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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)
Whether the old law and its rituals manifest in the form of circumcision, water baptisms, or any other outward events, the only thing that matters to God is that new creation within the believer. If one goes back through the Bible, especially the book of Acts, you will see that most of the persecution came from those that claimed to be believers; the problem they had with Paul is that He was bringing forth a new doctrine apart from the works of the law. As we see in verse 14 the only thing Paul was holding to was the work the Lord did on our behalf, and anything else was dead and crucified unto him, as he considered himself to be crucified unto any worldly doctrine of man. It’s no longer about the outward man that is going to bring peace, but rather that new creation in Christ is what has brought forth the restoration and a confidence in His work, and not ours. Galatians 6:12-15 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. (14) But may it never be mine to boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world! (15) For neither circumcision nor the lack of it has any value, but only a new creation. (Williams translation) Today we see the same thing going on as was in the early church; rather than hold to the simple truth that it is of faith and not of works, so many cave in to peer pressure, because rather than take a stand they fall away into a realm the Lord said was destroyed and done away. The devil and his workers would like nothing better than to see the simplicity of the gospel of Christ perverted and complicated with a bunch of man-made doctrines and rituals, rather than have the simple truth in Christ. Many today try to seal the deal with these outward rituals so that they too can boast that you are one of theirs because of something they accomplished, and not what the Lord accomplished on their behalf. So what is your priority this day; is it feeding and nurturing that new creation within you, or are you still trying to establish a spiritual relationship based on some outward show? 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 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. (KJV) This is what we have been talking about all week, even though we knew Christ according to the old law and its fleshly or carnal ways, we are no longer to observe Him that way. Once one becomes a new creation in Christ all those old things which He took out of our way and nailed to His cross is passed away; dead, died, and buried. Now our only concern should be for that new man within us and how to do those things that are pleasing to God despite what mankind may think or comprehend as being godly. We should be renewed in the spirit of our mind, having access to the mind of Christ, so that we can continue to walk in this newness of life and not the oldness of the letter of the law which is death. After all, when you stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday what is it that will truly give you access into His eternal realm; the works you thought would impress Him, or allowing Him to do a new work in and through you? Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV) Here is your justification, a simple faith in what our Lord Jesus Christ did on our behalf, not by some works of the law that we think still needs to be accomplished on His behalf. Where is your faith truly rooted and grounded in people; in something you are going to do, or in a belief in what the Lord is doing in you? This is a faith that will keep you in good standing with our Lord so that you no longer will fall away back into the realm of the flesh, but learn more and more how to stay seated in the realm of the Spirit. Haven’t you heard enough testimonies of people that constantly backslide; people that truly had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge? Many fall away and find that they are not being renewed because they are still under the works of the law where there is still a knowledge of sin, and not a confidence in the work the Lord is doing within them, they are still looking without for the answer. And while there are those that are promising them liberty, many are still the servants of corruption because of their lack of faith in Christ, and the only justification they will find in Him. Romans 3:23-28 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (KJV) Justified freely by His grace, that is it; that simple folks, nothing else. We are saved by grace through faith and not of works, which truly eliminates any boasting on our part. You have been given a first class ticket to the heavenly realm so that you can escape the corruption of this world and walk in the newness of life that God intended for you. Now all that is left for you to do in order to board this flight is to pass through security, and provide the proper password and documents to get you home. Jesus Christ said that He was the only way home by the truth which will set you free and give you this new life in Him, above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought about. All aboard? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 6:1-3 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. (KJV)
