One of the highlights of summer in the USA is the celebration of Independence Day. From 1776 until the present day, Independence Day has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Although the United States celebrates Independence Day as a day of freedom from Great Britain's oppression, there is a freedom that is far superior, far greater than any freedom that man can provide. This freedom only comes as one confesses with the mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as Savior.
It has been said, "To be born free is a privilege; to die free is an
awesome responsibility," yet freedom is never free. It always and only
comes at great price. The greatest price ever paid for freedom, was paid
at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago by Jesus Christ, the Son of
God. So, let's take a moment and look at some of the events that took place to purchase mans true freedom. We begin in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is arrested and taken down to the hall of Caiaphas the High Priest. He is then blindfolded and spit upon, insulted and struck in the presence of the very High Priest of God, and then you witness the long, cold, weary hours until He is taken before Pilate and then eventually to Herod to be mocked and jeered, to be clothed with the mock garment of kingly authority, a mock crown of thorns placed upon His brow, the mock badge of kingly authority placed within His hand, and then the long weary march back to Pilate, where He faces the trial, proceeding with bitterness and jealousy.
We then find Jesus standing calm and quiet with no part in this unnatural scene, except that of the innocent victim of jealousy and hate. We see Him scourged, His back laid open by the awful Roman lictor. Blood flows, and flesh is torn as the cruel blows fall mercilessly upon His bare back. Then His clothes are thrown roughly about Him, and He is started out for Golgotha, staggering beneath His cross. We see Him fall under its weight, and Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear it. Then we see Him staggering up the mountain side, surrounded by soldiers. He is laid roughly down upon the cross on His back, and the Roman soldiers with cruel hate drive the spikes into His hands and feet; then He is lifted up naked, and the cross is dropped into the socket in the rock. Jesus of Nazareth is crucified!
We watch the mob as it surges backward and forward about the cross. We hear the High Priest hurling his bitter taunts at Jesus, as He suffers unmercifully nailed to the cross suspended between heaven and earth. We hear the mob in their bitter denunciation, led on by their religious leaders, the very priesthood that was looking for their Messiah. It was a hideous and horrific thing that was taking place. The Son of God hanging on the cross was not a sight for angels, nor for men, but for demons only.
However, the vision I want you to have is not of the physical suffering of Jesus, not what man has done as that is only a means to an end, but come behind the scenes and see the agony of the Son of God, and see Him smitten by God, His Father. The Apostle Peter tells us on the day of Pentecost that He was delivered up by the determinate counsel and the foreknowledge of God. (Acts 2:23) It is here that we see Father God taking our sin nature and spiritual death, and placing it all upon Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus has taken man's place, and the whole human race is now represented in Him, as He hangs there under judgment on the accursed tree. God takes your sin and mine, yes, the sin of the whole world and lets it fall upon His Son and as God turns His back to Him, He cries out, "My God, Mu God why have you forsaken Me." (Matthew 27:46) Not only did Jesus go to the cross to acquire mans freedom, but also descend into hell itself to pay the penalty of Man's high treason. He took upon Himself the awful guilt to pay man's penalty, because God could not, nor would not pardon man until an adequate sacrifice had been made. (Romans 3:21-26)
He died as Jesus our Substitute, the Lamb of God who bore the sin of the world. But Peter tells us, (quoting David) "For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Acts 2:27) After three days and nights in hell, Jesus arose as Lord, as Master of death, of hell and of the grave. He speaks to the Apostle John, "I was dead and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Revelation 1:18) The matchless, mighty Christ had gone into the strong mans house and plundered his house and his goods. (Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21-22) He had conquered Satan completely in honorable combat; He had taken from him his authority, his dominion; He brings it back and offers it to fallen man through His matchless name and grace.
What does this mean to us? It means that every man who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and takes Him as his Savior, stands legally acquitted in the presence of God. It means Satan is defeated, and man can be free. This is independence, this is freedom and there is no other freedom from the foundations of the world that has or will ever surpass the freedom the our Heavenly Father has provided for all men through Jesus Christ. "For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) PTL...
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
Let God Arise
One of the most thrilling things that every believer should aspire to, is learning about the depths of redemption that the Father has given through the Lord Jesus Christ. In doing so, we will come to understand and appropriate the marvelous ability of God that is in us. Think about it, the moment that one is born again, the living God takes up residence within them, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) We have God's life in us. We become new creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We are God's masterpiece created in Christ. (Ephesians 2:10) We are partakers of God's divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4) Can we see that we have within us, as God's children, the very life and nature of God. The objective of Christ's coming was that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit..." (John 15:5) Every believer, a branch of the vine, Jesus, receive the same life that is manifested in the vine, that we bear much fruit. It is the vine's life in us that produces the fruit of righteousness, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
However, these wonderful things are not actively a part of the believers life simply because the Bible teaches them. It requires every believer to spend time in God's Word "...and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16) Notice, what the Word of God does in and through the believer; It is admonishing; educating; training; correcting, and causing us to step out of religion to where we are "admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Let us also not forget that God's Word also builds faith into our recreated spirit. (Romans 10:17) Look at the Holy Spirit's Word to the church through the Apostle Paul, "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32) It is the Word that builds us up; it is the Word that causes us to know our privileges, our rights, our inheritance, that is, all that we have in Christ.
The revelation that the Apostle Paul received and we have in his epistles, are the Father's Words about Jesus. When believers say, "I am a new creation created in Christ," it is actually the Father's Words expressing a fact through their lips. When believers say, "in the Name of Jesus, disease, stop being," they are using the very Words of Jesus. Remember, Jesus said, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak...Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:49-50) When believers step out into their rights of righteousness and begin to bear fruit, it will be the same kind of fruit Jesus bore in His earth walk as the Son of Man. Righteousness means the ability to stand in the Father's presence without the sense of guilt, condemnation, unworthiness or inferiority. His righteousness becomes ours the very moment that we confess with our mouth the Lordship of Jesus Christ and believe in our heart. (Romans 10:9-10) Look at this literal translation of Romans 4:25 which reads, "Who was delivered up on account of our trespasses, and was raised when we were declared righteous."
As believers spend more and more time letting God's Word wash over us, that is, reading, studying and especially meditating on it, the more God arises in our lives. The more we let God arise in our life, the more freedom, liberty, we will experience. When Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-29) He meant it. When God told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) He meant it. When the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul said, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20) and "For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13 AMP) He also meant it.
So, "Let God Arise" and let His Word transform us so that we will be the fruit bearers that His strength, His ability, His power, His grace, which is continuously at work in us, can accomplish through us for His glory. Finally, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) PTL...
However, these wonderful things are not actively a part of the believers life simply because the Bible teaches them. It requires every believer to spend time in God's Word "...and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16) Notice, what the Word of God does in and through the believer; It is admonishing; educating; training; correcting, and causing us to step out of religion to where we are "admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Let us also not forget that God's Word also builds faith into our recreated spirit. (Romans 10:17) Look at the Holy Spirit's Word to the church through the Apostle Paul, "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32) It is the Word that builds us up; it is the Word that causes us to know our privileges, our rights, our inheritance, that is, all that we have in Christ.
The revelation that the Apostle Paul received and we have in his epistles, are the Father's Words about Jesus. When believers say, "I am a new creation created in Christ," it is actually the Father's Words expressing a fact through their lips. When believers say, "in the Name of Jesus, disease, stop being," they are using the very Words of Jesus. Remember, Jesus said, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak...Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:49-50) When believers step out into their rights of righteousness and begin to bear fruit, it will be the same kind of fruit Jesus bore in His earth walk as the Son of Man. Righteousness means the ability to stand in the Father's presence without the sense of guilt, condemnation, unworthiness or inferiority. His righteousness becomes ours the very moment that we confess with our mouth the Lordship of Jesus Christ and believe in our heart. (Romans 10:9-10) Look at this literal translation of Romans 4:25 which reads, "Who was delivered up on account of our trespasses, and was raised when we were declared righteous."
As believers spend more and more time letting God's Word wash over us, that is, reading, studying and especially meditating on it, the more God arises in our lives. The more we let God arise in our life, the more freedom, liberty, we will experience. When Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-29) He meant it. When God told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) He meant it. When the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul said, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20) and "For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13 AMP) He also meant it.
So, "Let God Arise" and let His Word transform us so that we will be the fruit bearers that His strength, His ability, His power, His grace, which is continuously at work in us, can accomplish through us for His glory. Finally, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) PTL...
