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Good morning. This week's video Book of Life Part-1 , is the first video of a two part series on the topic of keeping your name in the Lamb's book of life; in the end will your name still be written or will it have been blotted out?. 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. 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. John 3:27-28 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (KJV)
Back in the Lord’s short time here on this earth people were looking for a Messiah to manifest which they thought would take place in the outward realm; some wonderful spectacular event for all the world to see. While many continue today to look in the outward realm also, or as we see in the above verses at other men as their savior; few understand what was truly given to us from the Father which is manifested and brought to light through His Son, the hidden inward man. What are you receiving today; is your information and knowledge coming from above, or are you settling for second hand knowledge of man that is limited by their carnal thinking? Do you know for sure that the steps you take today are of faith; in other words those that God is asking of you, or are you following some man-made plan of salvation that doesn’t quite add up to our Lord’s standards? Salvation is a gift given to mankind from above, and just as you would be offended to give something of value to someone close to you only to find out it wasn’t appreciated or that they didn’t take the time to read the instructions before putting it to use; how it must hurt our Father to have so much to give to mankind only to see it ignored and discarded for a cheap imitation. Psalms 37:23-26 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (25) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (26) He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. (KJV) Where are you heading today, and who is truly directing your path? Are you taking the time to receive your instructions from above knowing they are in order with our Lord, doing the things that are pleasing in His sight? Even though at times we do sin and fall short of the glory, the Lord is not casting us aside but rather like with a parent teaching a child to walk, He is there with His hand outstretched ready to pick us up again and get us back on the path of life. John 15:4-8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (KJV) Again we see the word nothing, which without the Lord’s leading and guiding in our walk we cannot do those things that are pleasing in His sight. As a branch grafted into the tree of life the only way we can live and continue in this new life is if we continue to receive our nutrients from the source. As newborn spiritual beings in Christ we need to receive and continue to nurture this new being inside us with spiritual food and drink in order to maintain a healthy relationship with our Father. Those that reject our Lord’s plan of salvation have broken off the line of communication with their Father; they are no longer receiving His living waters and they will dry up and die of thirst, eventually being burned. John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) God gave us a Savior, and gave Him a name above all names so that those that received this revelation should not perish but have eternal life through this name. Verses 15&16 use the words ‘should not’ not ‘would not’, because the choice is still ours to choose this day who we will truly serve and whether or not we will truly receive the gift of God which is eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. Acts 4:7-12 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; (10) 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) God gave mankind access to eternal life, and only one name under heaven gives us this life so that we should not perish but receive our eternal reward as well. It’s a given to the people of God who our one mediator between us and God is; as well as the whole name that will make us whole and complete in Him, that being Jesus Christ. It’s a given, have you got it? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)
Wasn’t the whole idea for accepting God’s plan of salvation into your life was to make it to the end and receive His eternal reward of inheritance? Having gone through the trial of this life which one can only be an overcomer by faith, it is the salvation of your soul that is of the utmost importance, especially when the day comes that you stand before God and give an account of your life; this life of faith in the message delivered by Christ. Jesus Christ is the first and the last; it was His word of life that brought you into the Kingdom and He will have the last say concerning your entrance into His eternal one. He is the author and finisher of our faith as well, so if you have been resurrected into the realm of the Spirit and are confident that the message you preach and follow came from the Father through the Son, then you will not be ashamed when it is time to be resurrected into His eternal realm forever. You may have entered this race with good intentions, but it is so vital that you continue and endure to the end so that you will be saved and receive the eternal inheritance. While many think all they have to do is answer some alter call to be saved, the truth be known, that is just the beginning; now you need to continue in the faith grounded and settled and don’t be moved away from the only hope of the gospel, which is Jesus Christ and His message of faith to the believers, a faith without which we cannot be pleasing to Him. 