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Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Stop and think for a moment where the head is located on the body? Isn’t it interesting that it is located at the top, and not say the foot area, or the tail section. By putting the Head in its proper place it gives one a better line of sight, a much better viewpoint to see the path in front of them. As a hunter in the past I would walk through a valley or coulee as they are referred to in Montana, and would be limited to what I could see. However, if I was to climb to the top I would get the total viewpoint and know what was there. You have access to the total picture, a vantage point from above and not below so that spiritually you can see and understand the total picture of God’s plan of salvation and how to walk in it. Simply put, if you wish to get ahead and move forward in your walk with the Lord then you need to go to the Head and hear the message He has for you personally so that you can walk the path He designated for you before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 3:17-20 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (KJV) Do you know why Christ is able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or think of? Because that is the realm He operates in, above and beyond the fallen realm of man, one so much higher and greater than our carnal minds could ever comprehend. Are you operating in His realm today and tapping into the well of life, a dayspring of living waters so that you can get results in your walk above and beyond what you thought of? I know some of you are thinking “yeah right” not much is happening in my life, why don’t I get these results? Well it starts with verse 17, Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, not your head. Have you taken the time to renew your mind today, letting the message of Christ take hold in you, or were you to busy with something else that has taken hold of you and what you claimed was a total commitment to our Lord? Were you still long enough to know that He is God, letting patience have its perfect work, or after you made your request to God through Jesus Christ you went out chasing the answer instead of letting it overtake you? The only way He can do above and beyond all that we could ask or think is if we hold the Head to be true above and beyond all the lies and doctrines of a fallen mankind. Again, where your treasure truly is there your heart will be also. So if you desire something better in your life then you need to look above and not below to get those results. Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV) When you see words like treasure or rain, do you see the spiritual implications which go above man’s thinking, or are you like so many that limit God and His blessings to just the carnal realm? What we see in the outward realm mirrors, or reflects the spiritual one. So the more one trains themselves with this thinking the more one is able to see the total picture, like getting the view from above; above and beyond all that we could ever ask or think of. Man’s thinking is limited and so are his expectations; while the Lord’s people are renewing their mind on a daily basis and able to see into an unlimited realm where the word impossible is no longer a part of their vocabulary. A former life stuck in the realm of the flesh and limited by words like ‘I can’t’ as well as endless excuses and finger pointing, is now replaced with an I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A life of so close and yet so far is replaced by a new life of victory, because for once in your life you are able to finish and bring to perfection things you started and were never able to accomplish in your past. As a Christian, a Christ like person, you need to continue to think and expect to be a winner in all things, as our Lord promised we are more than conquerors, but that only works through Him who loved us, that being Jesus Christ our one mediator that gives us access into this realm above. Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) Oh that stinking thinking of ours at times! We start letting the mind drift off to the valley of the shadow of death, then the next thing you know we are speaking all these negative words, words which our Lord said should be spirit and life not carnal and strife. The Bible says we shall have whatever we say; then you wonder why you don’t see these results that our Lord said He was able to do which is so much more above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought of? You want results in your life that are complete; then start thinking in that realm and speak the words that will bring life and not more strife. Words that should be opening the windows of heaven are now opening the floodgates of the enemy to come in and drown people in destruction and despair. Come on people, get out of this muck and get up to the higher ground, and replace those thoughts of doubt and fear with truth, a truth that will set you free and allow you to partake of what the Head has for you and not what is coming out of the tail end. Isaiah 55:10-13 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (12) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (13) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (KJV) Without rain and snow there would be drought, dry conditions, which are ripe for wildfires. Spiritually, God has opened the windows of heaven and is raining living waters on His people; the question is, ‘are you partaking of it, or has your field dried up’? Are you going out today with the joy of the Lord letting His peace rule in your life, or has doubt and confusion crept in? What does your field truly look like; is it cultivated and the weeds pulled, or is it a breeding ground of worthless weeds that look like plants? With all that is available in Christ; with all the promises we have in Him; Church, don’t settle for anything less than what He intended for you, a complete and total victory in all things, not just some things or sometimes, but always expecting the best because you truly serve the best who truly has your best interest in heart. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