Monday, March 27, 2017
Free to Live
One of the greatest passages of scripture that believers should confess daily and be encouraged, and strengthened by, was spoken by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul. He says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) Paul
was not only pressing home the point of what he was in Christ, but also
driving home the point of what all believers also are in Christ and what Christ is in them. Paul
contends that his faith in Christ and the grace of God at work in him, had freed him from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) and now his identity is Christ in him, not his former identity of himself.
He goes on and says, "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2:21) The phrase "set aside" is to frustrate, despise, displace, abrogate, God working in and through the believer giving them the ability and desire to obey Him and do His will. The phrase "the grace of God," here refers to the favor of God manifested in the plan of salvation by the gospel. The sense is, that Paul would not take any measures or pursue any course of life as a believer that would render the grace of God as something vain, useless. He goes on to say, if righteousness (justification) can be secured by the observance of any law, whether ceremonial or moral, then there was no need of the death of Christ as an atonement. If man can live by the law, and be declared righteous by the law, there would be no need of a Savior, because man would be able to save himself solely based on his own merit.
It is for this reason that Paul rebukes the Jewish believers in the church at Galatians. "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain, if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5)
The purpose for the rebuke was not to bring condemnation upon them, but to reveal the reality that they were indeed frustrating, despising, displacing, abrogating Gods grace for their so called rules of life, laws, especially when their faith in Christ was evidenced by the Holy Spirit working miracles. In the same way, believers today must use caution when they base their Christianity on laws and rules, which are actually parts of the Mosaic law or the man made laws that have infiltrated many sectors of the church, rather than living in the grace that God has poured out in Christ. (John 1:17) In doing so they may find themselves frustrating, despising, displacing, abrogating, Gods grace.
However, the good news for all believers to be free from laws and live in the grace of God is to recognize the truth that Paul had presented, "Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There it is! If you are born again, you are a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Christ lives in you. What great news this should be to all believers. Living by grace through faith is freedom! Living by laws as the Jewish believers in Galatia were doing and were teaching the Gentile converts to do the same , is bondage. As Paul had exposed this error to the believers in the church at Galatia, I also believe that the Holy Spirit is revealing the same to many of God's children today. Our faith in Christ should not be evidenced by laws that we live by, but our faith in Christ, living in the grace of God, which is evidenced by the Holy Spirit and the working miracles. PTL...
He goes on and says, "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2:21) The phrase "set aside" is to frustrate, despise, displace, abrogate, God working in and through the believer giving them the ability and desire to obey Him and do His will. The phrase "the grace of God," here refers to the favor of God manifested in the plan of salvation by the gospel. The sense is, that Paul would not take any measures or pursue any course of life as a believer that would render the grace of God as something vain, useless. He goes on to say, if righteousness (justification) can be secured by the observance of any law, whether ceremonial or moral, then there was no need of the death of Christ as an atonement. If man can live by the law, and be declared righteous by the law, there would be no need of a Savior, because man would be able to save himself solely based on his own merit.
It is for this reason that Paul rebukes the Jewish believers in the church at Galatians. "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain, if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5)
The purpose for the rebuke was not to bring condemnation upon them, but to reveal the reality that they were indeed frustrating, despising, displacing, abrogating Gods grace for their so called rules of life, laws, especially when their faith in Christ was evidenced by the Holy Spirit working miracles. In the same way, believers today must use caution when they base their Christianity on laws and rules, which are actually parts of the Mosaic law or the man made laws that have infiltrated many sectors of the church, rather than living in the grace that God has poured out in Christ. (John 1:17) In doing so they may find themselves frustrating, despising, displacing, abrogating, Gods grace.
However, the good news for all believers to be free from laws and live in the grace of God is to recognize the truth that Paul had presented, "Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There it is! If you are born again, you are a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Christ lives in you. What great news this should be to all believers. Living by grace through faith is freedom! Living by laws as the Jewish believers in Galatia were doing and were teaching the Gentile converts to do the same , is bondage. As Paul had exposed this error to the believers in the church at Galatia, I also believe that the Holy Spirit is revealing the same to many of God's children today. Our faith in Christ should not be evidenced by laws that we live by, but our faith in Christ, living in the grace of God, which is evidenced by the Holy Spirit and the working miracles. PTL...
Monday, November 28, 2016
Free Indeed
When we look at or listen to the news we find that the present human condition affirms that the world at large is not "free indeed." Human history records an unbroken trail of bondage. Secular wisdom cannot unshackle the heart no matter how hard a person tries, how educated a person may be, the changing of or improvement of living conditions, or equal rights'. These things are good, but they cannot (in and of themselves) set a person free with any lasting results. Only the Creator of humanity can do that. God alone has provided the emancipation of human suffering and captivity through Jesus Christ His Son, our great Savior and Liberator. Jesus said, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) The Apostle Paul tells us, "It was for this freedom that Christ set us
free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not
be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]." (Galatians 5:1 AMP)
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born of a virgin by means of a miraculous conception through the power of the Holy Spirit, became like one of us to completely set humanity free from the tyrannical power of Satan. Luke records the ministry of Jesus to the world, which was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19) The gospel of John also records the many claims that Jesus made regarding himself and his relationship to all of mankind. Those claims are extraordinary; absolutely amazing! One of the things He said of Himself was, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) What He was proclaiming was that He alone was mankind's great Liberator, that He could and would set man free.
The gospel is the Good News about Jesus Christ and the freedom that He gives. It is the Holy Spirit inspired presentation of that Good News that sets man free. Although the true gospel of Christ can be distorted or perverted, Jesus and his apostles preached a lifesaving, mind and heart freeing message from God. Numerous times and in different ways Jesus said, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49) The Apostle Paul tells us of his ministry in the gospel, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:18-19)
It is the cross, that is, the cross of Christ the presents the Good News. The cross of Christ focuses on God's answer to man's need: life and freedom. The death of Jesus, the Son of God, is revealed in that historical event at Calvary. He died, according to God's Word, as a sin offering for man. This is the one and only way that mankind can be set free. It is an act of God's grace alone with absolutely nothing to do with mans efforts. Although freedom is by grace through faith, many believers have created a doctrine, legalism, as an attempt to earn one's salvation by works rather than relying upon God's grace through Christ to save. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favor], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works]." (Romans 11:6) Paul dealt with this very thing with the church at Galatia. (See Galatians 3)
Although there are numerous barriers to freedom that rob people, even believers, from God's gracious
and abundant provision of life that we have in Christ, (John 10:10), I believe that these three stand out, ignorance, pride and fear. Ignorance of the will, nature, character, purpose and plan of God through Jesus can keep us in darkness. The very darkness that Jesus came to set us free from is what keeps us from God's freedom and love. Jesus is the wisdom from God that dispels ignorance. He is the truth that sets men free. "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Pride can keep us enslaved to our selfish egos and erroneous ideologies. Pride can cause people to
presume that they have need of nothing outside themselves. This is the very issue that was the fall of Lucifer, "For you (Lucifer) have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14) God's Word tells us several time, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Pride is a self-righteous attitude that robs one of his freedom in Christ because it is void of grace. Ignorance and pride are two deadly foes of the freedom that God's grace brings to those who would follow Jesus
Christ. The final foe of freedom that I want to mention is fear.
Fear is the root of anxiety and worry. According to the Apostle John, "fear involves torment." (1 John 4:18) Fear can keep us in bondage, robbing us of the life that Jesus brought to humanity. Fear is not from God but and evil spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "God has not given us a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7) These three, ignorance, pride and fear are thieves that cheat us out of the joy of God's freedom through Jesus Christ.
Freedom is a gift we possess only when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior and walk in it. A free person is not afraid to make up his own mind to settle for himself the basic issue of life. A person who desires reality must fearlessly pursue truth and be responsible for making decisions regarding that truth, that is, God's Word. Long ago, Joshua, a great man of courage and faith said, "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
When one submits to the truth of the gospel and obediently trusts in God's abundant grace to save, then, that person will know what it means to be "free indeed." They will be free from ignorance; free from pride; and free from fear. The saving grace of a loving God as realized in Christ Jesus is the most liberating power known to man. However, a prisoner is not a free man if he refuses to leave his cell after the door is opened. God, through Christ has opened the prison door for all. So, as Joshua said, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" let us make the same declaration, believing and receiving the complete freedom the was freely given through the Lord Jesus Christ. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born of a virgin by means of a miraculous conception through the power of the Holy Spirit, became like one of us to completely set humanity free from the tyrannical power of Satan. Luke records the ministry of Jesus to the world, which was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19) The gospel of John also records the many claims that Jesus made regarding himself and his relationship to all of mankind. Those claims are extraordinary; absolutely amazing! One of the things He said of Himself was, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) What He was proclaiming was that He alone was mankind's great Liberator, that He could and would set man free.