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) Do you know what the worst part about reading the above verses is, that the people described were actually believers, those that had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge; God’s people perishing for lack of knowledge. Take note of the fact that we are not just talking about a few here, but verse 22 is quite clear to point out that it is many that end up being deceived and do not receive the reward of inheritance, the salvation of their own souls. Somewhere along the line in their walk they were no longer communicating with the Father, but rather the father of lies who comes to steal the truth, kill the life within them, and then watch their soul eternally destroyed in the lake of fire. Are you totally sure of the message you are hearing today is of God? Does it line up with His word or have you been sidetracked and are now following a different protocol? Are there question marks in your life concerning your walk? When you stand before God someday you will know and not guess you are one of His? Remember the word of God tells us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so if it isn’t the Lord directing your steps then you are none of His. Those that wish to enter into the Lord’s eternal inheritance need to let the Lord in their life now, today, so that there will be no doubt or question marks concerning their reward of inheritance. Simply put people, if you don’t let the Lord into your life then He is not going to let you into His either. What rightfully belonged to people who were at one time children of God was stolen from them without them even knowing it, because somewhere along the path of life they started out on they turned and followed a different path that led to destruction. 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) There is only one path that leads to eternal life; and sad to say, only a few who find it. Years ago there was on old song that said ‘there’s a whole lot of people going home’, however the truth be known only a few will actually make it in, while many will be rejected. There is only one path, one Lord, and one faith that lead us unto life; and without this knowledge of who, what, and where this path is for you, you will not receive your eternal reward. Have you ever heard the statement ‘all paths lead to the same place’? Well that’s true, because when it involves any other way into the Kingdom besides the one our Lord said would get you in, then all those other ways are that of a thief and a robber, which is widely known as the path of destruction. Don’t be deceived into thinking that just because you joined some religious organization, or because you tithe twice a week or any other of our own works, you have your ticket stamped. Without faith, as the Bible says the just shall live by faith, without hearing this message on a daily basis then acting on what is heard you will end up eternally on the outside wishing in, knowing what was yours and what you had access to only to let it slip away from your grasp. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know folks, this once saved always saved doctrine just doesn’t fly. Oh it sounds good and sure is an ear tickler which gives many a warm feeling inside, but the truth be known your salvation is based on your ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, then being a doer and not a hearer only unto the end. Your born again experience was just the beginning, now we will see if you will truly allow Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of your faith so that you can receive your eternal inheritance. Again as we notice in the above verses, that it is not until we are given a new incorruptible body are we then allowed access into God’s kingdom; then and only then will we escape the second death which is eternal separation from the Father. So before you kick back in your easy chair and think you got this thing licked, heed the warnings in the word of God so that you can continue in the love of God and spend your eternity with Him. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV) Strong’s definition for overcometh: 3528 nikao (nik-ah'-o); from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): KJV-- conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. You know the Lord just didn’t ask us to squeak by or hope we are one of His, but rather we should be an overcomer and walk in victory. It is our faith in what Christ has begun in us and continues to do that gives us this victory and will give us access to His eternal reward so that we can spend eternity doing a victory lap in His kingdom. Don’t be fooled Church, don’t be lulled back into a spiritual sleep and entombed into the realm of the flesh again, but hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, a message coming from the only author who will lead you to victory. Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) In this fast paced world patience is not something that is often spoke of, let alone put into practice. But by letting patience have its perfect work we can mature in the Lord, lacking nothing. You have been reborn, resurrected to a new life in Christ, which is just the beginning. Continue in the faith, letting the good work that our Lord began in you to continue to the end so that you can receive what is rightfully yours, the salvation of your soul. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (KJV) My prayer for each and everyone is that the end of this trail here will result in the beginning of their eternal reward with our heavenly Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 5:23-25 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (KJV)
Father, Son, Son, Father, a package deal, we can’t have one without the other; they work in unison to bring us a plan of salvation, a deliverance from the death sentence that was imposed on mankind because of sin. If one does not know the Son then they will not be able to access the Father; thus the Father will not be able to access us if we don’t come into agreement with His plan of salvation delivered through the Son, Jesus Christ our one mediator. Once a person is able to hear this message for themselves they are then passed from this death sentence and are now set free to a life of liberty in Christ; no longer a servant to sin and its consequences. The hour is now, for those that have been spiritually dead to be able to hear the voice of the Son so that this sentence of death can now be passed from them and erased, blotted out so they don’t have to be blotted out of our heavenly Father’s register, His book of life. Thayer’s