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Galatians 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (KJV)
The word deliver in verse 4 means to rescue; and being that we live in a fallen world we are constantly surrounded by its influences and cheap imitations of what we think will bring peace and fulfillment to our lives. Where you look and what realm you look to, will be the determining factor of where you will spend your eternity. So will you continue looking to this world for the answer or will you seek those things which are above, to find an eternal one? It is the Lord’s will that none should perish but that all would come to repentance. So now the question is, are you willing to continue in this plan of salvation or have you been sidetracked with the cares of this life? What would you think if you saw one of your own children drowning and when you threw them the life preserver they ignored it and perished? Basically that is what mankind has done to their heavenly Father; they ignore His plan of salvation and His spiritual life preserver that was sent to us, and they end up over their head drowning in destruction and despair. So how are you doing today? Are you keeping the ship afloat and heading in the right direction, or have you gone off the deep end and going under? 1 Timothy 6:6-9 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (KJV) Have you forgotten how you arrived in this realm, wearing nothing but a smile? All those things you have been fussing and fighting over, not a one of them are going with you when it is time to depart this realm either. Have you learned to be content with the fact that today you have food and raiment? If not, just try going a day without them and see how overlooked and taken for granted some of these simple things we have are discounted as nothing. The food and raiment is not just limited to the physical either; have you taken the time to seek your spiritual meat as well as being dressed in the full armor of God so that you can quench all the fiery darts the wicked one will fire your direction? Stop and ask yourself this honest question, are the things that I am so concerned with today, the priorities I have established in my life, really leading me to a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father? Or is it something in this realm that may actually be drawing me away from Him; something that I am getting so wrapped up in, and has nothing to do with my eternal life? Matthew 16:25-26 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) You have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm in Christ, and yet do you hang onto the things in this world thinking it will fulfill and bring peace and joy? Can you even imagine for a moment what it will be like to stand before our Father some day and see all that was available in His kingdom only to find out that you missed out on it because you decided to hang onto the things of this life? Can you name one thing that is really worth hanging onto in this world that would keep you from inheriting your eternal reward? It’s only those that are willing to let go of their own life and desires that will find a new life in Christ and be able to inherit His eternal reward; those that were willing to look above and beyond what this world would ever have to offer. So can you honestly say that the will of God, His desire for you and your desire to serve Him are one in the same? Or are you still hanging onto something in this world that is choking the life from you slowly but surely? Is it worth exchanging your soul, which translates to eternal separation from God? A question that is not only being asked today, but one that will be asked again someday when we stand before Him and give an account of how we walked in His plan of salvation; was it truly a walk, or just a lot of talk. Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV) You wonder why your life seems stagnant and unfulfilled at times, it’s simple, you keep looking to stagnant and unfulfilling things to bring you joy. Right now, this moment, there is a God who is able to do above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined; but how would you ever know this or experience this unless your priority is with the spiritual things which are above and beyond anything you will experience in this realm. When you pray and seek God and His answer, are you truly expecting the best, are you experiencing the love of Christ which goes way beyond our knowledge and limited carnal thinking? Do you know God hears you, and do you expect nothing short of victory in your life? Or are you still settling for the leftovers of this world and whatever they are willing to hand out? God has never failed His people and never will. So why are so many still hesitant to seek His counsel and deliverance from this present evil world; hanging onto the anchor instead of the life preserver? Are you yoked together with Christ today, letting Him handle the burdens, or have you unhooked yourself having decided you can handle things by yourself, and then wonder why you are so worn out and frustrated? Isaiah 55:8-9 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) Do you desire better results? Do you seek a more confident prayer life? Then start looking above and don’t limit yourself to this realm if you truly wish to have our Father’s results which are above and beyond anything we could ever ask for or think of. We as humans had been limited to this carnal realm, and could only operate according to what our outward vision and senses would dictate. But now in Christ we are able to see the things of God, and operate in a truly higher dimension; one that will bring joy, peace and an eternal victory to those of us that look to the Lord for His answer. 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) In order to be risen with Christ it means you have let go of your life and its desires, and to have chosen a new life in Him. We are in this world, but we don’t have to be in agreement with it, or limit ourselves to what this world has to offer and its cheap imitations. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. So if you wish to experience something that is out of this world, then start looking beyond this realm so that the Lord can open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing above and beyond what you could have ever thought or asked for. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 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. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