The gospel is the Good News about Jesus Christ and the freedom that He gives. It is the Holy Spirit inspired presentation of that Good News that sets man free. Although the true gospel of Christ can be distorted or perverted, Jesus and his apostles preached a lifesaving, mind and heart freeing message from God. Numerous times and in different ways Jesus said, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49) The Apostle Paul tells us of his ministry in the gospel, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:18-19)
It is the cross, that is, the cross of Christ the presents the Good News. The cross of Christ focuses on God's answer to man's need: life and freedom. The death of Jesus, the Son of God, is revealed in that historical event at Calvary. He died, according to God's Word, as a sin offering for man. This is the one and only way that mankind can be set free. It is an act of God's grace alone with absolutely nothing to do with mans efforts. Although freedom is by grace through faith, many believers have created a doctrine, legalism, as an attempt to earn one's salvation by works rather than relying upon God's grace through Christ to save. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favor], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works]." (Romans 11:6) Paul dealt with this very thing with the church at Galatia. (See Galatians 3)
Although there are numerous barriers to freedom that rob people, even believers, from God's gracious
and abundant provision of life that we have in Christ, (John 10:10), I believe that these three stand out, ignorance, pride and fear. Ignorance of the will, nature, character, purpose and plan of God through Jesus can keep us in darkness. The very darkness that Jesus came to set us free from is what keeps us from God's freedom and love. Jesus is the wisdom from God that dispels ignorance. He is the truth that sets men free. "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Pride can keep us enslaved to our selfish egos and erroneous ideologies. Pride can cause people to
presume that they have need of nothing outside themselves. This is the very issue that was the fall of Lucifer, "For you (Lucifer) have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14) God's Word tells us several time, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Pride is a self-righteous attitude that robs one of his freedom in Christ because it is void of grace. Ignorance and pride are two deadly foes of the freedom that God's grace brings to those who would follow Jesus
Christ. The final foe of freedom that I want to mention is fear.
Fear is the root of anxiety and worry. According to the Apostle John, "fear involves torment." (1 John 4:18) Fear can keep us in bondage, robbing us of the life that Jesus brought to humanity. Fear is not from God but and evil spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "God has not given us a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7) These three, ignorance, pride and fear are thieves that cheat us out of the joy of God's freedom through Jesus Christ.
Freedom is a gift we possess only when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior and walk in it. A free person is not afraid to make up his own mind to settle for himself the basic issue of life. A person who desires reality must fearlessly pursue truth and be responsible for making decisions regarding that truth, that is, God's Word. Long ago, Joshua, a great man of courage and faith said, "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
When one submits to the truth of the gospel and obediently trusts in God's abundant grace to save, then, that person will know what it means to be "free indeed." They will be free from ignorance; free from pride; and free from fear. The saving grace of a loving God as realized in Christ Jesus is the most liberating power known to man. However, a prisoner is not a free man if he refuses to leave his cell after the door is opened. God, through Christ has opened the prison door for all. So, as Joshua said, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" let us make the same declaration, believing and receiving the complete freedom the was freely given through the Lord Jesus Christ. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
Monday, August 15, 2016
Have You Recieved
When we ponder the incredible, brilliant, plan of redemption that was in the mind of God the Father before creation (Ephesians 1:3-6), it staggers the mind. Why would the one and only true, holy, righteous, perfect, all knowing, almighty God the Word, (John 1:1, 14) choose to leave the glory of heaven, put on flesh, knowing that He would be rejected, beaten, mocked, and put to death, and go to the place of torment, and yet still come to earth to save humanity? Humanity, the only creature in all creation that chose to rebel against Him, serve His enemy, continuously commit all manner of evil and ultimately hate Him, so, why would God do such a thing? Because He wanted to share all that He is and has with the only creature in all of creation that He made in His image and likeness. God wanted a family.
Before Jesus rose from the dead, He was "justified in spirit" (1 Timothy 3:16), "made alive in spirit" (1 Peter 3:18), conquered Satan and stripped him of the authority of which he had robbed man in the Garden. We see the defeat of Satan and Christ's triumph as revealed in Colossians 2:15 "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them." The margin reads, "Having put off from himself the principalities and the powers." You see, Jesus when to hell to pay the price required by justice for man's redemption. Only God the Father knew what Jesus suffered until He had satisfied the claims of justice, had been made Righteous, and made a New Creation, the first born of all creation. (Colossians 1:15)
In that moment, Satan's dominion over Him ended. He hurled back the hosts of hell. He crushed their death-dealing ability. He stripped Satan of his authority and left him paralyzed and broken. Then God raised Him from the dead, having taken from Satan the keys of hell and death. (Revelation 1:17-18) Try to imagine if we can, what was happening in the spiritual realm when Jesus rose from hell, holding in His hand the keys of hell and of death having defeated Satan before his own cohorts. Hebrews tells us, "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14) Another version says it this way, "Seeing therefore the children have received a fellowship of blood and flesh, He also, in like manner, took partnership in the same, in order that, through death, He might paralyze him that held the dominion of death, that is, the Adversary."
Redemption had come. Satan was defeated and the Father "has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." (Colossians 1:13) That was the greatest moment in human history. That was a moment that will be remembered through all eternity. I believe that the angels must have celebrated before the Father's throne in greater jubilee than on the day Christ was born. Christ rising from the throes of hell in triumph meant the end of Satan's tyranny over humanity, man was now completely redeemed, and the claims of Justice were satisfied. God had legally and completely redeemed man. All the ages throughout eternity will remember the heroic battle that Jesus fought in order to prove to humanity that God was just. Now, on legal grounds, God has justified the ungodly, because His only begotten Son had redeemed them with His own blood and now offers all men everywhere eternal life. The Apostle John tells us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
The old spiritual nature that linked man to Satan has ceased being, and a new nature, God's own nature, is imparted to everyone who believes. (2 Peter 1:2-4) Now the believer is the Father's son as Jesus was in His earth walk. (John 1:12-13) The Apostle Paul tells us, "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Romans 5:17 AMP) At one time, we were defeated, conquered, and held in bondage. Now, we are set free and in the name of Jesus we become the bondage-breakers for the rest of the human race. He has made us Masters where fear held us in captivity. We are now reigning as kings in this this life. The Father through Jesus Christ has taken us from slavery to the Throne.
Have you freely received? Are you living in the abundant life that Jesus made possible? Are you free from shame, guilt, condemnation, and unworthiness? If not, take some time right now and ask the Father to touch you with His love. Ask Him to wash away the shame, guilt, condemnation, and unworthiness. Receive the freedom that comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. No longer let your past anchor you to your old nature, but live in the newness of life that is only found in Christ. Jesus has made redemption eternal and available to all who come to Him. The redemption He has accomplished is perfect and complete, providing a freedom in every sense of the word. "It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]." (Galatians 5:1 AMP) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you all your days.
Before Jesus rose from the dead, He was "justified in spirit" (1 Timothy 3:16), "made alive in spirit" (1 Peter 3:18), conquered Satan and stripped him of the authority of which he had robbed man in the Garden. We see the defeat of Satan and Christ's triumph as revealed in Colossians 2:15 "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them." The margin reads, "Having put off from himself the principalities and the powers." You see, Jesus when to hell to pay the price required by justice for man's redemption. Only God the Father knew what Jesus suffered until He had satisfied the claims of justice, had been made Righteous, and made a New Creation, the first born of all creation. (Colossians 1:15)
In that moment, Satan's dominion over Him ended. He hurled back the hosts of hell. He crushed their death-dealing ability. He stripped Satan of his authority and left him paralyzed and broken. Then God raised Him from the dead, having taken from Satan the keys of hell and death. (Revelation 1:17-18) Try to imagine if we can, what was happening in the spiritual realm when Jesus rose from hell, holding in His hand the keys of hell and of death having defeated Satan before his own cohorts. Hebrews tells us, "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14) Another version says it this way, "Seeing therefore the children have received a fellowship of blood and flesh, He also, in like manner, took partnership in the same, in order that, through death, He might paralyze him that held the dominion of death, that is, the Adversary."