The spirit is willing, it’s the flesh that is weak and still holds on to the weak and beggarly elements of this world that keep one in bondage, and not in the liberty God intended for us. It’s only the truth that sets us free; and this truth is only found in Christ, which gives us our permission slip to leave the basics and move on to perfection. Galatians 3:23-26 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. (KJV) Before we had access to the throne of God by faith we were kept locked in the realm of the old fallen nature, unable to access the new man in Christ. But now that we have access by faith into this new realm, why would someone want to go back to the old to try and establish this new relationship? Now that you are a child of God by faith, which is in Christ Jesus, you are now dismissed from the old law and its rituals, which could never make one mature in Christ but rather kept them in the first grade so to speak. Strong’s definition for schoolmaster: 3807 paidagogos (pahee-dag-o-gos'); from 3816 and a reduplicated form of 71; a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication [figuratively] a tutor ["paedagogue"]): KJV-- instructor, schoolmaster. Galatians 3:23-26 But before this faith came, we were kept locked up under the law, in preparation for the faith which was to be unveiled. (24) So the law has been our attendant<n> to lead us to Christ, so that we might through faith obtain right standing with God. (25) But now that this faith has come, we are no longer in the charge of the attendant. (26) For all of you are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Williams translation) When I first started school I needed someone to take me there and show me the basics. Once I became accustomed to these basics I was able to walk on my own. The old law served its purpose, and kept an order to things until the time of Christ, who set us free and allowed us to walk in the newness of the Spirit, and not by the old law. The Holy Spirit should be your new guide to show you the things of God and how to walk in them, no longer needing someone else to teach you. The more you rely on your spiritual senses the less likely you will be deceived by your physical ones. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified because those that are in the flesh cannot please God. So who and what is instructing you today, what are you allowing to be your guide in everything you do? Is it according to the word of God, or is it more in line with the popular opinions of man? Hebrews 6:4-6 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) You know what happens when you take a simple faith and try to combine it with the works of the law? These chapters above give a perfect example of how so many fall away again, even after having partaken of the heavenly gift of Christ. What many are basically telling God is that He didn’t do a good enough, as well as a complete work through His Son, but that there is still more left to be done by the works and rituals of the law. Once one has fallen away back into the realm of the flesh, which is not the one the Lord operates in, they will not be able to come to an understanding let alone a renewing of the mind of how the Lord operates and what He is asking of them. What the Lord Himself said was crucified and nailed with Him to His cross, is now pulled back into play by those that think they can establish a relationship with God based on works and not on faith. This is why it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; because what the Lord said was destroyed and buried, mankind is digging up again and trying to build a foundation on the works of the law, and they end up crucifying the doctrine of Christ and distorting the simple meaning of His plan of salvation. Are there dead things and rituals you are still hanging onto; that rather than having been left for dead you continue to keep alive? By the way those holding on to dead things will end up in the same condition. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) Here we see the word impossible again; so anyone outside the realm of faith is going to find it impossible to not only please God, but also to try to establish any kind of close personal relationship with Him. What greater reward is there than to find the love, joy, peace, and a confidence, as well as boldness and assurance in the work that has been done on your behalf to provide this access, and how you can see more and more on a daily basis into the measure of faith that was dealt to you. It’s impossible by our own works to get out of the first grade or move onto perfection until we come to an understanding of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and the liberty we have in Him. Romans 8:3-8 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. (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) The carnal laws and rituals were until the time of reformation; which as we see in the above verses has already taken place. You are no longer under a schoolmaster or tutor, but are now walking by faith. It’s our carnal mind and the realm of the flesh that is not pleasing to God; and for those that continue to be stuck in that realm will find it impossible to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Class is dismissed, and was when Christ fulfilled the old law so that we wouldn’t have to be stuck in bondage of it any longer. Now move forward, and go to the head of the class, and let the author and finisher of our faith be your guide. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 6:1-3 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. (KJV)
As we discussed last week it was needed that one be taught again the first principles of the oracles of God. Now today we are talking about moving past the first grade and graduating to a deeper more mature knowledge of God. The reason one has to learn again the first principles is that they need to be reminded of the spiritual implications of the doctrine of Christ, and not to hold to the outward rituals any more. Simply put what you see here in the first two verses refer to things of the old law, rituals and such that no longer have any reason to be continued in, being the fact that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and completed the work that was needed to reconcile us to God. What we basically see in the first three verses is that in order to move forward, which we will do as God permits or gives liberty (which knowing the truth sets one free), one needs to leave the works of the law dead and buried. What Paul was seeing, and what many of those in the early Church were dealing with, was people who were still trying to keep the old law and the works of it in play; which when you try to combine