The Lord and His people have been warning us to be on the lookout for not just a few but the many false prophets, who like wolves, prey on the wounded and the weak of the flock. Too many Christians have let their guard down; and like an unsuspecting boxer, end up getting sucker punched by someone they thought was legit. When you listen to these sermons today they focus on worldly areas that many people struggle in; and like with many infomercials you see on TV they promise quick fix solutions to people still in bondage to spiritual ailments; which if they addressed those first, then the troublesome areas in these people’s lives would be more easily overcome. Rather than focus on the spiritual (which is why it is the spirit of antichrist), the one thing that would set them free is ignored; they keep giving worldly solutions to solve a spiritual need and many then end up falling short and discouraged. If any man has not the spirit of Christ, a working knowledge of the Son of God, then He is none of His. Greater is He, Christ in you the hope of glory, than he the spirit of antichrist which is roaming this planet like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour with the cares and distractions of this life. Case in point, at times I see the headline about ministers who complain about opening their books to congress to give an account of their spending habits. These ministers claim government intrusion, the same government they bowed down to in order to get their tax exempt status. If you don’t want them intruding into your business then get out of theirs and just pay your fair share of taxes; which according to God’s word is the obligation of the Church. Wake up people and quit letting the fox guard the henhouse. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus Christ was faced with this spirit of antichrist which would have liked nothing better than to see Him change His message of salvation, soften His stance a bit, and maybe start compromising. Unlike many we see today that think they can mix and match like a buffet table, taking the things they desire and try to match them up with spiritual things, the Lord held His ground knowing that this life is temporary and that the message of salvation is eternal. The Lord knew He could not serve two masters because if He was double minded, like we see and hear in so many of mans’ sermons, then He would have become unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Are you holding fast your profession of faith this moment without wavering? Or have you been sucker punched by a worldly doctrine that you never saw coming because you weren’t watching and keeping your guard up? Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) With an unending priceless gift of spiritual blessings, have you even begun to explore all that is available to those in Christ? No wonder the devil comes a knocking. After all, he was at one time seated in the heavenly places but fell because of pride, and let go of his eternal reward. That spirit of antichrist would like nothing better than to keep you focused on the dead end things of this world so that you won’t look into the realm of the Spirit to see all that God has blessed you with. That joy and peace you have experienced is a result of an eternal plan of salvation God has for His people; and by His grace He has made it available for our benefit. So being that this plan originated in the heavenly realm and not this worldly one, then it would only be fitting to say that you can only continue in this new found joy and peace by looking to Christ and not this world. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) Here is an area where many let their guard down and get sucker punched. Rather than continue seeking the spiritual blessings in Christ they think the only way they will be complete is to have that special someone in their life. Now granted, God ordained marriage and it is a blessing when it is done according to who He joins together and not what our lower nature becomes attached to. Ever hear the term high maintenance? Well if you marry someone for the wrong reason, and they are still quite attached to the things of this world and not the things of God, you will find it nothing short of a distraction and a hindrance to your walk. I have seen many people who rather than realize they are complete in Christ, they try to fulfill a spiritual need with a physical one and end up bruised and beaten. Any time you look to the world or worldly people to find the answer, you will find that it did not come from God. It may look good and sound good to the outward man but inwardly it is a total abomination, a heartache that could have been avoided. Remember the devil will show you just the highlights and not the consequences. So when the party is over there will be a huge tab to pick up. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) The world and its ways are passing away, and so are those that hang onto them. Only those that do the will of God and seek those things which are above will experience a life of joy and peace above and beyond what this world could ever offer. So what is your priority today at this moment? Are you seeking the spiritual blessings or are you still chasing your tail stuck in this dead end realm of misery and heartache? Jesus Christ came that you would have life and have it more abundantly in Him so that you could avoid a world of hurt, and not end up with some cheap imitation of the devil. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (KJV)
