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Good morning. This week's video God Man - Part1 is the first video of a three part series on the topic of " Was Jesus God?" As you study this topic for yourself make sure to let God be true and man the liar; allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. This week's video Born Again is on the topic of the difference between flesh and Spirit. You are born again; you have the mind of Christ and can now see things from the eyes of His understanding to discern what is of the flesh and what is of the Spirit. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. This week's video Builders is a continuation of last week's video on the topic of God's foundation which stands sure; Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone, and who is building upon this foundation. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord Good morning. This week's video Foundation is on the topic of God's foundation which stands sure; Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. 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 2:11-12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV)
Why do so many keep going to man to find peace when it is not found in the realm of the flesh? God has poured out His spirit upon all flesh and provided mankind with a peaceable witness to truth so that we could rely more on His spiritual inward counsel and less on the outward limited one of mankind and his limited thinking. The things of God are given to us freely, yes freely, without charge, so put away your visa card and grab your Bible and let His Spirit bear witness with your spirit and give you an accurate account of salvation. If you desire to find peace, a true eternal one, then you need to go above and beyond this fallen realm to find it; then grab hold of it and never let go or allow the enemy to talk you out of it. I have heard so many versions and perversions of the Gospel growing up, doctrines that raised more questions and confusion than answers. It was only spending time in the word of God on a daily basis and praying to God through Jesus Christ that I was able to find peace and comfort, letting the truth set me free from fear and doubt. Which spirit is bearing witness with your spirit today; is it the Holy Spirit which is able to give an accurate account of heavenly things, or are you limiting yourself to mankind and his fallen carnal understanding which can never give an accurate account to the truth? Wonder why you don’t have total peace in your life? Simple, because you haven’t heard the total answer that will replace confusion with peace. 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) Despite much opposition to what was being spoken by our Lord, He only spoke the words of His Father, words that are spirit and they are life to the hearer. The Comforter is there to bring you comfort, despite what is taking place in the outward realm all around you and those that hold man to be true and consider God the liar. You may attend a fellowship and hear messages on a daily basis, but in the end it is only the Holy Spirit that can truly teach you the things of God and bring to remembrance what God’s true intention of His word is, while anything less will leave you in doubt. The Holy Spirit gives us an eyewitness accurate account to what is taking place in the realm of the Spirit, one that will hold up in God’s court as evidence based on fact. Mankind and his carnal thinking are only able to give an obscured, partial, inaccurate account of what they think took place and how God’s plan of salvation truly operates. If you desire to know all things then you will need to go to the source that knows all things, not just carnal but spiritual as well if you truly desire to have peace in your life and maintain it also. Hebrews 10:14-17 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (KJV) Court is now in session, your faith is on trial, God has sent a witness on your behalf so that you can be freed and walk in the liberty of Christ. While the enemy is accusing and pointing the finger at God’s people, slinging mud to see if it sticks; God has provided the Comforter so that you can stand up and say, I object to this line of questioning which is based on a lie and not on truth. When the enemy approaches you, are you prepared to cross examine and resist in the faith, or are you guilty as charged because you have rejected God’s counsel? When looking for truth, are you more apt to believe someone who was actually there and able to give an accurate eyewitness account; when your life is truly at stake are you going to give credence to someone who thinks they know but can’t actually say for sure? Better yet, the verdict is already in and God’s people have already been proven innocent, now the question is will you stay in His court, or will you jump bail? Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (KJV) Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 12:1 1. Therefore, as we have so vast a crowd of spectators in the grandstands, let us throw off every impediment and the sin that easily entangles our feet, and run with endurance the race for which we are entered, What’s the first thing lawyers do when preparing for a case? They go out and look for credible eyewitnesses that can give an accurate account of what took place. What’s the first thing you should be doing on a daily basis in order to maintain innocence with God? Seek out His truth in His word by those that were inspired by His Spirit to give us an accurate account of salvation. This book called the Bible is full of those that allowed the Comforter to speak through them and deliver a message of truth that sets us free and keeps us free from sin (which simply put is a result of unbelief). Are you able to parade a group of spiritual witnesses if needed so that you can maintain peace despite what the enemy is accusing you of, or will you be handcuffed and brought back into the bondage of sin again? Only those that know the truth can be set free, and only a truthful witness will provide that liberty, while anything less will have one stuck in a dark cell located in the fallen realm of mankind. I John 5:9-10 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. (KJV) All of my life growing up I received the witness of man, which was based on what was pleasing to mankind and his carnal nature, a witness that never brought peace. Once I allowed the Lord into my life and chose to serve Him I found the only peace that satisfies, and eliminated all the doubt and fear that I had in the unstable realm of man. Those that reject the witness of God are calling Him a liar, and choose to look for peace in a realm our Lord said it didn’t exist in. The peace of God is rock solid because it is founded on the foundation of God, Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of your salvation. The peace of this world and the cheap imitation of man is based on an unstable foundation, one that changes and fluctuates on a daily basis. John 14:27 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) God bless and go in peace. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
