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Good morning. Today's video Power is part 1 on the topic of the power of God. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 18:18-19 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (19) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation of Luke 18:18-19 18. Then a certain member of the council asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to get possession of eternal life?" 19. Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me perfectly good? No one is perfectly good but God Himself. Why does mankind keep trying to make God in man’s image and likeness, and not the other way around; you know, the way God said He made it? You know, this man Jesus of Nazareth didn’t say he was God because that would have made him a liar now wouldn’t it? In fact he was quite explicit and plain in his speech to point out that he wasn’t God, but that he was here to point people to a realm where God operates, that being the spiritual one. Today we see so many people put on pedestals, placing themselves in positions of authority especially in the Church or what man calls a church, pointing people to their works instead of the completed work God had His Son do on our behalf. Oh you might have gotten saved at some organization or building, but keep in mind it was the word of God that brought forth this new life and not the person that was speaking on His behalf, because remember, God has spoken to people in diverse manners; one time through an ass so that someone wouldn’t make himself into one. Go to the source people, give credit where credit is due, that being to our Father in heaven and not to any man on this earth who claims special privileges because they may have spoke His word, or make claims of all the wonderful works they think they are doing on His behalf. John 14:28-29 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (29) And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. (KJV) But the preacher last night said that Jesus was God, yet when I read what the Bible says it tells me something different. Get used to it folks, because the deeper you get into the word of truth the more complicated you see how mankind has made it, and how backwards the order is also according to man’s carnal reasoning. Jesus was a man, who just like you and I had to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in order for him to inherit eternal life. He was a man that was tempted in all manner as we are, yet chose obedience over sin, even to the point of the cross. A man that was conceived by the Holy Spirit, a pure blood line so that the last man Adam could be restored to fellowship with the Father just like the first man Adam was before the fall. Keep in mind people, that this Jesus of Nazareth was a man, a vessel that housed the Holy Spirit and set the example for us to follow, pointing people to the Father and His divine nature, and not to any man and his fallen one. Jude 1:16-19 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; (18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. (19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (KJV) The whole point today is to keep in mind that when all is said and done, it is your heavenly Father that will have the last say so concerning your entrance into His eternal kingdom, not some loud mouth who keeps boasting and pointing people to their own works and creations. Bottom line, yes there may be people that have spoken words that brought life to your spirit, but remember it is God’s word that brought it, not mans’. So learn to rightly divide the difference so that you can go directly to the source of the river of life. These people that are being spoken of in the book of Jude are not those that deny God, well at least not in word, but rather those that claim to be of God but in works deny Him, pointing the people more toward their creations and not the new one that God began within you. Don’t put people on pedestals because they don’t belong there; all mankind, no matter who or what they claim to be; this is one bad decision, one temptation away from falling from grace into sin, no matter how strong or bullet proof they claim they are. Rightly divide the word of truth, learn to separate soul from spirit; in other words what is of God and what is of man. Many today that stand in the pulpits claiming to be working and speaking on His behalf are more self serving than God serving, pointing people to other people rather than pointing them in the direction of the Spirit. In fact many today still point and put most of their emphasis on a man named Jesus, rather than a man named Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father working as a mediator on our behalf. Knowing the difference between that which is of the flesh and that which is Spirit is vital in order for you to come to a clear understanding of God’s plan of salvation and how it truly operates; or as it is described in the Bible, a mystery. Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV) You know, once again God reminds us that He is not a man, nor is He the son of man, yet so many still try to claim Jesus was God despite what the word of God is clearly saying. The point is that we are the ones that were made in the image and likeness of God, not the other way around as so many think or try to dictate to God. The more you realize and allow God to be your one true source for strength and life, the less likely you will fall for mankind’s versions of who they think God is, based on their limited carnal thinking and not the unlimited mind of Christ that is available. So get rid of the pedestals people, because the higher you put someone on them and the higher they choose to climb them, the farther and harder the fall will be when reality hits you and them in the form of truth. Psalms 146:3-6 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (4) His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (5) Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: (6) Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:46-50 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV)