Redemption had come. Satan was defeated and the Father "has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." (Colossians 1:13) That was the greatest moment in human history. That was a moment that will be remembered through all eternity. I believe that the angels must have celebrated before the Father's throne in greater jubilee than on the day Christ was born. Christ rising from the throes of hell in triumph meant the end of Satan's tyranny over humanity, man was now completely redeemed, and the claims of Justice were satisfied. God had legally and completely redeemed man. All the ages throughout eternity will remember the heroic battle that Jesus fought in order to prove to humanity that God was just. Now, on legal grounds, God has justified the ungodly, because His only begotten Son had redeemed them with His own blood and now offers all men everywhere eternal life. The Apostle John tells us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
The old spiritual nature that linked man to Satan has ceased being, and a new nature, God's own nature, is imparted to everyone who believes. (2 Peter 1:2-4) Now the believer is the Father's son as Jesus was in His earth walk. (John 1:12-13) The Apostle Paul tells us, "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Romans 5:17 AMP) At one time, we were defeated, conquered, and held in bondage. Now, we are set free and in the name of Jesus we become the bondage-breakers for the rest of the human race. He has made us Masters where fear held us in captivity. We are now reigning as kings in this this life. The Father through Jesus Christ has taken us from slavery to the Throne.
Have you freely received? Are you living in the abundant life that Jesus made possible? Are you free from shame, guilt, condemnation, and unworthiness? If not, take some time right now and ask the Father to touch you with His love. Ask Him to wash away the shame, guilt, condemnation, and unworthiness. Receive the freedom that comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. No longer let your past anchor you to your old nature, but live in the newness of life that is only found in Christ. Jesus has made redemption eternal and available to all who come to Him. The redemption He has accomplished is perfect and complete, providing a freedom in every sense of the word. "It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]." (Galatians 5:1 AMP) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you all your days.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Are You Free
Today is the Fourth of July and in the United States it is also known as Independence Day. Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of celebrating Independence Day goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies accessed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, Independence Day has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Although the United States celebrates Independence Day as a day of freedom from Great Britain's oppression, one is not truly free until they confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as Savior.
Today in the United Stated we often forget that, in declaring independence from an earthly power, our forefathers made a forthright declaration of dependence upon Almighty God. The closing words of the Declaration of Independence solemnly declares, "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." The fifty six courageous men who signed that document understood that this was not just high sounding rhetoric. They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation. If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors. But notice, their dependence was not upon their abilities, but upon Divine Providence. They knew that without divine intervention, their desire for freedom would never happen. History reveals that all the signers of the Declaration of Independence had a Christian background; 32 Episcopalian/Anglican; 13 Congregationalist; 12 Presbyterian; 2 Quaker; 2 Unitarian or Universalist; 1 Catholic.
Of the fifty six, few were long to survive. Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes, sacked, looted, occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons in the army. One had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six died in the war, from its hardships or from its bullets. Whatever ideas you have of the men who met that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge. They were not poor men, or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means, prosperous men, wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity and respected in their communities. But they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. They fulfilled their pledge. They paid the price. And freedom was won.
Someone once said, "To be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome responsibility." Yet freedom is never free. It is always purchased at great price. Take a moment and ponder the greatest price ever paid for freedom. The price that was paid at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to purchase man's freedom. In a similar way, the forefather's of this country were also ready to pay a great price for freedom not only for themselves, but for all who would come to the United States to become citizens of "One nation under God." Little did John Adams know how significant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, on the passing of the Declaration of Independence, "I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means."
To those who sacrificed for our freedom, the end was worth the painful means. Where would we, who are citizens of the United States of America, be today if there had not been those who counted the cost of freedom and willingly paid for it? Where will we be tomorrow if men and women of integrity do not come forward today and once again pay the price to reclaim a dying America? The only way this can be accomplished is for the church in the United States to what the Lord spoke to Solomon, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) We may look at the American revolution and think that it was a struggle against natural forces, but the reality is, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood." I believe the forefather's recognized this. I pray that the church in the United States would also recognize this and respond to God's call, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Today in the United Stated we often forget that, in declaring independence from an earthly power, our forefathers made a forthright declaration of dependence upon Almighty God. The closing words of the Declaration of Independence solemnly declares, "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." The fifty six courageous men who signed that document understood that this was not just high sounding rhetoric. They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation. If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors. But notice, their dependence was not upon their abilities, but upon Divine Providence. They knew that without divine intervention, their desire for freedom would never happen. History reveals that all the signers of the Declaration of Independence had a Christian background; 32 Episcopalian/Anglican; 13 Congregationalist; 12 Presbyterian; 2 Quaker; 2 Unitarian or Universalist; 1 Catholic.
Of the fifty six, few were long to survive. Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes, sacked, looted, occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons in the army. One had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six died in the war, from its hardships or from its bullets. Whatever ideas you have of the men who met that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge. They were not poor men, or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means, prosperous men, wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity and respected in their communities. But they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. They fulfilled their pledge. They paid the price. And freedom was won.
Someone once said, "To be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome responsibility." Yet freedom is never free. It is always purchased at great price. Take a moment and ponder the greatest price ever paid for freedom. The price that was paid at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to purchase man's freedom. In a similar way, the forefather's of this country were also ready to pay a great price for freedom not only for themselves, but for all who would come to the United States to become citizens of "One nation under God." Little did John Adams know how significant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, on the passing of the Declaration of Independence, "I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means."
To those who sacrificed for our freedom, the end was worth the painful means. Where would we, who are citizens of the United States of America, be today if there had not been those who counted the cost of freedom and willingly paid for it? Where will we be tomorrow if men and women of integrity do not come forward today and once again pay the price to reclaim a dying America? The only way this can be accomplished is for the church in the United States to what the Lord spoke to Solomon, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) We may look at the American revolution and think that it was a struggle against natural forces, but the reality is, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood." I believe the forefather's recognized this. I pray that the church in the United States would also recognize this and respond to God's call, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
I believe that a great awakening is coming that will fulfill the prophecy of Habakkuk, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14) I also believe God is calling every believer
to change because He wants to take us into another dimension or level of glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18) There are dimension of glory that exist
that we do not of or have entered into. Areas of creative miracles where we will
see body parts grow where there were none; Birth defects instantly healed; Dominion over the forces of nature; People raised from the dead; and more salvation's than the world has ever experienced. I believe a time is coming where we will
enter into these dimensions of glory and they will be the norm. I say these things because like me, I
want to stir you up to seek God and His glory.
But change is an individual choice. We must ask the Holy Spirit to give us
the grace, that is, the desire and ability to do God’s will, to help us change. It may take some time, it may even be painful or difficult
process for some, but it is worth the effort, because with
God all things are possible. Food for thought: Change is not really
change until it is genuine and lasting. So, let us do like the forefather's of this country who were willing to give up all and trust that God would bring freedom. Let us no longer be conformed to the world, remain
stagnant and frustrated with life trying to please man? But, let us let God’s Word transform us into the
image of Christ from glory to glory to please God? As we choose the latter, not only will we understand true freedom, but God will also use us to set the captives free...
Monday, May 30, 2016
In Remembrance
Today marks the one hundred and forty eighth Memorial Day in the USA. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day of remembrance, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally established in 1868 and known as Decoration Day, it became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Although many have mixed feeling concerning Memorial Day, let us never forget the reason why we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They fought and died to secure the freedoms that our fore-father's also fought and died for. Without doubt, the United States of America was established as "One Nation Under God" so let us never forget those who lost their lives defending this nation.
History also shows us the greatest struggle for freedom had taken place. This was a war that was not fought against flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle fought against the one who has brought nothing but destruction upon the entire history of humanity. This foe had stolen freedom from every person born on this planet and has held them in such bondage that murder, pestilence, disease and death seems to be a way of life in which no one can escape. This foe is known by many names, which are a reflection of his nature. His name is Satan. He is the worst, cruelest and most destructive tyrannical power ever set against humanity.
Not one person from the creation of man had ever been able to fight against Satan and rise the victor. All humanity was helpless and hopeless in this world, until the greatest warrior that ever walked on this planet emerged. His name, Jesus, the Son of God. Unfortunately, there are billions of people that have not recognized the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid to set humanity free. Many of them have heard the story of Jesus, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), but "the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Before Jesus gave His life to set humanity free, He sat with His disciples and in a sense, set up a Memorial Day for all who would call upon His Name to be set free. "When the hour had come, Jesus sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20)
The Apostle Paul tells us, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) As we can see, believers are to participate in "Holy Communion" as a deep, intimate connection with the One, Jesus Christ, who has given humanity more freedom than any nation(s) or army(s) could possible provide.
