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Deuteronomy 28:1-2 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: (2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (KJV)
When one thinks of salvation, an eternity with God, no more pain, sorrow, or tears, it is comforting to know that someday when we leave this realm there is a much better life waiting for us in the next one. Some think that salvation is a one and done process, all one needs to do is walk up to some alter, recite some prayer, and then they are saved, set for this eternal place in heaven that so many speak of. There are those that would even go so far as to say ‘once saved always saved’, eternal securities is another term used as well. Before you jump on that ear tickling feel good bandwagon, it would do you well to look at what the word of God says, and what the conditions of this salvation truly are if you plan on being an inheritor of the kingdom of God. A simple word like ‘if’ which means on the condition of, can add a whole new eternal meaning to the true plan of salvation. So if you read Deuteronomy 28, the first 14 verses sound great, describing all the blessings that will come upon not only the hearers, but the doers as well. But it doesn’t end there. Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: (KJV) Remember Church, God’s people, this Bible is written to us, the blessings are real and available, as well as the curses. If you read the rest of Deuteronomy 28, you see that life from this point on is rather unpleasant and is a death sentence to those that continue on this path, no matter who they are, or even the fact that at some time in their life they made a commitment to God. You are a child of God, adopted into the family of Christ; salvation is not a ticket to sin, or a free pass to live like the devil. As sure as there are blessings, be aware the curses are still in play and no one is immune to them; just a matter of which path you choose to walk. John 15:6-7 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. (KJV) Call this an endurance race; once you have entered you need to follow the instructor and His instructions if you wish to inherit eternal life. You need to observe all the terms and conditions of Father’s last will and testament given in His word, the fine print if you would, so that you realize that having made this commitment now it’s time to follow through. Looking at verse 6, the branch is withering, drying out. At some point it was actually a part of the vine, but was cut off from the source of life. Note to Church, if you are not sure what is cast into the fire, Revelation 20:15 explains it. Think of a job, if you went to the interview, and you like the job and the benefits, and was hired and told to start on Monday, and you didn’t show up till Friday, what makes you think you’re going to get a paycheck? So why would people think we can do that to God? Simply put, if you don’t make salvation a way of life, a total commitment to the things of God, expect to reap what you sow; and don’t think that you are above the law of faith, God does not play favorites no matter who you are or who you think you are. Romans 11:21-23 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. (KJV) It would be my pleasure to just write of the blessings and joy of the Lord, but I would not be able to speak on behalf of our Lord if I did not remind the Church of the flip side as well; so give heed to the voice of the Lord, so that you don’t fall from grace. Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (KJV) Jesus Christ was sent by God to bring His message of salvation, the plan of reconciliation, not only what allows you access into this plan, but how to maintain this relationship as well. So will you continue in this plan so that you can remain blameless without fault in His sight, and receive the reward of inheritance? John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) By staying in the word continually, you will be a follower indeed, doing the will of our Father. It is knowing the truth that will continually set one free from the bondage of the flesh and allow the Spirit to take over in an area that has hindered our walk in the past. Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (15) While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (KJV) What are you holding true to; will you let God be true and mans’ doctrines be the lie, or are you following a crowded slippery slope leading to destruction? You may have started this race with good intentions, but will you finish strong or drop off? Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV) It may not be a popular path, but it is the only one that leads to our eternal home. Are you in it for the long haul? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV)
Have you ever been in prayer over a certain situation, and it seems like nothing is happening? Or maybe your life seems like it is same O, same O, like walking a treadmill, you exhort the effort but you are not moving forward. The Word says that all things have become new to those in Christ, yet it seems “I am still stuck in the old”. So then we plead with God, “if you would only let go and let me have this request, I could move forward in my walk and I would be home free”. But is it so much that we are waiting for God to let loose, or could it be He is just waiting on us to let go? Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (KJV) Maybe it’s time to rethink our request. Maybe the snag in our walk is not on God’s end, but rather on ours; and our Father’s response is a reflection of our own stubbornness of hanging on to unhealthy things He has asked us to let go of. Your walk, your life is a mirror reflection of the spiritual, so if you don’t like what has manifested on the outward, take a look inward to find the solution. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) When there is an outbreak of an unhealthy, possibly fatal disease, the person infected is put into quarantine. They are isolated and set apart so not to infect others. When you associate with those people or groups that are unhealthy spiritually, you also become quarantined from the Father. So it is not until you are ready to take Father’s dose of what is needed that you will be let out of the quarantine of the flesh you put yourself into, and continue on the path of life and receive the answer to your prayers. You need to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only to be justified in His sight. Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) I have found for my own self, that if I come clean before God, pouring my heart out to Him, which by the way He already sees the thoughts and intents of the heart, that God opens up to me as well, and the relationship is strengthened. Rather than try to hide things from Him, and pretend they don’t exist, which is an area the devil would like to keep us in, I ask for help to overcome these issues in my walk that can hinder my relationship with God. Psalms 32:3-5 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. (4) For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. (5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (KJV) Ever wonder what that roaring is inside you? The Bible says the devil is like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour. That roaring sound is the voice of the enemy, telling you that there is nothing wrong on your end, but rather someone else’s fault, and the more you try to justify yourself, the louder that roar gets and tries to drown out the voice of truth that will restore peace and shut the lions mouth. John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (KJV) The Lord Himself makes an interesting statement concerning His own relationship with the Father, one we too can pattern our life after. How well known I am to the Father is based on how well known I make myself to Him as well. Do I take the time each and every day in prayer and in His word, making my walk in the Spirit a priority, or am I just doing lip service? Am I truly being honest with the Father, coming clean and admitting when I fall short so that He can show me how to make the correction to keep us close? What kind of marriage would one have if they never communicated with each other, or when they did, they would hold back and not be honest? All one needs to do is look around to see that answer, which eventually is divorce. And for those of us that have experienced the D word, it is not pleasant. Psalms 84:11-12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (12) O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (KJV) Have you ever had someone you could tell anything to? Someone you could tell your deepest secrets to, things you would never tell anyone else? Would not that person be someone you trusted, someone you established a tight bond with? What about our Father, did you know His ear is never too heavy to hear, in fact He is available 24-7, 365 days a year? Do you trust Him enough to open up too as well? If you do He will open up to you in return. If you sense your life is being put on hold, and you’re waiting for something to happen, being open and honest with God is what will set you free and get you off the bench and back on His field. 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. Colossians 1:23 [If ye continue in the faith] This will be the case if you, who have already believed in Christ Jesus, continue in that faith, grounded in the knowledge and love of God, and settled – made firm and perseveringly steadfast, in that state of salvation. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
That state of salvation is remaining seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Grounded and settled; not being moved away from the hope that is in you, which is Christ. Salvation is our deliverance from this present evil world and from our destruction. Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Remember, today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time! This is why we are encouraged not to neglect the gift that is within us, and not to neglect so great salvation. And yet, how many still do? How many continue to play Russian roulette with their salvation? It is up to each of us to work out and walk in our own relationship with God through His Son Christ Jesus, and to take ownership (stewardship) of that relationship with Him. What good will you be to others if you don’t give attendance to your relationship with God… to your salvation. Paul encourages Timothy to give attendance to those things that will build him up and draw him into a deeper and closer relationship with God; this encouragement is meant for us as well. (1Timothy 4:12-16) Romans 13:11 [And that, knowing the time] Dr. Taylor has given a judicious paraphrase of this and the following verses: “And all the duties of a virtuous and holy life we should the more carefully and zealously perform, considering the nature and shortness of the present season of life; which will convince us that it is now high time to rouse and shake off sleep, and apply with vigilance and rigour to the duties of our Christian life; for that eternal salvation, which is the object of our Christian faith and hope, and the great motive of our religion, is every day nearer to us than when we first entered into the profession of Christianity”. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 12:3)? So gird up the loins of your mind. And remember our Father’s Word of encouragement... Proverbs 4:20-23 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV) Remember, our life is but a vapor; here today, but could be gone in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. What is your state of salvation? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 2:20-21 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (KJV)
This week I have pointed out some things that I have experienced personally concerning salvation and what it takes to continue in it. In my old life I was bored and a bit depressed, because I had tried everything this world had to offer and still came up short and defeated. Then one day I discovered a whole new realm, which gave me access to all things, not just carnal, but the Spiritual also. I John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV) So how far do you want to go with this salvation? According to the Bible it should be never ending. I have found that when I allow the Holy Spirit to teach me all things, then I will not be seduced back to carnal things which are empty and lifeless; and that my salvation is based on how much I allow the Spirit to have more of an influence on me than the flesh. John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) I found a comforter that did just that, the Holy Ghost brought an inward comfort to my heart despite what was going on in the outward realm of man. I found spiritual things so much more interesting and exciting than all the gimmicks man keeps coming up with. It goes without saying that the only realm I ever found true peace in was not this fallen one. 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 dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) We are made up of three parts, spirit, soul and body. If any of these is out of balance then we are incomplete and in need of repair. I discovered that mans’ ways and thoughts concerning peace and contentment were incomplete, and just the realm the enemy desired to see me in, chasing my tail like a dog. If your walk doesn’t include Christ and His doctrine then you will be incomplete and lacking what was rightfully yours for the taking. Proverbs 28:5-6 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich. (KJV) The whole reason Christ died was so that we, His people, could be whole and complete; spirit, soul and body. The sacrifice of our Lord gave us access to all things, not just things in this world, but those in the spiritual, which far exceed anything here on earth. In conclusion, take hold of what our Lord made available to you, a child of God, so that someday He will say to you personally, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:30-31 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (KJV)