definition for condemnation: 2920 krisis (kree'-sis); 1) a separating, a sundering, a separation; b) sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) 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) Where are you at right now in your walk? Do you know the Son so that you can access the Father and continue to be innocent, or are you still seeking to find freedom in the realm of the flesh, the area that is enmity with God and caused the separation in the first place? Did you know right now, that if you are in Christ there is no condemnation; but at this moment, today, you have passed through the gates of hell, the prison that kept us in bondage waiting for our death sentence to be carried out, having been declared innocent by the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of sin and death is spiritual; and I was carnal sold to sin, stuck in a realm of misery and hopelessness. It took a new law, a law of faith in the work that Jesus Christ did on my behalf to set me free so that I no longer have to live in bondage to sin and death. If you notice verse 4, this is an ongoing process, one that began in the Spirit and needs to end that way in order for one to gain their permanent inheritance into the kingdom of God. 1 John 3:18-24 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV) In the Old Testament they had the ten commandments as well as the old law, which if one goes back to the Old Testament they will see how complicated it was. The Lord has given us a new commandment, a simple one to keep us free from sin and no longer be under a death sentence. Sometimes we do stray, and if our heart condemns, which in this case is referring to convict, then one needs to heed to the voice of God so that they can restore the confidence back toward God. God will prick the heart and let us know when we have gotten off His path and are trying to establish our own righteousness, which in His sight is referred to as filthy rags. Once this confidence is restored again we are able to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, and not have to be concerned with how mankind sees or perceives us. The simple commandment is to believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ so that the love of God can continue to be shed abroad in our heart, and that we can know and not just guess or hope that He is still abiding in us. So how are you accessing the Father today? Are you going to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and us, or are you trying to climb up some other way which is the way the devil would like you to go, back to his realm? The Bible says that if you try to access the Father any other way but through the Son, then you are like a thief and a robber, robbing God the opportunity to work in your life and present His plan of salvation to you to set you free from condemnation and guilt. Once you have been delivered and set free from your sentence of death don’t think for a moment that the enemy is not out to have you retried and convicted of sin again. So it is of utmost importance that one continues in the faith grounded and settled, and in no way giving place to the enemy. John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (KJV) God didn’t send His Son to scare you into the kingdom with messages of hell and death, but rather a message of love. It is your choice to believe in the message He is delivering and continues to deliver through His Son, and to believe in His name. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, a name which is above every name, the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and enabled to continue in His plan of salvation enduring to the end. With all that is in the name of Jesus Christ, are you using the full name, or are you leaving it out of your prayers? Some people think it is all in the name of Jesus and leave out Christ. Ever wonder why it is called the spirit of antichrist, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience? If you wish to establish a personal relationship with the Father, then it can only be through the Son where there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 1:18-23 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)
When you think of the head of a corporation, the CEO, or anyone else that is put in the position of being in charge and making decisions, you would think it would be someone that is the most qualified, and like with many corporations someone that has worked their way up through the ranks and has proven themselves. God has chosen His Son Jesus Christ to not only mediate on behalf of Him but to be the head of the Church, having proved Himself by living a life without sin then resurrected to God’s right hand. What better person to be chosen and to have working on your behalf than Jesus Christ; the most qualified being in the universe. And yet with all that is available to mankind so many choose someone or something else to have authority in their lives, and are robbed of their eternal inheritance that can be only found in Christ. Who is running your life today; who have you chosen to be the head? The fact that God chose Jesus Christ to be the head of His church, wouldn’t that be good enough for you also? Or are you still looking for a shortcut to heaven, an easier path with someone that isn’t so strict to deal with? Being the fact that Jesus Christ was the first born into the realm of God and established the only path that leads to our eternal inheritance would that not make Him more than qualified to be the head of your house also? 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV) God set an order as to how His church would operate and who would be in charge. While mankind tries to alter His decision and think they can do a better job, it’s only those that come into agreement with His plan who will be blessed of Him; otherwise they will find themselves kicked to the curb. Paul knew the order God had set in place and was encouraging the people to follow the example he set that was based according to God’s word and the revelation of the mystery of Christ. Anytime someone tries to alter this plan, or change it to fit their interpretations, they end up on their own and in a ditch with the rest of the blind that they were following. 