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Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and think that there is no man that has ever known God or been known of Him as well, unless He is revealed personally to them through the Son. Unless one is born again or anew, they cannot see or comprehend the things of God for themselves, but are subjected to second hand accounts of what others claim; which opens the door for many false viewpoints. Just like with your earthly riches which you wouldn’t entrust to anyone that is not reliable, neither does our Father entrust His riches to anyone that is not reliable either. So unless God has personally revealed His plan of salvation to you through His Son Jesus Christ you will remain on the outside looking in and unable to see beyond the veil which remains on the heart. John 6:46-48 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (47) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (48) I am that bread of life. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth would not have been able to have a personal relationship with the Father unless God revealed Himself to Him personally, which was by the Spirit of Christ within Him. It takes a spiritual being to relate a spiritual plan of salvation; in other words it takes one to know one. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of His doctrine, He is none of His. While many still make the claim that Jesus was God, the simple truth is that he was a man who God entrusted to reveal His plan of salvation through because he was willing to let Christ in Him lead and guide Him to live a life without sin; thus presenting Himself as the perfect sacrifice for mankind, holy and acceptable unto God. So while many think they will be heard for their much speaking, the truth is that God’s word does not return void and will accomplish what He wishes to have accomplished when spoken and delivered where He sends it. Some today just shotgun the word everywhere thinking that will impress God, yet a chosen few still remain who are delivering sound doctrine with the right motives of the heart. John 14:15-19 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (19) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (KJV) The things of God are foolishness to man, and the carnal natural man is unable to receive it. While the world crucified this man Jesus of Nazareth and they would see him no more, someone else would take up residence and dwell within them, referred to as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth. While many today still see a man named Jesus and their vision is more external, it was the inward man Christ that was leading and guiding Him; the same Spirit of truth that would be sent once He resurrected and was seated at the right hand of the Father. Unless you know God through the Son, and He has personally revealed Himself to you, you will be like the rest of the world in darkness, separated from the love of God in Christ. It was the religious leaders that had our Lord crucified, and it is the religious people that continue today to crucify His doctrine that is based on simple truth which can only come by a personal revelation, not second hand versions from mankind. John 1:17-18 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (KJV) The carnal mind, the sight of man cannot see or comprehend the things of the Spirit, thus why it took the Son to declare Him and manifest His plan of salvation. God chose a man, Jesus of Nazareth, to be the vessel which would house the Son, Christ within, to show and reveal the things of God to Him so that He could bring words of life to a fallen mankind. It took a spiritual being Christ, to reveal a God who Himself is a Spirit, so that He could show us how to be reconciled to God and worship in spirit and in truth, which is what our Father is seeking. Are you willing to worship God in spirit and in truth? If you are then He is willing to reveal Himself to you personally. Unless God personally reveals Himself to you through His Son so that you can know and not just guess you are one his, there will always be that shadow of doubt within. Before you desire Him to reveal Himself, are you willing to reveal your true motives and intent of the heart as well, fessing up and coming clean? After all He already knows your motives anyway. You draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. So the closer you get, the more that perfect love will cast out any fear or doubt you may have had concerning salvation. Psalms 92:5-6 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) Are you still looking to mankind for your answer when there is a God in heaven ready and willing to reveal Himself to you personally through His Son Jesus Christ? If mankind was so smart, then why would they have crucified His Son and still do today with all their perversions of His word? With this in mind, would it not be beneficial to you personally to be still and know He is God, a God that is real and alive in your life? It doesn’t matter who or what organization you belong to; unless you take the time to hear His voice for yourself and allow Him to reveal Himself to you personally you are none of His. Don’t be like the many brutish, which means stupid or the foolish, that try to figure out God by their own understanding and ways, comparing a Spiritual being to our own thoughts which distorts His true intentions and actually limits Him from working in you. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) Do you want to know how the Spirit of God operates? Then you will need to go to the source to find out for yourself. Mankind is limited to their fallen nature and unable to comprehend a God whose works and thoughts are so much deeper than theirs. You have access to God who is a spirit through His Son Jesus Christ who will take the things of God and show them to you personally, comparing spiritual things with spiritual people. So the point today is, spend time in the word of God on a daily basis, learn to hear and trust in His message being delivered to you through His Son so that you don’t have to rely on any man or yourself, but rather know that you are one of His. In the end it is not man who will decide whether you make it into the eternal joy of the Lord, rather God Himself that has the final say. So why not let His message be the light unto your path this day. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:13-16 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)