If one desires to be the head and operate in the realm where the head of the Church is then they need to know who the Head is in order to stay ahead and not beneath, or lowering themselves to the standards of this fallen realm. Christ is the head of the church of God so anything else or any other doctrine contrary to the doctrine of Christ will keep one below or beneath the standards God set for His church to operate in. Ephesians 2:4-7 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: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV) We that were stuck in this fallen dead realm are now able to partake of a new life in Christ because of the mercy of God, who was gracious enough to send the Son on our behalf. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ brought reconciliation to God and mankind so that the fellowship could be restored and that God could open up His good treasure and allow us to partake of all the spiritual blessings we now have access to in Christ. We at one time were dead spiritually because of sin, but have now been resurrected and allowed access to sit in the realm of the heavenly to hear the message of Christ and understand God’s plan of salvation for His people. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) If one wishes to partake of spiritual blessings then they need to operate in a spiritual realm to do so; walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling your own lusts or desires of the flesh. Many people limit blessings to the financial area thinking that is the answer to all of life’s problems. They that are in the flesh cannot and will not be pleasing to God because they stay stuck in the carnal realm limiting Him, and settling for the tail and not what the Head had intended for His church. There is a vast unending wealth of spiritual blessings to those that are in Christ and remain in the realm of the Spirit; those that bear and partake of the priceless fruit of the Spirit; the love, joy, peace as well as freedom from fear and bondage. So what realm are you operating in today; are you seeking first the kingdom of God which is located above and not found in this fallen one or are you settling for second hand versions of what man thinks is blessings? Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV) Does it seem like you are always behind, not able to catch up, but always seeming to come up short? Maybe the reason you are still behind is because you are on the tail end and not the Head. The Lord promised He would bless all, not just some of the work of our hand. So if that is the case then why are you always having to borrow, which includes spiritually, instead of having your cup running over with living waters and able to give to anyone that is athirst? Maybe it is because you don’t know who the Head is, or you are not allowing Christ to be the head of your life, and instead of partaking of His good treasure you are settling for man’s cheap knockoff imitations. Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) Ever wonder why Paul experienced so much conflict? The enemy didn’t like seeing God’s people rise to the head of the class, but rather enjoyed keeping them in bondage to this world and kicking their tail ends. What riches and treasures are waiting for us in the heavenly realm; what a joy it is to know the mystery of the gospel, to have a full not partial understanding; as well as assurance of who we are in Christ and all that is available too His people. All this treasure of wisdom and knowledge is not found here on this earth or in the carnal realm around carnal people teaching carnal doctrines, but rather it is hid in Christ; and those that desire to rise to a new level in their walk seeing the picture from above are no longer limited to the view from below. Where your treasure is, is where your heart will be also. So, is your affection set on things above, or are you being shortchanged and settling for the things below, things below the standard God intended for His people? 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) Christ is seated at the right hand of God and He is not moving, nor is He going to lower Himself to man’s standards. So if you wish to partake of the kingdom of God and partake of His divine nature then you need to be looking above and not in this fallen realm. With all that is available to God’s people through Jesus Christ, His one and only mediator, why would anyone settle for less? Williams Translation Colossians 3:1-2 1. So if you have been raised to life in fellowship with Christ, keep on seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2. Practice occupying your minds with the things above, not with the things on earth; Practice makes perfect, or in our case mature, growing up in what God says is heading in the right direction, seeking those things which are above. So if you wish to get a head then look to the Head, Christ, so that you won’t have to end up the tail. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)
Remember what you brought with you when you arrived into this world? If you are not sure you can try to ask someone that was there when you were born, or you could spend some time around the maternity ward to see what is brought into this realm by newborns. According to the word of God there will be no carry-on luggage, which includes your departure from this world also. So with this in mind, what is it you were fussing and fretting about today; was it really something that involved your spiritual life, or are you still consumed and being eaten alive with the cares of this life? Sound silly, to simple, well believe it or not that is the part most people miss and stumble over, the simplicity of the gospel. According to God’s itinerary, the same things you arrived into this world with are also what you will depart with in the end. The question is will you be bringing something spiritual with you on your way out? In other words we came into this world with nothing, but we have the opportunity to leave with everything, the catch is that it has nothing to do with this world. I use the phrase catch, because I still see so many who claim they are one of the Lord’s who say they are totally committed to Him only to see them still caught up and snared with the things of this world, which are drowning them in destruction and despair. Have you learned to truly be content, or will you be content some day when you get everything you think you need or desire? After all you may not think having food and raiment is such a big deal, and are more interested in other things. So let me point this fact out, just try going a day, a few days, or even a week without food and raiment, and then let’s see if it is not such a big deal. Suddenly everything you have taken for granted and overlooked is now more appreciated, with a few thank-you’s added in for good measure. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) Talk about going off the deep end, how would you feel if you had just pulled a drowning person out of the water only to see them jump back in again? God’s plan of salvation is to deliver His people from this present evil world, which we see in the verses above is described as being the love of money, only to see them turn around and jump right back into the cesspool of this fallen world again. Now stop and think how you would feel if that person you saw jumping back into water and drowning again was one of your own children? How quickly mankind jumps ship; the only problem is the ship they jump into has some major holes in its doctrines and is ready to go under. Will you stay afloat and rise above the cares and concerns of this world, or will you end up going deep sea diving for fool’s gold and miss your lifeboat when it comes by? Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (KJV) God’s plan of salvation is a way of escape, an escape from this present evil world into a realm of the righteousness of God. How is one ever going to find this path of life, let alone ever stay on it, unless they make it a priority in their walk? A spiritual path requires a spiritual light, and without the true light shining in their heart it will be replaced with a false one. Matthew 6:19-24 The lamp of the body, that which receives and dispenses the light, is the eye. If the eye, used here figuratively for one's spiritual understanding, be single (opposite of "twofold"), not afflicted with double vision in this matter of treasures —an affliction which is evil —then the individual can regard riches in their proper perspective. The impossibility of serving two masters in a slave relationship is a graphic illustration. Mammon. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears to be an Aramaic word for wealth, here personified. Note that Jesus condemns not wealth but enslavement to wealth. (from Wycliffe Commentary) Many are called, but few are truly chosen by our Lord because many a well-intentioned Christians have replaced their love for the Lord with another love. So like with a cheating spouse in a marriage relationship, or drinking and driving, eventually there is going to be a heck of a wreck. Some of these piercings and sorrows you are experiencing have been a result of your shield of faith, or lack of it, which is allowing the enemy to have a clear shot at the heart with his fiery darts, starting a fire in a place that has dried out because of a lack of living waters. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) The point of this week’s studies is a reminder of the simplicity of the gospel and how important it is to learn to be content. Yes we are in this world, and there are needs that have to be dealt with, both spiritual and physical, the point is getting and keeping your priority right so the things of this life don’t become too big of a distraction. God promises His people He will supply all their need, and as a parent you would never forget your children, so what makes you think God does His? The Bible is specific in how we are to access God and get the provisions needed, which first and foremost it needs to be spiritual, thus why many miss the mark, getting it backwards, or the cart before the horse. Your message for today is to keep in mind that your arrival and departure are similar in the fact that you came here with nothing and will depart with the same luggage as well. So with this in mind why are you so concerned with things you can’t take with you, instead of with something that you can, that being eternal salvation? John 19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (24) They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (KJV) This man that is described for us in the above verses is now seated at the right hand of God; and as we see He didn’t leave much behind when He left, at least not in the physical realm. Jesus Christ didn’t entangle Himself with the affairs of this life, which allowed Him to partake of the new life, the one that lasts for eternity. Now it’s your turn, what do you truly treasure, and where is it leading you today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:6-8 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. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)
When we see the word careful, it refers to anxious, something opposite of patience, which the Bible says we should be letting patience have its perfect work. The peace of God you are experiencing is a result of knowing that the petitions you have made to God were heard and now it is a matter of thanking Him knowing it is provided even though it hasn’t yet manifested in the outward. Knowing how and what to ask for will help you keep that peace and operate in the realm the Lord intended for you to be in. Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. (KJV) One of the things that would be considered just, is operating and dealing with today, not letting the mind drift off into a stormy sea of doubt and fear, but staying beside the still living waters that bring life. Mankind plays on fear of tomorrow, especially in the retail world where many sales are based on bulk and not just what is needed now. So many times instead of purchasing what is needed to get by a person ends up with three times the amount they intended because that is how it is advertised. Of course it is packaged in a way that unless one buys today it will never again be at that price so that you end up making a purchase on emotions. Spiritually many Christians overlook simple areas of their walk and end up with their thoughts drifting way out to sea fueled by winds of doctrine. How much more peace would you have if you only dealt with what the Lord was asking for today and not tossed around with carnal thoughts of tomorrow or any other imaginary event? James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV) Do you know the difference between what is of the flesh and of the Spirit; in other words, rightly dividing the word of truth? That thing you are now entangled with, the affairs of this life which our Lord never intended for His people to be all caught up in, is drawing you away from the Lord rather than closer. Verse 2 uses the word kill; so what exactly is being killed? Well how about that new life in Christ you said was His for the taking, which is now taking a back seat to something of the world and not the word of God. You decided it was time to have something based more on lust than Spirit. So that thing you had to have, the one thing you thought would bring peace is bringing nothing less than heartache and misery where there should have been peace and joy. Give us this day our daily bread, so simple, so peaceful, and yet so complicated when we lean to our own understanding. Exodus 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. (23) And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. (24) And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. (KJV) As we can see there is a big difference between when the Lord is leading and when we are leaning to our own thoughts. The Lord’s way will keep us in peace and not lead to stinking thinking, which I am sure tasted much better without the worms. When we start thinking beyond where the Lord is asking us then we end up with holes in our doctrine, a place for the worms to crawl in and out of. Do you desire peace in your life? Then you need to monitor and keep a close watch on what you are thinking on as well, keeping every thought in obedience to Christ so that you can stay in that peaceful realm of the Spirit separated from this troubled world and its ways. Exodus 16:25-28 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field (26) Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. (27) And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. (28) And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? (KJV) Oh there is one in every crowd isn’t there, you know the bad apple in the bunch. You wonder why at times there is not peace in your life; maybe you or your mind is wandering off in areas the Lord is not leading. Just because the Lord had you do something one way in the past and you got results doesn’t always mean He is going to provide the same answer all the time in that way. The question now is, where is the Lord leading and how is He asking you to gather your daily bread for today? Are you open to what the Lord has for you and where He would like you to be operating today, or are you already into next week fumbling around in the dark? Or as we see in the above verses, are you trying old ways to walk in the new and then wonder why you don’t get the Lord’s results? Take the time on a daily basis so that you can hear the message being delivered by Christ and boldly gather the bread of life that is proceeding forth from the mouth of God. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV)
Our Lord came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly. What our Lord considers abundance is far from what man thinks is an abundant life, a life only found in the realm of the Spirit. Words which are spiritual and brought life and enlightenment to the believers were spoken by our Lord, and He is still speaking to those that have ears to hear, seeking to hear the spiritual meaning and intention of the scriptures where this new life is found. There is a whole new realm of unending joy and peace, enlightening the heart and bringing life to those that find the true meaning of what our Lord is speaking to them about, and why He spoke the things He did. Have you found this life for yourself? Here’s a hint, you won’t find it in the old law, but rather by hearing the law of faith, one that will build you up and bring life to those that were once dead spiritually. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV) In order for you to be an able minister of our Lord you have to take the time to let the Lord minister unto you personally. Those that are chosen by our Lord to speak and teach on His behalf are those that are operating in the new life which is in the spiritual realm, and not according to the old laws and rituals. Those that hold to the literal meaning of the word of God miss the mark and kill the true interpretation of the message of Christ. You won’t find life in a graveyard or a morgue, nor will you find it in the letter of the old law and its rituals. In fact our Lord said that He is a God of the living and not the dead. So anyone that continues to hold onto the old law will not find the life God intended for them. When one takes the time to rightly divide the word of truth and hear God’s spiritual meaning of His word then it quickens or gives life to their inward man, while our flesh and its way of thinking darkens the true meaning of the message. Many think they can please a spiritual God with carnal ordinances, and they fall short of what our Lord intended for His people. Your ability to be an effective example of the believers, whether in word or in deed, will only be accomplished as you learn to speak words that will bring spiritual meaning and life to those around you. Out of your belly or the heart should be a river of living waters pouring out and bringing life; while many others are raining bitter waters of the letter of the law which kills any new growth. Romans 7:1-3 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? (2) For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. (3) So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. (KJV) Another way of describing the letter of the law and its ordinances is like a woman with a husband, who is bound by an oath and commitment to that husband as long as he is alive. Once that husband has died, then she is released from that law and allowed to remarry. The death of the husband released her from that old law so that she could partake of a new life, making a commitment to a new man. Romans 7:4-6 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (5) For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (6) But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (KJV) When one becomes married they commit their life to that person and the two now become one. Someday there will be a culmination of the marriage between Christ and the Church. So for now while we are on this earth we need to honor our commitment in spirit and in truth if we wish to be true worshippers of our Lord. If you desire to do those things that are pleasing in the sight of our Lord then it can only be accomplished by those that worship or reverence Him in Spirit, walking in this realm and by the truth that sets us free to do so. The children of Israel were delivered from a terrible bondage, only at times to doubt the Lord and wish to return back to Egypt. In essence many Christians do the same thing. They are delivered from the law only to return back to it to find life, like looking for the living in a morgue. Why do people still keep hanging onto things that held them back and kept them separated from God rather than letting go so that they can walk in a newness of life? How many times have you seen people that were stuck in a relationship or situation with an overbearing person and your only thought is why don’t they just leave? How it must hurt our Father to watch His people still in bondage to dead things when He sent His Son and made a way of escape for them. The Lord provided our deliverance, a path that is located in the realm of the Spirit, and only those that hear His words of Spirit and life will find that path and walk out of Egypt. Romans 8:2-4 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) You have a clear path, a way of escape, a new law that trumps the old one and brings life to those that find it. A new law of faith is in Christ Jesus bringing a spiritual enlightenment so that you can see God’s true intention for you personally, not what He required for those under the old law. The flesh profits nothing and is no help in our walk, so quit following that path and get on the spiritual path that brings life. Romans 8:4-8 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV) It’s a crime and a shame to see what God provided for His people only to see them revert back to their old ways and thinking. All the evidence is provided for each and every believer in Christ, and it all points to the Spiritual realm and not the fallen fleshly one. Where are you walking today, and what path are you following? Is it one of escape, or are you walking backwards toward a graveyard? There is a God who is bringing His people words that are Spirit and that are life; a new life in Christ which each and every believer should be partaking of on a daily basis. Get out of the old and get into the new. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 2:11-15 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 2:11-15 11. And through your union with Him you once received, not a hand-performed circumcision but one performed by Christ, in stripping you of your lower nature, 12. for you were buried with Him in baptism and raised to life with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead. 13. Yes, although you were dead through your shortcomings and were physically uncircumcised, God made you live again through fellowship with Christ. He graciously forgave us all our shortcomings, 14. canceled the note that stood against us, with its requirements, and has put it out of our way by nailing it to the cross. 15. He thus stripped the principalities and dominions of power and made a public display of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Again as we notice in the above illustrations, that rituals of the old law were symbolic of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. As we ended yesterday’s study we concluded with the fact that circumcision means nothing to our Lord anymore because He is more concerned with the new man, a new creation in Christ that is forming within the believer. Baptism is illustrated again for us as one of spiritual in nature, a life changing event that should be taking place within the believer and not some outward show or ritual. Once one is able to die to self and their own desires of the flesh then the Spirit is able to take over so that your desires are more of those things which are above and not below, or below our Lord’s standards and intent for His people. The Lord removed the curse of the old law and nailed it to His cross symbolizing that the debt is paid and we are now free to walk in the liberty which is only found in Christ. When we see people still holding to laws and rituals, we are seeing people that profess to know God but by dead works deny Him and the completed work He accomplished for us. Simply put, they are calling God a liar and claiming He didn’t do a complete work and that more was needed; not a good place to be in people. 1 Corinthians 1:14-18 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. (16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) I don’t know if there was a more die hard staunch believer, as well as indoctrinated in the old law, as a man named Paul, formerly known as Saul. As we see illustrated in the above verses, Paul himself came to the conclusion of what his calling truly was and how he himself was crossing over from the old into the new. Many people today enjoy hearing the word of God especially when it deals with blessings, but start teaching about dying to self, crucifying the flesh and its lusts, and that same many will head for the exits. Paul clearly states and points out that Christ did not send him to baptize, but rather teach the doctrine of Christ that deals with the new inward creation not the old fallen one. While many still consider the preaching and teaching of the cross and what it truly takes to be baptized into Christ foolishness, few realize that is where their salvation and power is. Take notice of verse 17 as well, because for those that still hold to these outward rituals and ignore the true spiritual meaning or implication of them, they are in essence leaning back to their own understanding and their teaching and preaching is of none effect. Hebrews 6:1-6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV) Remember watching the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’, and how painful it was to watch them nail our Lord to the cross? How one would watch this take place and think ‘how could they ever do that to our Lord’? Did you ever stop and think that is what is still taking place when people misinterpret the true spiritual meaning of the word of God, they are in essence crucifying the Lord and His doctrine again? One way or the other, you have a choice to either take up your own cross and follow our Lord, or drive another nail into our Lord and His people by teaching doctrine contrary to what our Lord intended. Remember when you sin and wound the conscience of the believers you are sinning personally against Christ, and crucifying Him all over again. As we see in the first few verses of Hebrews, that these basic principles and doctrines that were in place before are things we should be leaving behind, not still trying to implement. Once a believer gets a true taste of the truth and what these things symbolized it is time to move forward and walk in the Spirit, not trying to fulfill an old law that our Lord already did for us. Galatians 3:23-28 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV) Schools out people, and has been for over two thousand years. God’s people have graduated and are now walking in a new realm, one of faith in what Christ Jesus has done on our behalf and wishes to continue in each and every believer. When you enter the realm of the Spirit and seek to be seated with Christ then you need to leave your old nature at the door and put on a new man in order to enter into this realm. While some people claim that a certain sect or group of people were responsible for the crucifixion of our Lord; the word clearly states that God knows no one after the flesh but after the Spirit. Bottom line, we are either for Him or against Him, and spiritually many are still crucifying and butchering the true spiritual meaning of the word of God by hanging onto dead rituals that were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you crossing over into the realm of the Spirit, or are you still hanging onto dead things which only bring dead results? He that has ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is truly speaking today. God’s best and continue to walk in the Spirit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:5-8 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV)
As we see in the above verses, although our Lord was crucified on the cross at Calvary it didn’t end there, but rather there is a continual crucifixion that has to take place in each and every believer if they to wish to partake of a new life in Christ. Do you know for a fact that your old fallen nature is crucified and being kept in subjection to the Spirit, or are you running from the truth and looking for an alternate way out? You wonder why at times that it seems hard to believe in the word of God more than what the outward circumstances are dictating, most likely it is because you haven’t died to self, but rather you spend more time feeding the flesh than the Spirit. Our Lord went to a cross at Calvary so that He could die and a new man could resurrect. We too are constantly dying on a daily basis so that a new man can resurrect and live a life dictated by the Spirit and not the flesh and its lethal desires. If you notice in the above verses, 6&8, you see words like, is crucified, and now if we be dead with Christ. Many teach a one and