Paul instructs us, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." Believers are encouraged to celebrate our Memorial Day every day in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the tremendous freedom that He gave His life for. Although, Jesus had become a fallen warrior in the battle for freedom, He rose victoriously from the dead, completely liberating humanity, never to fall again. This has given hope to all, especially those who we honor on Memorial Day who have lost their lives protecting the freedoms we have in the USA. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) So, let us take time every day and give the highest honor to Jesus Christ, the One who has given all humanity the greatest of all freedoms, abundant life! PTL...
History also shows us the greatest struggle for freedom had taken place. This was a war that was not fought against flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle fought against the one who has brought nothing but destruction upon the entire history of humanity. This foe had stolen freedom from every person born on this planet and has held them in such bondage that murder, pestilence, disease and death seems to be a way of life in which no one can escape. This foe is known by many names, which are a reflection of his nature. His name is Satan. He is the worst, cruelest and most destructive tyrannical power ever set against humanity.
Not one person from the creation of man had ever been able to fight against Satan and rise the victor. All humanity was helpless and hopeless in this world, until the greatest warrior that ever walked on this planet emerged. His name, Jesus, the Son of God. Unfortunately, there are billions of people that have not recognized the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid to set humanity free. Many of them have heard the story of Jesus, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), but "the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Before Jesus gave His life to set humanity free, He sat with His disciples and in a sense, set up a Memorial Day for all who would call upon His Name to be set free. "When the hour had come, Jesus sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20)
The Apostle Paul tells us, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) As we can see, believers are to participate in "Holy Communion" as a deep, intimate connection with the One, Jesus Christ, who has given humanity more freedom than any nation(s) or army(s) could possible provide.
Paul instructs us, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." Believers are encouraged to celebrate our Memorial Day every day in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the tremendous freedom that He gave His life for. Although, Jesus had become a fallen warrior in the battle for freedom, He rose victoriously from the dead, completely liberating humanity, never to fall again. This has given hope to all, especially those who we honor on Memorial Day who have lost their lives protecting the freedoms we have in the USA. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) So, let us take time every day and give the highest honor to Jesus Christ, the One who has given all humanity the greatest of all freedoms, abundant life! PTL...
Monday, May 25, 2015
Memorial Day
Today, is the fourth Monday of the month of May and in the United
States it is a national holiday entitled, Memorial Day. It is a day in
which Americans remember the service men and women who paid the ultimate
sacrifice of giving their lives so that others may have freedom.
They did not give their lives for the United States alone, but as they
fought and died in the numerous conflicts throughout the world, they did
it to bring an end to demonized dictators who enjoy(ed) killing, like
Satan their father, have only one desire, to have power. They fought and
died to turn back these satanic ruled people whose only objective was
to steal, kill, destroy and or hold in bondage to slavery their fellow
man in efforts to promote their tyrannical reign. Let us never forget those in the armed forces who have gone before and those today who are ready to do what it takes to defend and protect the citizens of the United States of America.
In a similar way, Christians also have a Memorial Day. However, our Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance, but a day of celebration. We celebrate the day that we "confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believed in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and were saved." (Romans 10:9) We celebrate the fact the Jesus Christ also paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life to save (redeem, heal, deliver, make whole) all humanity from Satan, the most evil, murderous tyrant known to man. The Bible reveals to us, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) and "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)
When we consider what Jesus did for mankind the mind can hardly comprehend it. The apostle Paul reveals to us through the Holy Spirit, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12) and speaking of the state of all men since the fall, “…having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) This means that not one person in all of mankind had the ability to provide redemption. God Himself must provide man’s redemption. God must redeem man from the dominion of Satan. Death must be destroyed and man’s authority over the Satan must also be restored. We also must keep in mind that God is just, "…God is abundant in justice…” (Job 37:23) and therefore mankind could only be redeemed on absolute legal grounds. Even though God's love for man is unfathomable and the fact that He is also sovereign, He could not redeem man outside the realm of justice.
God would have to provide a substitute who would not have man’s satanic fallen nature but would be like Adam. He could not be mortal or immortal, but a perfect man as Adam was before the fall. He must fulfill the entire Mosaic Law, withstand the onslaught of all the devils attacks without sin, meet the demands of justice, (meaning that He would have to pay the penalty for man’s crimes against God) by suffering in man's place by becoming sin, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us..." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Being make sin the Redeemer would be separated from the presence of God by going to hell, which is the ultimate penalty for sin, until mankind had been fully and legally acquitted for their crime. In other words, Deity must suffer for humanity.
As Adam die both spiritually and physically ("a death you shall die," or, "dying you shall die." Genesis 2:17 Hebrew) and "and they made His grave with the wicked, but with the rich at His death..."(Isaiah 53:3 deaths in the Hebrew) Jesus too would have to experience both to reverse Adam's transgression. If Jesus' physical death was all that was required to redeem humanity, then sin is nothing more than a physical condition. If physical death deals with the sin issue, then every person that physically dies pays the penalty of his/her own sin. If sin is only a physical condition and can be dealt with through physical death, then we must conclude that God has no right to send someone to hell because the physical death of every person would be sufficient to satisfy justice and give them a pass to eternal life.
However, we know that this is not true. Jesus must suffer in both realms, physically and spiritually. Physically because that is the only way that spiritually dead humanity could eliminate the Son of God; spiritually, because it’s the only way that God could legally redeem man taking away Satan’s claim to humanity. It also stops man from accusing God of being unjust when they reject His way of redemption. Jesus indeed went to hell and suffered as a substitute for all mankind. His physical death was infinitesimal to what He suffered in the spiritual realm. If humanity could have been redeemed apart from Christ, then Jesus becoming a substitute for humanity and being sent to hell would have become the most heinous crime ever committed in all of creation.
But thanks be to God who was willing to take upon Himself man's liability by suffering an incomprehensible death in two realms as man's substitute. So let us never forget what the Father did through Jesus to give humanity complete freedom from Satan's power. Let us never forget and rejoice continually on our Memorial Day. The day you and I were born again.
In a similar way, Christians also have a Memorial Day. However, our Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance, but a day of celebration. We celebrate the day that we "confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believed in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and were saved." (Romans 10:9) We celebrate the fact the Jesus Christ also paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life to save (redeem, heal, deliver, make whole) all humanity from Satan, the most evil, murderous tyrant known to man. The Bible reveals to us, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) and "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)
When we consider what Jesus did for mankind the mind can hardly comprehend it. The apostle Paul reveals to us through the Holy Spirit, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12) and speaking of the state of all men since the fall, “…having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) This means that not one person in all of mankind had the ability to provide redemption. God Himself must provide man’s redemption. God must redeem man from the dominion of Satan. Death must be destroyed and man’s authority over the Satan must also be restored. We also must keep in mind that God is just, "…God is abundant in justice…” (Job 37:23) and therefore mankind could only be redeemed on absolute legal grounds. Even though God's love for man is unfathomable and the fact that He is also sovereign, He could not redeem man outside the realm of justice.
God would have to provide a substitute who would not have man’s satanic fallen nature but would be like Adam. He could not be mortal or immortal, but a perfect man as Adam was before the fall. He must fulfill the entire Mosaic Law, withstand the onslaught of all the devils attacks without sin, meet the demands of justice, (meaning that He would have to pay the penalty for man’s crimes against God) by suffering in man's place by becoming sin, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us..." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Being make sin the Redeemer would be separated from the presence of God by going to hell, which is the ultimate penalty for sin, until mankind had been fully and legally acquitted for their crime. In other words, Deity must suffer for humanity.
As Adam die both spiritually and physically ("a death you shall die," or, "dying you shall die." Genesis 2:17 Hebrew) and "and they made His grave with the wicked, but with the rich at His death..."(Isaiah 53:3 deaths in the Hebrew) Jesus too would have to experience both to reverse Adam's transgression. If Jesus' physical death was all that was required to redeem humanity, then sin is nothing more than a physical condition. If physical death deals with the sin issue, then every person that physically dies pays the penalty of his/her own sin. If sin is only a physical condition and can be dealt with through physical death, then we must conclude that God has no right to send someone to hell because the physical death of every person would be sufficient to satisfy justice and give them a pass to eternal life.
