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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. Galatians 5:16-17 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. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘contrary’: 480 antikeimai (an-tik'-i-mahee); From 473 and 2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to: KJV-- adversary, be contrary, oppose. Flesh and the Spirit, two totally different realms, like night and day. As you go through your Bibles you will find a lot of things pertaining to the Spirit that totally contradicts what you have been taught in the flesh. It’s sad to say but a lot of those things are being taught in the so called churches that we are surrounded with; doctrines of man, which are nothing more than religious rituals. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) Spiritual blindness is when someone is being deceived; and the worst part is that they are deceiving themselves. Do you desire to be wise in the Lord? His only requirement is that you become a fool. Sound a bit contrary? It’s time to let go of what we think so that we can know what God has for us instead. 1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. (KJV) It’s up to you to humble yourself, giving God someone to work with and through. Many times we have preconceived notions of how our prayers are going to be answered; and if the Lord decides to answer them any other way than what we thought we may miss out on His solution. One of the most humbling things you can do is truly cast all your care upon on Lord, and then He can provide all the answers that you need. Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV) The same measure of faith that was given to Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the same measure that you have been given as well. The difference is that Jesus Christ didn’t tell God what He couldn’t do; rather he humbled himself and presented God with someone to work through. Are you ready today to let go of your own thoughts and ways, so that the blessings above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined can manifest? Dearly loved, let God be true; and every man a liar which includes your own thoughts, ideas, and understanding. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:19-22 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (KJV)
Your walk today with the Lord, is it on the straight and narrow path or did you get a bit tipsy and are staggering around to and fro? Verse 21 uses a term that keeps one grounded and settled and that word is persuaded. The same God that made promises to Abraham has made them to you as well, the question is are you of the persuasion that you won’t settle for less? Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) If someone told you that salvation is an easy path, then they were someone who truly hasn’t walked the walk. There are a lot of fun loving good time doctrines and people pleasers who make salvation look like a picnic in the park. However, the reality is that the closer you draw to God, the more opposition you will encounter. Are you really of the persuasion that none of these things will separate you from the love of God? Romans 4:22-25 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (KJV) When reading the scriptures and the things that God’s people endured you should be able to relate to them personally and understand that even though these people were victorious in their walk, there were times of trial and tribulation. The things that have been pointed out the last couple of weeks in Romans Chapter 4 is so that you can eliminate things that are now considered to be vain and dead, and concentrate on what really works, which is grace through faith. Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV) Stick with things that work, live by faith in what our Lord is asking of you personally and don’t waste your time with a bunch of dead lifeless works that man says are still in play. Instead concentrate on walking by faith and not by your outward sight. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. (KJV)
Despite what many think, or how they portray God and His plan of salvation, the reality is that it has more to do with God and less with man. However, mankind has it backwards thinking salvation is based on what they do, which eliminates grace from the equation. How did we end up with so many silly denominations when our Lord was so specific to point out that He would only give credence to one faith? Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) There is only one Lord that can show you new things, but that only happens when you let the old stuff pass away. You can’t incorporate your old life with the new one, it just doesn’t work. In order to walk in a newness of life you have to let go of the old one; and yes some of the old people from your past that are no longer likeminded. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) Do you think cutting corners or pulling a fast one to get your way is going to work anymore? That old nature needs to have the life choked out of it so that someone new can resurrect and take over. Once you put on that new man then our Lord can start declaring new things in your life. Sometimes our walk seems a bit stale and it’s like we are walking the same treadmill, exerting a lot of energy, but not moving forward. That happens when we hang onto our old nature and its desires rather than seeking the things of the new one. Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV) What is the real baptism our Lord gives credence to? Well it certainly is not based on dunking someone in water and then thinking something spiritual has happened, that is just watered down doctrine. Our Lord has declared a whole new realm and a way of life for you to walk in; however, your old way of thinking has to die first. If you’re tired of not getting results and you sense your prayers are not getting answered, it’s most likely because you are not willing to die to self to walk in this newness of life. Ephesians 3:19-20 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness 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 works in us, (KJV) Do you know how to experience the fullness of God instead of the bits and pieces you have settled for in the past? There is a lot going on in the realm of the Spirit, a lot more than you could have ever thought of or imagined. Why not find out what path God declared for you to walk in before the foundation of the world. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and called those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. (KJV)