The whole purpose of those that have been called to the fivefold ministry is to get the people off the milk of the word of God and into sound doctrine, teaching them who they are in Christ. Those that truly know the Lord and how He operates will be pointing the people to Christ and the work He has begun within the inner man, and will not be looking to the outer realm to find peace. Children are gullible, and so are immature Christians, because you can tell them a story or in many places a doctrine, that sounds good but is not based on truth. Another thing you will notice about the worldly doctrines of man is that like the wind they change and alter their stance with the times; thus keeping the congregation stagnant, lost at sea if you would. Those that understand the doctrine of Christ are able to grow up in Him and mature, edifying themselves as well as other members, finding their place within the body and working to build each other up. John 7:16-18 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (18) He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (KJV) When we were children our only concern was for ourselves, and thus we needed around the clock supervision to keep us from self destructing. Many of mans’ doctrines and those that teach them, like to keep their congregations dependant on them; constantly reminding people of all the good works they are doing for the Lord, and not the other way around. In fact, of all the nerve, some actually put their own names on the ministry which tells you the true intents of the heart, having men’s persons in admiration, pointing the people more towards man than that of the Spirit. The true doctrine of Christ will be pointing the people to God through His Son, and not through some man who claims he represents God because of a large worldly institution he has created or thinks he built on behalf of God. Ephesians 4:17-21 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (20) But ye have not so learned Christ; (21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (KJV) The carnal mind is enmity with God; it is not able to accept the things of God let alone walk in them. Many today are legends in their own mind, having the mindset that they are pleasing God based on works that they are doing and not on what the Lord would like to be doing on their behalf. Like verse 20 points out, that they have not so learned Christ; the doctrine that points the people to the inward man; that same inward man that operated in Jesus of Nazareth is alive and well, willing to work in you also if you let Him. Today many still look to the outward Jesus and try to imitate Him; even some of the rituals that He partook of, which by the way our Lord was still under the old law and came to fulfill it, and they miss the spiritual implications and meanings of the things He did. Many today still have a mindset of a man that walked this earth, but are not looking to the man within Him, the Son of God, that was able to give life and strengthen Him spiritually. Many today still pray and teach about the name of Jesus and the power of it, and totally ignore Christ; thus why Paul makes the statement that you have not so learned Christ or His doctrine. Romans 1:20-23 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (KJV) Mankind is without a plausible excuse. God poured out His Spirit upon all flesh, and made His realm readily available to all mankind; the ‘whosoever’s’ that would call upon His name. The problem is that mankind and his vain fallen nature get in the way and distort the meaning and the truth of God, and change it to fit his realm and way of thinking, even to the point of putting man in place of God. Today many still claim Jesus himself was God, the God man if you would, thus trying again to make God in mans’ image instead of the other way around which is what the original intention was. They are trying to change a spiritual being, God, to fit in our realm, rather than teaching the people the doctrine of Christ and how we fit into God’s realm, which is the Spiritual realm that He operates in. It’s because they haven’t learned who Christ is; this is why they keep looking to the outward for the answer rather than the inward; thus distorting and changing the true meaning of God’s plan of salvation; they in essence end up worshipping and serving created beings more than the Creator, not giving credit where the credit truly is due. