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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. As with any building, it has to be built according to a certain code, up to the standard required so that it will pass inspection. Father has provided a building code as well, a spiritual blueprint that has to be read and followed in order to pass His inspection as well.
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) In order to understand this code one needs to be in direct communication with the foreman, otherwise the building won’t stand. Luke 6:47-49 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: (48) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (49) But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (KJV) A firm foundation is the most important part of the building, and without it you are on shaky ground, ready to be swept away with winds of doctrines; or a flood of new wave teachings that are not up to Father’s code written in His blueprint of salvation. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (KJV) Could you imagine being a building contractor and leaving out the cornerstone of the building; the foundation that holds it together? Being that you are the temple of the living God, would you want to leave this stone unturned and not put to use? CORNERSTONE A stone placed at the corner, or the intersecting angle, where two walls of a building come together. In biblical times, buildings were often made of cut, squared stone. By uniting two intersecting walls, a cornerstone helped align the whole building and tie it together. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) By leaving out the most important part of the blueprint of salvation, will leave you on shaky ground, and you might just end up getting fired. Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) Jesus Christ is a sure thing, the one mediator between God and man, who was able to follow God’s plan of salvation. Being that He is the author and finisher of our faith, are you following the same blueprint as well, or are you trying to rewrite the book, cut corners, leaving out the most important part of the instructions? 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV) Why not go with a sure thing, the winning formula, the name of Jesus Christ will access you to the throne of God, and the spirit of Christ will enlighten your understanding of what His will and design is for your spiritual house as well. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (KJV) Have you ever heard the phrase ‘who’s the man’? Someday you will have to stand before Father and answer that question as well. Will you be able to give the answer according to His word, or will you go by popular opinion? Will your answer pass inspection and be up to His code? The consequences are eternal. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
We have talked before about prophesying, which simply means to speak under the inspiration of, that being inspired by the Holy Spirit. Just before the above verses we are warned of many who were not inspired and speaking in line with the Spirit, who end up deceived and fall short of the eternal reward God had intended for them. God sent us a wise man, that being Jesus of Nazareth, who was willing to speak words that were Spiritual and brought life to the believers, having built His house on a rock solid foundation. Knowing what that foundation is for yourself is vital if you wish to be used of God and speak His words which will be Spiritual and bring forth life as well, and allow you access into His eternal realm. Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) Christ is that rock, that rock solid foundation that is lacking with many who are still building their foundation on sand, that being man’s doctrines and false interpretations of the gospel. Many talk of Jesus the man but are oblivious to Christ the Son of God who was within Him, the Spirit that was leading and guiding Him in truth. After all, He did quite well for Himself having been seated at the right hand of God, and is now ready to reveal Himself to you personally and show you how you too can walk the path that leads to eternal life. Is your foundation built on this Rock, or is it more of a crock, something manmade and not acknowledged by God? 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV) Ever see products that have a seal on them? One in particular that comes to mind is the real seal; this is a seal that marks them as genuine, the real deal. We see again that the writer Paul here was inspired to speak concerning the foundation of God, and that it is in the name of Christ that we are set free and depart from iniquity. We need to rightly divide the word of truth; so as you go through your Bible keep in mind the name of Christ and how important it is that you are established on this rock solid foundation. John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (2) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (3) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) How about looking at the verses and ask, what did this man Jesus of Nazareth call Himself? He definitely was an inspirational speaker and still is; seated at the right hand of God and delivering His message of faith and love to His church. So if this is the Rock that He was established on, and this is the name He acknowledged as being His, how can I go wrong? Mark 9:38-41 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (39) But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (40) For he that is not against us is on our part. (41) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (KJV) That’s comforting to know, that if I know His name and belong to Him, being a part of the family in Christ, then I will not lose my reward. Remember in Matthew 7:21-23, many had claimed to be speaking on the Lord’s behalf but He replied depart from me I never knew you. Obviously they didn’t know His name therefore He didn’t know their name either, which meant that they must have built their foundation on something other than the Rock. While today I hear many preach and teach in the name of Jesus, I see in Mark that those that know the name of Christ and teach in that name will not be turned away from the gates of heaven but will be welcomed in with open arms. Do you know the name that will get you access and keep you established on the Rock, or are you building on the sand where it is just a matter of time before the house gets taken down stream? Acts 4:10-13 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. (13) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (KJV) Remember that name that was revealed to Peter in Matthew 16:16-18? It was the rock solid revelation that came from God Himself and inspired Peter, that others marveled at the boldness and knowledge he received from that revelation. There is no other name given under heaven; there is no other foundation that you can lay than that which is laid, Jesus Christ, not just Jesus but the complete name Jesus Christ. Which is why people who pray in the name of Jesus and leave out Christ are someday going to find out that their name may be left off of His heavenly register as well. If we deny Him (Christ), then He will deny us also. John 4:23-26 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (KJV) Who is speaking to you and where are you seeking inspiration from? If it is Christ then you are well established, while anyone else will not hold up. Are you a ‘can do’ person? Then you will know how to get it accomplished. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:11-13 And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables? (KJV)
The things of God are described as being a mystery, a truth that has been hidden to the outward man, but is now being revealed to the inward one. In fact the term knowing is used because without knowing who you are in Christ, you may well be a mystery to God, something you don’t want to wait till the Day of Judgment to find out. Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 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. (KJV) I was personally asked about this mystery that we preach and what is the big deal about it? Well first of all it reveals a name, and not just the name of the outward man which many today acknowledge as Jesus. In order to truly know the Father you have to know His Son, and that is by personal revelation through the Spirit. Matthew 16:18-20 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV) So what’s the big deal? By leaving Christ out of the equation you have eliminated the foundation from which the Lord builds on. You also are left standing at the door of the kingdom, without the keys to enter in. Those are two things I don’t desire to have left out of my arsenal. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (KJV) Many builders today are trying to subcontract and cut corners, building on a sandy foundation. Those are the many that have been called, but have not been chosen, at least not by God. These are the many that are popular with mankind because their doctrines appeal more to the outward man than the inward one our Lord is revealing to His people. 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) There is not much of a mystery concerning Jesus of Nazareth; many knew this man and his family lineage according to the flesh. Today many still hold to the name of Jesus, but leave out Christ, the rock that holds the church together. Take note of verse 5 which clearly shows us who this mystery is revealed to. To be continued…God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 14:12-14 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (KJV)
The word mirth refers to pleasure as well as a happy issue. For those that have come to know the Lord personally in Spirit and in truth they are no longer basing their walk on feelings and emotions. I say this because sometimes we are our own worst enemies; we base things on happiness, and not the joy of the Lord which is what we should be relying on for our strength. Much of what man calls a worship service is nothing more than an emotional lift or fix, followed by a crash back to reality. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happened according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happened according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. 15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes :) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (KJV) In these last days that we live in we see how mankind comes up with more gimmicks and nonsense to try to satisfy an inward hunger. Man runs to and fro seeking something that will give him satisfaction, only to find out in the end it was nothing more than a mirage. Many of man’s doctrines are based on empty promises by those that promise liberty, but they themselves are still the servants of corruption. The reason mankind doesn’t truly understand God and His ways is because they keep looking in the wrong places to find Him, like in this outward fallen world, and not in the realm of Spirit and truth where He is today. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (KJV) Waving at the ceiling or jumping up and down to a bunch of loud gaudy music supposedly in the name of the Lord will not get you to the place you need to be today. Someday soon the Lord is going to shine the spotlight in your direction before allowing you to enter into His eternal joy, and you better make sure it is not built on a flammable foundation. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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