the two doesn’t allow for the growth that is necessary. Galatians 2:16-18 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17) 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. (KJV) Actually, in order to move forward one has to make it simpler; which comes down to faith in what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and not what we think still needs to be accomplished on His. If I start rebuilding something that was destroyed for good reason, being the old law and its ordinances, I have now transgressed and gone backwards instead of forward. While many claim to have known the Lord for a long time, the reality is that many are still stuck in neutral or the first grade, because rather than realizing it is faith that is pleasing to God they still try to access Him and establish a relationship with Him based on their works and not on His completed one. Colossians 2:14-15 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) You know, the Lord took these ordinances and the handwriting of the old law out of the way for good reason, because it was working against us and not very edifying. Isn’t this life enough of a challenge trying to walk in the Spirit without adding a bunch of laws and rituals the Lord eliminated for our benefit? So rather than making things complicated Church, get rid of the excess baggage and keep it simple; a simple faith and belief in what the Lord is asking of you, and not what man keeps saying is important. The Lord spoke in parables and used analogies of things in this realm that had a spiritual meaning, so now it is time for you to discern what the meaning is spiritually and operate in that realm. Hebrews 9:7-10 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (8) 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. (KJV) You know folks, when I was in first grade I did things more because I was told what to do, not because I knew better. But as I grew and matured I was able to decide and discern for myself what was best for me, and what I was best suited for, although I didn’t always make the wisest choices. Carnal ordinances, certain foods and drinks, and washings which would definitely come under the term water baptism, were all imposed unto the people until the time of reformation which took place once the Lord paid the price for sin and released us from these old stale harsh rituals and doctrines. Once you have been released from this ball and chain, why would anyone desire to go back to it again, trying to build a foundation on something that was destroyed and nailed to a cross? Again, how much would you benefit from going back to the first grade and trying to learn from that literature? Now that the way into the holiest of holies has been made available for us by the blood of Christ and not the works of the law, why do so many hold more to the old rather than to the new? You have a clear path to the throne of God so that you can boldly go before Him and get the things you need which are spiritual on a daily basis; why would you make it more difficult and complicated than what the Lord made it? In fact the Lord laid down His life so that we could have a clear path; so by adding all this other stuff to His simple terms and conditions of salvation, are we not telling Him He didn’t do a complete work? Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (17) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV) Right now you have an open door in Christ to walk out and graduate from the old, and move on to perfection (maturity). That partition that has kept us stagnant and stuck in the old has been knocked down, and now we are able to leave these first principles of how the Lord was introduced to the people by the law behind us, and now move on to a deeper understanding having our spiritual eyes enlightened by the truth which sets us free. A basic summation; we have been reconciled to God, and that peace you have experienced and should be continuing in, is a result of faith and not of works, so that none can boast. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)
When mankind was in good standing with God He blessed them. Mankind was made in the image and likeness of God so that they could experience the life that God intended for them to live. However, it was the fall of man that caused separation from God, thus the reason why God sent His Son so that the image of God could be restored again within us. Ephesians 2:13-15 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (KJV) It actually takes two in order to make one new man; allowing the Spirit of Christ to bear witness to our spirit so that we can find out who we are in Christ, that new creation He intended for us to be and walk in. 1 Corinthians 15:48-50 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV) Showing up at Heaven’s gate with just a flesh and blood carnal resume will not get you access to your eternal reward. When mankind fell it was the image of God that needed to be restored in mankind, so that they could bear His image, which is in Christ. Colossians 1:13-15 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (KJV) The second Adam, that being Christ, bearing witness to the first Adam, Jesus of Nazareth, was a perfect demonstration of the new life available to all mankind. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ, and a working knowledge of who they are in Him, then their life is incomplete and in need of a Spiritual jumpstart. Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV) Jesus Christ accomplished everything needed so that we could walk in a newness of life and no longer have to experience the dead end results of our past one. Many of us were just empty shells, which though we bore the likeness or outward, it was the inward man or image that was missing from the equation. 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) Are you tired of reading yesterday’s news; are you tired of old worn out doctrines that never get results? You are complete in Christ, and are blessed as well when you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are no longer moved by what your outward senses would try to dictate. God bless Church, and let’s just have a bonfire and burn all those old junk tabloid papers from our past, and follow a new, very good script. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 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. (KJV)