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) There is new man alive and well, and ready to be revealed within you; the truth that sets one free and allows them to be partakers of God’s inheritance, the spiritual blessings that He is pleased to give to His people. This new man is Christ in you the only hope of glory; a spiritual being that is renewing us into a realm of endless riches of wisdom and knowledge, which is only found in Christ and His doctrine which is according to godliness. So stay out of the old; quit looking to the outward; but rather look to the inward man and his needs to find the true love, joy, and peace that is only found in God and those that truly know His doctrine. Learn who Jesus Christ truly is and who you are also; a person that chooses to be led by the Spirit and not by the sleight of men which point people to mans’ work and not to the eternal work God has begun and wishes to continue to do within you. Jude 1:16-19 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; (18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. (19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (KJV) Our old nature is corrupt; the spirit is willing it’s our flesh that is weak and falls prey to its deceitful lusts which never satisfy. Many today have mankind and its preachers lifted up on pedestals, and in lofty positions that keep the focus on them and not Christ. The doctrine of Christ will point you to the Father through His Son, keeping the focus on the inner man and not the outward fallen one. Where are you looking today, what realm are seeking your answer from? If it is the doctrine of Christ then all things will be new, and you will find yourself maturing and growing up in the things of God, and weaning yourself from the things of this realm. God’s best and blessings to all. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Jesus of Nazareth was made a little lower than the angels and was born into this realm, having been a partaker of flesh and blood. The Bible states clearly that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. So after His death, burial and resurrection, He was then glorified by God having accepted the blood sacrifice for the sin of the world and is now elevated to the position of Lord and Christ, the one mediator between God and man, seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (64) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (65) Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. (KJV) When we see the reference to Christ the Son of God as well as the Son of man sitting on the right hand and coming in the clouds, the statement is truth, making reference to what we just saw in Acts 2:36, of these two God has made one new man so making peace, which culminates in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ; and those that choose to follow the same leading of the Holy Spirit will find an abundance of peace in the new man God is forming within them also. 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 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) We too have access to the same Spirit. And the more we allow this Spirit to bear witness to our spirit, the more we are reminded of our inheritance in Christ, and how we too can receive the reward of inheritance and a glorified body so that we can be together with Him for an eternity. The more you receive this witness from above the more you realize that you are truly a son of God and will start acting like one of His also. So who is it or what is it you are bearing witness with? Because the Bible clearly states that whatsoever is not of faith, the message delivered by Christ, is sin. Without faith and this Spirit bearing witness with our spirit then it is impossible to please God, we end up thieves and robbers trying to access the Father by our flesh and blood carnal thinking which cannot inherit His kingdom. Galatians 4:19-21 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (20) I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice for I stand in doubt of you. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (KJV) It pained Paul to see the people who were born again into the realm of the Spirit by their simple hearing of faith, only to see them fall back to their old ways by the works of the law. There is a new creation within you, ready to birth and come to life within you so that you can be a new creation in Christ and leave the old man and its old ways dead and buried behind you. So are you nurturing that new man within you by giving it a steady daily dose of the word of God, or are you trying to feed him with old dead, decaying, unhealthy doctrines of man? Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) If any man has not the Spirit of Christ working within them and bearing witness to them of who they are in Christ, then they are none of His. Our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, and having received a glorified body is now a part of the Godhead. Some refer to the Godhead as the trinity; the Bible speaks of three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, which these three agree in one and operate in unison together as one. We too become one with God through Christ, and we are complete in Him when we receive His witness as truth and let that set us free from the traditions and rudiments of this fallen world. Our Lord Jesus Christ is an active part of this Godhead, having taken His place at the right hand of the Father; and by His sacrifice has prepared a place for us with Him as well. Ephesians 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; (12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (KJV) A Gentile is a reference to an unbeliever, someone outside the realm of faith and not walking in God’s plan of salvation. Some have tried to link the mystery of the gospel as the Jew and Gentile coming together as one, which is based on the outward and not the inward. The mystery of the gospel is Christ in you and me, someone that was on the outside of salvation, an unbeliever who was in the flesh and only knew how to operate in that realm, but who has now been reconciled to God by His Son and His Spirit within us. Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (KJV) It began with the Son of man, a child born unto us Jesus of Nazareth, and it culminated into the Son of God, Christ, the Son given. Of these two God made one new man so that we could be more like Him, Christ like, and continue in the peace of God. Is there new life springing forth in you also, are you letting His Spirit bear witness with your spirit so that you can be one with Him and be that new creation in Christ? You have the mind of Christ; and the more you let Him witness to your mind the more you stay one with Him and in agreement to what God is asking of you today. It’s when we become double minded that we end up unstable and are no longer receiving the things of God. Who’s number one? We are, if we continue to let this new man take over and leave our old nature in the graveyard. God bless. And have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)
If you go into any city and take the time to look into a phone book under the title of churches you will find pages and pages of different so called faiths and denominations. In others words, when posed with the same question we see in the above verses mankind is still rendering many different opinions on who this Jesus of Nazareth was and what to call this man. In fact some two thousand plus years ago some were trying to associate him with the Baptist, which being the fact that he didn’t acknowledge himself to be one back then I don’t know why so many today are still trying to pin that label on him. We do see him acknowledging himself as the Son of man, having partaken of flesh and blood, but as we are about to see, something else will come into play and expand the field so to speak. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) Christ, the Son of the living God, not God as many claim, but His Son. The fact that God Himself is a Spirit it would only be fitting that His Son, Christ, is of that realm also. Not only was this Jesus born of the flesh but he was also reborn of the Spirit and is Spirit also; the same Spirit of Christ that led this man Jesus of Nazareth is the same Spirit that is abiding in you and what should be leading you as well. This rock foundation is spiritual, and the only foundation that will withstand and prevail against the gates of hell. It is this Spirit of Christ within the believer that allows each of us to be a part of the family of God so that we too can receive the adoption of Sons. We see our Lord acknowledging the two births again, that which is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit, Christ, which if any man has not His Spirit he is not of God, which now makes it a complete package, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. 1 Corinthians 10:2-5 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV) Even in the Old Testament we see the Son of God, Christ, alive and well, His Spirit working among the people. Back then it was providing water that fed the flesh, today it provides us living spiritual water that quenches our spiritual thirst. This is the only name, the rock solid name of the Son of God that our Father acknowledges as one of His and the only name that you can get your prayers through to our Father. Though many claim that Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was Jesus the son of man that was born, Christ always was and always will be, or as He put it I AM. Again that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit; you must be born again with this Spirit of Christ or you cannot see the kingdom of God. Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Paul described this revelation of Christ as a mystery, something hid and kept secret but now made manifest. To those that operate solely in the realm of the flesh this continues to be a mystery. And like we saw with the question asked in Matthew 16:13-15, many are still answering this question according to popular opinion and not by a personal revelation and relationship with God in the Spirit. So no matter what man thinks or how many labels and titles they try to put on Him, His word is quite specific on how His plan of salvation works and who it is that is working in His people. So people, before you jump on these bandwagons of popular beliefs and doctrines take the time in the word of God and prayer, and see for yourself who the Lord truly is and by what name does He go by and acknowledges Himself to be. The only teaching and the only way to present the believer perfect, mature in all wisdom, will only be accomplished by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) This is a great mystery and continues to be because it is hid to the carnal man and his way of thinking, and only revealed to the spiritual man and those that desire to worship God in spirit and in truth. God truly was manifest in the flesh, His plan of salvation and the miracles that He worked through Jesus of Nazareth were only accomplished by the Spirit of Christ within Him and His willingness and obedience to follow that leading. As this Jesus Christ is known also as the Son of God, so are you if you continue your relationship with the Father by basing your walk on what the Spirit of Christ working within you dictates and not by the box mankind tries to stick Him in and label Him with. It takes one to know one; so if you want to resemble your Father in heaven then you need to follow the example of the Son and the Spirit of Him, Christ, if you wish to receive the reward of inheritance. We will continue with this topic of the Son of God, so keep the faith grounded and settled within you, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (KJV)
