has delivered unto each of us the ability to know the Son, Christ in you the hope of glory, whom He sent; and as we continue to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, God the Father will reveal more and more, taking the vail away, of who His Son is whom He sent. And then as we come into the knowledge of the mystery of Christ, the Son, the Son begins to reveal who the Father is, and all things that were delivered unto him. For it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) In Matthew 16:13-19 the Lord asked the disciples who did men say he was and he got several different answers. Then He asked, whom do you say that I am; and Peter responded, thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Lord then lets Peter know that it was His Father who revealed this unto him, not flesh and blood. And upon this revelation of who the Son of God is, the rock solid foundation (Christ), he will build his church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and will give unto us the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 16:19 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. (KJV) When someone gives you keys they give them in trust that you won’t lose them, but you would keep them safe at all times so that no one can just walk into the house and steal all that is within. They also want you to use the keys to open up the door in front of you or to lock the door behind you. To get the keys of the kingdom you have to first come to the Father by Jesus Christ; answering to the knock on the door of your heart, His voice calling unto you, by believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, as your Lord and Savior. And He will come in unto you and will sup with you, and you with Him. Behold the kingdom of God is now within you. Jesus Christ is the door of the sheep, and there is no other name given under heaven among men whereby you must be saved. No man can come unto the Father, but by Him. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Only He can give you the keys of the kingdom. 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) What are the keys of the kingdom? Faith and Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Now God made this same Jesus, whom was crucified, both Lord and Christ; and without Christ you can do nothing. To unlock all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge you have to have both keys. You must believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him; and you must believe in the name of His only begotten Son, Christ in you the hope of glory. Knowing who the Son is through faith in the Son of God, is what unlocks all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; the deep things of God. It gets rid of the veil of the flesh so that you can see clearly in the realm of the Spirit where God operates (God is a Spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth). It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven according as His divine power (1 Corinthians 1:24) has given unto you all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that called you to glory and virtue. Now it is time for you to use those keys that have been given unto you so that you can know the exceedingly great and precious promises given unto you and be a partaker of the divine nature. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Good afternoon. Today's video Care Less is on the topic of what gives your Father in Heaven good pleasure. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good afternoon. Today's video Another Spirit is continuing on the topic of the second man Adam; Another spirit; Christ in you the hope of glory. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. This week's video Measure is on the topic of, God has dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
The Lord begins this chapter encouraging the believers not to be troubled but to continue believing. You can expect opposition as you take your place in the body of Christ, because the more grounded you become in the Lord the more of a threat you become to the enemy. You have a place prepared and ready for you to take up residence in, but there is a spiritual enemy who will do all he can to detour you and try and keep you in this fallen realm. Only the truth will set you free and allow you to carry out your heavenly calling so that you can be a true resident of the kingdom of God in Christ. Ephesians 3:9-12 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) Our fellowship with God, our citizenship with Him is described as a mystery, something hidden to the carnal man but readily revealed to those in Christ. There are principalities in the heavenly realm, like with a football team, the defense is stacked up at the goal line trying to deny you access to it. This principality, or as it is described the prince of the power of the air, the devil and his angels, will do all they can to try to talk you out of your inheritance and your rightful place in the body of Christ by attempting to deny you access to His kingdom. But to those that are in Christ and have His spirit bearing witness to their spirit, they will know the truth and boldly confidently access His kingdom by letting these principalities know who they are in Christ, and that these principalities need to step aside because they are going in. The only way one can know all the spiritual blessings they have been blessed with is by entering into the kingdom of God and staying seated with Christ to hear His doctrine of love and liberty in Him. Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour 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. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (KJV) There is spiritual armor available to ward off spiritual resistance, so the more you keep the shield of faith up and operational the less likely you will be hit in the vitals with a fiery dart from the wicked one. Do know that there will be opposition to those that take up residency in their heavenly place, and that there are principalities and powers that will do all they can to pull you back into the realm of the flesh. Romans 8:38-39 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) Strong’s definition for ‘persuaded’: 3982 peitho (pi'-tho); a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): KJV-- agree, assure, believe, have confidence, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Are you of the persuasion that nothing or no one is going to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord? That no one or no being is going to keep you from accessing your heavenly reward? Those that know their rights and authority in Christ will continue in the faith grounded and settled and not allow themselves to be moved away or evicted from their heavenly place in Christ, but rather they will let the enemy know it is time to step aside as they go forward, and don’t let the door hit you on my way in. Luke 4:6-8 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (7) If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (8) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth knew who He was in Christ and how to access the kingdom of God despite opposition from principalities in heavenly places. In fact He knew that God promised His people that they would be the head and not the tail, so He put the devil in his place by walking past him and leaving him behind. When you encounter persecution or obstacles the devil tries to put in your path, will you be as quick to respond in the Spirit and put him in his place as well, that being a fallen one, or will you get caught up in petty wrestling matches in the affairs of this life? The more you stay seated in the heavenly realm in Christ, hearing His message, the more you will continue to move forward in your walk with Him and not let anyone tell you different. The Lord has prepared a place for you in His kingdom, now put the distractions behind you and obtain what is rightfully yours. Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV) The enemy is like a little tattle tale, slinging mud at the believers to see if it will stick. Those that know their rights and authority in Christ will be blameless, without spot before Him. Once you have been cleansed by the washing of the water by the word of God it is imperative that you keep clean so that the mud does not stick. While accessing your place in the heavenly realm, do know there will be opposition, but do keep the persuasion and the mindset that nothing will come before your love for God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realm with a place for you right next to Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (KJV)
When the spirit leaves a body and the body is brought to the hospital it is considered DOA, dead on arrival. When someone shows up before the throne of God to give an account of their life only to find out that the works they did as a so called body of believers was not of God, then they are considered DOA also. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) You know, these people described in the above verses were actually believers, and from the looks of things it involved many. Have you ever met someone that claimed they knew you early on in life but they left and you forgot about them? Well that’s basically what has happened to many well intentioned people who committed their lives to God only to walk a different path than He intended for them to follow. Oh and they may be believers, but they chose not to walk by faith but rather a different path that even though it looked good and sounded good to mankind it was not pleasing to Our Father in heaven. So where did they go wrong, and how did they end up being turned away from a reward that God had intended for them to inherit? Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV) It looks to me like there wasn’t much of a foundation to build their church on, which got blown away with winds of doctrine. Being the fact that you are the temple of the living God, what is your church built and founded on; man’s shifty sandy doctrines, or have you built a rock solid case that won’t be moved? Faith is your ability to hear the message personally from Christ Himself, and then follow through with what He is asking, in deed as well as in word. Those that build their foundation on man’s doctrine and according to what man thinks a church should be built on will find themselves in a precarious position; when instead of giving God the answer He is looking for concerning their salvation they will still have question marks that will not allow them access into the heavenly realm. Luke 14:26-30 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (27) And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (28) For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (29) Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, (30) Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. (KJV) You know, I often wondered why God asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son, but now having seen the example he set, being a doer of the word as well as a hearer, I see why. How many have really counted the cost of serving the Lord, no matter whom or what the Lord may ask us to give up or walk away from, even if it is something near and dear to us? If there is something or someone in this world you hold in higher esteem other than our Lord and you are not willing to bear the cross and die to self in these areas, well simply put, you cannot be a disciple of our Lord either. How many times have we seen in the paper or on TV where some prominent preacher or someone proclaiming Christianity gets caught doing something that is completely contrary to sound doctrine, and they become a laughing stock to the world? The same thing will happen to many well intended Christians who may have begun in the Spirit but somewhere along the line allowed the flesh and its desires to take control, sometimes so subtly they didn’t even notice it. Are you in it for the long haul, no matter where the path of life leads and which way it goes, even if it is opposite of someone or something we held near and dear to our old nature? You need to count the cost, because