The two births are a result of two different seeds, one is of the flesh and one is of the Spirit. As one grows and matures in the Lord they wean themselves from the things of this world and become more dependent on the things of the Lord. As children in the flesh, our desires were things that appealed to the flesh without any thought of its consequences. Whatever looked good, sounded good, and appealed to the outward is what we pursued after. You have a spiritual seed within you that was brought to life and resurrected by your hearing the word of God, the living waters that are able to nourish a spiritual seed. It is vital now that you learn how to nurture that seed within and to be able to discern what it takes to bring it to maturity. The effort and diligence you put in the past to feed the flesh and its desires will now have to be redirected to the inward seed if you wish to see this seed grow to maturity. 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) Jesus of Nazareth was a man born of the flesh after the seed of David and the first to be reborn in the Spirit to manifest God’s plan of salvation to all mankind. This is a great mystery and continues to be to this day because so many are looking to the outward for some great savior, when in fact this Savior will only become a reality to those in the Spirit. Of these two, God is able to make one new man so making peace; bringing the plan of reconciliation to a fallen world. Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) It takes one to know one. In other words, are you allowing the Spirit to bear witness with your spirit, to give an eyewitness account to the things of God, to give life and nourishment to the inner man so that you can receive the reward of adoption? Do you take the time on a daily basis in the word of God so that you too can be justified in the Spirit, despite what you may suffer from those that seek their justification from man? You are now a joint heir with Christ, the first born of all creation, so that you too can be glorified with Him and receive your eternal inheritance. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (KJV) One is born of flesh, Jesus of Nazareth; the other seed is the Son of God (Christ) which is where our power source comes from. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His and is unable to walk in the newness of life given them. Just as we have parents in the flesh to nurture their newborn child, we have a Father in heaven that is ready, willing and able to nurture and feed His newborn offspring as well. As we require daily nourishment for the outward man, it is vital to feed the inward man also if one is to grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Adam was put in the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. You have a spiritual garden as well that takes a constant maintenance plan so that you don’t end up on the outside looking in. Do you know the difference between the flesh and the Spirit? Do you seek the things that will feed your spirit man or are you still chasing cheap, short lived, emotional fixes that only appease the flesh and not the Spirit? You wouldn’t abandon your own offspring and leave it for dead; so why do many abandon God’s offspring and leave it for dead? A parent in the flesh can be tried and convicted for child abandonment, and someday you will have to give an account of what you have done with the seed of God that was reborn in you; and hopefully when the going got tough you didn’t bail out on the Son either. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV) In December each year when so many talk of the birth of the Savior, we see much of the attention focused on the physical seed and not the spiritual. A child that was born in this realm was Jesus of Nazareth and the Son given to us is Christ which is in you and is our only hope of glory. So, where is your focus today and what realm are you looking into in order to nourish the new birth within you? Are you blindly following the traditions and doctrines of man which claim some days are more special than others, or are you walking in the peace of God that is available to any and at any time for those that seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth? God is not a god of the dead and their dead end doctrines, but a God of the living, those that live in the Spirit and seek their justification by faith. John 8:31-37 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. (33) They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? (34) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (37) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. (KJV) Many still claim they are of God according to their physical birthright and end up neglecting their spiritual one. It doesn’t matter to God what your family name is in the flesh, its only those that are joint heirs with Christ and follow His example that are born free and continue in the freedom of knowing the truth set forth in the word of God. Once you have been set free it is up to you to continue walking in the liberty in Christ and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:1-2 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. (KJV)