We discussed yesterday this man named Jesus; a man spoke of and written about throughout the New Testament, a man some claim to be God, or as I have heard it referred to, the God man. Actually we see that Jesus was ‘made’ or rather a created being; something God surly is not and never will be, let alone taking a rank lower than the angels. So who is this Jesus of Nazareth? Knowing who he was will help you to understand who you are, and how to answer your own calling from God. Hebrews 10:4-5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (5) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: (KJV) The fact that the fall of man came through man, it is only fitting that the price that had to be paid to reconcile mankind was the sacrifice of a man, and that came by the obedience and death on the cross of Jesus of Nazareth. This man was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power so that he could be led by the Spirit and live a life pleasing to God. John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (29) And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV) We see here quite plainly, Jesus referring to himself as the Son of man; a man just like you and I, being taught of our Father how to speak and how to be an example of the believer in doing those things that please the Father. Had he been God, then he would not have had to be taught because he would have already known everything. Just like when we were a child growing up in the realm of the flesh; as newborns we had to grow, mature, and learn the language in order to communicate. The same holds true in the spiritual realm also; as one grows and matures they learn to speak the words of our Father, and to communicate His message more and more as they continue to grow. Jesus of Nazareth was the first born, or should I say the first man to be born again into the realm of the Spirit, so that he could communicate God’s message of salvation to a lost world, and lay down his life to pay the price for the sin of mankind that had been plaguing them. Luke 9:22-24 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. (23) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (KJV) The Son of man; he too was a partaker of flesh and blood, and took on this same nature that we have to deal with. As a man he had to take up the cross and die to self in order that we could live. We too have to take up our own cross on a daily basis and die to those things which are of the flesh so that the Spirit can take control of our body. We too need to crucify our own affections and lusts so that we can present ourselves to God a living sacrifice, and be resurrected on a daily basis in the realm of the Spirit. Though many still claim Jesus was God, the same God that was with him and working within him, is at work in you also; teaching you on a daily basis how to overcome your lower fallen nature so that you can be a partaker of His divine nature. John 3:1-7 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) 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) If you notice in verse 2, the people would approach Jesus at night because of the persecution, and the fact that they didn’t want to be kicked out of the temple for associating with this man. For those that truly follow the same example set by our Lord, they too will find that the path of life truly is narrow and straight, and few that find it. Our Lord was able to demonstrate the power of God; and the miracles God did through Him were a result of God’s word and its effectiveness by and through His obedience to speak and believe it. The fact that God is no respecter of persons, Jesus of Nazareth also had to partake of the two births; and God through His word spells out the difference, one is of the flesh, and the other is of the Spirit. The Son of man, Jesus of Nazareth, was the first born into this realm of the Spirit. He lived and demonstrated a perfect example for all of us to follow of how a man could live by faith, and overcome the fallen nature of the flesh and its desires. Today God still uses His people to deliver a message of love through those who are willing to follow the same example of our Lord; those who are willing to speak His word no matter what the consequences are, or whatever popular opinion would try to dictate. Hebrews 10:9-12 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. (10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (KJV) We have looked at Jesus the man, the Son of man, and the ministry he fulfilled, as well as the sacrifice that he gave to reconcile man with God. Though God was with this man, as He is with all those that believe, Jesus was not God, nor did he claim to be anymore than you or I would; rather he was the first born again man into the realm of the Spirit to teach us how we too can operate effectively, and not be bound by the limitations of the flesh. So having spent the last couple of days looking at that which was born of flesh let us look to that which is born of the Spirit; or as He was also referred to as the Son of God, Christ Jesus. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have you ever heard the statement that Jesus was God? Some have referred to him as the God man, and that he was actually God himself. An interesting statement, one that raises eyebrows, but as far as truth goes by what the Bible says, tells me different. As in any case or any doctrine that blows through town it is up to you, the individual believer, to take the time to study the word of God and rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know for yourself what the Lord’s take is on the matter, and find the spiritual meaning within all scripture. Remember your salvation is riding on the fact of you finding the truth and letting that truth set you free so that you can worship our Lord in spirit and in truth. So who was this Jesus of Nazareth, and was he actually God, or was he a man whom God chose to reveal His plan of salvation through, and to have him present himself a living sacrifice for all mankind to reconcile us into a relationship with the Father through his obedience to Him?