faith without works, following through with what our Lord is asking of you, is dead, done, over, not happening. The word hate in verse 26 means to love less; not be angry with or to the point of wishing ill on someone. Romans 4:18-20 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: (20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV) You know, when you look at things according to the outward or the carnal point of view the deck was stacked against Abraham, it didn’t look good for the home team. When one watches sporting events on TV the home crowd has a tendency to boo and get discouraged when their team is behind, or it doesn’t appear to be making much progress. However, for those that have a strong relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ, they know God has the final say so in all situations no matter how it may appear early on. Are you staggering around looking for an alternative way, or are you strong in faith giving glory to God knowing in all not just some things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 4:21-25 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; (24) But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25) Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (KJV) Are you fully persuaded and holding to the promise of God built upon the foundation of His apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone, or are have you built a case on sand, quick sand that won’t hold up but rather let down? Our Lord Himself died so that we wouldn’t have too, being raised to the right hand of the Father so that He could be the mediator between us, giving us a personal message for our justification. Have you received His message today; are you standing on His foundation, Jesus Christ? After all it takes a spiritual foundation and rock to withstand a spiritual storm so that you don’t end up another casualty with a toe tag marked DOA. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 2:20-22 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (KJV)
Abraham was justified before God because he was willing to act on what he heard from the Lord, even to the point of offering up his own son, the one that had been promised to him for so many years. We have been promised a Son also, and God has delivered on that promise, now the question is, ‘are you following through on your end; you know, with that commitment you made to Him’? Are you acting on what you hear from the Lord, even if it totally contradicts what you see or think? Abraham did, and thus was used of the Lord to deliver His message of faith; being an example of a true believer, not only in word, but in deed as well. James 2:17-19 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (KJV) Oh but they believe in God, doesn’t that make them good people? Well the devils believe also; in fact they were actually a part of the heavenly realm at one time only to end up dead, separated from God for eternity, and so will all those that just hear the word of God but don’t act on it and follow through with the plan God had for them before the foundation of the world. Luke 12:16-18 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (KJV) Isn’t it interesting that what may have started out in the Spirit someone decided they could perfect it by the flesh. Many Christians start out rich in faith bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit plentifully, but somewhere along the line what began with God has now become their own works. Oh but they preach from the Bible, yeah but so does the devil; he has been around a lot longer than you have and has twisted and perverted the word of God so that rather than living by faith many have created their own organizations thinking bigger is better, and what was once God’s creation is now their own, or so they think. Luke 12:19-21 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (KJV) God chose us so that we could be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom. Many would rather find an easier path to follow, looking to kick back a bit. These works that man claims are of God are nothing more than their own creations, legends in their own minds, which will end abruptly when they find out the real difference between God’s work and their own conceited carnal concoctions. Isaiah 1:19-20 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: (20) But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (KJV) Willing and obedient; like faith and works, following through with what you hear so that you can get the results our Lord intended for you. The spirit is willing, now you need to get the body in subjection to it so that you can walk in the Spirit and not be in bondage to the desires of the flesh and its fallen nature. The Lord is not going to force you or beg you into His kingdom, but rather He would love to have you be a partaker of His divine nature; in fact it is His good pleasure to give you of His kingdom, now will you take it? James 2:22-24 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (KJV) Do you think you are always going to like what you hear from the Lord, or what He is asking you to do, or walk away from? I am sure that Abraham had to wonder what was going on, especially after waiting so long for the promise of a son to be fulfilled, only to be asked to give him up at the altar. What if God asked you to give something or someone up for His kingdom’s sake, would you follow through with His works and act on what you heard, or would you call it quits? Heck I wonder how many would squeal and complain if the Lord asked them to give up sports center for a day? Do you think Peter, Paul, and the rest of the people God used throughout the Bible enjoyed being mistreated the way they were for the kingdom’s sake; and yet aren’t you glad they endured and were able to deliver a message of encouragement that is still being read by the Church today? Hebrews 5:8-9 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (KJV) Abraham’s faith was made perfect by works; being a doer of the word of God and not just a hearer only. Our Lord Himself was obedient, even to the point of death on the cross, choosing the Spirit over the flesh. You know, you can sit out in a field all day but it won’t make you a farmer. Many people sit in religious buildings and organizations year after year hearing a message but never acting on it, which won’t make them a Christian either. James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (KJV) And so are the people that never act and follow through with what they hear from the Lord; many sit idly by waiting for God to do something before they act rather than stepping out in faith and allowing God to confirm His word with signs following. Similar to driving, you need to get out on the road and then you will see the mile markers and signs that confirm you are heading in the right direction instead of sitting home waiting for someone else to drive you. Faith works. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:4-6 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (5) And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
Seeing in secret, which is how our Father views people, now refers to something hidden or concealed, the inward man. Those that God reveals Himself to are the ones that serve Him in Spirit and in truth doing all things heartily as unto Him and not seeking accolades or recognition from man. To the natural or carnal man it is foolishness to think that a God in heaven would encourage, let alone actually speak to people; but to those that have been enlightened into the realm of the Spirit it is something expected, hoped for. Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (25) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (KJV) Strong’s definition for ‘hope’: 1679 elpizo (el-pid'-zo); from 1680; to expect or confide: KJV-- (have, thing) hope (-d) (for), trust. What is your hope today and where are you looking to find it? Are you still looking in the outward realm to find the answer or secret that has been concealed, or are you able to see the inner workings of our Lord to establish that trust and confidence? In an election year there are many promises, people claiming to have an answer to what many are hoping for, a better life. The truth be known, that while many promise liberty they themselves are still servants of corruption, having sold out to the world and its fallen ways. A true believer in God will find the answer in a secret hidden realm, that of the Spirit which is not seen by man but open and on display for those that seek to find Him. 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) God sees in secret and desires for His people to seek their answer in this realm as well. While many preach and teach of a better life in this fallen temporal realm, few look and truly walk in an eternal hidden realm, the only one that will give an eternal reward. Today many still teach and preach about a man named Jesus seeing only the outward man. But there was so much more to this man than the human eye could see, and those that truly knew our Lord understood the inner man, a secret spiritual man named Christ. Those that are still stuck in the temporal realm have only a temporary incomplete answer, while those that tap into the spiritual realm will find the eternal one. While your alms or so called good deeds look good to man, many of which come in the form of religion, there is a true body of Christ that knows what the only hope is that will be pleasing to our Father. Colossians 1:25-28 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (KJV) Paul explains his calling to teach and preach about a mystery, something hidden and concealed, but now made known to mankind, a secret that is now out. Our only hope, expectation of glory is found in Christ; and the only way one will find that they are able to grow and mature is in Him. Christ is the power and wisdom of God, the Spirit that leads and guides us on the only path that will lead to eternal life, while anything else is just a false hope. If you wish to tap into the inner workings of our Lord, the secret hidden things, then you will only find it through Christ Jesus, the one and only mediator between God and man. What are you hoping for today; are you still looking to the outward or some man to find the answer to the secret of our Lord, or have you gone deeper in your search to find the true answer to a spiritual mystery? Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV) Simply put today, it is one and done; one body of believers which is the body of Christ. One Spirit; which if any man has not the spirit of Christ then they are none of His; and as we just read one man is our only hope of glory, you got it Christ. According to the word of God it all adds up to Christ, while anything less would just be hopeless and futile. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) (6) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (KJV) There are a lot of cheap imitations out and about in this fallen world, many things or people that claim to have the answer. There is only one answer though that will be accepted by our Father, and that is a spiritual answer to a spiritual secret which is being manifested to us by a working knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ. Do you know the answer to the secret? Someday you will be asked to give it before our Father; why not let that be today. That is my hope for each and every believer in Christ, God bless. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (KJV)