The plan of salvation is one of transitioning, learning to transition from the limited realm of the flesh into the unlimited realm of the Spirit where you discover all things are now possible to those that believe. The flesh and Spirit are two totally opposite realms, and in order to walk in the Spirit I have to let go of the ways of the flesh. In other words, when I was reborn into the realm of the Spirit I now have to rely on a whole new set of spiritual senses and not the carnal ones. Not something that is easy at times. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works 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) While the world says seeing is believing, our Lord’s realm is just the opposite. Our vision is now changed from the outward to the inward realm, which totally contradicts everything we have learned in our past. Your walk with the Lord is what He describes Himself to be, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Now the question is whose script will you decide to follow, a Spiritual one or a carnal dead end? Romans 8:23-25 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (KJV) Today there are many false prophets who think the answer to all their issues in life is money. They rely more on outward things than the inward and are heading in the wrong direction. I am not saying trusting in the unseen is always going to be easy, but the flip side is letting a love for carnal things drown out your love for the Lord, and that is definitely not His answer. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV) Your faith is developed and brought to maturity when you become more influenced by the inward and not the outward temporal appearance. That term substance refers to concrete, or how about a spiritual concrete, a firm foundation we see buildings that stand are built on. You will not find the evidence of God in the outward realm; you need to go deep into the realm of the Spirit to find out for yourself who He really is, and what your calling is in His body of believers. Proverbs 8:19-21 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV) I spent my early years chasing the fool’s gold of this life, but I found our Lord had something much better than that, something of substance that satisfied my inward hunger for truth. With all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that we have been given access to in Christ, why settle for less? Dearly loved, walking more each day in the Spirit is better than any of the perishable riches of this world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
We talked yesterday about testing the spirits, because many false prophets are out and about deceiving and being deceived. The same premise holds true with those that you have been close to in the flesh, including family members. What you may discover is that just because you experienced a new life in Christ not everyone else may be on board and as gung ho as you are. It is a cross road that every believer in Christ will come across and have to deal with. Matthew 10:34-36 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (KJV) The reality is that you may encounter some opposition and it will hit close to home. The reason there is variance or a difference of opinions is because of a lack of spiritual knowledge by those that don’t make salvation a priority. Oh and do know that the term cult gets thrown out there when someone does walk away from the old and into the new. Matthew 10:37-39 He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. (KJV) I say this not only concerning this topic but any topic; in order to walk in the new you have to let go of the old. Evil communications will corrupt the good that may have begun in you, and two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement. So in order to be in agreement someone has to compromise, which in the end usually turns out to be the Christian. Many think it is their personal duty to go back and save their carnal families, but as I have found out, it doesn’t work. Mark 6:3-4 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Jose’s, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus said unto them, a prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. (KJV) Those that only knew our Lord after the flesh were unable to see who this man really was. If our Lord didn’t fare too well with his home crowd what makes you think you will do any better with yours? Those that knew me before my conversion in Christ knew how weak and feeble I was and so easily swayed by every wind of doctrine, something I don’t need to be reminded of anymore. Matthew 18:1-3 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV) This verse really hit home with me because what it is asking is who really has the most influence on you today, your Father in heaven or your earthly one? If you truly desire to be considered a son of God, then He is the one you should allow to have the most influence on you today. Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (KJV) Who are you calling Father today, and which one has the most influence on you? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 22:11-14 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he says unto him, Friend, how came thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. (KJV)
