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Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
One of the definitions I have heard describing our Lord is that He is the invisible man, something that only exists in people’s minds and not a reality. Many desired a sign from our Lord back when He walked this earth and today not much has changed; many still look to the outward to find peace when the simple truth is, His kingdom is within us. Having spent some time this weekend watching a rather large prominent so called ministry doing another one of their endless telethons, the main focus is on financial prosperity and not one of inward prosperity; love, joy, and peace which is the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible is clear to point out that we would know them by their fruits; and it is quite obvious to those that have their spiritual senses exercised to see the difference in the motive of the heart between what brings forth good fruit and what the root of all evil truly is. So where are you looking today for peace; a joy of the Lord that is our strength that will enlighten our inner man so that we can continue the narrow and strait path that leads to eternal life? Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (KJV) Many have been called and have answered the call for a season, but as we see rather than continue to walk by faith they reverted back to the realm of the flesh and had fallen away. Although the things of God are invisible and not seen by the eye of man or heard by our carnal hearing, they are clearly revealed by the Spirit to spiritual people who would rather seek the things of God than that of man and this fallen realm. Just because you have had a born again experience doesn’t automatically mean you have your ticket stamped for your eternal inheritance, but rather it is a first step into a whole new realm of the Spirit and a commitment one needs to follow through on in order to obtain the reward. In fact once you have made a commitment to the Lord you now become a target of the enemy, and one of his favorite tactics is the make people think that what began in the Spirit can now be perfected by the flesh and its way of thinking, thus why the heart ends up in darkness again. Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) Ever wonder why there are so many wacky doctrines and gimmicks that crop up in the world, especially in the so called church realm? The more one becomes separated from the truth, the more they look for things in the outward to satisfy an inward spiritual hunger. Talk about a vicious cycle, like a dog chasing his tail; the bigger the void, the bigger the deception and gimmicks man falls for thinking it will bring peace. Just like with all these prosperity messages that cause people to think they will be satisfied with the riches of this life. Unless one is able to prosper and be in health spiritually it is all for naught and vain. So which realm are you looking in to find the peace of God; is it in the outward fallen one, or are you continuing in that realm of the Spirit where you found it in the first place? Is it any wonder that the first place you found peace and joy in is the last place the devil wants you looking into and seeking after? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV) It’s a mystery and foolish to mankind to see people at peace and content despite their outward surroundings. It is totally opposite of what mankind seeks after, something not seen to the outward man, yet so real and alive to the inward one. This new found love, joy, and peace you have experienced had nothing to do with the outward realm but had everything to do with what is available in the spiritual realm. So with this in mind, why do so many still think their answer is in the physical realm, especially one that will never satisfy or bring peace and contentment? Faith, hearing the message delivered by Christ is the only thing that has any real eternal substance, and the evidence is only found in a realm that is unknown to man but readily available to those in Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 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) It is this faith, your ability to hear and obey the message of God being delivered to His people through Christ, is what is working in you and keeping you rooted and grounded. The more you look to the things of God which are unseen, the less dependent you will become to the things that are seen and try to draw one back to the realm of the flesh. Like an anchor on a ship, the more weight and substance it has the less you will be blown off course by the winds and doctrines of mankind and its carnal desires. 1 Timothy 1:17-19 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (18) This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (19) Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (KJV) Over the years mankind has discovered a whole new realm unseen to the naked eye, but revealed through the help of magnifying glasses. A microscopic realm that reveals many life forms that help them understand certain mysteries and how to combat these unseen sometimes unhealthy things that war against the body. This same principle holds true with the spiritual things also; it takes a spiritual enlightenment in order to see clearly into God’s realm and clearly discern the good from the evil. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what 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, (KJV) You have a spiritual eyeglass, and the more time you spend looking into this realm the less interested you will be with the things of this fallen one. Your eyes are now enlightened to see and understand clearly the things of God so that you can stand before Him without excuse or ashamed. So what are you setting your affection and attention on today; will it be the things above, or do you still think you will find your answer in what is below and substandard? Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV) In order to access and understand an invisible God, it can only be revealed to us through His Son Jesus Christ who God made the head of His church. If any man has not this Spirit of Christ within, and a working knowledge of Him, then He is none of His and no longer able to understand the workings of the Father. Are you still looking today and seeking first the things of God, or has something else replaced your love for Him, what was once a solid loving relationship with Him has now become invisible? It all depends on where you are looking to find the answer. So remember the kingdom of God is within you and not something you will find in the outward. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and think that there is no man that has ever known God or been known of Him as well, unless He is revealed personally to them through the Son. Unless one is born again or anew, they cannot see or comprehend the things of God for themselves, but are subjected to second hand accounts of what others claim; which opens the door for many false viewpoints. Just like with your earthly riches which you wouldn’t entrust to anyone that is not reliable, neither does our Father entrust His riches to anyone that is not reliable either. So unless God has personally revealed His plan of salvation to you through His Son Jesus Christ you will remain on the outside looking in and unable to see beyond the veil which remains on the heart. John 6:46-48 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (47) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (48) I am that bread of life. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth would not have been able to have a personal relationship with the Father unless God revealed Himself to Him personally, which was by the Spirit of Christ within Him. It takes a spiritual being to relate a spiritual plan of salvation; in other words it takes one to know one. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of His doctrine, He is none of His. While many still make the claim that Jesus was God, the simple truth is that he was a man who God entrusted to reveal His plan of salvation through because he was willing to let Christ in Him lead and guide Him to live a life without sin; thus presenting Himself as the perfect sacrifice for mankind, holy and acceptable unto God. So while many think they will be heard for their much speaking, the truth is that God’s word does not return void and will accomplish what He wishes to have accomplished when spoken and delivered where He sends it. Some today just shotgun the word everywhere thinking that will impress God, yet a chosen few still remain who are delivering sound doctrine with the right motives of the heart. John 14:15-19 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (19) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (KJV) The things of God are foolishness to man, and the carnal natural man is unable to receive it. While the world crucified this man Jesus of Nazareth and they would see him no more, someone else would take up residence and dwell within them, referred to as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth. While many today still see a man named Jesus and their vision is more external, it was the inward man Christ that was leading and guiding Him; the same Spirit of truth that would be sent once He resurrected and was seated at the right hand of the Father. Unless you know God through the Son, and He has personally revealed Himself to you, you will be like the rest of the world in darkness, separated from the love of God in Christ. It was the religious leaders that had our Lord crucified, and it is the religious people that continue today to crucify His doctrine that is based on simple truth which can only come by a personal revelation, not second hand versions from mankind. John 1:17-18 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (KJV) The carnal mind, the sight of man cannot see or comprehend the things of the Spirit, thus why it took the Son to declare Him and manifest His plan of salvation. God chose a man, Jesus of Nazareth, to be the vessel which would house the Son, Christ within, to show and reveal the things of God to Him so that He could bring words of life to a fallen mankind. It took a spiritual being Christ, to reveal a God who Himself is a Spirit, so that He could show us how to be reconciled to God and worship in spirit and in truth, which is what our Father is seeking. Are you willing to worship God in spirit and in truth? If you are then He is willing to reveal Himself to you personally. Unless God personally reveals Himself to you through His Son so that you can know and not just guess you are one his, there will always be that shadow of doubt within. Before you desire Him to reveal Himself, are you willing to reveal your true motives and intent of the heart as well, fessing up and coming clean? After all He already knows your motives anyway. You draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. So the closer you get, the more that perfect love will cast out any fear or doubt you may have had concerning salvation. Psalms 92:5-6 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) Are you still looking to mankind for your answer when there is a God in heaven ready and willing to reveal Himself to you personally through His Son Jesus Christ? If mankind was so smart, then why would they have crucified His Son and still do today with all their perversions of His word? With this in mind, would it not be beneficial to you personally to be still and know He is God, a God that is real and alive in your life? It doesn’t matter who or what organization you belong to; unless you take the time to hear His voice for yourself and allow Him to reveal Himself to you personally you are none of His. Don’t be like the many brutish, which means stupid or the foolish, that try to figure out God by their own understanding and ways, comparing a Spiritual being to our own thoughts which distorts His true intentions and actually limits Him from working in you. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) Do you want to know how the Spirit of God operates? Then you will need to go to the source to find out for yourself. Mankind is limited to their fallen nature and unable to comprehend a God whose works and thoughts are so much deeper than theirs. You have access to God who is a spirit through His Son Jesus Christ who will take the things of God and show them to you personally, comparing spiritual things with spiritual people. So the point today is, spend time in the word of God on a daily basis, learn to hear and trust in His message being delivered to you through His Son so that you don’t have to rely on any man or yourself, but rather know that you are one of His. In the end it is not man who will decide whether you make it into the eternal joy of the Lord, rather God Himself that has the final say. So why not let His message be the light unto your path this day. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:13-16 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) 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)
The whole purpose of those that have been called to the fivefold ministry is to get the people off the milk of the word of God and into sound doctrine, teaching them who they are in Christ. Those that truly know the Lord and how He operates will be pointing the people to Christ and the work He has begun within the inner man, and will not be looking to the outer realm to find peace. Children are gullible, and so are immature Christians, because you can tell them a story or in many places a doctrine, that sounds good but is not based on truth. Another thing you will notice about the worldly doctrines of man is that like the wind they change and alter their stance with the times; thus keeping the congregation stagnant, lost at sea if you would. Those that understand the doctrine of Christ are able to grow up in Him and mature, edifying themselves as well as other members, finding their place within the body and working to build each other up. John 7:16-18 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (18) He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (KJV) When we were children our only concern was for ourselves, and thus we needed around the clock supervision to keep us from self destructing. Many of mans’ doctrines and those that teach them, like to keep their congregations dependant on them; constantly reminding people of all the good works they are doing for the Lord, and not the other way around. In fact, of all the nerve, some actually put their own names on the ministry which tells you the true intents of the heart, having men’s persons in admiration, pointing the people more towards man than that of the Spirit. The true doctrine of Christ will be pointing the people to God through His Son, and not through some man who claims he represents God because of a large worldly institution he has created or thinks he built on behalf of God. Ephesians 4:17-21 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (20) 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: (KJV) The carnal mind is enmity with God; it is not able to accept the things of God let alone walk in them. Many today are legends in their own mind, having the mindset that they are pleasing God based on works that they are doing and not on what the Lord would like to be doing on their behalf. Like verse 20 points out, that they have not so learned Christ; the doctrine that points the people to the inward man; that same inward man that operated in Jesus of Nazareth is alive and well, willing to work in you also if you let Him. Today many still look to the outward Jesus and try to imitate Him; even some of the rituals that He partook of, which by the way our Lord was still under the old law and came to fulfill it, and they miss the spiritual implications and meanings of the things He did. Many today still have a mindset of a man that walked this earth, but are not looking to the man within Him, the Son of God, that was able to give life and strengthen Him spiritually. Many today still pray and teach about the name of Jesus and the power of it, and totally ignore Christ; thus why Paul makes the statement that you have not so learned Christ or His doctrine. Romans 1:20-23 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (KJV) Mankind is without a plausible excuse. God poured out His Spirit upon all flesh, and made His realm readily available to all mankind; the ‘whosoever’s’ that would call upon His name. The problem is that mankind and his vain fallen nature get in the way and distort the meaning and the truth of God, and change it to fit his realm and way of thinking, even to the point of putting man in place of God. Today many still claim Jesus himself was God, the God man if you would, thus trying again to make God in mans’ image instead of the other way around which is what the original intention was. They are trying to change a spiritual being, God, to fit in our realm, rather than teaching the people the doctrine of Christ and how we fit into God’s realm, which is the Spiritual realm that He operates in. It’s because they haven’t learned who Christ is; this is why they keep looking to the outward for the answer rather than the inward; thus distorting and changing the true meaning of God’s plan of salvation; they in essence end up worshipping and serving created beings more than the Creator, not giving credit where the credit truly is due. Ephesians 4:22-24 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; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) There is