Someday you will stand before God seeking to enter His eternal kingdom to receive your reward of inheritance. As we see noted in the above verses it will take more than good looks, an abundance of money or a familiar family name here on earth to gain access into this realm. You will need to bring more to the table than your good works or what you thought were good; rather it will take a working knowledge of the Son of God not only to access His realm now but to gain an eternal access. Knowing, not just guessing is vital in order to receive your inheritance. After all God didn’t send a Son our way to do a half hearted work on our behalf, but one that completed the task and provided our way of escape. It will take more than just a so called church membership or a bunch of religious rituals in order for you to obtain your inheritance as well. 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) If you notice at the end of verse 38 it says God was with this man Jesus of Nazareth, as He is with any and all that are anointed with this same Spirit that He was. It doesn’t say that Jesus himself was God anymore than you would claim to be God, but rather He allowed the Spirit of Christ to lead and guide Him on the only path that led to eternal life. The Bible is quite clear to point out that if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, then they are none of God’s people; rather they are those that chose to follow the way of the flesh on a path of destruction. In order for you to gain access into the kingdom of God today, right now, you need to have this same anointing working in and through you in order to do those things that are pleasing to God and bring forth fruit to perfection. Again simply put, you have to bring more to the table of God than just good intentions or what you think are good works, but rather a willingness and obedience to the Spirit of truth. It is vital that your focus and attention, your priority, is more directed to the spiritual realm so that you will be less concerned with the things of this fallen one. John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (24) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (25) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. (26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) If you notice in verse 23 you see how the Father and Son work in unison to make their abode or home within the believer. You don’t see Jesus claiming to be God, but rather as is with us He allowed this Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to teach Him the things of God and not to rely on flesh and blood thinking. Also by the way, take note that this same Spirit will bring all things to our remembrance because it will come from the heart and not the head which is what many of man’s Bible memorization programs are based on. While the world and worldly people base their peace on the outward appearance of things, the peace of God, which surpasses way beyond our own understanding, will continue despite what the outward dictates. God is a Spirit, so if you wish to relate to Him and understand the workings of Him, then it will take more than a carnal understanding to know Him and the leading of His Spirit within you. The more you get to know Him the more you will realize just how much greater He that is within you is than anyone that is in the flesh and blood realm. John 20:27-31 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (KJV) This man Thomas couldn’t quite comprehend the things of our Lord because he held to his own understanding rather than the truth. How strong are you today, and are you holding fast to the things of God which are not seen by man but readily revealed to His anointed? What’s in a name, well according to the Author, everything as we see in verse 31, that the purpose of this book having been written is to reveal the only name that we will find life in, that being Jesus Christ. Do you know the name that gets you access into the kingdom of God so that you can see beyond the veil of the flesh and understand for yourself the truth that will set you free, or are you like Thomas reaching out to the carnal realm to satisfy your spiritual understanding? You truly wish to access His spiritual realm? Then you will need to know the Spiritual name which is above all names in order to gain entrance. Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (KJV) If you don’t stand now in the Lord and the power of His might you will fall for anything, and any cheap imitation of the enemy. The whole armor of God is Christ, the only name that will make you complete in Him and give you the power to withstand all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Your opponent is not flesh and blood as many think, but is spiritual in nature, a fallen nature that will take a Spiritual being within you in order to stand. While many put a physical face on the enemy and wrestle in the realm of flesh and blood, which by the way the enemy enjoys watching the show, few really know who they are in Christ and the victory we have through His name. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (KJV) Is your old man, that old nature passing away, or are you the one passing away in a dead world trying to serve a spiritual God with a carnal mind? Are all things new to you because you are accessing a new realm of the Spirit on a daily basis, allowing a new man within you to resurrect and have His way, or are you like Thomas poking around in the flesh and blood realm seeking an answer? Many people talk about a man named Jesus and preach in his name, while few understand the unseen man within, Christ the only hope of glory. If you wish to access God today then you will need to bring more to His table than a flesh and blood name in order to gain access and receive your inheritance. And the only name given under heaven which is complete and whole is Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV)