As we go along this week I want to share some of my own personal experiences of what salvation means to me, and what I have discovered along the way. I recently went back to my old neighborhood where I was raised and it brought back a lot of memories of what life was like before my conversion in Christ. I remember how I got hit with what I call friendly fire from those I was close to and from those that claimed to be of God, but were not. In fact I was determined not to be like the many; instead I decided to join the ranks of the few, even though I didn’t have a clue what I was stepping into. Matthew 24:10-13 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV) I found salvation to be more of an endurance race, where I not only had to begin in the Spirit, but would have to hold fast to the end to be saved. Many are heading in the wrong direction because they really never understood the love of God personally, and all that He did on their behalf; and so many think they are doing things for His sake thinking He needs our help, when He is perfectly capable. I John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (KJV) Many think that just because someone has a degree and a big following it makes them successful with our Lord; bigger is not always better. The opposite tends to be true because when I tested the spirit to see what doctrine they were teaching, it didn’t line up with the doctrine of Christ. I then had to make a choice of who I was going to please, God or man. Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone that says 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) The majority doesn’t rule when it comes to salvation. My salvation was based on doing the will of God and not just talking about it like many others. I decided I wanted to eliminate the question marks that we see in the above verses so that I wouldn’t get turned away at the door when it is time to enter into my eternal reward. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) What I have discovered along the path of life is that it is not as wide as man claims it is; salvation is based on God’s plan and not man’s. Salvation is not based on how nice you are; it’s a plan based on grace through faith and not of works. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at naught 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)
This week we will discuss salvation, what that word means and what it entails. When you see this term mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament you see it refers to attributes like deliverance, safety, health, prosperity, and victory. This was everything I was missing out on before my conversion in Christ which is why I was so miserable and confused. I have found that salvation is a new way of life and has been there for the taking despite how many false prophets put a price tag on it making it appear to be for sale. Salvation required me to step out in faith so that the Lord could confirm His word in me, so I could experience the love of God personally for myself. Psalm 62:1-2 Truly my soul waits upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. (KJV) I found out early on that even though I made prayer requests to God in my time, He answered them in His time, which by the way did turn out to be perfect timing despite my fits and tantrums. I now realize that my deliverance cannot come from any other source than the Lord Himself, even though the enemy will try to convince me that something in the carnal realm will provide the answer. Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) I found myself in my past life running to and fro seeking answers like a drunken person unable to walk a straight line. I have discovered this same pattern can take place all over again when I try to do things on my own without being led by the Spirit. When I tried to hide things from God and pretend they weren’t happening, all it did was the delay the process of moving forward in my walk. My advice to the Church today is to come clean with God and pour your heart out to Him and He will show you how to be an over comer in those things that are hindering your walk. Let’s face it, He already sees right though us and knows what is going on so why try to hide it from Him? 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (KJV) The reality is I got tired of being a loser, even though in my mind I thought I was winning. Victory is there for the taking as long as I stay in Christ. What does salvation mean to you today? Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord, and God bless dearly loved. Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
The nice thing about salvation is that we no longer have to be bottom feeders, which is where this world and its way of thinking is located, at the bottom. You can go as high as it gets which is all the way to heaven to get your instructions. The more you realize how much higher our Lord and His way of doing things is, the more you will not keep lowering yourself back to this world and its fallen ways. I John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV) So how far do you want to go in your walk with the Lord? According to verse 27 you can take it all the way if you desire. Your good standing with our Lord is based on how much you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and not be seduced by mans’ limited knowledge. His wisdom is there for the taking and not something that you should be taking for granted. You have been granted access to the things above; and that will only take place when you walk away from your own desires. Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV) Sometimes the church spends so much time blaming the devil for all their mishaps. The devil is a defeated foe, a being who had the keys of hell and death taken out of his possession. The truth is we are our own worst enemies when we lean back to our own understanding, looking more to the outward for confirmation than inward. It goes without saying then that the enemy will come along when he sees or hears weak prey who have forgotten how to pray and hold fast their profession of faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (KJV) Sometimes we become filled with imaginations when we associate ourselves with the wrong crowd, you know those pretenders and wanna be religious people? Our Lord is ready to work on our behalf, but only when we are willing to make the proper changes, which is what verse 6 is referring to. Our Lord is not going to take you into the new with an old way of thinking. Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives 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. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Maybe that frustration you have been experiencing lately is a reflection of how you have been treating our Lord and His plan of salvation. It’s time to take up your spiritual cross again and nail all that doubt and unbelief back on it, and then walk in a resurrection of victory. God bless and let the dead bury their dead. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. |
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