done theory, that all you have to do is show up at some organization, do some ritual or recite some sinners prayer and your ticket is stamped; but be assured nothing could be farther from the truth; and this once saved always saved is a doctrine the devil enjoys seeing taught. Your commitment to our Lord is just the beginning, so the fact that God sent His Son to do a complete work on our behalf and give us a perfect example He expects nothing short of a whole hearted commitment as well if you wish to obtain your inheritance, which simply put means, walk not just talk. Galatians 2:17-20 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (19) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV) Paul didn’t make the statement I was, or I am thinking about this crucifixion stuff, but rather it is something that he continued in to the end. The devil made me do it or blaming others for your lack of diligence in the word of God is not an excuse for sin, and don’t think for one moment that you would be the first person to ever accept the Lord and walk with Him for a season only to end up walking away and falling back into sin. Thus the reason why God had Paul write words of encouragement concerning baptism and crucifixion so that God’s people wouldn’t fall back into the old ways but continue to walk in the Spirit realm. No one said it was going to be an easy path that leads to eternal life, however there is only one that will get you there and it is the same one our Lord walked, even that stuff that happened at Calvary. As a Christian, in order to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord you will have to take up your own cross on a daily basis if you truly wish to move forward in your walk. Otherwise you will end up sitting at the garden of Gethsemane sweating drops of blood and dreading the outcome. Please keep in mind that although there was a death it was followed by a glorious resurrection; so know too for yourself that even though the Lord is asking us to nail something to the cross, afterward there is also a glorious resurrection of a new found life in Christ. Once you put your hand to the plow the enemy will do all he can to keep you from looking forward to the new life the Lord has for you, but rather he will try to keep you stuck in the old realm drinking the old whine. Be sure that if the Lord is asking you to walk away from something, focus more on what He is asking you to walk into knowing that it is for your benefit, one that will draw you closer to Him. Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Galatians 6:12-13 12. These men who are trying to force you to let yourselves be circumcised simply want to make a fine outward show, only to keep you from being persecuted for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13. Indeed, the very men who let themselves be circumcised do not themselves observe the law. But they simply want you to let yourselves be circumcised, so that they can boast of you as members of their party. Did you ever stop and think why people still hold to rituals, works of the law? Most of it is just some big show. Like a circus, they use the people so that they can boast of big numbers; really, like that is going to impress God. Quite the opposite is true people; Paul realized that in order to please a Spiritual being he could no longer be a people pleaser, one that was seeking approval from the world and its worldly preachers. Worldly people seek recognition of other worldly people and base their results on outward things and not inward. Whether it manifests in the form of circumcision, water baptism, or some other dead end ritual it’s all for naught and avails nothing. The only thing important to God is that new creation within, something you should be concerned with as well. While many people flock to a circus to see some death defying act, or to get entertained, many of these so called traveling evangelists and preachers are nothing more than a circus act. Back in the day when a man named P.T. Barnum started the circus he realized that the acts, tricks, and illusions would bring in thousands of people as well as thousands of dollars. He also made the statement concerning the flocks of people ‘that a sucker is born every day’. As I look around at what man calls preachers and teachers and so called sound doctrine, I too see ‘that suckers are born again every day’ because of their lack of diligence and knowledge in the word of God; and the fact that they don’t take a stand for the Lord, and they end up falling for any cheap trick and illusion of the devil seeking more to be entertained than built up in the truth. A crucifixion took place at Calvary some two thousand years ago to pay the price for mankind and allow you access into the realm of the Spirit. It didn’t end there people, but is a symbol, a likeness or representation of something that should be continuing in each and every believer so that they can continue their walk in the Spirit no longer feeding and nurturing the old fallen man. A new day has come, now go walk in it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:3-7 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘likeness’: 3667 homoioma- what has been made after the likeness of something a) a figure, a image, a likeness, a representation b) likeness that is, resemblance, such as amounts almost to equality or identity When we see the word ‘likeness’ we are now looking at something that is a representation, a resemblance, something that took place in the physical but now has spiritual meaning. Basically when looking at baptism and its true meaning we see it more as a continual process, not just some ritual where one gets dunked then goes merrily on their way. If you were to hold someone under water for an extended period of time it would eventually lead to death, drowning the physical which in turn would release the spirit from the body. In essence this is what Paul is making reference to, similar to the Old Testament sacrifices that were killed, which then released the spirit. When a believer immerses themselves in the living waters and remains in that realm the flesh, or as Paul described our old man, dies so that the Spirit can be released and take over. Another way the seed is planted, which our seed is Christ, is in the likeness of his death which was by crucifixion. In order for our Lord to resurrect and be seated at the right hand of the Father He had to go to the cross, which not only happened in the outward but also took place in the inward. In order for us to obtain our eternal inheritance we to have to die to self in the same fashion as our Lord did; however ours takes place in the spiritual realm. Luke 9:22-25 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. (23) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (KJV) As our Lord was preparing to fulfill His calling and pay the price for mankind, he was also describing the same baptism Paul was describing in Romans 6, how