However, we know that this is not true. Jesus must suffer in both realms, physically and spiritually. Physically because that is the only way that spiritually dead humanity could eliminate the Son of God; spiritually, because it’s the only way that God could legally redeem man taking away Satan’s claim to humanity. It also stops man from accusing God of being unjust when they reject His way of redemption. Jesus indeed went to hell and suffered as a substitute for all mankind. His physical death was infinitesimal to what He suffered in the spiritual realm. If humanity could have been redeemed apart from Christ, then Jesus becoming a substitute for humanity and being sent to hell would have become the most heinous crime ever committed in all of creation.
But thanks be to God who was willing to take upon Himself man's liability by suffering an incomprehensible death in two realms as man's substitute. So let us never forget what the Father did through Jesus to give humanity complete freedom from Satan's power. Let us never forget and rejoice continually on our Memorial Day. The day you and I were born again.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Please Close the Door
Houses are built with doors to gain access from the outside of the house to the inside and vice versa. Doors also keep things on the inside from getting out, but more important they keep unwanted things outside from getting in. The same holds true for in the lives of every person. Although people do not have literal doors in their life, the term is used as a metaphor for opening ones life for good or evil to enter in. Jesus tells us a story concerning this...
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)
For us to understand what Jesus is saying we have to look at what has transpired. First, the Pharisees once again were looking for something to accuse Jesus of, namely breaking the Law. His disciples were plucking heads of grain and were eating them, it was the Sabbath. Basically, the Pharisees were accusing them of breaking the law by working on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-2) Jesus puts them in their place by referring to what King David, one of their most respected patriarchs did, in that he took the showbread that was for the priest only, ate it and gave it to his men to also eat. Jesus also quotes Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." (Matthew 12:3-8)
Next, Jesus heals "a man who had a withered hand" and again it is on the Sabbath. The next thing that occurs is "a great multitudes followed Jesus and He healed them all." (Matthew 15::16) The people, "...brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw." (Matthew 16:22) The Pharisees, who refused to accept anything that Jesus said or did as anything from God said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus then gives the Pharisees a some food for thought concerning any kingdom that is divided and even gives them a prophetic word concerning what He would eventually do, "how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." (Matthew 12:25-29) (Jesus went into the devils house, bound him and plundered hid goods)
Jesus warns the Pharisees of "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Although the Pharisees have seen the Father working signs and wonders through Jesus, it wasn't enough to soften their hardened hearts, so they ask Jesus for a sign to satisfy their unbelief. Jesus' then reveals their spiritual condition. (Matthew 12:38-42) Finally Jesus uses the above illustration to expose what was going on in the lives of the Pharisees.
Jesus speaks about an unclean spirit who, for some reason, has gone out of a man. He wanders around and after a certain period of time, he then comes back to the house (the man) from which he was thrown out. He sees that the house (the man) is empty, swept and put in order. The Greek word for "put in order" is kosmeo, from which we have the word "cosmetics." It basically means decorated, tidied up or embellished. We notice that the evil spirit does not move into the house and take possession of it, but he goes away and finds seven other spirits more wicked than himself to come with him to enter the house. Why would he do this? He was cast out the first time, so by bringing seven stronger evil spirits more wicked than himself, he is not going to be driven out that easily. Jesus finishes this illustration by saying, "the last state of that man is worse than the first." At the beginning, he was possessed by only one evil spirit. Now he is possessed by eight evil spirits. This is why the spiritual condition of this man had become worse.
This illustration show us that humans are thought of as a house, a house which is either going to be the house of God or the house of the devil. In other words, there are only two possible situations: we live under God’s power or we live under the power of Satan. (Acts 26:19) There is no neutral ground between these two. The Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign as proof of who He truly was. Even if Jesus showed them a sign, their belief in Him would only last for a time, because their unbelief and wickedness would once again prevail over them and they would soon return to their former ways and even become worse than what they were before. Wickedness was at home in them in the same way that an evil spirit made his home in the man in this illustration. If driven out by seeing a sign, it would seek another place to take up residence but would find no other place as comfortable or peaceful as what it had in the Pharisees.
Here is an important point of this passage. The fact that a person has been set free from the power of Satan does not mean that he will automatically remain free. A half-hearted repentance, the point that Jesus was making concerning the true condition of the Pharisees, and or unrepentant sin will leave a vacuum that the devil is able to exploit. Paul tells us, "do not give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) So, if you are struggling in an area of your life that you seem to be lacking victory, just turn to the Lord with a heart of godly sorrow and receive His forgiveness. " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) The devil is defeated (Colossians 2:15), sin no longer has the dominion over you (Romans 6:14) you are a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) and you can live in victory everyday (1 Corinthians 15:57) through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So close the door to the devil and open it up for the King of Glory to come in. PTL
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45)
For us to understand what Jesus is saying we have to look at what has transpired. First, the Pharisees once again were looking for something to accuse Jesus of, namely breaking the Law. His disciples were plucking heads of grain and were eating them, it was the Sabbath. Basically, the Pharisees were accusing them of breaking the law by working on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-2) Jesus puts them in their place by referring to what King David, one of their most respected patriarchs did, in that he took the showbread that was for the priest only, ate it and gave it to his men to also eat. Jesus also quotes Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." (Matthew 12:3-8)
Next, Jesus heals "a man who had a withered hand" and again it is on the Sabbath. The next thing that occurs is "a great multitudes followed Jesus and He healed them all." (Matthew 15::16) The people, "...brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw." (Matthew 16:22) The Pharisees, who refused to accept anything that Jesus said or did as anything from God said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus then gives the Pharisees a some food for thought concerning any kingdom that is divided and even gives them a prophetic word concerning what He would eventually do, "how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." (Matthew 12:25-29) (Jesus went into the devils house, bound him and plundered hid goods)
Jesus warns the Pharisees of "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Although the Pharisees have seen the Father working signs and wonders through Jesus, it wasn't enough to soften their hardened hearts, so they ask Jesus for a sign to satisfy their unbelief. Jesus' then reveals their spiritual condition. (Matthew 12:38-42) Finally Jesus uses the above illustration to expose what was going on in the lives of the Pharisees.
Jesus speaks about an unclean spirit who, for some reason, has gone out of a man. He wanders around and after a certain period of time, he then comes back to the house (the man) from which he was thrown out. He sees that the house (the man) is empty, swept and put in order. The Greek word for "put in order" is kosmeo, from which we have the word "cosmetics." It basically means decorated, tidied up or embellished. We notice that the evil spirit does not move into the house and take possession of it, but he goes away and finds seven other spirits more wicked than himself to come with him to enter the house. Why would he do this? He was cast out the first time, so by bringing seven stronger evil spirits more wicked than himself, he is not going to be driven out that easily. Jesus finishes this illustration by saying, "the last state of that man is worse than the first." At the beginning, he was possessed by only one evil spirit. Now he is possessed by eight evil spirits. This is why the spiritual condition of this man had become worse.
This illustration show us that humans are thought of as a house, a house which is either going to be the house of God or the house of the devil. In other words, there are only two possible situations: we live under God’s power or we live under the power of Satan. (Acts 26:19) There is no neutral ground between these two. The Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign as proof of who He truly was. Even if Jesus showed them a sign, their belief in Him would only last for a time, because their unbelief and wickedness would once again prevail over them and they would soon return to their former ways and even become worse than what they were before. Wickedness was at home in them in the same way that an evil spirit made his home in the man in this illustration. If driven out by seeing a sign, it would seek another place to take up residence but would find no other place as comfortable or peaceful as what it had in the Pharisees.
Here is an important point of this passage. The fact that a person has been set free from the power of Satan does not mean that he will automatically remain free. A half-hearted repentance, the point that Jesus was making concerning the true condition of the Pharisees, and or unrepentant sin will leave a vacuum that the devil is able to exploit. Paul tells us, "do not give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) So, if you are struggling in an area of your life that you seem to be lacking victory, just turn to the Lord with a heart of godly sorrow and receive His forgiveness. " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) The devil is defeated (Colossians 2:15), sin no longer has the dominion over you (Romans 6:14) you are a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) and you can live in victory everyday (1 Corinthians 15:57) through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So close the door to the devil and open it up for the King of Glory to come in. PTL
Monday, March 9, 2015
Looking For What's Right
Since the fall of man, the desire within him has been to have right standing before God. This is evidences through the world religions of paganism, metaphysics, as well as all the philosophical religions of today. Basically, people want to feel good about themselves, when in fact none of mans best efforts to appease his conscience from sin will ever bring him to the place of right standing before God. There is only one way for man to have right standing before God, "...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) Man is justified, made righteousness, given right standing only by faith in Jesus Christ.