It is the Lord’s desire that you are made the head, Christ like, is another way of describing it. In order for one to be a part of the body and be an imitator of Christ it is imperative that they know who the Head is and how He operates. How about getting into His head, the Bible says we have the mind of Christ, one that opens the eyes of our understanding so that we can see beyond the veil of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ; that which is unseen to the carnal yet readily revealed to the spiritual one. Ephesians 1:17-23 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV) God set an order to His church and how it would operate. Christ is the Head of the Church, which you are, and which He should be in order for you to access all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are in Him. So where do you go looking for your answer when in time of need, do you seek first God’s take on how to handle things, or are you standing around the tail end getting soiled with man’s interpretation of what they think and not what the Lord knows and what His people should know? If God decided that Christ is the right man to be the Head of the Church isn’t it time you came into agreement with that plan as well? After all we are either with Him or against Him, so if any man has not the spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of Him then they are none of His, which would put them in the position of antichrist, heading downward instead of upward. Heads we win, tails we lose, and so does anyone that tries to alter and change God’s plan of salvation or the order He put His people in. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) So many different names that mankind comes up with, so many different denominations mankind tries to label God with and put Him in their carnal boxes limiting Him according to their carnal understanding and not the wisdom available to those in Christ. God has narrowed His path and provided the one name that will lead to salvation, that being Jesus Christ, while anything less leaves one in the back of the line and on the outside. There is no other name under heaven, this is it, the one name above all other names; one name will get you home and to the Head while anything less will leave you dead. Are you using this name so that you can go to the Head and access all that God has for you, or are you trying some other path that will leave you short and stuck tail gating another blind person heading for the ditch? One name, one Lord, one faith, one Head of the Church, it all points to Christ because that is the way God intended it to be so that you could partake of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that He has for His people. Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV) What do you think life on earth would be like if man just followed God’s simple plan of salvation and didn’t try to alter what He put in place? Like the old song says, “what a wonderful world this would be”. Again we see a simple order of what the Lord intended, just as He did back in the book of Genesis a man and a woman is the only union He blesses and acknowledges, while anything else and they are on their own, outside the realm where He blesses. So with all this talk going around about alternative lifestyles, the only thing being alternated is a lie for the truth, which if continued will result in hell instead of heaven, an alternative God did not intend for His people. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. So if you desire the peace of God in your life then you need to come into agreement with His plan of salvation and the order He set for His church. 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (KJV) If God set the members and the order of His body of believers in a way that is pleasing to Him then who are we to tell Him different? Our physical bodies can be amputated and certain parts cut off in order to live, but once you cut the head off it’s all done, and death will be the result. Given the fact that the spiritual realm is so much greater than the physical one, would it not do you well to heed the word of God so that you don’t cut off the Head of the Church from your life and end up dead also? Heads up people, our salvation draws near, keep looking above and you won’t get so entangled with the things below, things below God’s standards. 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. 1 John 4:1-3 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. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘try’: 1381 dokimazo (dok-im-ad'-zo); from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: KJV-- allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try. Would you like to do a spiritual test to see if it makes the grade; then why not ask a spiritual question? What is one of the first things one asks when they wish to identify someone? How about the name, or what name they go by? A name will give the identity of a person, who they are and what their family lineage is. When you ask someone their name you will find that the first name they give is quite common with mankind, say for instance John. When I think of the name John, different people and personalities come to mind. However, when you ask them the rest of their name then it narrows the field and identifies them with a certain family. When one names the name of Jesus they speak of a common name among mankind, one that many have used. However, when you use the name of Jesus Christ you have now identified a man sent from heaven, a man now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His people. By giving the complete name you now give an accurate complete account of who you are dealing with, the one and only name under heaven whereby we can obtain salvation. You know, this test that is being referred to, was given by another man, one I know passed it himself. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV) As we see in the above verses someone else also gave a test to see who knew the true identity of the Son. As we see all these names were common among mankind, well known by many, yet not what our Lord was looking for. So what is the answer our Lord was revealing to His people and wishes to reveal to His people concerning Himself? Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) There’s that name again, the complete name that gives the whole answer that our Lord was looking for back then and is still looking for today, those that truly wish to serve Him in Spirit and in truth. You know what people, if Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, then that name, the answer Peter gave, would still hold true today would it not? Furthermore, if you look at the source of where Peter got his response you see it came from a God who cannot lie and who thought it was important enough to make mention of it. A builder wouldn’t dare erect a building without having a firm foundation to build on, so why would God’s people try to build on anything less than what was approved by God? John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (2) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (3) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) The Lord’s prayer shortly before His departure from this earth clearly spells out who He is and the one name that will give us eternal life. Again I reiterate that if this name was good enough for Him and got Him access to the heavenly realm as well as an eternal reward, would it not be good enough for you? If our own Lord and Savior used this name to describe Himself then obviously it is meant for us to use as well in order to gain access to the kingdom of God. Luke 2:25-32 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (KJV) Interesting to see again what was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit; something that made it complete. While most everyone was looking in the outward realm and saw a child named Jesus, the spirit was revealing Christ the inward man that would bring a spiritual enlightenment to a fallen world. What or who do you see when reading the scriptures, do you just see and acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth, or has God revealed something deeper, beyond the realm of the flesh for you to see also? Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know whether it was Peter, Paul, or our Lord Jesus Christ, they all had one thing in common, and one name that identified them with God. They all knew personally for themselves who our Lord is and what name He acknowledges as His. If someone comes your way this day to see where you stand, will you be able to pass the test, or will you end up like many, giving man’s answer to a heavenly question? God bless and 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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