You will find in the scriptures a common denominator or person when you see the terms new, new man, as well as a newness of life. You will see Christ is involved, because He is seated to the right hand of our Father showing us personally on a daily basis what is going on in the realm of the Spirit. The way you thought you knew the Lord, you know like all those silly little do’s and don’ts the religious people used to tell you worked, or all the phony rituals they claim that you need to follow, is not the way that you are going to get to know Christ personally. To sum it up, if anything or anyone is not in Christ, then that is something that should be passed by and left for dead if you are going to move forward in your walk with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) I know, when you look in the mirror you can see the outward man is starting to perish a bit, the miles are piling up on the odometer. However, spiritually you should be seeing things more through the eyes of the Spirit rather than just your old limited carnal vision which could never see what God had intended for you. The more time you spend looking above in the new realm of life that our Lord is operating in, then the less you will be entangled and caught up in the silly petty carnal things which are just temporal and not eternal. Ephesians 4:20-23 But ye have not so learned Christ; (21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (KJV) Many Christians are like one hit wonders, where they have an experience with the Lord and then that seems to be about it with them. Unless you are truly getting built up, and being taught who you are in Christ, and able to see the new life that He has for you, your carnal fickle mind will start looking elsewhere to fill the void in your heart. It takes a constant washing and renewing of the mind to stay in the Spiritual realm, otherwise we are operating according to our own righteousness, which is just filthy to say the least. Ephesians 4:24-25 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (25) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (KJV) Do you really desire to see some new results manifest from some of those old prayers that you prayed? Well, you are going to have to put on a new man, and quit lying to yourself and pretending that things are alright. Let me put it to you this way, every man is a liar until they come into agreement with God and the plan of salvation that He planned for them personally before the foundation this world. Hey, unless you show up Christ like, then don’t bother showing up at all. Psalms 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (3) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (4) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (5) Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (KJV) So do you come to the Lord like a child who is excited to learn something new? Even though we may have been on this planet for a number of years life can still be exciting and new if you continue in the newness of life that our Lord intended for you to walk in. Out of your mouth, which is an extension of the heart, will come rivers of living waters which will bring life to you, and to all those around you as well. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (KJV)
So how are things really going in your walk with the Lord these days; are you really getting some new results with a new outlook daily, or does it seem like the same old merry go round, where you do the same thing and end up in the same place? Is your life more of a ritual, where you do things because you think you have to, because that is how everyone else does them, or are you coming out from among the average believer because you just won’t settle for anything less than very good? Romans 6:3-4 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. (KJV) Thayers definition for ‘newness’: 2538 kainotes- newness; in the new state of life in which the Holy Spirit places us so as to produce a new state which is eternal life. Hey I thought baptism is where we dunk someone in water and everyone gets all giddy and excited? Yeah, that was the old way of doing things according to the old man and his carnal way of thinking. However, if you want some real results by walking a new path that leads to eternal life, then you will find that the things that our Lord made reference to according to the old law takes on a new meaning when dealing with the Spiritual meaning of His Word. Yes indeed baptism is so much more than just some old worn out ritual, rather it is actually a new way of life which begins with a death, that being our old man and its limited way of thinking. When I see so many caught up in these dead end carnal rituals that are nothing more than a waste of time, I see so many that don’t have a clue how to truly worship our Lord in Spirit and in truth. How about this Church, instead of immersing the outward man in carnal waters how about immersing that new man in some living Spiritual waters and see what manifests instead? Romans 6:5-7 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) Oh if we could just get ourselves out of the way so someone else could take over; wow, what a new realm we could truly operate in. So many, talk about a heavenly realm, yet so few live in it because they are not willing to die to self so that a new man could manifest and take over, which gets old fast people. Romans 6:8-9 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (KJV) Want to know why many have a hard time believing? Well, it’s not until they let Christ in them come alive, and they start giving more ear to the inward realm rather than the outward fallen one that they will see any real transformation take place. You will not experience a resurrection Church until you take up your own cross and crucify whatever is holding you back from walking in a newness of life. 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) It amazes me to see how many profess to know God, however in works deny Him, and that would be the works of the law that many still act out and think are in play. Jesus Christ fulfilled the old law completely so that we could be complete in Him and walk in this newness of life that God intended for us to walk in. The letter of the law kills; however, the Spirit will bring forth a very good outcome to a very good plan which was ordained by our Lord just for you. So now go walk in it. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)