each and every believer in Christ would have to take up their own cross on a daily basis in order to inherit their reward. As painful and excruciating as it was to drive nails into the body, it also subdued the body and kept it in subjection. Things in your life that you thought were gain, which were worldly, are now nailed to a spiritual cross and brought into subjection to the Spirit so that you won’t be lost, or cast away from your inheritance. Now the question becomes ‘how many are willing to follow our Lord, even as far as the cross’? We hear so many speak of baptism, but so few speak of the true spiritual baptism that brings new life to the believer by leaving their old life buried. Just as similar as it was in the time of our Lord, when it comes time to die many run for cover and scramble, even denying the Lord by rejecting the truth of what He is asking of His people; to take up their own cross. Every believer in Christ comes to their own crossroad, a time when the Lord says we need to nail down an area of the flesh that is hindering our walk so that the Spirit can take over. Sad to say this is where many draw the line and look for another way out, which the enemy is glad to show them an alternate route which ends up to be a dead end. When you are facing your own trial like our Lord did in the garden of Gethsemane, in the end will you let the Lord’s will be done, or will you walk away? Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (18) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV) The cross of Christ is spiritual in nature, a doctrine that speaks of crucifying the flesh and its desires rather than pampering it and justifying the lower fallen nature. As I look around today and listen to man’s doctrines, they mostly speak of the world and seek their gain in this realm rather than looking deeper into the spiritual realm to seek and please our Heavenly Father. The phrase “if it feels good do it” no longer works for those in Christ, but rather they have come to the knowledge that the flesh and Spirit are contrary one to the other. A house divided will fall, so being the fact that you are the temple of the living God it would be in your best interest to keep your temple in subjection to the Spirit. John 6:24-27 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. (25) And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? (26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (KJV) What is your motive for serving the Lord, and why are you seeking Him? Is it truly to do His will, or are you looking to get a belly full? Like with many politicians today, many so called preachers promise liberty and a better life in the physical, however, they ignore the spiritual and the true meaning of the scriptures, and leave the people starving for lack of nourishment. As meat is a good source of protein for the physical body, spiritual meat is a definite requirement for the Spirit man if one is going to truly grow and mature in the Lord. Are you seeing the eternal meaning and intention of the scriptures and what they truly represent, or are you like so many carnal babies that think dunking people in water has any real substance? Remember, the things that are seen are temporal, it’s the unseen spiritual which is eternal and will endure to the end, will you? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)
When our Lord does something or asks something of us it is for our benefit, a change that will be long lasting. While mankind and their doctrines fall short and bring short term solutions to eternal issues, like for instance the old law, it could never take away sin but rather just covered it up, like a cheap deodorant. The living waters cleanse us from all sin, doesn’t just cover it up, but rather it cleans it up and removes it from us. So which realm are you walking in today and which law do you hold to; a spiritual law of faith that brings new life to the believer, or the letter of the old law which is dead and keeps those that are following it dead as well? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) John the Baptist was considered one of the greatest prophets, yet he was still under the old law and limited by the carnal rituals of it. Even though our Lord separates the two baptisms in the above verses, encouraging the disciples that a better one was on the way, I am amazed today at how many grasp and cling to the old rather than take hold of the new life that is available in Christ. Here is a tidbit and something to chew on; you know, if you hold someone under water long enough it cuts off the source of life and results in physical death. Now if we take a different look at baptism from a spiritual aspect we can see a similar pattern, if one immerses themselves in the living spiritual waters, which is what baptism truly means and what Paul is teaching, then that too will result in death to an area of our flesh that has been hindering our walk with the Lord. Could it really be that simple people; when you really stop and pray and ask the Lord, you may find out that mankind and his limited carnal thinking is the one that made it so complicated and confusing. The Lord made His word simple, so simple in fact that man doesn’t comprehend it, they distort the scriptures to make it fit into their way of thinking. The Lord said the words that He spoke are Spirit and they are life. So are you able to see the spiritual meaning of the word of God that will bring new life within you, or are you like so many that hold to outward dead rituals which end up watering down the true meaning? Hebrews 9:8-14 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (KJV) If you so desire you can go back to the beginning of Hebrews Chapter 9 and read it in its entirety, I just wanted to highlight a few points today. The things in the Old Testament were a figure, a representation or symbol of something new that would take place in the spiritual realm. The question being asked today is ‘have you taken your place where you belong which is in the Spirit as well so that you can see the true meaning and intent of the word of God for yourself’? It’s just as idiotic to think that the blood of goats and of calves, or any other ritual from the old law is going to bring you any closer to the Lord than what the blood of Christ has done to make a permanent way into His realm. And it is just as much of a waste of time, let alone missing the mark and the true meaning of God’s word, to think that pouring water or dunking someone in it is going to make one more spiritual when verse 10 says these things were imposed until the time of reformation, a time that ended once the Lord paid the price for His people. You want the old law, then why stop at water baptism, how about building alters in your back yard and offering sacrifices? Oh guys, instead of a super bowl party how about a circumcision one instead? Hey wait a minute, where are you guys going? Sound silly and ridiculous? Not anymore ridiculous than the way you try to serve a spiritual God with carnal ordinances. Since when do you get to pick and choose which ones you are going to institute? You want to purge a conscience from dead works, then you best get some living waters in there if you wish to achieve this, otherwise you are just all wet. --Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989) 907 baptizo- to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! Take some time and pray about where you truly stand with the Lord, or should I say if you are truly standing with Him. The things of this realm are referred to as temporal, temporary; while the things of God are referred to as eternal. If you desire a change, to walk in a new life which is in Christ, then you will need to operate in the realm of the Spirit in order to make the permanent change. Get out of the old people and get into the new. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 6:4-6
