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1 Corinthians 15:46-50 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV)
Someday you will stand before God seeking to enter His eternal kingdom to receive your reward of inheritance. As we see noted in the above verses it will take more than good looks, an abundance of money or a familiar family name here on earth to gain access into this realm. You will need to bring more to the table than your good works or what you thought were good; rather it will take a working knowledge of the Son of God not only to access His realm now but to gain an eternal access. Knowing, not just guessing is vital in order to receive your inheritance. After all God didn’t send a Son our way to do a half hearted work on our behalf, but one that completed the task and provided our way of escape. It will take more than just a so called church membership or a bunch of religious rituals in order for you to obtain your inheritance as well. Acts 10:36-38 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (37) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV) If you notice at the end of verse 38 it says God was with this man Jesus of Nazareth, as He is with any and all that are anointed with this same Spirit that He was. It doesn’t say that Jesus himself was God anymore than you would claim to be God, but rather He allowed the Spirit of Christ to lead and guide Him on the only path that led to eternal life. The Bible is quite clear to point out that if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, then they are none of God’s people; rather they are those that chose to follow the way of the flesh on a path of destruction. In order for you to gain access into the kingdom of God today, right now, you need to have this same anointing working in and through you in order to do those things that are pleasing to God and bring forth fruit to perfection. Again simply put, you have to bring more to the table of God than just good intentions or what you think are good works, but rather a willingness and obedience to the Spirit of truth. It is vital that your focus and attention, your priority, is more directed to the spiritual realm so that you will be less concerned with the things of this fallen one. John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (24) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (25) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. (26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) If you notice in verse 23 you see how the Father and Son work in unison to make their abode or home within the believer. You don’t see Jesus claiming to be God, but rather as is with us He allowed this Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to teach Him the things of God and not to rely on flesh and blood thinking. Also by the way, take note that this same Spirit will bring all things to our remembrance because it will come from the heart and not the head which is what many of man’s Bible memorization programs are based on. While the world and worldly people base their peace on the outward appearance of things, the peace of God, which surpasses way beyond our own understanding, will continue despite what the outward dictates. God is a Spirit, so if you wish to relate to Him and understand the workings of Him, then it will take more than a carnal understanding to know Him and the leading of His Spirit within you. The more you get to know Him the more you will realize just how much greater He that is within you is than anyone that is in the flesh and blood realm. John 20:27-31 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (KJV) This man Thomas couldn’t quite comprehend the things of our Lord because he held to his own understanding rather than the truth. How strong are you today, and are you holding fast to the things of God which are not seen by man but readily revealed to His anointed? What’s in a name, well according to the Author, everything as we see in verse 31, that the purpose of this book having been written is to reveal the only name that we will find life in, that being Jesus Christ. Do you know the name that gets you access into the kingdom of God so that you can see beyond the veil of the flesh and understand for yourself the truth that will set you free, or are you like Thomas reaching out to the carnal realm to satisfy your spiritual understanding? You truly wish to access His spiritual realm? Then you will need to know the Spiritual name which is above all names in order to gain entrance. Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (KJV) If you don’t stand now in the Lord and the power of His might you will fall for anything, and any cheap imitation of the enemy. The whole armor of God is Christ, the only name that will make you complete in Him and give you the power to withstand all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Your opponent is not flesh and blood as many think, but is spiritual in nature, a fallen nature that will take a Spiritual being within you in order to stand. While many put a physical face on the enemy and wrestle in the realm of flesh and blood, which by the way the enemy enjoys watching the show, few really know who they are in Christ and the victory we have through His name. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (KJV) Is your old man, that old nature passing away, or are you the one passing away in a dead world trying to serve a spiritual God with a carnal mind? Are all things new to you because you are accessing a new realm of the Spirit on a daily basis, allowing a new man within you to resurrect and have His way, or are you like Thomas poking around in the flesh and blood realm seeking an answer? Many people talk about a man named Jesus and preach in his name, while few understand the unseen man within, Christ the only hope of glory. If you wish to access God today then you will need to bring more to His table than a flesh and blood name in order to gain access and receive your inheritance. And the only name given under heaven which is complete and whole is Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 4:8-9 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (KJV)
In closing this week, a lot of people on this planet claim that they know God, and the religions and denominations that keep cropping up are astronomical in number despite the fact that the Lord said there is only one way, one truth, and one life that would get us home. In order to find out who you are in Christ, you will need to get to know the Son, someone who is mentioned often in the scriptures. I John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. (KJV) Did you realize you are considered a part of the family of God? The only reason you lived so miserably in the past is because you didn’t know who you really were until you knew His Son. God would like to send you out to deliver His message of hope to a dying world. However, just like with the mail service, he wants you to deliver in rain, snow, or sleet and He is looking for more than just fair weather people. John 5:23-25 That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (KJV) We bring dishonor upon ourselves when we don’t bestow the honor that is due to the Father and the Son. For those who claim that Jesus was God, they are not presenting a true and complete account of salvation. Those that honor the Son bring honor to His Father and are passed from a death sentence to eternal life which is why the Son was sent our way in the first place. John 7:16-17 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 is of God, or whether I speak of myself. (KJV) Given the fact that we serve a God who cannot lie it is safe to say that He sent us a Son who would not lie either. When reading the Word one cannot just overlook and throw away the scriptures that deal with the Son and why He was sent. Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (KJV) In the end, it is vital that you find out for yourself who God is and how to get through to Him. If you are not getting it firsthand from the Son then you will find yourself left out because you chose to settle for second hand doctrine. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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 incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. (KJV)