Those that have walked with our Lord and have been consistent in their walk are referred to as elders, because they obtained a good report card from our Lord. They are the ones that choose life over death, and have learned to walk by faith and not their carnal senses any longer. These are the people that are walking in a newness of life daily, and who do not settle for anything less than what God intended for them. These people know that God saw them before the foundation of the world and planned a very good outcome for their walk with Him, and will not settle for anything less. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) Are you one of these people who just settle for what others tell you, or are you going to seek out the things of God and not quit until you find your place in His body of believers? It may sound like a simple question, even a no brainer; however, it’s amazing according to the scriptures how many do not find the path that leads them home. God’s picture perfect plan that He drew up for you today is not something that you will find in the outward realm of this world, rather it is located right inside of you and is the only place that you will find your answer. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) This is where many fall away, and never find the new life that God intended for them to find in Christ. Many still hang onto the old, and because of that they miss out on the new realm that our Lord would have them to operate in. It’s not until you die to self and let go of the old that you will then be able to find a new life in a new realm that our Lord was dying to give His people access to. Matthew 10:37-39 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (39) He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (KJV) So how about it; is there anything or anyone that you are hanging onto that you hold in higher esteem than our Lord? Because if that is the case then you will not find that path that you need to be on, rather you will be on that wide track with all the other people pleasers of this fallen world. Matthew 19:28-30 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (29) And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (30) But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (KJV) You know, with many children the first words that they learn to speak is no, because that is what they hear the most from the parents. I have found out personally for myself that if the Lord says no to a situation in my life it’s because He has a better plan for it down the road. I have found that when I have let go of the old, then it allows the Lord to replace it with a hundredfold in return, in a new and better way. When I hang onto to old things, well, it just becomes old news in a hurry. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)
So whose framework are you living in today; that old boring limited realm of the flesh, or are you following a picture perfect plan from above? The things of this world get old fast, and never get you to the place that you need to be; while rising up and seeking those things which are above will get you into a new realm where all things should be new and exciting as well. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (KJV) Everything God saw that He made turned out to be very good because God had planned a very good outcome for His creation. That would include you the believer in Christ, who was looking for something to fill that void you had in your heart because of the dead end life you were living. So can you truly say that you are in the framework of faith that God pictured you to be in, or have you painted yourself into a carnal corner? Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Actually, many are going to find out that instead of inheriting eternal life, which God had planned out for them before the foundation of the world, they will end up in the obituary column, period. Many are going to show up and not be in a very good place spiritually, because somewhere along the line they ended up following the voice of a stranger and not the Lord. So in the end, what should have shown up very good ended up to be a cheap imitation of what our Lord intended because they never took the time to get to know the Lord personally. Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) If you notice, there is a book of life which is singular, followed by books which someone other than God wrote. If your name is not written in the book of life then the Lord will not acknowledge you as one of His people. Had you taken the time to know what the book of life said and how it applied to you, then you would have followed the instructions in that book faithfully to the end so that you wouldn’t have to give an account of things written in the books that were never intended to be written. Daniel 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (KJV) So whose script are you really following today; is it the one where all things are now new, or are you on an old slippery slope where you cannot stand and walk faithfully in it? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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