new man alive and well, and ready to be revealed within you; the truth that sets one free and allows them to be partakers of God’s inheritance, the spiritual blessings that He is pleased to give to His people. This new man is Christ in you the only hope of glory; a spiritual being that is renewing us into a realm of endless riches of wisdom and knowledge, which is only found in Christ and His doctrine which is according to godliness. So stay out of the old; quit looking to the outward; but rather look to the inward man and his needs to find the true love, joy, and peace that is only found in God and those that truly know His doctrine. Learn who Jesus Christ truly is and who you are also; a person that chooses to be led by the Spirit and not by the sleight of men which point people to mans’ work and not to the eternal work God has begun and wishes to continue to do within you. Jude 1:16-19 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; (18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. (19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (KJV) Our old nature is corrupt; the spirit is willing it’s our flesh that is weak and falls prey to its deceitful lusts which never satisfy. Many today have mankind and its preachers lifted up on pedestals, and in lofty positions that keep the focus on them and not Christ. The doctrine of Christ will point you to the Father through His Son, keeping the focus on the inner man and not the outward fallen one. Where are you looking today, what realm are seeking your answer from? If it is the doctrine of Christ then all things will be new, and you will find yourself maturing and growing up in the things of God, and weaning yourself from the things of this realm. God’s best and blessings to all. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; (KJV)
So how does one know the difference between the doctrine of Christ and that of man? One simple way of knowing is revealed in their messages that are being taught and what realm they are pointing the people to. If the messages are more to the flesh and the things of that realm then it is not of God, but rather self serving ones that appeal more to the flesh than the Spirit. If the messages are constantly telling the people how much one is doing for the Lord, or basically how literally the Lord couldn’t operate without them, that would be a sign of a doctrine that should not be welcomed into one’s house but rather discarded. Not only should one be avoiding these messages, but one should definitely not be bidding them God speed or God bless; giving credence to their doctrine as if it came from God. Strong’s definition for God speed: 5463 chairo (khah'-ee-ro); a primary verb; to be "cheerful", i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: KJV-- farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy (-fully), rejoice. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV) Be prepared for opposition; because when you bring this doctrine of Christ to a fallen world many are not interested in dying to self, but rather they are looking to lift up themselves rather than the name of Christ. So for every taste, for every lust of the flesh, there are those that are willing to compromise and bring a doctrine that will suit their flesh, thus cutting the life off to the Spirit. For many claim this idea of crucifixion and dying was fine for the Lord and His apostles, but it is not something we need to concern ourselves with anymore; and it does not go over to well with the congregation either. So in order to keep the congregation happy, which by the way means a happy congregation is a happy giver, one needs to keep this stuff about dying spiritually out of the teaching and keep it in the realm of the new age stuff of a life of prosperity in the flesh. Isaiah 30:9-11 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: (10) Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (11) Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. (KJV) Don’t think for a moment that this stuff hasn’t been going on for a long time; rather than teach and hold to sound doctrine the devil and his workers have been infiltrating God’s field with false workers, teaching things they shouldn’t be teaching; many times for filthy lucre’s sake; the love of money drowning out the love of God which was what the real intention should have been in the first place. So are you learning and hearing more about the things of God and the doctrine of Christ in the places you worship at, or is it more of a Mr. Rogers teaching nice things, a smooth way of life? Are you hearing more about the Christ in you the only hope of glory, or are you being pointed and directed elsewhere for the answer, mostly to man’s work and not the working the Lord has begun within you? 1 John 4:1-4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV) When you look at your fellow mankind that is around you, are looking at the outward appearance, or are you looking to the Spirit to see what doctrine they are bringing forth? Are they truly teaching and preaching Jesus Christ and the good work He has begun and continues to do within you, or are they pointing you elsewhere, mostly keeping the focus and attention on themselves and away from the Lord? Do you know the difference for yourself so that you will not be taken in by these false doctrines; but rather are able to rightly divide the word of truth for yourself by the leading and guidance of the Spirit of Christ which is within you, and should be your only source for truth? The only way you will be able to overcome and be more than a conqueror is by this greater teaching and doctrine which is within each and every believer; not by looking to those of the world that are being deceived, and deceiving by their carnal understanding and not a spiritual one. So what has the greater influence on you today; the doctrine of Christ or the many man-made ones that claim much, but deliver of so little on His behalf? Philippians 2:12-15 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (KJV) It is up to you to seek the Lord for yourself, and to come to a working knowledge of Him, by looking inwardly and not relying so much on the outward anymore. It is God; by His working and the doctrine of Christ that is working and is willing to work within you so that you can be blameless and harmless, teaching and being an example of the believers in truth, allowing the light of the glorious gospel of Christ to shine in you and enlighten those around you as well. Are you allowing God to have His way in you so that He can continue to do those things that are pleasing in His sight through you, or have you shut off the only source of life by trying to follow some man-made doctrine that is more self serving than God serving? Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (4) Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, (5) For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; (6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) My prayer for each and every believer today is that they will continue in the simple doctrine of Christ, and continue in the confidence of what He has done for them and not what many others claim they are doing on His behalf. Keep it simple saints; your answer in your search for truth is within you, in the doctrine of Christ, which will bring life to your spirit man and keep you built up in Him, and not falling for man’s cheap imitations and self-serving doctrines. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:12-17 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (13) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
The Lord had just warned the disciples of false doctrine, having used the example of a little leaven in the bread which can enter in and take over the whole lump. It doesn’t take much leaven to get into the lump in order for it to spread through the whole lump or congregation if you would, so that those that claimed to be a group of believers were actually a group of deceivers. Those that had the Son of God standing right before them and fulfilling all the scriptures they claimed to know and believe were actually working contrary to our Lord’s sound doctrine and had become enemies. Our Lord then proceeded to ask the disciples whom did men say that He the Son of man was and received multiple answers; when He asked them whom did they see Him as He received one answer and we see the doctrine the Lord acknowledged as His was according to the revelation of Christ. Just like with us, as happened to Peter, it takes a personal relationship with our Father in order to see and understand the truth so that we can continue to access Him through His Son, our one and only mediator which is Christ Jesus. Matthew 16:18-20 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (20) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV) The rock our Lord was referring to is Christ not Peter which some claim; being the fact that we do not pray to God through Peter but rather through Jesus Christ. It is this revelation, this doctrine and only this doctrine that will hold up in our Father’s court of law; a law of faith which brings new life to our inner man by keeping our old man in subjection. This name of Christ is the key that unlocks all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God; and the lies and deceptions of hell which kept us bound are no longer prevailing in our life, but rather are knocked down and being trampled upon, as we are walking in the liberty in Christ. Those things that have been kept bound in heaven are now loosed, and the windows of heaven are opened to pour out for you all the spiritual blessings in Christ; those things that have been hid from mankind but now ready to be revealed to those that wish to worship our God in spirit and in truth in the way He intended; those whom He is seeking that are willing to worship Him in this manner. Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. (22) Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. (23) But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV) What I find interesting is how once one is enlightened to the truth in Christ, that suddenly the message changes and is now one of self-denial, even to the point of death. If you notice even though Peter walked with our Lord and was close to Him our Lord didn’t look at him after the flesh, but was quick to point out that what Peter was speaking was contrary to sound doctrine, and even rebuked him openly for it. Though Peter may have meant well and was just being a nice guy, again nice guys (people pleasers) finish last, the Lord was just putting him in his place, despite how close and familiar he may have been to Him. Are you willing to take a stand as well for what you know as truth, so that if someone tries to bring a doctrine into your spiritual house that is contrary you would be just as quick to refute it as well, not letting a little leaven get in and spoil the whole lump? It’s not that you have to browbeat someone with it, but let it be known that it is not of God, and not according to the doctrine of Christ, but that of antichrist. 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) Isn’t it interesting that the Lord is talking about taking up a cross before His own crucifixion, and that in order to be followers of Him we need to do the same? Now does this mean that in order for us to be inheritors of His kingdom we to need to be crucified like He was, or is there some deeper spiritual implication being brought forth? The cross our Lord is referring to in the above verses, is it a physical cross or a spiritual one? Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV) Are you basing your walk with what you think you should be doing, or are you letting someone else take over and have His way with and in you? Spiritually we are crucifying our own desires and lusts which have kept us in the dark and separated from the love of God. Our salvation is no longer based on works, or how much time we spend or have spent within a religious organization or structure, but we are now walking by faith of the Son of God, Christ, who now lives in us. Is your confidence based more on what you think you are doing on His behalf, or is it based in what He has done on our behalf and the work the He began in you? What new doctrine this truly is; that it no longer involves me, but someone greater who is within me and would like nothing better than to continue working on my behalf despite how it looks or appears to the outward man. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (KJV) What a new way of life this truly is, a new doctrine He brings; that it is no longer looking out for number one, which the world says is self and its interests; but now we are looking to the things of the Spirit to find true joy and peace, the peace of God that goes beyond our own understanding. The more one does truly die to self and its interests, the more one is able to see into the realm of the Spirit, and come to a personal understanding of the mystery of the gospel which is hid to the carnal man but readily available to the spiritual one. 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) Are you dying to get to heaven, or is this new doctrine foolish to you like it was to Peter, and to so many that still try to please our Father by their own works and not according to His working which works and can work in us mightily if we let it? The revelation of Christ and His doctrine is the beginning of a new life in Him, and the end of the old life of misery and heartache in the world. Are you dying for the things of God? Well, that is the only way it can be found. So if you wish to be a partaker of His resurrection and the things of His realm, then like our Lord you to will have to lay down your life spiritually in order to find this new life in Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
There is knock that is going out to all mankind, a spiritual knock that is knocking on the door of our heart seeking access into it. This is also an open door into the heavenly realm and as we are going to find out it will take a spiritual key to successfully unlock it. You not only have the opportunity to allow the Lord access into your heart, but you now have access into His realm, an heavenly realm through a spiritual door. Revelation 4:1-3 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (2) And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. (3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. (KJV) Isn’t it interesting how your viewpoint changes once you let the Lord into your heart, how your vision has now been greatly enlarged and expanded into the heavenly realm? The eyes of your understanding are now enlightened to the realm of the Spirit and you are now able to see clearly who God is, allowing Him to reveal His plan of salvation to you personally. You are now able to give an eyewitness account of what you are able to see because you chose to operate in the Spirit and are no longer stuck in the realm of the flesh. You are now seated in the heavenly realm, and are now partakers of the heavenly gift of Christ and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Him. You will find the more one stays seated in the heavenly realm the less they will be entangled in this fallen one; and will continue in the joy, peace and confidence of the Lord. The closer you get to God the more you will come to know His voice, and be able to discern what He is speaking and the spiritual meaning of His word; seeing things from His point of view. God does not lower His standards to fit mans’, but rather if you wish to get to know Him personally then you need to do it on His turf in His realm. While many try to put God in a box and label Him with manmade denominational interpretations of how they think He operates, only those that access His kingdom through His door, Christ, will find His true meaning and establish a personal eternal relationship with Him. John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV) Jesus Christ is the only way of escape from this present evil world, and the only way into the kingdom of God to show us what is available to any man that would be in Christ; a new creation. Anyone that would try to tell the people different is described as working on behalf of the thief, who robs people the opportunity to access the kingdom of God, by distorting the truth and leaving them without the key to open this door and access the kingdom of God and all the spiritual blessings which are located in the heavenly realm. Matthew 16:16-20 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (20) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV) It’s upon this revelation, the name of Christ, that the Lord built His church and made a way of access into God’s kingdom. Mankind was imprisoned by the influence of sin and death, which kept us in bondage to this fallen nature. But now we have been given the keys of the kingdom so that we can escape and unlock the gates of hell that kept us in bondage, and enter into the realm of the Spirit. The key is Christ, the revelation of who the Son of God is, and the only name that will unlock the door to heaven and give us access to His kingdom. Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for access: 4318 prosagoge- 1) the act of bringing to, a moving to 2) access, an approach to God, that is, that relationship with God whereby we are acceptable to Him and have assurance that He is favorably disposed toward us Do you have the right key that will open the door for you and give you access into the heavenly realm so that you can see for yourself what the mystery of the gospel is? There is a whole new realm above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought of; a whole new way of seeing things the way our Lord sees through His eyes and understanding. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) If you notice in verse 10, the Lord is revealing His wisdom to His church; to those that are in the Spirit and are seated in the heavenly realm. God’s true church and His people have answered the door, and not only let the Lord into their heart but have now learned to gain access into His realm with boldness and confidence through the key that unlocks this door, Christ Jesus our Lord. Ever hear the term the door swings both ways? Well we have to allow Him access into our heart, and the more we let Him in the more He opens up to us as well, an open door policy if you would. How are you seeing things today, and from what vantage point are you looking from? Are you still stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh and things seem like old news, or are you accessing the Father through Jesus Christ so that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened to His truth? Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. (KJV) Many thieves and robbers come in the form of religions and religious organizations which talk about God but never truly teach the people the key to access His kingdom. It is like taking a person to the hospital; driving to the front door but never entering in to get what is needed to make them healthy. What good is having a vehicle if you don’t have the key that will start the engine and get you where you need to go? You have access to the throne of God through His door, a can do man who has given us access to His eternal riches; so now the question is will you respond? Here’s your key to success. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) 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. Hebrews 1:1-4 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; (4) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (KJV)
Hebrews 1:1-4 It was bit by bit and in many different ways that God in olden times spoke to our forefathers through the prophets, 2. but in these latter days He has spoken to us through a Son, whom He had appointed lawful owner of everything, and through whom He had made the worlds. 3. He is the reflection of God's glory and the perfect<a> representation of His being, and continues to uphold the universe by His mighty word. After He had procured man's<b> purification from sins, He took His seat at the right hand of God's majesty, 4. thus proving<b> Himself to be as much superior to angels as the title He has inherited is superior to theirs. (Williams Translation) Thayer’s definition for mediator: 3316 mesites- 1) one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant 2) a medium of communication, a arbitrator One of the things Jesus Christ inherited when He sat down on the right hand of the Father was the position of mediator. Being the fact that He was a partaker of flesh and blood and demonstrated a life without sin, what better man to have as a go between? He is able to help us and comfort those that are suffering by showing us the way of escape that He took when He had to deal with the same sufferings. Our Lord and mediator is not asking us to do anything that He Himself wasn’t willing to do. All He is asking us to do is believe on Him. In the Old Testament God spoke to the prophets and His people in many diverse and different ways, this at times included the use of angels. In fact, one time we see an account where the message was delivered through a donkey so that the prophet God was trying to use at the time wouldn’t make an ass out of himself; which by the way would get the attention of anyone hearing a donkey speak. But now we see the word of God is quite specific to tell us that God is speaking and revealing Himself through His Son, the one He has chosen to mediate His plan of salvation to mankind through. The fact that Gods speaks to us through His Son would mean that the only way we could speak to Him would be through His Son as well. Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (KJV) Although some religions and doctrines claim they have had personal contact with angels and were inspired to write what they heard from them, Paul warned against this doctrine because it perverted the gospel of Christ and the message God was delivering through His mediator. There are fallen angels surrounding us in the heavenly realm, which is why the devil and his workers are described as the prince of the power of the air. Keep in mind there are different levels of heaven or the heavenly, so anything above this earth is described as the heavenly. Basically put, if the message received doesn’t line up with the word of God being delivered to us through His Son Jesus Christ, then it is not of God but rather a doctrine to keep one in darkness. Knowing God can only come through the Son and the revelation of the mystery of the gospel that is hid in Christ ready to be revealed to those who choose to walk in the Spirit and not be led by the desires of their flesh and its fallen nature. A fallen angel will try to appeal to our fallen nature, seeking to deceive us into thinking that we can have the best of both worlds, which only leaves one lukewarm and no longer a partaker of the divine nature. Galatians 1:10-12 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Did you know that you have direct access to the Father through His Son, like having speed dial on your phone? Has the Lord himself revealed God’s plan of salvation personally to you which can only come through the Son, or are you settling for second hand, hand me down doctrines from fallen people that appeal to fallen natures? This same revelation that was revealed to Paul is available to you also if you are willing to come to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and let Him reveal His mystery to you. It’s a mystery to our carnal understanding and senses which is why so many miss it. But for those that are willing to worship God in Spirit and in truth, they will find it revealed to them through the Spirit. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) Are your prayers getting answered, are you establishing a rock solid foundation that will last an eternity? As we see in the above example, no man can access the Father without a knowledge of His Son our one mediator. In order to get to the throne of God you need to do it by the name of Jesus Christ, the one name that is above all others. If you desire the Father to reveal Himself to you then it will only be through the revelation of Jesus Christ in accordance with the word of God. It is the doctrine of Christ which God gives credence to, the true message that He sends through His Son. You have direct access to the throne of God; and just like with a phone number of someone close to you, it is something you will want to know by heart. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)
If you go into any city and take the time to look into a phone book under the title of churches you will find pages and pages of different so called faiths and denominations. In others words, when posed with the same question we see in the above verses mankind is still rendering many different opinions on who this Jesus of Nazareth was and what to call this man. In fact some two thousand plus years ago some were trying to associate him with the Baptist, which being the fact that he didn’t acknowledge himself to be one back then I don’t know why so many today are still trying to pin that label on him. We do see him acknowledging himself as the Son of man, having partaken of flesh and blood, but as we are about to see, something else will come into play and expand the field so to speak. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) Christ, the Son of the living God, not God as many claim, but His Son. The fact that God Himself is a Spirit it would only be fitting that His Son, Christ, is of that realm also. Not only was this Jesus born of the flesh but he was also reborn of the Spirit and is Spirit also; the same Spirit of Christ that led this man Jesus of Nazareth is the same Spirit that is abiding in you and what should be leading you as well. This rock foundation is spiritual, and the only foundation that will withstand and prevail against the gates of hell. It is this Spirit of Christ within the believer that allows each of us to be a part of the family of God so that we too can receive the adoption of Sons. We see our Lord acknowledging the two births again, that which is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit, Christ, which if any man has not His Spirit he is not of God, which now makes it a complete package, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. 1 Corinthians 10:2-5 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV) Even in the Old Testament we see the Son of God, Christ, alive and well, His Spirit working among the people. Back then it was providing water that fed the flesh, today it provides us living spiritual water that quenches our spiritual thirst. This is the only name, the rock solid name of the Son of God that our Father acknowledges as one of His and the only name that you can get your prayers through to our Father. Though many claim that Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was Jesus the son of man that was born, Christ always was and always will be, or as He put it I AM. Again that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit; you must be born again with this Spirit of Christ or you cannot see the kingdom of God. Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Paul described this revelation of Christ as a mystery, something hid and kept secret but now made manifest. To those that operate solely in the realm of the flesh this continues to be a mystery. And like we saw with the question asked in Matthew 16:13-15, many are still answering this question according to popular opinion and not by a personal revelation and relationship with God in the Spirit. So no matter what man thinks or how many labels and titles they try to put on Him, His word is quite specific on how His plan of salvation works and who it is that is working in His people. So people, before you jump on these bandwagons of popular beliefs and doctrines take the time in the word of God and prayer, and see for yourself who the Lord truly is and by what name does He go by and acknowledges Himself to be. The only teaching and the only way to present the believer perfect, mature in all wisdom, will only be accomplished by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) This is a great mystery and continues to be because it is hid to the carnal man and his way of thinking, and only revealed to the spiritual man and those that desire to worship God in spirit and in truth. God truly was manifest in the flesh, His plan of salvation and the miracles that He worked through Jesus of Nazareth were only accomplished by the Spirit of Christ within Him and His willingness and obedience to follow that leading. As this Jesus Christ is known also as the Son of God, so are you if you continue your relationship with the Father by basing your walk on what the Spirit of Christ working within you dictates and not by the box mankind tries to stick Him in and label Him with. It takes one to know one; so if you want to resemble your Father in heaven then you need to follow the example of the Son and the Spirit of Him, Christ, if you wish to receive the reward of inheritance. We will continue with this topic of the Son of God, so keep the faith grounded and settled within you, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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