From the beginning the enemy has tried to divert attention from God back to the carnal realm. The fall of the devil himself, who at one time occupied a place in the kingdom of God, happened when he decided to exalt himself to a place where he was never intended to be, above the throne. Mankind has come up with many things that they try to replace God with based on their carnal minds. Many today swear up and down that Jesus himself was God, but when looking at verse 23, it just doesn’t jive with truth. Numbers 23:19-20 God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. (KJV) No matter how man tries to twist and turn the scriptures to make them fit into his way of thinking, and no matter how hard you pound on a square peg, it is not going to go into that round hole. You will continue to dig yourself deeper until you see beyond the realm of the flesh and into the Spirit. Jesus of Nazareth was no different than anyone else. This man also had a lower nature that could only be overcome by the Spirit of Christ, the Son of the living God that was abiding within Him. John 17:1-3 These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) Only the truth will set you free so that you can rise up; and as we see Jesus Christ was sent to point us above to His Father so that we to could have this power of knowing who we are in Christ. The Son came that we would have life, an abundant life, which is only found in the realm of the Spirit. I John 2:21-23 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. 22 Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist that denied the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledges the Son hath the Father also. (KJV) The simple truth is that you cannot know the Father unless you know who His Son is, and what name He goes by. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
There really is no controversy with the Word of God; in fact it is the simplicity of it that man has the problem with. Man keeps trying to pull God back to our level of understanding rather than rising up and seeing things from His unlimited way of thinking. In this realm you only see things partially; however, when you rise up and take a seat in the heavenly realm you get the whole picture. John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. (KJV) From the beginning God has never acted alone, in fact He is specific in pointing out that His Word is what brought all things into existence. Have you ever given your word that you would do something and then followed through with it? Well that was your word that you sent, just like with God, the difference being He always does what He says he will do. In verse 3 the Word is described as Him, an actual person, and as you will see this Word has a name. John 3:33-36 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35 The Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him. (KJV) You’ve got mail; a message sent from above wrapped in a fleshly envelope encasing the Spirit of Christ. The message that God is sending to mankind is Spirit and truth, and God is using His Son to deliver it. For mankind to deny any part of the Godhead is a lie and will result in the wrath of God. I John 5:6-8 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (KJV) Do you know why you have peace today? It’s because you have come into agreement with God’s plan of salvation which is being delivered through His Son. There are three that work in unison in heaven which includes the Word. In order for us to bear witness to the truth we need to keep the spirit of our minds renewed daily so that we don’t fall for a watered down inferior doctrine that did not come from above. John 8:14-18 Jesus answered and said unto them, though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bears witness of myself, and the Father that sent me bears witness of me. (KJV) Take a timeout before jumping on this popular bandwagon where man claims that this Jesus of Nazareth was God. As we see the Son pointing out clearly, God and His works were manifest through His Son so that you to could know who your Father is, and how to get through to Him. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (KJV)
In the beginning God created man after His image and likeness. The first man Adam had fallen because of sin, believing more in a lie than truth, and history keeps repeating itself over and over again when any man leans back to their own understanding rather than trusting what God is speaking through His word. When man fell he kept the likeness or outward appearance, but it was the image or inward that now needed to be mended which is why the Son was sent. 2 Corinthians 4:4-7 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV) God sent His only begotten Son so that He could shed some light into the heart of man and show them the path of life leading to eternity with Him. This treasure was sent to us in an earthen vessel, the likeness of sinful flesh. God delivered a message to mankind through His Son. This Son who came to us is the envelope which if not opened and looked into will not be able to get the message through to you. Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV) For those of you who have read through your Bible you see in the Old Testament that God used many ways to communicate to mankind. A burning bush got the attention of Moses; a talking donkey had to be a wakeup call to Balaam. Now in these last days, which began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we see God is speaking to us through His Son, using express mail to get His message delivered. 1 Corinthians 15:49-50 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV) When seeking entrance into the kingdom of God on the Day of Judgment you will need to bring more than just a flesh and blood resume. You will need to bring a doctrine that is complete, one that not only involves the Father, but His Son as well. Do you desire a complete reward? Then you need to believe what God says will get you home. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. (KJV)
This week we will shed some light on who was sent from above so that we as a fallen creature could be reborn into the realm of the Spirit; the only place that we can truly worship the Father. God used His word of truth to jump start mankind and get them running in the right direction so that they could run the race of salvation and see it through to the winners circle. God sent His Son our way to show how this could be accomplished, and then took a seat on the right hand of the Father so that He could personally guide us home. John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) When looking at the scriptures above the word ‘should’ is used because we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth which is found in the Bible. So when many swear up and down that a man named Jesus is God and anyone who would dare to differ is just mixed up, the question then dares to be asked, what about the Son that was sent? John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (KJV) Many believe in God, even the demons believe and tremble. However, God’s word is specific in the fact that He did not act alone, rather His plan of salvation involves a close family member of His, that being His Son. You will find in the Word that this is a package deal; you can’t have the Father without the Son, or the Son without the Father. In fact, without this knowledge, you are incomplete; still in the dark, blinded by a veil over the heart. Psalm 107:19-21 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saves them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (KJV) It is vital to have a perfect or mature understanding of God and how His kingdom works. To know who, and what He sent our way so that we can be healed and delivered from our own destructions that we have brought upon ourselves. As we go along, keep an open heart and mind to what the Word says. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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