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) God has set in order a perfect plan for how His church would operate and who would be in charge and mediate on its behalf. Anytime we try to alter that plan we are telling God He is a liar and didn’t make the right decisions, or appoint the right members. If Jesus Christ is not the head of your house, and your prayers are not being directed to the Father through His name, then you are none of His. You know you can cut off certain parts of your body and still live, but once you cut off the head then you are dead. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Mankind has come up with many names, many denominations and titles that they put on the Lord, none of which is based on the word of truth. They may be ever learning things about the Bible but never come to a knowledge of the truth in Christ, which makes it a complete package. If you desire to draw closer to God, then the only way that it is done is through His Son, because all the fullness of what God has to offer the Church is in Him ready to be revealed to those that seek Him. With what measure or effort you put forth in spending time in the word of God and prayer is what is returned to you; so unto those that hear the message of Christ that our Father is delivering will be given more, but those that ignore Him will have whatever was there taken away and stolen from them. Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) How many remember summer camps where late at night you would stay up and tell a bunch of farfetched stories to younger children and watch them oooh and ahhh? The same thing is going on in a lot of religious buildings today; many are manmade doctrines based on lies and deceptions which point the people to their own works rather than acknowledging the completed work God has done on our behalf through His Son who is now making intercession for us to remind us of His truth. Unless one establishes a rock solid foundation based on the doctrine of Christ they will end up believing a bunch of far fetched fairy tales that appeal more to the flesh than the Spirit. How many of you would walk into your bosses office and tell him off and think that you would have a job much longer? That basically sums up what the creation tries to dictate to the Creator anytime they don’t accept God’s plan of salvation, thinking they know better than the boss. 1 Peter 2:4-8 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV) God said this stone which has been disallowed of men is precious in His sight. This stone that God chose to be the head of the Church, mankind has the nerve to tell Him He was wrong and made a mistake. When the buildings were built they were patterned after the setting of the corner stone; so if that stone wasn’t set right the whole building would be off. The same holds true with the Church, if Christ isn’t the head, the chief cornerstone and foundation of their building it will not be built according to the standards of our Father and be rejected. Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (KJV) Who is the foreman, the head honcho in charge of your building today? Is it up to code and being built according to the blueprint God drew up, or are you cutting corners and leaving out the most important part of His plan? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:6-7 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (7) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (KJV)
When you think of a right hand man you think of someone that is familiar with an organization and how it operates. As we see here our Lord is specific to say that the only way to the Father is through the Son; this same Son the Father sent to deliver the message of salvation and pay the price for sin to reconcile us unto Him. So having had a man that was able to walk this earth and live a life without sin demonstrating how to walk in the Spirit, what better man to have seated at the right hand than someone who has been there and done it, right! You know, the question one has to answer is this, if God entrusted Jesus Christ to be the one mediator between Him and us, are you also willing to trust in our Father’s decision as well? Because anything else will not get you access into His kingdom; and what it comes down to is, that you are saying that He is a liar and not one to honor His word. Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (KJV) You know, you have a right to this tree of life right now because you have been grafted into it to bring forth fruit unto God. It’s only those that not only hear His word but then do his commandments that will have an eternal access to it. However, anything that is not according to the word of God but based on a lie will be on the outside and not able to get through to the Father. It is so very vital to know who is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for His church so that you can access the Father through the Son and know that you are a partaker of His divine nature and will not be left out. 1 John 3:22-24 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV) A simple commandment is that we should believe on the name of Jesus Christ and the completed work that He did on behalf of mankind and the work He continues to do making intercession for us. If you are not confident in your prayers and are not getting the results you sought, you may need to check to make sure you have the right access code, otherwise you will be trying to access a God of truth by a lie. Who is a liar, those that deny that Jesus is the Christ, God’s right hand man who is ever making intercession for us. In fact those that deny the Son are denied access to the Father, and thus the term antichrist. Ephesians 1:17-21 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: (KJV) Mankind has had spiritual blinders on, and are unable to see beyond the realm of the flesh because of sin. God having sent His Son to redeem us from this curse, reconciled us to Himself when He