One of the great promises of Jesus in which He spoke prophetically (for the church had not yet come into being) is recorded in John's Gospel, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) The fact is, we are doing greater works than Jesus did as the Son of Man on earth. He was only one, we are many and by virtue of being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit we can reach more people. We bring to the lost world the Word of Life where they are recreated (2 Corinthians 5:17), where they are delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom is redemption through His blood, and the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
We are God's agents presenting to all people everywhere, eternal life, as well as showing them through God's Word that they are masters over demons and over circumstances. Through God's Word, we lead people into fellowship and communion with the Father and Son through the New Birth. Though the ministry of Jesus was somewhat limited, our ministry is almost an unlimited ministry. For instances, He raised men from the dead to die again. We show them that they were raised together with Christ (Ephesians 2:6); that in Him they never die (John 11:25-26). He fed the hungry with loaves of bread and fishes. (Matthew 14:13-21) We feed the spiritually hungry with His own wonderful Words. (John 6:63) In other words we
help them to pass out of death unto life. We teach them through God's Word
how God has made them His Righteousness. Now they can stand in His
presence as though sin had never been.
For centuries, believers have been burdened with doctrines and precepts which have actually become laws that have given many the feeling of unworthiness. The truth is, from the moment one is born again, they should be told and taught, who and what they are in Christ; what their rights and privileges are in Christ and their legal right to the use of Jesus' name. They should be taught what it means to receive the Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4) and the Life of God (John 10:10) in their recreated spirit, that has actually made them a new creation. Not only that, but the new created believer has become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), so they who were once sinners can now stand in the Father's presence without the sense of fear, condemnation or inferiority.
The fact is, every believer has the legal right to stand as a child of God (John 1:12) in the fullness of fellowship with the Father and the Son. (1 John 1:3) When believers truly come to know these things, there will be no struggle for faith, because knowing who and what we are in Christ settles the faith issue. the feeling of guilt, condemnation, unworthiness and or inferiority leave and the fullness of joy takes over. We learn how to take our place in the family of God, how to enjoy our privileges, how to live in the promises of God and best of all, we become intimately acquainted with our Father early in our new life and the great facts of Christ's substitution, the new creation and redemption becomes spiritual realities to us rather than pipe dreams that are unattainable in this life. PTL
You see, if believers do not know who and what they are in Christ and how the Father truly sees them, then God's Word is confusing. However, when believers know who and what they are in Christ, know what their rights and privileges are, then there will be no confusion to their spirit. They will no longer live with fear, doubt or unbelief, but live even as Abraham, "Who did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21) So, let us let the Word of God wash over us, transform us, so that Christ can be formed in us, for we are the agents that God has anointed us to be for His glory.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Monday, June 19, 2017
Better Covenant, Better Promises
During the ministry of Jesus on earth as the Son of Man, His dealings with humanity at that time was exclusively with the Jews. Though they had a covenant with God, yet He was surrounded by people who were not born again. They had not received eternal life. On one particular encounter that Jesus had with the Jews, He revealed this stark reality to them, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do..." (John 8:44) Though they contended that they were Abraham's children and even the children of God. However, due to the fall of Adam, they were all spiritually dead, and had the satanic nature within like every other person on earth. (Romans 3:23) How hard it must have been for Jesus, whose heart was filled with love, to tell them this unhappy truth. He was able to speak this truth to them, because He was not conformed to the world, His surroundings or to the opinions of man. He always spoke the things that He heard from His Father.(John 12:49)
It is not what people do or have done that separates them from God, it is what they are by nature that
separates them from God. By reason of Adam's rebellion and he being the federal representative of all humanity, all like him, were spiritually dead. As Jesus revealed, they all had the nature of the devil. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John tells us, "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest." (1 John 3:10) There are only to categories, one of two families, in which every person on earth is connected to. Unless one is born again through faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a child of God (John 1:12-13), they are a spiritually dead child of the devil.
Due to this, as Jesus walked the earth, He was limited very largely to the physical realm in His contact with people. He healed them of disease, He raised some from the dead, He fed the multitudes, but He could not redeem them or make even one of them a new creation and give them eternal life. Although the Jews had a priesthood and the high priest made a yearly atonement for their sins, Jesus had not yet satisfied justice by paying the penalty of sin through His own sinless life and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for all. (Hebrews 9:11-12) We get a beautiful picture of this revealed in Hebrews.