How about a new motto for all believers, I now let God be true and man the liar. What if everyone else tells you something contrary to sound doctrine, will you bend and give in to peer pressure or are you grounded enough to let the word of God rule in your walk? Maybe you think this is not possible, well remember a guy named Noah, he had a choice to listen and follow the rest of the world, or to let one be true in his life that being God and His word. Remember it’s by our words we will either be justified or condemned, so as long as your words and God’s word are one in the same then you will remain in good standing with our Father. What if some around you don’t believe, maybe even those that you have been close to in the past, will you let that influence you or will you continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away? Discernment, rightly dividing the word of truth knowing the difference between the pure word of God and its spiritual meaning and interpretation, and mankind’s take on things. The reason man changes the meaning and distorts the truth is so that they can justify their lower fallen nature, which may fool some, but will be openly exposed to those that have their spiritual senses exercised to discern between good and evil intentions of the heart. Luke 18:24-27 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (25) For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26) And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? (27) And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (KJV) Have you ever stopped to think about a couple of words used throughout the Bible, those being possible and impossible? What mankind calls possible God says is impossible, and what man says is impossible to God it is just another day at the office; in fact His word says that with Him all things are possible. Did you realize that once you were born again into the realm of the Spirit you now entered a realm with no boundaries or limitations, a realm where God is able to do above and beyond all that you could have ever asked or thought of? Oh but how often man comes along and tries to talk you out of that realm with words of doubt and fear because of their limited carnal thinking, trying to justify and make excuses for their fallen nature. While mankind judges according to the outward and many claim that by being rich they are blessed of God, the Lord had a different take on it when confronted with the rich man in the above verses. Back in those times, just as it is today, the rich are looked up to in this world and given special privileges, while in reality all our Lord is concerned with is the motive of our heart. While mankind has come up with thousands and thousands of denominations and interpretations for God’s plan of salvation, the word of God is quite clear to point out that there is only one Lord and one faith that will be accepted by our Father. Knowing the difference between what God says is possible, and what man says is a life and death matter. Because in the end only one interpretation will allow you access to your eternal inheritance, while anything else will be turned away at the door. Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (KJV) We see Peter being a bit concerned where he stands with the Lord, having just found out that being rich was not all it was cracked up to be, especially when so many of the greedy Scribes and Pharisees had been preaching it. Is there a doctrine, teaching, or ritual you are still holding to that is contrary to what you know is truth, even if it is something that is popular with the world? Is there something or someone you see in verse 29 that is holding you back in your walk, something that still has more of an influence on you than God does? I bring this up for the same reason the Lord did, because no man can serve two masters, or as the word of God points out, a house divided will fall. When the word of God refers to receiving more in this present time, are you looking to the outward and judging according to that realm, or are you thinking in line with what the Lord intends for His people, all the treasures of His wisdom and knowledge? You wonder why your walk with the Lord seems stale and at a standstill at times, or maybe right now? It may be time to do a personal inventory, to make sure that something you may still be holding onto that our Lord is saying is impossible for you to move forward with, is now something you may possibly need to let go of in order to receive a full reward from Him. But know this, the enemy is going to fight you to hang onto these dead things, trying to get you to focus on what you are missing out on, and not on the blessings God has in store for your obedience. Know this too, that the longer you hang onto something our Lord says is dead the more you become like the thing He is asking you to let go of, or forsake. Hebrews 11:6-7 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV) Mankind has developed so many religions and different ways which they think they can please God with; when in reality it simply comes down to faith, your ability to personally hear the message of God delivered by Christ, and let His spirit lead and guide you through this present evil world. We see a man named Noah and read the account of how he built this ark, but did you ever stop and think of the ridicule and persecution this man must have endured? Talk about letting God be true and man the liar, it was only Noah and his family, eight souls that made it through the flood because He chose faith. Doesn’t the word of God describe the end times and the coming of our Lord as being similar to the days of Noah; so if it was faith in what man said was impossible, would it not be possible to say that only faith today will provide the deliverance as well? Romans 9:31-33 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. (32) Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (33) As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) Even God’s original chosen people continue this day to try to worship our Lord according to the works of the law and not by faith; which the Lord said without faith it would be impossible to please Him. As I look around today I still see many who hold to outward laws and rituals, some claiming that you have to show up to certain buildings on certain special days or you won’t be saved. Bottom line, unless you have a personal relationship with God through a working knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ you are none of His, but rather operating in a realm our Lord clearly says is impossible to please Him in. With God, all things are truly possible to them that believe, while anything else is telling God He is the liar and man is true, yikes. Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (KJV) There is truly a difference between what man says is possible and what God has to say on the matter; now the question is, who will you hold to? If there is anything or anyone you are trying to hold onto that has more of an influence on you than God, then it will be impossible to serve Him. However if you are willing to sell out from the ways of the world and all its worldly people then you will find that all things are now possible for you, because you are willing to believe in someone greater in you than he that is within the world. Someday all mankind is going to find out that God is true, it was mankind and his fallen nature that chose to believe the lie, so why not let that be today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 4:3-5 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. (KJV)