Why should you expect the best? How about the fact that you serve the best, someone who always has your best interest at heart. When mankind was in dire need of a savior God gave us His best in the form of His Son Jesus Christ to restore the fellowship between us and Him, and give us the gift of life. When the answer to your prayers manifest you know it is of God because there is not a shadow of doubt that it came from Him and was just what you needed; at times above and beyond what you could have ever thought of or asked for. We have been reborn into a new realm of the Spirit by the word of truth so that we could tap into the tree of life and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, now becoming rooted and grounded in the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts. So when you come before the throne of God and make your requests, do you truly expect the best or are your prayers like throwing dice, hoping you will get a good roll? Romans 11:16-22 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. (17) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; (18) Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. (19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. (20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (KJV) You know Church this tree you have been grafted into is not one of chance or luck, but rather a sure thing to those that partake of it. Actually you are grafted into the tree of life which is Christ so that you can now be an active participant in a new life. A branch can break off a tree because of high winds, or in the case of a believer winds of doctrine that blow through which causes one to doubt and speak words that cut them off from the source of life. What is the cause for the branch being broke off; simple unbelief. What allows you to continue to partake of the root and fatness of the tree; simple faith. The more one stays attached to this tree of life the more deeply rooted and grounded they become in it and bear the fruit of it as well. God is no respecter of persons and didn’t play favorites with His natural branches which were the Jews, and He has now allowed any and all that would call upon the name of the Lord to be saved and partake of this new life in Him. As long as you continue to remain rooted and grounded in the love of God partaking of this tree of life you to should be expecting the goodness of God in your life. Psalms 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV) There are times that our carnal minds wander in the depths of despair, a shadow of death because we have allowed something to block the light from shining in. As a true believer in Christ one should be retraining, renewing their mind to think like our Lord, reminding ourselves that we are the head and should quit acting like the tail end. So once one is able to get their mind out of the gutter, that valley or low point in their walk, and recover themselves they are able to clearly see the answer the Lord has for them in verses 5&6. We have all experienced heartache and frustration in the past; trying to find peace in the dead realm of the flesh, exerting so much energy only to end up frustrated and defeated. Now that we are grafted into this new realm of the Spirit, a realm of victory, we need to be confident in the fact that surely, not maybe or possibly, goodness and mercy is now a part of my life and continues to follow me all, not just some of, the days of my life. God has prepared a table for you in His heavenly realm and is now seeking those that wish to be seated with Christ and partake of the meat of His word on a daily basis. The more you stay seated with Him the less you will be caught up and entangled with the things of this life, so that like with a branch, the fellowship won’t be broken again. Quite simply put, now that you are a part of the tree of life bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit you should continue to expect the best from our Lord and not expect the results you used to get from your past. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) You are a new creature, a new creation in Christ, old failures, old results, old excuses are now passed away and your life should be a totally new experience, one of confidence and peace as well as a newfound inner strength that you never knew existed before. When you pray and make your requests to God through Jesus Christ, where there was once a shadow of doubt there should now be a new expectation of confidence, boldness, and assurance that your prayers are heard and answered. What was once a life of a day late and a dollar short is now replaced by an assurance that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Instead of being a loser and ending up with the short end of the stick, I can now expect my cup to be running over with living waters which flow from the heart and bring new life and shed light where there was darkness and despair. Are you living in the new today or are you still holding to the past, stuck in a valley looking for the way out? Do you really expect the best from God? Then start giving Him your best effort, because with what measure you give His way will come back your way. Sometimes the reason we don’t see our way out of a situation is because we don’t spend enough time seated in the heavenly realm to hear the message delivered by Christ and we end up stooping to the ways of the world. You need to spend enough time in the word of God renewing the mind so that you can take words like ‘I can’t’ or ‘it just isn’t possible’ out of your vocabulary and replace it with words like ‘I can do all things through Christ’ or ‘with God all things are possible’, and nothing I mean nothing is impossible to those that believe. A new creation in Christ means that what was impossible to man in his fallen realm is now possible and should be expected by those that are a part of this new realm, a new life made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (9) Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) You know, when you read the news of the world it is not really news or anything new, but rather the same negative things resulting from a fallen world. People fighting and warring trying to find peace in a realm the Lord said was dead, and there is no life. When one partakes of the word of God they are able to partake of a totally new realm, actually a realm where the victory is guaranteed before hand, with a promise of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. If you give God your best then you can expect the best in return, letting His word be your one true source of life. Expect the best, because after all you serve the best. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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