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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. Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Jesus of Nazareth was made a little lower than the angels and was born into this realm, having been a partaker of flesh and blood. The Bible states clearly that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. So after His death, burial and resurrection, He was then glorified by God having accepted the blood sacrifice for the sin of the world and is now elevated to the position of Lord and Christ, the one mediator between God and man, seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (64) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (65) Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. (KJV) When we see the reference to Christ the Son of God as well as the Son of man sitting on the right hand and coming in the clouds, the statement is truth, making reference to what we just saw in Acts 2:36, of these two God has made one new man so making peace, which culminates in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ; and those that choose to follow the same leading of the Holy Spirit will find an abundance of peace in the new man God is forming within them also. Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) We too have access to the same Spirit. And the more we allow this Spirit to bear witness to our spirit, the more we are reminded of our inheritance in Christ, and how we too can receive the reward of inheritance and a glorified body so that we can be together with Him for an eternity. The more you receive this witness from above the more you realize that you are truly a son of God and will start acting like one of His also. So who is it or what is it you are bearing witness with? Because the Bible clearly states that whatsoever is not of faith, the message delivered by Christ, is sin. Without faith and this Spirit bearing witness with our spirit then it is impossible to please God, we end up thieves and robbers trying to access the Father by our flesh and blood carnal thinking which cannot inherit His kingdom. Galatians 4:19-21 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (20) I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice for I stand in doubt of you. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (KJV) It pained Paul to see the people who were born again into the realm of the Spirit by their simple hearing of faith, only to see them fall back to their old ways by the works of the law. There is a new creation within you, ready to birth and come to life within you so that you can be a new creation in Christ and leave the old man and its old ways dead and buried behind you. So are you nurturing that new man within you by giving it a steady daily dose of the word of God, or are you trying to feed him with old dead, decaying, unhealthy doctrines of man? 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) If any man has not the Spirit of Christ working within them and bearing witness to them of who they are in Christ, then they are none of His. Our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, and having received a glorified body is now a part of the Godhead. Some refer to the Godhead as the trinity; the Bible speaks of three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, which these three agree in one and operate in unison together as one. We too become one with God through Christ, and we are complete in Him when we receive His witness as truth and let that set us free from the traditions and rudiments of this fallen world. Our Lord Jesus Christ is an active part of this Godhead, having taken His place at the right hand of the Father; and by His sacrifice has prepared a place for us with Him as well. Ephesians 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; (12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (KJV) A Gentile is a reference to an unbeliever, someone outside the realm of faith and not walking in God’s plan of salvation. Some have tried to link the mystery of the gospel as the Jew and Gentile coming together as one, which is based on the outward and not the inward. The mystery of the gospel is Christ in you and me, someone that was on the outside of salvation, an unbeliever who was in the flesh and only knew how to operate in that realm, but who has now been reconciled to God by His Son and His Spirit within us. Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (KJV) It began with the Son of man, a child born unto us Jesus of Nazareth, and it culminated into the Son of God, Christ, the Son given. Of these two God made one new man so that we could be more like Him, Christ like, and continue in the peace of God. Is there new life springing forth in you also, are you letting His Spirit bear witness with your spirit so that you can be one with Him and be that new creation in Christ? You have the mind of Christ; and the more you let Him witness to your mind the more you stay one with Him and in agreement to what God is asking of you today. It’s when we become double minded that we end up unstable and are no longer receiving the things of God. Who’s number one? We are, if we continue to let this new man take over and leave our old nature in the graveyard. God bless. And have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)
If you go into any city and take the time to look into a phone book under the title of churches you will find pages and pages of different so called faiths and denominations. In others words, when posed with the same question we see in the above verses mankind is still rendering many different opinions on who this Jesus of Nazareth was and what to call this man. In fact some two thousand plus years ago some were trying to associate him with the Baptist, which being the fact that he didn’t acknowledge himself to be one back then I don’t know why so many today are still trying to pin that label on him. We do see him acknowledging himself as the Son of man, having partaken of flesh and blood, but as we are about to see, something else will come into play and expand the field so to speak. Matthew 16:16-18 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. (KJV) Christ, the Son of the living God, not God as many claim, but His Son. The fact that God Himself is a Spirit it would only be fitting that His Son, Christ, is of that realm also. Not only was this Jesus born of the flesh but he was also reborn of the Spirit and is Spirit also; the same Spirit of Christ that led this man Jesus of Nazareth is the same Spirit that is abiding in you and what should be leading you as well. This rock foundation is spiritual, and the only foundation that will withstand and prevail against the gates of hell. It is this Spirit of Christ within the believer that allows each of us to be a part of the family of God so that we too can receive the adoption of Sons. We see our Lord acknowledging the two births again, that which is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit, Christ, which if any man has not His Spirit he is not of God, which now makes it a complete package, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. 