Ever watch a detective show where someone shows up at the scene and uses their senses to determine what took place. To unravel a mystery, the clues they look for may be things that are unseen to the naked eye, but revealed with the use of special tools to help them identify the evidence. A microscope can magnify and identify things that were right there all the time but unseen to the naked eye; if properly put to use it can point them in the right direction. Consider yourself a spiritual detective; from this point on you are now assigned to find out the mystery of the gospel, to determine for yourself God’s plan of salvation, and know the difference between the guilty and the innocent. God’s plan of salvation has been hidden to the carnal man, but is ready to be revealed to the spiritual one that is willing to seek Him with all their heart. The word substance means assurance and confidence in the right evidence, which will make it more evident as one matures. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (9) 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. (KJV) This narrows the list of suspects down and points us in the right direction. Try as so many do, and as we all have been taught prior to our conversion, the answer to this mystery is not in the realm of man. So many have judged things according to their outward sight and vision, which can only give them a partial glimpse at the evidence, and not a complete vision which will keep them on the right trail. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 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. (KJV) Sometimes it can only take some small piece of evidence to crack the case wide open and unravel the mystery that was hidden. Some piece of evidence that was there all the time, yet overlooked and rejected because it seemed too simple or insignificant; basically the way our Lord was treated when He brought this plan of salvation to mankind. Now as verse 12 points to, this evidence is of a spiritual nature and can only be solved by those that operate and walk by a faith; unseen to the outward eye, but quite evident to the inward. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) Don’t give up; keep on the trail, your headed in the right direction. The enemy will try to detour you with lies and deceptions, planting false evidence that looks enticing but leads to a dead end. As long as you keep gathering the evidence on a daily basis you will build a case that is rock solid and will hold up in God’s court. Remember to keep looking in the eternal realm so that you can allow faith (our ability to believe in the message delivered by Christ) to lead and guide you on the path of life that will bring a victorious conclusion to your case. Will you let His spirit be the deciding factor in all your decisions? Or will you follow man made planted evidence left by a thief and a robber? Luke 10:21-24 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (22) All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. (23) And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: (24) For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (KJV) A crime took place thousands of years ago; mankind disobeyed the Creator and was imprisoned in the physical realm and cut off from our spiritual Father. God in turn was longsuffering and kind enough to send us His Son, to give us an eyewitness account of the reconciliation that would be manifest in the spiritual realm. When a detective is assigned to a case the first thing he does is try to find an eyewitness so that he can get an accurate account of what took place, and then begin his investigation from this report. Although the evidence may not always point us in a direction we think looks right, it takes confidence and an assurance in the account of what was given in order to stay on the right path. Where are you looking for your answers? Are you still trying to comprehend things with your own thinking, or are you willing to look into the spiritual realm in order to build a solid case that will not fall apart in time of trial? Galatians 3:1-4 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (KJV) Another crime took place some two thousand years ago. God sent us an eyewitness to His kingdom to reveal His plan of salvation, only to have mankind crucify Him for speaking the truth. Today, many still crucify His doctrine and give out false information, pointing people in the wrong direction by claiming to be walking a spiritual path of life, when in reality they are being misled with false carnal evidence. The devil and his workers continue to try to cover up their crimes, leading people further from the truth which was intended to set them free from the prison of sin. Ephesians 1:17-20 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, (KJV) Jesus Christ is your spiritual magnifying glass to magnify the truth in Him, and bring an enlightenment of the wisdom and knowledge of God; which is hid to the carnal man, but quite evident and spiritually eye opening to the inner one. For when the time we ought to be teachers, (for those that have been on the case and have had ample opportunity to solve it and bring an accurate account of God’s plan of salvation to His people with the spiritual evidence that will clear them and set them free) many have ignored His eyewitness account and built their case on flimsy circumstantial evidence that will not hold up. God hid his plan of salvation in plain sight for those that wish to seek Him with their heart and not their carnal mind. Keep looking; continue digging and you will find the clues that will unlock the mystery that eludes mankind, but is ready to be revealed to all that are willing to seek in the realm of the Spirit. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (KJV)