raised Christ from the dead and set Him at His right hand so that we could now be adopted back into the kingdom of God. Christ is the power and wisdom of God that removes the spiritual scales from our eyes and enlightens us to come to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation which is wrought only to those in Christ. Thayer’s definition for wrought: 1754 energeo- 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power; to work for one, to aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one's activity, to show oneself operative There is only one name which is above every name; there is no other name under heaven by which we will find entrance to the throne of God, that being Jesus Christ who is seated at the right hand of God ready, willing, and able to reveal God’s plan of salvation to any or all that seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. So again, if God has entrusted this man with the position of mediator, and throughout His word is pointing us to Him through His Son, isn’t it time you started trusting in Him also? 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) If you truly desire a personal relationship with the Father then it is time to start looking beyond this realm and into the heavenly one. In order to access the Father you will need a name that is higher than anything here on earth to give you access to a God that is able to do above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought. Aim higher; for those in the realm of the flesh the sky is the limit to them; to those that are in Christ there are no limits, for as the heavens are higher than the earth and its way of thinking so great is the mercy of God that He would send His only begotten Son to not only die for us, but continue His mission in the form of a mediator. Imagine if you were accused of a crime and had to go to court against a bunch of high priced lawyers who knew the laws backward and forward. Now imagine if you could access an attorney that could prove your innocence and set you free, but you instead chose to represent yourself and ended up convicted. That is basically what happens to those that don’t accept Christ as their Savior, and allow Him to mediate God’s plan of salvation to them on a daily basis, but choose their own defense and end up eternally convicted. The spiritual evidence to set you free is delivered to you through Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be imprisoned to sin and death. Romans 8:34-39 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) Jesus Christ condemned sin in the flesh so that we could be set free from our eternal death sentence. He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us so that we no longer have to be separated from the love of God which is being manifest to us through His right hand man, Christ Jesus our Lord. Being the fact that God decided He was the right guy for the right hand position, isn’t it time you did also? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (2) 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)
With all of the busyness of this life have you continued to keep the Lord in the forefront of your life (body, soul, and spirit); blessing God in all manner of your life for His loving kindness toward you? Ephesians 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) 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) You have a choice each day whom you will serve; God or man. I pray that you will choose each day to renew your mind in the Word of God and be an example of His loving kindness in all that you do and say. Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (KJV) You have been given a new life in Christ; you have been forgiven, you have been healed, you have been delivered from destruction and lastly you have been raised up and made to sit together in heavenly places in Him where He will satisfy your hunger and thirst, renewing your strength so that you can overcome and remain steadfast in this new life He has given you. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (KJV) Dearly loved, God’s Word is pleasant. Bless the Lord with your life and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (KJV)
As we go through the book of Galatians you will see where Paul meets up with some of the apostles who walked with our Lord, and you will find that they were not so in tune with grace, but were still trying to incorporate the works of the old law into this new faith. What should have been deliverance for many, turned out to be walking right back into bondage; it looked good on the outside, but was no longer in play as far as the Lord was concerned. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 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: (KJV) Here is a way to look at salvation in a more personal way; when Christ died you died with Him. When He resurrected so did you, and when He was raised, you were able to rise up to a higher level so that you could go before the throne of God and see things from His perspective without being limited by your carnal vision. Everything that needed to be done in order for you to be delivered has been done by the Lord on your behalf; and there is no excuse for why Christians are still in bondage to things of this realm. Deuteronomy 7:1-3 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. (KJV) The Lord had a perfect plan of deliverance for the children of Israel as He does for you. However, many of them were brought back into bondage again because they intermingled with those of the world. You will find that as you see more into the realm of the Spirit by knowing the truth, many of man’s religions are based more on the world, and not the Word. I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) If the world is passing away and the lust of it, then it would be safe to say that all those who are still hanging onto worldly doctrines will follow suit. It’s up to you to know the difference between what is of God, and what is not in order to stay free. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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