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) As I look at these verses it is quite clear that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. Now had Jesus been God, then He would not have had to anoint Himself would he? Rather the word of God is quite specific to show us the difference between man and God. You know, you too have been anointed with this same Holy Ghost and power once you accepted God’s plan of salvation and chose to follow Him. The question you now face is the same one Jesus of Nazareth did, and all those that chose to follow His example face on a daily basis as well; will you walk in the Spirit and overcome the lusts and desires of the flesh, or will you give in to the desires of the flesh and mind, and fall back into destruction? If you notice at the end of verse 38 it clearly points out that God was with him, not God was him. God has used different people throughout the Old and New Testament to deliver His message, and has worked miracles through them, but it didn’t mean they were God, just obedient messengers of His word. If Jesus of Nazareth and Paul the apostle were any more special than you and I what hope would we truly have if we desired to walk with God as well? It’s the same spirit of Christ that worked in them that is working within us, the only difference was their willingness and obedience to it. So please, quit looking at all these people in the Bible like they are Marvel comic super heroes, and start seeing yourself in God’s plan of salvation, and let Him be your Father also. Jesus of Nazareth lived a life in the Spirit without sin, and laid down His life so that we too could live without the influence of sin and death in our lives, and bring the same message of hope and healing to a dying dark world. James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) One of the differences between me and Jesus of Nazareth is that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; a pure blood line separated from the bloodline of a fallen mankind, and thus was able to live a life without sin having been led by the Spirit of Christ from conception. I on the other hand spent many years in a life of sin and separation from God, and have spent many years undoing the old ways and thoughts, retraining myself to walk in the things of God which takes a daily renewing of the mind. So even though I was duped, and allowed myself to be drawn into sin, Jesus of Nazareth didn’t allow the temptation to draw him away from God to the point of sin, falling into its deception, but held fast His profession of faith without wavering. Take special note of verse 13 which clearly states that not only does God not tempt with evil neither can He be tempted with it. So if Jesus was God then how could He have been tempted? Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (KJV) The word succour in verse 18 means to bring aid, help or relief; and what better example or man than the one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who suffered through the same temptations that we dealt with and yet sinned not. In other words we have someone seated at the right hand of the Father who is not asking us to do something He himself wasn’t willing to do, and to show us how we too can overcome these by faith in Him. Would that not have been an unfair advantage had he been God and didn’t have to suffer through these same things as we do? Isn’t it a relief to know that we can now access someone who has been there and done it under the same terms and conditions as we do and yet was able to accomplish it successfully and complete without sin? Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) How many times do we see the term Son of God, and not God being given to not only Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but unto all those that answer the call of God and become adopted into His family? You too have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now one of those that are following His example. Though you may be called of God, and being a Christian looks like a good way to follow, something one might want to check into, it’s only those that know the truth and let it set them free that will be able to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and the sin which leads to separation and an eternal death from the Father. Matthew 4:1-3 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (KJV) Again note, if Jesus was God then how could he have been tempted when the Bible tells us God cannot be tempted? This same Jesus took part of the same flesh and blood body you have and it’s frailties, yet sinned not. The question for today is, will you now partake of the same Spirit of Christ that was within Jesus of Nazareth and is within you, this same Jesus Christ that is seated at the right hand of the Father ready to make intercession for you, and show you how in all things to be more than conquerors by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit? So walk in that same Spirit, and you too will not be trapped in the lusts of the flesh. Was Jesus God? Well not according to God’s word he wasn’t. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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