1 Corinthians 10:2-5 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV) Even in the Old Testament we see the Son of God, Christ, alive and well, His Spirit working among the people. Back then it was providing water that fed the flesh, today it provides us living spiritual water that quenches our spiritual thirst. This is the only name, the rock solid name of the Son of God that our Father acknowledges as one of His and the only name that you can get your prayers through to our Father. Though many claim that Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was Jesus the son of man that was born, Christ always was and always will be, or as He put it I AM. Again that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit; you must be born again with this Spirit of Christ or you cannot see the kingdom of God. Colossians 1:26-29 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: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Paul described this revelation of Christ as a mystery, something hid and kept secret but now made manifest. To those that operate solely in the realm of the flesh this continues to be a mystery. And like we saw with the question asked in Matthew 16:13-15, many are still answering this question according to popular opinion and not by a personal revelation and relationship with God in the Spirit. So no matter what man thinks or how many labels and titles they try to put on Him, His word is quite specific on how His plan of salvation works and who it is that is working in His people. So people, before you jump on these bandwagons of popular beliefs and doctrines take the time in the word of God and prayer, and see for yourself who the Lord truly is and by what name does He go by and acknowledges Himself to be. The only teaching and the only way to present the believer perfect, mature in all wisdom, will only be accomplished by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) This is a great mystery and continues to be because it is hid to the carnal man and his way of thinking, and only revealed to the spiritual man and those that desire to worship God in spirit and in truth. God truly was manifest in the flesh, His plan of salvation and the miracles that He worked through Jesus of Nazareth were only accomplished by the Spirit of Christ within Him and His willingness and obedience to follow that leading. As this Jesus Christ is known also as the Son of God, so are you if you continue your relationship with the Father by basing your walk on what the Spirit of Christ working within you dictates and not by the box mankind tries to stick Him in and label Him with. It takes one to know one; so if you want to resemble your Father in heaven then you need to follow the example of the Son and the Spirit of Him, Christ, if you wish to receive the reward of inheritance. We will continue with this topic of the Son of God, so keep the faith grounded and settled within you, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have you ever heard the statement that Jesus was God? Some have referred to him as the God man, and that he was actually God himself. An interesting statement, one that raises eyebrows, but as far as truth goes by what the Bible says, tells me different. As in any case or any doctrine that blows through town it is up to you, the individual believer, to take the time to study the word of God and rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know for yourself what the Lord’s take is on the matter, and find the spiritual meaning within all scripture. Remember your salvation is riding on the fact of you finding the truth and letting that truth set you free so that you can worship our Lord in spirit and in truth. So who was this Jesus of Nazareth, and was he actually God, or was he a man whom God chose to reveal His plan of salvation through, and to have him present himself a living sacrifice for all mankind to reconcile us into a relationship with the Father through his obedience to Him?
Acts 10:36-38 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (37) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV) As I look at these verses it is quite clear that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. Now had Jesus been God, then He would not have had to anoint Himself would he? Rather the word of God is quite specific to show us the difference between man and God. You know, you too have been anointed with this same Holy Ghost and power once you accepted God’s plan of salvation and chose to follow Him. The question you now face is the same one Jesus of Nazareth did, and all those that chose to follow His example face on a daily basis as well; will you walk in the Spirit and overcome the lusts and desires of the flesh, or will you give in to the desires of the flesh and mind, and fall back into destruction? If you notice at the end of verse 38 it clearly points out that God was with him, not God was him. God has used different people throughout the Old and New Testament to deliver His message, and has worked miracles through them, but it didn’t mean they were God, just obedient messengers of His word. If Jesus of Nazareth and Paul the apostle were any more special than you and I what hope would we truly have if we desired to walk with God as well? It’s the same spirit of Christ that worked in them that is working within us, the only difference was their willingness and obedience to it. So please, quit looking at all these people in the Bible like they are Marvel comic super heroes, and start seeing yourself in God’s plan of salvation, and let Him be your Father also. Jesus of Nazareth lived a life in the Spirit without sin, and laid down His life so that we too could live without the influence of sin and death in our lives, and bring the same message of hope and healing to a dying dark world. James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) One of the differences between me and Jesus of Nazareth is that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; a pure blood line separated from the bloodline of a fallen mankind, and thus was able to live a life without sin having been led by the Spirit of Christ from conception. I on the other hand spent many years in a life of sin and separation from God, and have spent many years undoing the old ways and thoughts, retraining myself to walk in the things of God which takes a daily renewing of the mind. So even though I was duped, and allowed myself to be drawn into sin, Jesus of Nazareth didn’t allow the temptation to draw him away from God to the point of sin, falling into its deception, but held fast His profession of faith without wavering. Take special note of verse 13 which clearly states that not only does God not tempt with evil neither can He be tempted with it. So if Jesus was God then how could He have been tempted? Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (KJV) The word succour in verse 18 means to bring aid, help or relief; and what better example or man than the one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who suffered through the same temptations that we dealt with and yet sinned not. In other words we have someone seated at the right hand of the Father who is not asking us to do something He himself wasn’t willing to do, and to show us how we too can overcome these by faith in Him. Would that not have been an unfair advantage had he been God and didn’t have to suffer through these same things as we do? Isn’t it a relief to know that we can now access someone who has been there and done it under the same terms and conditions as we do and yet was able to accomplish it successfully and complete without sin? Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) How many times do we see the term Son of God, and not God being given to not only Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but unto all those that answer the call of God and become adopted into His family? You too have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now one of those that are following His example. Though you may be called of God, and being a Christian looks like a good way to follow, something one might want to check into, it’s only those that know the truth and let it set them free that will be able to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and the sin which leads to separation and an eternal death from the Father. Matthew 4:1-3 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (KJV) Again note, if Jesus was God then how could he have been tempted when the Bible tells us God cannot be tempted? This same Jesus took part of the same flesh and blood body you have and it’s frailties, yet sinned not. The question for today is, will you now partake of the same Spirit of Christ that was within Jesus of Nazareth and is within you, this same Jesus Christ that is seated at the right hand of the Father ready to make intercession for you, and show you how in all things to be more than conquerors by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit? So walk in that same Spirit, and you too will not be trapped in the lusts of the flesh. Was Jesus God? Well not according to God’s word he wasn’t. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (3) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) 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: (KJV)
There are some today that claim there are no more apostles and prophets, and no more miracles because they ceased after the disciples and the work they accomplished. But if you look at the above verses we see they are given and called by God for the work of the ministry to help build up the body of Christ and teach them how to grow and mature in Him. So simply put, as long as there is a body of believers in Christ, and as long as there is a ministry work being done, then nothing could be further from the truth than to think that there are no more apostles and prophets out there still answering the call. The reason people preach this nonsense is because they haven’t answered their own call to the ministry work, and have limited God by what others tell them and not what the spirit of God would be speaking. Many think of a prophet as one that just speaks of future events or someone the Lord has worked a miracle through; and because they don’t see it for themselves then they think it doesn’t work for others. Matthew 16:1-4 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. (2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. (3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (4) A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. (KJV) The Lord Himself was confronted with those that limited the things of God by the outward, not realizing the plan of salvation that would be manifested to the believers by an inward change. Many today are looking for some outward sign and miracle, and fall short of their calling because they miss the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation, and being able to be born again into the realm of the Spirit. Things that were previously hidden and unable to be understood by man are now being unveiled and revealed to them through the Spirit, and the miracle of this new life and beginning. The Old Testament prophets could only speak as the Holy Spirit came upon them, and delivered the message of a Messiah that God would send for the salvation of the world. The New Testament prophets are the ones that should be teaching the Church the mystery of the gospel, and enlightening them to the Messiah that has come; pointing them in the direction of the spiritual realm, and to quit looking for an outward manifestation or sign. God is still more than capable of miracles; which to us they are awe inspiring but to Him it’s just business as usual. The question is ‘where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the gospel; will you keep looking for an outward sign or will you seek the inward confirmation that will build a firm foundation for you to stand on’? Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV) People today still look at Jesus the man and the demonstration of the power of God he allowed to work through him, which was only done by the spirit of Christ within Him. Today many still teach and preach the blessings of God and relate it only to the outward manifestations they can see, totally ignoring all the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with which are in the heavenly places, and can only be found by those that are able to operate within the realm of the Spirit. Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (KJV) Before our conversion we were all spiritually sick. Spiritually we were like the lepers; which when they contracted the disease, had to be separated from others so as not to spread this deadly disease. We have all been raised from the dead spiritually, and are able to walk in a newness of life leaving the old ways and the old man behind us. I am able to cast down every negative imagination of the devil which he would try to mislead me with, by the renewing of my mind so that I can operate with the mind of Christ. With all that is available in the spiritual realm, why are so many still looking for an outward sign in a realm where the Lord said He wouldn’t be found? Freely we have received this gift of Christ and freely we should be distributing it; which is why I don’t understand why so many have put a price tag on the word of God. If one is truly called of God and preaching His word then they will be distributing it freely without fleecing the flock and making merchandise of them. Ephesians 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (KJV) Obviously this mystery that Paul wrote about, ministering to the Church his personal knowledge of Christ, is still a mystery to many which claim there are no more prophets today. As long as there is the Church, the body of believers still left here, there will be those that are still called to this position; the question is, will they answer the call in the Spirit, or will they miss out because they seek the answer in the flesh. Paul found his answer in the realm of the Spirit, and wrote to the Church that is in Christ, the Son of God, that this mystery is only revealed through a personal knowledge in Christ. Ephesians 3:6-10 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (8) 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, (KJV) The answer is in Christ. Those that have been called to His ministry will not limit their calling to what man tries to dictate; rather they will come to a personal knowledge of the mystery of the gospel so that they not only can see for themselves the unsearchable riches in Christ, but continue to teach others and allow the truth in Him to still be in play. The manifold wisdom of God is still available to all that would seek a relationship with the Father; but it can only be accomplished by those that seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Don’t limit God, and don’t be taken in by these false doctrines of man that have chosen to limit Him and their own calling, but rather walk by faith and let Him reveal Himself to you. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth 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 heareth them. (KJV)
The Lord and His people have been warning us to be on the lookout for not just a few but the many false prophets, who like wolves, prey on the wounded and the weak of the flock. Too many Christians have let their guard down; and like an unsuspecting boxer, end up getting sucker punched by someone they thought was legit. When you listen to these sermons today they focus on worldly areas that many people struggle in; and like with many infomercials you see on TV they promise quick fix solutions to people still in bondage to spiritual ailments; which if they addressed those first, then the troublesome areas in these people’s lives would be more easily overcome. Rather than focus on the spiritual (which is why it is the spirit of antichrist), the one thing that would set them free is ignored; they keep giving worldly solutions to solve a spiritual need and many then end up falling short and discouraged. If any man has not the spirit of Christ, a working knowledge of the Son of God, then He is none of His. Greater is He, Christ in you the hope of glory, than he the spirit of antichrist which is roaming this planet like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour with the cares and distractions of this life. Case in point, at times I see the headline about ministers who complain about opening their books to congress to give an account of their spending habits. These ministers claim government intrusion, the same government they bowed down to in order to get their tax exempt status. If you don’t want them intruding into your business then get out of theirs and just pay your fair share of taxes; which according to God’s word is the obligation of the Church. Wake up people and quit letting the fox guard the henhouse. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus Christ was faced with this spirit of antichrist which would have liked nothing better than to see Him change His message of salvation, soften His stance a bit, and maybe start compromising. Unlike many we see today that think they can mix and match like a buffet table, taking the things they desire and try to match them up with spiritual things, the Lord held His ground knowing that this life is temporary and that the message of salvation is eternal. The Lord knew He could not serve two masters because if He was double minded, like we see and hear in so many of mans’ sermons, then He would have become unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Are you holding fast your profession of faith this moment without wavering? Or have you been sucker punched by a worldly doctrine that you never saw coming because you weren’t watching and keeping your guard up? Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) With an unending priceless gift of spiritual blessings, have you even begun to explore all that is available to those in Christ? No wonder the devil comes a knocking. After all, he was at one time seated in the heavenly places but fell because of pride, and let go of his eternal reward. That spirit of antichrist would like nothing better than to keep you focused on the dead end things of this world so that you won’t look into the realm of the Spirit to see all that God has blessed you with. That joy and peace you have experienced is a result of an eternal plan of salvation God has for His people; and by His grace He has made it available for our benefit. So being that this plan originated in the heavenly realm and not this worldly one, then it would only be fitting to say that you can only continue in this new found joy and peace by looking to Christ and not this world. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) Here is an area where many let their guard down and get sucker punched. Rather than continue seeking the spiritual blessings in Christ they think the only way they will be complete is to have that special someone in their life. Now granted, God ordained marriage and it is a blessing when it is done according to who He joins together and not what our lower nature becomes attached to. Ever hear the term high maintenance? Well if you marry someone for the wrong reason, and they are still quite attached to the things of this world and not the things of God, you will find it nothing short of a distraction and a hindrance to your walk. I have seen many people who rather than realize they are complete in Christ, they try to fulfill a spiritual need with a physical one and end up bruised and beaten. Any time you look to the world or worldly people to find the answer, you will find that it did not come from God. It may look good and sound good to the outward man but inwardly it is a total abomination, a heartache that could have been avoided. Remember the devil will show you just the highlights and not the consequences. So when the party is over there will be a huge tab to pick up. 