GPS navigation systems are installed in vehicles to help the people navigate to their destination. The coordinates are predetermined and set to give instructions from an above satellite so that one could get from a starting point to their destination. God’s personal salvation will do the same thing; seek spiritual instructions from above so that you too can walk a path of life predetermined for you before the foundation of the world. So now the question is, are you dialed into the right frequency to receive your instructions, and are you following through on your commitment to make it to your destination? If you make a wrong turn or end up on a dead end, you can quickly tap into your source from above, and get back on the road you need to take. However, just like with a satellite communications, which works for anyone who knows how to access the information and follow the instructions, if one doesn’t make it to their destination it is not the fault of the communication system, but rather the person that didn’t follow the predetermined correct path. Some try to take short cuts; others get sidetracked with what they think is an easier road to follow; while some just give up and quit moving forward, or settle for the path of least resistance following the crowd on a dead end trail. Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) You have a spiritual navigation system in heaven, ready to be tapped into with the coordinates to show you the way to the kingdom. You have access to this by the name of Jesus Christ, so that you too can follow the same path that He walked to an eternal inheritance. Are you taking the time on a daily basis to hear the instructions and then follow this path that leads to life, or are you waiting for someone else to show you the way? Will you step out in faith, letting the Lord confirm His word with the right road signs assuring you that you are still on the correct path? So, just like a navigational satellite system with the coordinates predetermined and locked in, this will work for whosoever is willing to call upon the name of the Lord and follow the instructions set forth in the Bible. Galatians 3:3-4 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (KJV) Many start out on the right path with good intentions, only to end up way off course and shipwrecked. Is your system still operational, or have you shut it off and are now on what you consider auto pilot, letting your own desires and lusts take over? They that are in the flesh cannot please God, and will most certainly not inherit His kingdom. Even though it is our Father’s will that none would perish, it’s not His fault if we don’t follow His spiritual course set out for us before the foundation of the world for any and all that are willing. Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (KJV) Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He has been there, done it, having wrote the book on how to follow His Father’s instructions, being led by the Spirit and not the flesh. He is the firstborn, the first one to enter God’s kingdom to ransom us back to an inheritance so that we too can be adopted into the family of God, following the example of His Son. Are you tuned in this moment, not taking thought for tomorrow, and yesterday is now behind us, but looking forward and taking your next step of faith leading you to your heavenly destination. Ephesians 1:17-18 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, (KJV) Your calling is a divine invitation; you as well as all mankind have been invited into the kingdom of God to partake of His spiritual inheritance, and find the joy and peace for all of His children. Are you learning to walk by faith; not by what your outward vision would dictate, but rather by what the inward eyes of your understanding are now showing you, and the direction the Lord is pointing you in? Or are you still holding fast to what the old man feels comfortable in, not willing to leave your comfort zone? Do you know if the directions you are following this day are coming from above, and not some stranger’s voice that would try to lead you astray, or what you perceive as being the right way? 2 Peter 1:10-11 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (KJV) The kingdom of God is up and operational; the line of communication is wide open to any that would call upon His name. Are you tapped into His navigation system, letting His spirit lead and guide you, allowing the peace of God to rule in all your decisions this day? If you make sure of this, you need not fall short of the glory of God or His reward. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV) In my many years of truck driving I had faced all kinds of weather and road conditions which could change quickly. I would have to navigate through these in order to make it to my destination, sometimes in conditions that were blinding. Like with truck driving, unless the load made it to its destination, there would be no reward of a paycheck. Though at times the storms in life may make it seem hard to see the victory, or the purpose of the Lord in those particular situations, you need to grab the steering wheel with both hands and don’t let go until you reach your goal as well. At the end of our spiritual path on this earth is the salvation of our soul, an eternal destination, a reward promised to all that would follow His course set in motion before the founding of this world, and ready to be revealed to all that would call upon His name. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yesterday we shared on the bearing of fruit, the fruit of the Spirit. So today I would like to share Wycliffe’s commentary on the following verses.