4. so that your deed of charity may be secret, and your Father who sees what is secret will reward you. 5. "Also, whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, to attract the attention of people. I solemnly say to you, they already have their reward. 6. But whenever you, follower of mine, pray, you must go to your most private place, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret, and your Father who sees what is secret will reward you. God’s realm is different than man’s realm, one is spiritual one is carnal. If you wish to operate in the realm of God then it will take a certain mindset to see into this secret or hidden realm, the mind of Christ. How do you look at people and determine who they truly serve; do you base your assumptions on the outward as many do, or do you look to the secret inward man to make your determination? When you attend an organization do you base your fellowship with them by the size of the building and how nice the people are, or are you looking for something deeper, something with some spiritual depth and truth? 1 John 4:1-4 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. (KJV) Actually there is a test, a simple way to truly determine if someone is of God or what could be categorized as a not exactly, close but this isn’t a game of horseshoes. Remember when the Lord said many are called but few are chosen? Well, we see in the above verses what has happened to the many and is still happening. Simple, but they just don’t pass the test, the spiritual discernment that separates the men from the boys, the can do people and the wannabes. If the teaching and preaching doesn’t focus on Christ, the inward spiritual Son of God that was leading and guiding a man named Jesus, then they haven’t come to a working knowledge of the mystery of the gospel; which sad to say is still a mystery to many. While many teach and preach in the name of Jesus, they in essence have got the cart in front of the horse, or in this case they put more emphasis on the outward than the inward. However if one goes through the New Testament and sees what the mystery of the gospel is and the name that was and still is revealed to God’s people, it goes way beyond just a man named Jesus the son of a carpenter. Those that confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh have a personal working knowledge of who the Son of God is and what is the only true hope that will get us access to His kingdom. When I hear people end their prayers in the name of Jesus and those that write books about all the power in his name, it tells me they don’t truly know God or His mystery, a secret that they are still in the dark about. The only way one can be whole and complete, to grow and mature in the things of God, is by knowing the mystery of the kingdom of God which is only found in Christ, while anything less is antichrist. Which if one is not for Him then they are against Him. 1 Timothy 2:5-7 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) You know, if the word of God says there is only one mediator between God and man, and our God is not one to lie, then anything else is just that, a lie. If you were to ask people today what their access code is to their bank account, most everyone would be able to tell you exactly what it is so that they can access it. But ask people what the spiritual access code is to heaven and you will find few that truly know the answer to this secret. Just like with an access code to a bank or a computer, if you leave out any part of it you don’t get access in. Is it any wonder then that the enemy is referred to as the spirit of antichrist and not anti Jesus? You wouldn’t leave any part of your code out to get into a bank account, why would you omit the most important part to get access into your spiritual account as well? Why be half right, when you could be all right? The fact that God used His people to write about His mystery and the sufferings they endured for it as well, it would do you well to give heed to His message and know that the scriptures were given for our benefit to see into His secret realm. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 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; (KJV) Again we see that we should no longer be looking after the flesh or the outward, but rather into the inward new creation to find the answer to the mystery of the kingdom of God. The things of this fallen realm are old news, same o same o, it’s in Christ that all things are new because you have entered a new realm of the Spirit that is eternal. Remember God said that He is a Spirit and so is His Son; so if you are going to know Him and how to operate in His wisdom, it can only be accomplished through Christ that you can be a new creation in Him. God is not a God of the dead but of the living, so old things and old thinking needs to be passed away, dead and buried, so that a new man can resurrect in you. John 4:22-26 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (23) 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) Many today don’t pass when it comes to the heavenly test because what they call worship is mostly done in vain, something that looks good to the outward but does nothing to further the growth of the inward. Jesus had an answer to a secret, and that answer was in the direction of Christ, the inward new creation that was within Him and is within you also. Here is a test, a homework assignment if you would, go back through the scriptures and see if you can find a common denominator to what the Lord called Himself and what name He gives credence to. After all what better example could we have than the one that already passed the test from above and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Test the Spirit and know this, that if you don’t know or are unable to pass it today don’t wait until it’s too late to know the secret that will get you access into God’s kingdom. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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