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) The world and its ways are passing away, and so are those that hang onto them. Only those that do the will of God and seek those things which are above will experience a life of joy and peace above and beyond what this world could ever offer. So what is your priority today at this moment? Are you seeking the spiritual blessings or are you still chasing your tail stuck in this dead end realm of misery and heartache? Jesus Christ came that you would have life and have it more abundantly in Him so that you could avoid a world of hurt, and not end up with some cheap imitation of the devil. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 12:33-35 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (KJV)
In this day and age when one looks around, they can easily see what the motive of man is, and how much emphasis has been placed on material things. Mankind puts bottom lines, corporate values, and monetary figures above their love for each other, and in the end as it is written, the love of many has waxed cold. Sad to say, this mindset has entered into many organizations that claim to be representing God, thus corrupting themselves as well as those that attend and support their folly. Matthew 6:24 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) Try as many do, you can only serve one master at a time. Though many claim to be a servant of God, in order to truly stay one, you have to sell out totally to God and not to the things of this life. The root of all evil is the love of money, and where their treasure is, there will be the heart also, as well as their messages which are based more on monetary value rather than spiritual. And rather than tell people what they really need to hear, and teach what really needs to be taught, most have sold out and would rather teach and preach things that keep the seats filled, not to mention their own wallets, rather than the heart. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV) That’s all I hear lately, these money pitches and promises of prosperity and wealth. You know Church, you have been blessed with all spiritual blessings; a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge from above so that you can walk in this confidence and not some false confidence based on money. Just because they have sold out, doesn’t mean you have to. So when they pitch this stuff at you about gain, which means money, getting acquisition, instead of looking for your wallets, that’s when you should start looking for the exit. Wake up people, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks; and it doesn’t take long if one is listening, to tell where someone is coming from, and what the true motive of their heart is. You have been grafted into the tree of life which is able to give you an eternal inheritance. So don’t be misled, and don’t allow your relationship to be broken off and wither away because you chose to follow some empty doctrine which promises much and delivers nothing but heartache and misery. Proverbs 23:4-6 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (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. (6) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: (KJV) Ever try to catch a bird? When I was younger I would try to sneak up on birds in the yard and see if I could catch one. Though at times it would seem I got close, they always made their escape and eluded me. The same holds true with these birdbrain doctrines of man; they claim to be sharing the bread of life, but the only bread they truly desire is what they can get the congregation to cough up, and how much they can get out of them. I have heard it said ‘a fool and his money are soon parted’; and obviously many corrupt individuals have figured this out and brought it into the religious realm; having found out that, rather than take the time to hear the Lord for themselves and establish a foundation for salvation, many would take the word of some cheap huckster and let him dictate to them how to live and at what cost, which by the way keeps going up. 1 Peter 1:22-23 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (KJV) It’s the truth of God’s word that brought you into His kingdom, and it is only His incorruptible Word that will keep you in it. The riches of this life are short lived, but the riches and glory that is available to those that put their trust in the Lord will abide forever. See that you walk in love as our Lord is love; and those that are truly His will be preaching and teaching an uncompromised message of love based on your spiritual outcome and not their own financial one. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (KJV) Do you know what a viper is? It refers to a poisonous snake, which usually is unseen, but sneaks up on its prey quietly before it strikes. Many unsuspecting, oftentimes newborn Christians, find themselves in a snake pit as well, and don’t realize the poisonous doctrines that are striking them in the heart, which can paralyze and lead to death. Unless one takes the time in the word of God and makes it their priority in life, they too may end up getting bit with the venom of the enemy, and never see it coming because they became lazy and dull of hearing. Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV) Those that know the Lord and love Him with all their heart are those that do not wish to do anything displeasing to our Father or His people. Our motives and our words should be only to build up others and bring them closer to the Lord, not mislead them with empty self serving doctrines. If you continue to grieve the Holy Spirit and not do those things that are pleasing to God, don’t expect to be too pleased with your outcome either when you go to seek His reward come the day of reckoning. You have a choice this day, right now, and what comes out of the mouth will expose what your true motivation is. Will you speak of the Lord and lift Him up, or will you lower yourself and your standards and speak of the devil? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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