Righteousness restores to man all that was lost at the fall of man. It restores his standing before God giving him the same ground that Jesus enjoyed with the Father during His earth walk. (1 John 4:17) Being made righteous through faith in Christ takes away sin consciousness, that is, the feeling of guilt, condemnation, shame and inferiority that has robbed man of coming with confidence into God's presence. (Romans 8:1) It assures man of his standing before the Father, because in Christ he now has a legal right to come into the Father's presence. (Hebrews 4:16) It positions man as the master of Satan and all his forces. (Luke 10:19) It gives man boldness to stand in the presences of sickness, disease and even death without fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Righteousness restores to man his lost relationship and fellowship with the Father. It gives him the same confidence to approach the Father in the same way that Jesus approached the Father. We can approach the Father with the freedom that a child has approaching his own parent(s). (1 John 1:3) It restores to man his lost faith, not the faith that Thomas exhibited after the resurrection, which was rooted in his five senses, (John 20:25) but the faith that pleases God and moves mountains. (Mark 11:23; Hebrews 11:6) It restores peace with God. (Romans 5:1) It restores quietness and rest to the spirit. (Philippians 4:6-7) We are no longer afraid of bills, no longer afraid of circumstances. Faith rises unconsciously and we face the most adverse conditions with unwavering resolve.
Righteousness restores freedom to man. (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1) It is the freedom that is only found in Christ. His freedom gives the courage never to fear Satan again as well as freedom from the fear of man because we trust in God with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Righteousness give us one of the most incredible things, it restores sonship with God. (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1) God is our Father and we are His sons (and daughters). We are His children. We are in His family and we know that our Father loves us. (Romans 8:38-39;1 John 4:10) Knowing these truths in our heart releases unspeakable joy and we come to truly understand what it means to walk in freedom.
But we must keep in mind, this all comes about only one way as stated above, "...having been declared righteousness by faith...through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) In other words, God made Jesus sin with our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) He was made unrighteous with our unrighteousness. As man's substitute for sin, He suffered until every crime against humanity had been met and justice had been satisfied. It was Deity suffering for humanity because this was the only way that man's sin debt could be paid. When God declared that man's sin had been paid in Christ, and every demand of justice was satisfied, Jesus was justified or made Righteous. (Romans 4:25) He was "justified in the spirit" (1 Timothy 3:16) He was "made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18) He was "the first born from the dead." (Colossians 1:18)
When a person confesses Jesus as lord and receives Him as their Savior, God then declares that one to be righteous solely on the grounds of what Jesus did. This is called being born again and what scripture calls the "New Creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) The believer also becomes a partaker of the divine nature of God. (2 Peter 1:4) In this, the believer becomes righteous by nature and by faith. God declares that we were made righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that He made possible through Jesus Christ. Now we can stand in His presence without any sin consciousness. When believers come to truly understand and act upon these truths, they will experience tremendous growth in their faith and will step into the Father's presence without any trepidation, because we fully know that "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1) Therefore, let us stop looking for what is right and put our faith in Jesus Christ the righteous and be free of guilt, condemnation, shame and inferiority. Let us make our confession sure. Let us make our confession bold, "I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Righteousness restores to man all that was lost at the fall of man. It restores his standing before God giving him the same ground that Jesus enjoyed with the Father during His earth walk. (1 John 4:17) Being made righteous through faith in Christ takes away sin consciousness, that is, the feeling of guilt, condemnation, shame and inferiority that has robbed man of coming with confidence into God's presence. (Romans 8:1) It assures man of his standing before the Father, because in Christ he now has a legal right to come into the Father's presence. (Hebrews 4:16) It positions man as the master of Satan and all his forces. (Luke 10:19) It gives man boldness to stand in the presences of sickness, disease and even death without fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Righteousness restores to man his lost relationship and fellowship with the Father. It gives him the same confidence to approach the Father in the same way that Jesus approached the Father. We can approach the Father with the freedom that a child has approaching his own parent(s). (1 John 1:3) It restores to man his lost faith, not the faith that Thomas exhibited after the resurrection, which was rooted in his five senses, (John 20:25) but the faith that pleases God and moves mountains. (Mark 11:23; Hebrews 11:6) It restores peace with God. (Romans 5:1) It restores quietness and rest to the spirit. (Philippians 4:6-7) We are no longer afraid of bills, no longer afraid of circumstances. Faith rises unconsciously and we face the most adverse conditions with unwavering resolve.
Righteousness restores freedom to man. (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1) It is the freedom that is only found in Christ. His freedom gives the courage never to fear Satan again as well as freedom from the fear of man because we trust in God with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Righteousness give us one of the most incredible things, it restores sonship with God. (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1) God is our Father and we are His sons (and daughters). We are His children. We are in His family and we know that our Father loves us. (Romans 8:38-39;1 John 4:10) Knowing these truths in our heart releases unspeakable joy and we come to truly understand what it means to walk in freedom.
But we must keep in mind, this all comes about only one way as stated above, "...having been declared righteousness by faith...through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1) In other words, God made Jesus sin with our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) He was made unrighteous with our unrighteousness. As man's substitute for sin, He suffered until every crime against humanity had been met and justice had been satisfied. It was Deity suffering for humanity because this was the only way that man's sin debt could be paid. When God declared that man's sin had been paid in Christ, and every demand of justice was satisfied, Jesus was justified or made Righteous. (Romans 4:25) He was "justified in the spirit" (1 Timothy 3:16) He was "made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18) He was "the first born from the dead." (Colossians 1:18)
When a person confesses Jesus as lord and receives Him as their Savior, God then declares that one to be righteous solely on the grounds of what Jesus did. This is called being born again and what scripture calls the "New Creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) The believer also becomes a partaker of the divine nature of God. (2 Peter 1:4) In this, the believer becomes righteous by nature and by faith. God declares that we were made righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that He made possible through Jesus Christ. Now we can stand in His presence without any sin consciousness. When believers come to truly understand and act upon these truths, they will experience tremendous growth in their faith and will step into the Father's presence without any trepidation, because we fully know that "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1) Therefore, let us stop looking for what is right and put our faith in Jesus Christ the righteous and be free of guilt, condemnation, shame and inferiority. Let us make our confession sure. Let us make our confession bold, "I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Monday, June 9, 2014
Go, and Sin No More
The most destructive force on the earth throughout the history of man is sin. Sin has never changed it has only become more destructive. Sin is revealed as...
Although the destructive affects of sin are virtually endless, it will always lead to the same end, "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23) This does not refer to physical death although sin works at taking physical life away. This refers to spiritual death, that is, separation from God for eternity with its end in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. Unfortunately, much of the church today does not even want to mention the word sin, because it is said that the word sin come across as offensive, but that is exactly what it is. It is an offense to God and should be seen in the same manner to man. Sin destroys individuals, marriages and families. It promotes moral depravity, sickness and all manner of addictions. Sin destroys and leads into bondage and eventually death.
However, according to the Bible, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) No matter how destruction sin is God has provided away to be set free. "The Word became flesh..." (John 1:14) Deity and humanity came together in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For sin shall not have dominion over you..." (Romans 6:14) In other words, if you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then sin no longer has power over you (unless you give it permission).
The Apostle John tells us, "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:7-9) What a wonderful truth from God. If you are struggling with any sin in your life, speak this passage of scripture aloud to yourself continuously. The Bible tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Speaking God's Word aloud will build your faith and eventually your faith in God's Word will be greater than the sin you are dealing with. Eventually the sin will be whisked away by the power of God and you will walk in forgivness and complete freedom from its reign.
"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) "Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:34-36) If you are in Christ, YOU ARE FREE!
- Transgression: 1 John 3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
- Unrighteousness: 1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin...
- Unbelief: Romans 14:23 ...for whatever is not from faith is sin.
- Iniquity: Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
- Trespass: Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man...
- Lawlessness: 2 Corinthians 6:14 4 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
- Evildoer: Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!
Although the destructive affects of sin are virtually endless, it will always lead to the same end, "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23) This does not refer to physical death although sin works at taking physical life away. This refers to spiritual death, that is, separation from God for eternity with its end in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. Unfortunately, much of the church today does not even want to mention the word sin, because it is said that the word sin come across as offensive, but that is exactly what it is. It is an offense to God and should be seen in the same manner to man. Sin destroys individuals, marriages and families. It promotes moral depravity, sickness and all manner of addictions. Sin destroys and leads into bondage and eventually death.