With someone greater right inside you, why would you settle for anyone else’s interpretation of salvation? They are just like the world because they are limited to the world’s way of thinking by their carnal minds. These are the people who think the greater works that are taking place are because of what man has done and not what our Lord is doing. The problem is they keep looking outward, instead of inward to allow this greater witness to have more of an influence on them. I John 5:9-11 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (KJV) I encounter many Christians, that the first thing they do with new born believers is recommend that they go find an organization, and then that they establish a relationship with God. However, I have found the opposite to be true. First establish a relationship with the Father through His Son, and then if the Lord is leading you to a place of worship, so be it. Many newborns get aborted by man’s lesser interpretations of the Gospel rather than hearing the greater one first hand. You will always find that you cannot know the Father without knowing who His Son is and what name He responds to. John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (KJV) In order to live in the Spirit you will have to die to those things of this world. Our Lord considers this the greatest act of love, not only toward Him, but toward His people also; because you will be ready to give the correct answer to any man that would ask you how to walk in the Spirit and experience this plan of salvation the way that our Lord intended it to be walked in. John 4:23-26 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman says unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (KJV) The true worshippers today know who they are in Christ, and are able to walk more by faith and less by what the outward would try to dictate as truth. The true worshippers know that God is not limited, and that His plan of salvation is not based on what man is doing but rather on what His Son has done and continues to do on our behalf. The true worshippers know that the greater works that are taking place today are in the realm of the Spirit, and not the realm where man thinks his works are greater than God’s. John 14:12-14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (KJV) Greater works; well, only when we allow it to be done by our Father through His Son Jesus Christ, and not by what man claims they are doing on His behalf. God bless Church, and keep looking inward and you won’t be left out. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV)
John the Baptist was questioning things, especially right before he was about to have his head cut off for the gospel’s sake. He wanted to know that he was following the right Lord, the real deal so to speak, and our Lord gave Him a simple response. In our Lord’s short time here on earth He was the first born again man who was demonstrating the greater things that were available with God and what could manifest for those that believe. Isaiah 29:17-19 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (KJV) Keep in mind that our Lord has not only opened the blind carnal eyes, as well as raising people back from the dead, now He is able to go above and beyond this carnal realm. Our Lord is able to show those that were blind spiritually, how to see and walk by faith which is only found in the realm of the Spirit. You know, the Lord considers you a fruitful field, because now you are able to bear the fruit of the Spirit. So the things we see prophesied in the Old Testament are now manifesting in a greater realm, but only if you know where to look. Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV) I asked a group of Christians if they have ever seen someone raised from the dead, or the blind receive their sight, or the deaf ears opened; and I recently heard some large prominent people discussing this matter, asking why this isn’t taking place anymore. Well, as far as the group of Christians goes, no one raised their hand or acknowledged that they had seen any of those things manifest. However, when it was pointed out that they were looking in the wrong realm, then there was a change of heart. In fact for any born again Christian, every time you look in the mirror you see someone who was dead in sins, blind to the truth, and unable to walk in the Spirit, rise up and come alive Spiritually. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV) The whole reason that our Lord died for us is so that we could be resurrected to a new life in Christ, and to be able to see what is taking place in a greater realm than the one we had settled for in the past. Do you see yourself today as that new creation in Christ, one who has risen from the dead? Dearly loved, remember you were crucified with Christ, nevertheless you live, yet not you, but Christ lives in you; and the life which you now live in the flesh you live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you. It’s the new you. Great is the mystery of godliness. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:11-12 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)