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) Galatians 5:22-25 Everything here stands in contrast to the foregoing: fruit instead of works; the Spirit instead of the flesh; and a list of virtues altogether attractive and desirable in place of the ugly things just cited. The word fruit, being singular, as usual in Paul's writings, tends to emphasize the unity and coherence of the life in the Spirit as opposed to the disorganization and instability of life under the dictates of the flesh. It is possible, also, that the singular may be intended to point to the person of Christ, in whom all these things are seen in their perfection. The Spirit seeks to produce these by reproducing Christ in the believer (cf. Gal 4:19). Passages like Rom 13:14 suggest that the moral problems of redeemed men and women can be solved by the adequacy of Christ when he is appropriated by faith. In the light of Paul's preference for the singular form of fruit, it is not necessary to resort to the expedient of putting a dash after love in order to make all the other items depend on this one. Love is crucial (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:6). Joy is conferred by Christ upon his own followers (John 15:11) and is mediated by the Spirit (1 Thess 1:6; Rom 14:17). Peace is the gift of Christ (John 14:27) and includes inward repose (Phil 4:6) and harmonious relations with others (contrast Gal 5:15,20). Longsuffering relates to one's attitude toward others and involves a refusal to retaliate or work vengeance for wrong received. It is literally long-spiritedness. Gentleness is better rendered kindness. It is benevolence in action, a distinctly social virtue. Goodness is an uprightness of soul that abhors evil, a clean-cut honesty of motive and conduct. Faith, in this setting, means faithfulness (if it were faith, it would stand at the beginning of the list). For a parallel use, see Titus 2:10 ("fidelity"). Meekness is based on humility and denotes an attitude toward others in keeping with due denial of self. Temperance is better rendered self-control (lit., a holding in with a firm hand), or control of the self life by means of the Spirit. Against such there is no law. "Law exists for the purpose of restraint, but in the works of the Spirit there is nothing to restrain" (J. B. Lightfoot, Galatians, p. 213). The same truth is stated elsewhere, e.g., Rom 8:4. Those who are truly Christ's must be like him in that they participate in his cross. They have crucified the flesh. Ideally, this points to their identification with Christ in his death (Gal 2:20). Practically, it emphasizes, the need of carrying the cross principle into the redeemed life, since the flesh, with its affections and desires is still an ever present reality (cf. 5:16-17). The same tension between divine provision and human appropriation is found regarding the Spirit. We live in the Spirit by God's arrangement, by means of the gift of the Spirit at conversion. But we walk in the Spirit as a matter of personal volition, taking each step in dependence upon him. (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary) Remember brethren, we are known by our fruit. So if the Lord walked by you today would He see His fruit and be well pleased? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Thesselonians 2:12-13 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. (KJV)
Those that are truly walking with the Lord and living a life that resembles that of Christ are the ones that are receiving this message of faith first hand from above. Before my own conversion in Christ I heard many different doctrines by those that claimed they were of God, but were not. It wasn’t until I heard this word firsthand for myself and it actually penetrated my heart did it make a change and become effectual in my life. This is a continual process that needs to take place even after your conversion if you are truly going to grow up and mature in Christ. Galatians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (KJV) Paul in his younger years spent some time studying under the tutelage of Gamaliel, a prominent teacher in his day. You will notice though that in his writings Paul gives credit where credit is truly due. I say this because I have heard carnal Christians talk about how some certain person or pastor is feeding them with their teachings. Nothing though could be further from the truth; you will never learn anything from any man period, end of story. However, if certain individuals choose to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them, and the Spirit reveals something to you personally, that is when there will be a change in your walk with the Lord. Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) If the Spirit is not bearing witness to your spirit personally, then you will not be hearing God properly and are basically getting ripped off. I personally have never taught anyone anything about the Bible, however, when I allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me then the Spirit is the one that will do the teaching properly. 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 knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) This week Church the message is quite simple; don’t ever rely on any carnal man to teach you spiritual things. If you truly desire to know what God’s plan of salvation is and how to walk in it, then let God reveal it to you personally through His Son. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV)