However, according to the Bible, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) No matter how destruction sin is God has provided away to be set free. "The Word became flesh..." (John 1:14) Deity and humanity came together in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For sin shall not have dominion over you..." (Romans 6:14) In other words, if you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then sin no longer has power over you (unless you give it permission).
The Apostle John tells us, "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:7-9) What a wonderful truth from God. If you are struggling with any sin in your life, speak this passage of scripture aloud to yourself continuously. The Bible tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Speaking God's Word aloud will build your faith and eventually your faith in God's Word will be greater than the sin you are dealing with. Eventually the sin will be whisked away by the power of God and you will walk in forgivness and complete freedom from its reign.
"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) "Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:34-36) If you are in Christ, YOU ARE FREE!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Who Wants to be Free
Freedom is defined in many ways, but I like to define it from the position of what Jesus announced as His mission on earth to those in the synagogue in Nazareth, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19) In other words, to be free is to be released or rescued from being confined, enslaved, captured, or imprisoned either physically, emotionally or spiritually. Many believers talk about their freedom in Christ without having a true biblical understanding of it. Many seem to think that freedom in Christ is to cast off all restraint and do whatever they "feel" like doing once they have made a profession of faith. This means only obeying the scripture that they "feel" they should and or that they can continue in their sin because after all "I am free." Freedom is not based on our feelings or what scriptures "I" decide to obey. Freedom finds its anchor through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Luke 17:1-4 Jesus teaches the apostle about offenses. He says, "It is impossible that no offenses should come..." The apostles response should not only be a learning experience for every believer, but also something that should be applied daily due to what Jesus said. Their response was, "Increase our faith." (Luke 17:5) This is the only place in the New Testament where the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. They were not asking for more faith to heal the sick, cast out demons or preach, but the faith to not offend as well as the faith to deal with offenses when they come. Remember, Jesus said that offenses would come and then He them the power of faith, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6)
Next, Jesus continues to speak to the apostles by asking them three questions, "which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, come at once and sit down to eat? But will he not rather say to him, prepare something for my supper and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterwards you will eat and drink? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him?" (Luke 17:7-9) What does this have to do with dealing with offenses? Much, if you understand that "the Spirit of God dwells in you." (1 Corinthians 3:16), that "you are not your own...you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), that "you are a new creation; old things have passed away..." (2 Corinthians 5:17), that "you are a new creation created according to God in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) (for the lack of space I will not site the numerous verses of scripture that reveal who the believer is in Christ)
Finally, Jesus concludes this matter, "I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which are commanded, say, we are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty." (Luke 17:10) What does Jesus mean, "We have done what was our duty?" When it comes to dealing with offenses, what is the believers duty? If we know who we are in Christ, we won't offend others nor will we become offended by others, even if the offense comes from another believer. Look what the Holy Spirit speaks through Peter, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, (and sisters) be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9) This is the believers duty when it comes to dealing with offenses. First, we should never offend another person, period! Our duty is to have compassion for one another; love as brothers, (and sisters) be tenderhearted, be courteous. If we do our duty as shown here, we will never offend another person whether a believer or unbeliever. Next, if you are offended by anyone, your duty is not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this. Believers are not to claim, receive or hold on to an offense. If they do, and unfortunately many do, they will fail doing their duty and open the door of their heart for the devil to hold them captive which prevents God from blessing them.
In Matthew 18 Jesus tells us what believers are to do when someone brings an offense. No matter how small or large the offense is, believers are to forgive, period. (Matthew 18:21-27) As Peter said, believers are to bless (forgive) not curse (hold unforgiveness). Jesus also tells us what happens when a believer holds on to unforgiveness. The believer is tormented because he/she has given place to the devil (torturers). (Matthew 18:28-34) The sad thing is Jesus' conclusion to this matter to believers who have unforgiveness, "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:35)
If you have been offended and are dealing with unforgiveness, you can be totally free from the hurt, torment and or ill feelings that you have towards another person right now. First, let the offense out by speaking what the offense was and who it was that offended you. Secondly, you must completely forgive them no matter how difficult it may seem. (Colossians 3:13) Next, purpose not to think (2 Corinthians 10:5) or speak (Ephesians 4:29) anything concerning this matter ever again. In doing so, you will not "give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) Also ask the Lord to forgive you for holding on to unforgiveness (1 John 1:9) Finally, let 1 Peter 3:8-9 have place in your heart and speak blessings over the one(s) who have offended you. In doing these things, you not only release the one that you have held captive in your heart through unforgiveness, but you also will free yourself from being tormented due to unforgiveness. Although Jesus said, "offenses will come" by applying these simple principles by faith you will walk in freedom overcoming all offenses. With that said, I have one final thought. Time does not heal wounds, only forgiveness from the heart does. So let it all go and become the blessing that you are called to be to others, so that you may inherit a blessing.
In Luke 17:1-4 Jesus teaches the apostle about offenses. He says, "It is impossible that no offenses should come..." The apostles response should not only be a learning experience for every believer, but also something that should be applied daily due to what Jesus said. Their response was, "Increase our faith." (Luke 17:5) This is the only place in the New Testament where the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. They were not asking for more faith to heal the sick, cast out demons or preach, but the faith to not offend as well as the faith to deal with offenses when they come. Remember, Jesus said that offenses would come and then He them the power of faith, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6)
Next, Jesus continues to speak to the apostles by asking them three questions, "which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, come at once and sit down to eat? But will he not rather say to him, prepare something for my supper and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterwards you will eat and drink? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him?" (Luke 17:7-9) What does this have to do with dealing with offenses? Much, if you understand that "the Spirit of God dwells in you." (1 Corinthians 3:16), that "you are not your own...you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), that "you are a new creation; old things have passed away..." (2 Corinthians 5:17), that "you are a new creation created according to God in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) (for the lack of space I will not site the numerous verses of scripture that reveal who the believer is in Christ)
Finally, Jesus concludes this matter, "I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which are commanded, say, we are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty." (Luke 17:10) What does Jesus mean, "We have done what was our duty?" When it comes to dealing with offenses, what is the believers duty? If we know who we are in Christ, we won't offend others nor will we become offended by others, even if the offense comes from another believer. Look what the Holy Spirit speaks through Peter, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, (and sisters) be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9) This is the believers duty when it comes to dealing with offenses. First, we should never offend another person, period! Our duty is to have compassion for one another; love as brothers, (and sisters) be tenderhearted, be courteous. If we do our duty as shown here, we will never offend another person whether a believer or unbeliever. Next, if you are offended by anyone, your duty is not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this. Believers are not to claim, receive or hold on to an offense. If they do, and unfortunately many do, they will fail doing their duty and open the door of their heart for the devil to hold them captive which prevents God from blessing them.
In Matthew 18 Jesus tells us what believers are to do when someone brings an offense. No matter how small or large the offense is, believers are to forgive, period. (Matthew 18:21-27) As Peter said, believers are to bless (forgive) not curse (hold unforgiveness). Jesus also tells us what happens when a believer holds on to unforgiveness. The believer is tormented because he/she has given place to the devil (torturers). (Matthew 18:28-34) The sad thing is Jesus' conclusion to this matter to believers who have unforgiveness, "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:35)
If you have been offended and are dealing with unforgiveness, you can be totally free from the hurt, torment and or ill feelings that you have towards another person right now. First, let the offense out by speaking what the offense was and who it was that offended you. Secondly, you must completely forgive them no matter how difficult it may seem. (Colossians 3:13) Next, purpose not to think (2 Corinthians 10:5) or speak (Ephesians 4:29) anything concerning this matter ever again. In doing so, you will not "give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) Also ask the Lord to forgive you for holding on to unforgiveness (1 John 1:9) Finally, let 1 Peter 3:8-9 have place in your heart and speak blessings over the one(s) who have offended you. In doing these things, you not only release the one that you have held captive in your heart through unforgiveness, but you also will free yourself from being tormented due to unforgiveness. Although Jesus said, "offenses will come" by applying these simple principles by faith you will walk in freedom overcoming all offenses. With that said, I have one final thought. Time does not heal wounds, only forgiveness from the heart does. So let it all go and become the blessing that you are called to be to others, so that you may inherit a blessing.
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