I have been hearing this verse being quoted lately and have heard many different interpretations of it. Some today have the gall and audacity to think that the greater works that are taking place today involve satellites and global communications of the gospel, taking it to far reaching ends of the earth. Leave it to mankind to try and pull a spiritual God back down to our level, thinking that God would actually need our help. When I hear the watered down carnal interpretations of the so called gospel that these people are sending out the only greater thing they can expect to experience is condemnation. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickened; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Mankind thinks that God’s word is limited, and that the only way it can reach the world is through them. God and His plan of salvation has been working just fine, especially when man gets out of the way and lets the Spirit have its way. There is no place on earth that God nor His message has not reached, and if the Lord decides to get someone’s attention He is more than capable of doing it. Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (KJV) Some claim that they are reaching all these people, something our Lord couldn’t do because in order for Him to travel he would have had to walk for days. Well folks if God is no respecter of people, in other words His Son died for the sin of the whole world, then it is safe to say that salvation is available to all. In fact, I would be willing to say that those that hear the message straight from the source Himself, Jesus Christ through the Spirit, are much better off than hearing it from a bunch of wannabe carnal Christians who think they are doing God a favor, and that without them the world could not be reached. Psalms 98:1-3 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. 3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (KJV) Now the Lord will send people to speak on His behalf and to show them His plan of salvation, but there is a big difference between those that God chooses and uses and those that think God could not get His message out there without their assistance. God’s word is alive and well and free flowing like a river; man is the one that keeps damming it up and putting obstacles in the way with their carnal thinking. Isaiah 52:9-10 Break forth into joy; sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (KJV) The Lord is doing a great thing, why not let Him do it His way? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:11-12 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (KJV)
Not only did our Lord talk the talk, but he also walked the walk. In fact, he challenged the people to not just believe what He said, but to be doers of the spoken word. Yet with all that we see throughout the gospels and the great miracles, we see our Lord saying that greater things would manifest. So what could be greater than the dead rising up from the graves, the blind receiving sight, or deaf ears opened; sounds like a tough act to follow. John 16:6-7 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (KJV) Today I often hear those who question just why don’t we see the same miracles take place that happened in our Lord’s time? Just exactly what are these greater works that could possibly take place beyond what our Lord did? Well it’s comforting to know that these greater works are happening right in front of our eyes Church, the question is which eyes are you looking with, the carnal or the spiritual? John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV) So out of our belly living waters are going to flow? Well yes, because once our Lord left this realm and delivered a perfect sacrifice on mans’ behalf, He sent the Holy Spirit to us so that we could be born again and operate in a greater dimension. Now to the carnal man it would be mind boggling to think that we would walk around with waters gushing forth, but spiritually it should just be another day at the office. Keep in mind that when our Lord spoke these words the greatest miracle had not yet taken place, that being mankind having the ability to be born again. John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV) Given the fact that flesh and blood cannot enter into the kingdom of God it would take a rebirth not only to enter this realm, but to be able to see what is taking place. So the first birth into this carnal realm is quite a feat to say the least, but the greatest birth that a person can experience is the second one which takes us to a greater realm. Have a great day in Christ church. God bless. John 5:19-21 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do: for what things so ever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and showed him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickened them; even so the Son quickens whom he will. (KJV)
In this fallen world we are surrounded with many who will stop at nothing to achieve what they think is greatness. We see the term great as well as greater throughout the Bible, however, this greater realm is not found in the outward. So many miss out because they are still trying to achieve what man says is greatness, measuring greatness by outward things, like having a big following. Nothing could be further from the truth, because all of mankind has access to true greatness when they receive the things of God and put them into practice in their walk. Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (KJV) Before your conversion in Christ you were not partaking of the fruit of the Spirit. The things you see listed above cannot be bought on-line, or found on an end cap at Wal-Mart. For those that have truly tasted and have partaken of this fruit they know that nothing else comes close, it’s the greatest gift available. However, in order to keep bearing fruit in your life you will have to keep your old nature dead, died and buried. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV) In this fallen world greatness is based on 'what have you done for me lately', and once you are no longer considered an asset you will be kicked to the curb. The realm of the Spirit is so much greater than that of the flesh. The realm of the Spirit promises us eternal life without the strife. The realm of the Spirit has no sickness or death; it’s a realm where no weapon formed against you will prosper. This fallen life has such big expectations that will never satisfy and always leaves one lacking. The word of God is the only thing that can satisfy that inward hunger and void without the hangover of sin. Psalms 145:3-6 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. (KJV) Is your goal to achieve greatness in this life? Well, why not go to the greatest source and see how much greater His realm is than this limited fallen one has to offer. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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