God is able to call things into existence because He is not limited to the carnal realm. You too should be able to share the same vision because you are no longer limited to the carnal; rather you have an unction from the Holy One and know all things, carnal and spiritual. When the Lord asks you to step out in faith, will you spend more time analyzing things or move forward? Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 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) A daily renewing of your mind will put you on our Lord’s turf, a place where nothing is impossible anymore. You will be more apt to trust in a God who is the only one that can declare the end result right from the beginning. With odds like that what could possibly go wrong? Matthew 14:27-29 But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (KJV) There is an old song that talks about how our Lord didn’t teach His people to swim to let them drown. As we see Peter was called to walk on water which he did for a while, but then something happened to alter his forward progress. Matthew 14:30-31 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. (KJV) We all sin and fall short of the glory of God; or another way of looking at it is that we all miss the boat at times. You will find that when you step out in faith the enemy will come at you with many winds of doctrines to get you to sink in despair and doubt. The more you learn to walk by faith the less likely you will be blown off course. Psalms 89:8-9 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? Or to thy faithfulness round about thee? 9 Thou rules the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. (KJV) There are a lot of new wave doctrines being let loose that come in the form of man’s denominations which are pulling many under and drowning them in perdition. Dearly loved, hold fast the profession of faith in the gospel of Christ and be not tossed to and fro by the many winds of doctrine. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. (KJV)
Abraham, because of old age, was considered dead and unable to procreate; yet despite that, God kept promising him a son. You too were called even though you were dead in sin and God promised you a Son also. God would like to call forth things in your life, the question is will you step out in faith and allow it to manifest, or will you sit tight waiting for it to happen first? James 4:6-8 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, God resisted the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 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) Notice that the first step is on our end. We are the ones that need to draw near to God. Those that have let pride get in, which we are all guilty of, have decided that they know better than our Lord, or have hardened their heart a bit until they get their way. The enemy will try to plant seeds of doubt in your mind so that you won’t draw near to God; he would like to see you withdraw and not follow through to the end where your reward is waiting. Hebrews 10:36-39 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) I am sure Abraham would have liked to have taken a different path when it came time to offer up his son. I would think Noah had to be a bit bewildered when told to build an ark because of an impending flood. There are times things are going to appear a bit bleak and impossible in the outward realm; however, that is when you need to rely on the inward one to be victorious. 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) Many preachers today like the big stage and the bright lights of fame; however, few are willing to walk by faith looking only to please God. Can you imagine the heckling Noah would have had to endure building an ark and then warning the people of a flood? And you think you have it rough at times. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. (KJV)
Abraham was considered a father of many nations, as well as a father of faith. We have discussed what doesn’t work concerning salvation, now we will look at what does work and what is required on our end to get results. James 2:20-22 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 See thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? (KJV) We pointed out the works according to the old law are no longer in play; however, there is a work or an action on our part that needs to take place for our faith to be made perfect. When you are asked by our Lord to step out in faith, it is required you do so in order for anything to manifest. As a side note, the Lord will only ask you to do things, He never tells you what to do; obedience is up to you. Can you imagine being promised a son and then waiting for it to happen, only to be asked to offer him back to God? Yet, we fuss and whine if the Lord tries to get us up a half hour earlier in the morning, or to study the Word a bit longer so that we could have a word of encouragement for someone we are about to encounter. James 2:22-24 See thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (KJV) There are many who believe in God, including demons; however, few of God’s people are willing to step out in faith and walk the walk. Many of God’s people are called, but many fall away, and only a few who have not been frozen by fear and doubt are chosen. This is where we see the separation, because many are all in when it comes time for the blessings, but no shows when it comes time to step out in faith despite what it may cost them. Hebrews 11:6-7 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV) The Lord is asking His people to build their own ark today, one which has a firm foundation and will hold up through the storms of life. Will your ship float, or end up dead in the water? What would have happened to Noah had he only believed God, but did not step out in faith and act on what he heard? Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (KJV) The only way to find out the Lord’s reward is to follow His leading, and that can only be accomplished by walking in faith. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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