We all came into this new life of faith with some old baggage, stuff that needs to be discarded if we are ever going to really take off toward our heavenly goal. Sometimes we ask the questions “does it ever get easier and when will it end”. Well yes, it does get easier, but it doesn’t end until we cross the threshold into our eternal reward and receive a glorified body. Until then it will be a tug of war between the Spirit and the flesh, with the Spirit having to continually put the flesh in its place of subjection. Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) As long as we are in these carnal bodies we are still subject to the law of sin and death which is why the enemy keeps attacking and trying to pull us down again. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law; however, we now need to walk in the new law of faith in order for this to be accomplished in a way that is pleasing to our Lord. People who think once saved always saved, or who think they have eternal happiness when one makes an emotional commitment during an alter call, boy are they in for a surprise if they think that’s all that is required of us. Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV) Just because you were saved years ago doesn’t mean that is the end; it should only be the beginning of a new life in Christ and an end to the old disappointments of the flesh. Paul was able to see what was hindering his walk because he chose to examine himself and not blame someone else for his shortcomings. He realized that his joy and peace was not based on others changing first, rather the change had to take place within him. The reason it is so vital to spend quality time with our Lord first thing in a day is so that you can arm yourself with the mind of Christ which is the only way to understand the law of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) You will find it is a lot easier to put your lower nature under arrest when you are armed with the mind of Christ. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit how about not letting the flesh whine and fuss by putting it in its place. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
Now that you have become a new creature it means that you are now operating in a new realm, one that was not available before the sacrifice of our Lord. This week our goal is to point out some of the old and compare it to the new so that you can make an informed decision based on what the Word says and not what a fallen carnal mankind keeps imitating. Do take note that these old things are passed away which describes things that are dead and not something we should be digging up again and trying to revive. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diver’s washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) The word ‘figure’ in verse 9 is referring to a parable, a figure or a symbol of things that were done outwardly that now has a spiritual meaning for those that are able to see beyond the veil of the flesh. We have been in that time of reformation for at least two thousand years now, yet it is hard to fathom why so many in the so called churches have not caught on to what our Lord was symbolizing. Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) This week we are going to look at the old and new; how John baptized with water which he was doing according to the old law, and today, what is the new baptism that our Lord gives credence to. I believe you will see it is as different as night and day, or should I say flesh and Spirit? Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV) We see our Lord making mention of this baptism, and given the fact that God is a Spirit, then it would be fitting to say that the baptism our Lord desires to see His people baptized in would be spiritual as well. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Today we have many that believe in God, yet in works deny Him and are walking in the wrong direction. Many today still think the works of the law are in play, which keeps them stuck under the curse instead of the blessing. The key to walking in the new is getting the old out of the way, which for mankind is his own carnal ways and thoughts. Our lower nature is of no profit to the new realm we are now walking in. So the more you stay in the Spirit, the more of the life of Christ you will experience personally for yourself. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 44:2-3 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (KJV)
God is described as a Spirit, and those that are truly going to worship Him must, from this point forward, do so in spirit and in truth. Things we see written in the Old Testament now take on a new and entirely different meaning when one hears with their spiritual ears and looks beyond the literal into the realm of the Spirit. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) A time of reformation is upon us Church and has been for about two thousand years when the Holy Spirit was poured out for all of mankind. Up until that point things were done in the outward realm to symbolize what was to come in the Spirit. The term figure above refers to symbol as well as parable, an earthly analogy with a heavenly meaning. Take note of verse 9; it clearly states that the outward realm is imperfect and not able to cleanse the inward man the way that our Lord intended for us to be clean in His sight. When we were born again, the eyes of our understanding were opened so that we could hear what these symbols represent, and how they now pertain to our walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) The reason God sent His Son was so that the Holy Spirit would be made available to all of mankind; and we see clearly that it is the word of God through the Holy Spirit that cleanses His church and gets out any spots or wrinkles. Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) You may find you have a few skeletons in your closet that you think no one sees, and the longer you keep them hidden the more they stink. So how does the Church come clean today? Well, by examining yourself and asking our Lord to cleanse you from your sin. Dearly loved have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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