"For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." (Hebrews 10:1-4) "And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:11-14)
We get a perfect picture here of the people (Jews) under the Old Covenant whose sin was simply covered, not taken away. Then Jesus comes and puts away all the sin that had been covered under the Old Covenant so that the Jews who put their faith in the atoning blood of animals could be saved and given eternal life by His sacrifice. No more would sin be simply covered, but taken away, removed, blotted out. Before this, there was no High Priest at the right hand of the Father with blood to show that the sin problem was dealt with. Before this, no human being could approach God. Before this, there was no Mediator at the right hand of the Father making intercession. However, Jesus has made these things available to all mankind. To do this, He became sin with our sin. He went to hell for three days and nights. In hell He satisfied the claims of justice and conquered Satan. He was raised from the dead by God's mighty power. He then carried His blood into heaven where it was accepted and then sat down at the Father's right hand making man's redemption a completed thing.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP) "He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 AMP) "Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3 AMP) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:3-4 AMP)
Finally, the Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews tells us, "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) What a wonderful thing. For all those who confess Jesus as Lord and take Him as Savior, redemption has been made eternal and available. Hallelujah! We are now new creations created in Christ Jesus and through faith in Jesus Christ, heaven is open and the promises of God are available to all who, "...believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you." (Mark 11:24) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
It is not what people do or have done that separates them from God, it is what they are by nature that
separates them from God. By reason of Adam's rebellion and he being the federal representative of all humanity, all like him, were spiritually dead. As Jesus revealed, they all had the nature of the devil. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John tells us, "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest." (1 John 3:10) There are only to categories, one of two families, in which every person on earth is connected to. Unless one is born again through faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a child of God (John 1:12-13), they are a spiritually dead child of the devil.
Due to this, as Jesus walked the earth, He was limited very largely to the physical realm in His contact with people. He healed them of disease, He raised some from the dead, He fed the multitudes, but He could not redeem them or make even one of them a new creation and give them eternal life. Although the Jews had a priesthood and the high priest made a yearly atonement for their sins, Jesus had not yet satisfied justice by paying the penalty of sin through His own sinless life and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for all. (Hebrews 9:11-12) We get a beautiful picture of this revealed in Hebrews.
"For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." (Hebrews 10:1-4) "And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:11-14)
We get a perfect picture here of the people (Jews) under the Old Covenant whose sin was simply covered, not taken away. Then Jesus comes and puts away all the sin that had been covered under the Old Covenant so that the Jews who put their faith in the atoning blood of animals could be saved and given eternal life by His sacrifice. No more would sin be simply covered, but taken away, removed, blotted out. Before this, there was no High Priest at the right hand of the Father with blood to show that the sin problem was dealt with. Before this, no human being could approach God. Before this, there was no Mediator at the right hand of the Father making intercession. However, Jesus has made these things available to all mankind. To do this, He became sin with our sin. He went to hell for three days and nights. In hell He satisfied the claims of justice and conquered Satan. He was raised from the dead by God's mighty power. He then carried His blood into heaven where it was accepted and then sat down at the Father's right hand making man's redemption a completed thing.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP) "He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 AMP) "Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3 AMP) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:3-4 AMP)
Finally, the Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews tells us, "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) What a wonderful thing. For all those who confess Jesus as Lord and take Him as Savior, redemption has been made eternal and available. Hallelujah! We are now new creations created in Christ Jesus and through faith in Jesus Christ, heaven is open and the promises of God are available to all who, "...believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you." (Mark 11:24) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, June 12, 2017
Thy Will Be Done
I believe one of the biggest problems that bothers most of God's people, is how to know the will of the Father. As difficult as knowing God's will can be to some, simply put, His will is found in His Word. Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." (John 6:38) Jesus knew what the Father's will was. We see this when He says, "...for I always do those things that please Him (the Father)." (John 8:29) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him (God)" (2 Corinthians 5:9) So, if Jesus could please the Father and do His will, if Paul
could please the Father, know His will and do it, then it is possible for believers to also know God's will.
What are the grounds for this assurance? In the first place we have His mind and His will in the Word. If we search the Word diligently, meditate on it, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in it, we will attain spiritual growth and come to the place to where His will, will be an unconscious consciousness in us. In other words, it will become normal for the believer to know and live in God's will in the same manner as Jesus and the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another ..." (Colossians 3:16) He also tells us, "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) and, "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
The word "knowledge" above, comes from the Greek word n"epignosis" which means correct, full, complete, concise knowledge. We are to be filled with the knowledge of God in this manner and then He gives us the wisdom to use this perfect knowledge. For some, you may be thinking that it does not seem credible that we could have perfect knowledge of God's will. Well, why shouldn't we? Think about it. We have a perfect Revelation of His will (John 14:1-11) in a perfect book, the Bible. The Holy Spirit is a perfect teacher. (John 14:26) We are perfect new creations, created in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We have perfect righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21) We have a perfect relationship with the Father and the Son. (1 John 1:4) We are partakers of the very fullness of Christ. (John 1:16) We have a perfect and complete redemption. (Colossians 2:10) We are born again by the incorruptible Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23) So, it is only logical, it is only reasonable, to believe that God's children should have the ability to have a correct, full, complete, concise knowledge of God, His will.
Unfortunately, many believers have been preached at for so many years as to being poor miserable creatures, who are unworthy and unfit to please God. However, freedom has come to you today that you can enjoy for the rest of your life on planet earth. The Word is a perfect message and you may have perfect knowledge of God's wi1l. Our great, loving, wonderful, heavenly Father has given us His ability to know His will to know what our share is in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:12) We have the ability. It is God-given ability. We have the Holy Spirit whom Jesus said would guide us into all truth. He is our teacher, our guide, our indwelling instructor.
Finally, in searching the scriptures, I cannot see where there is any ground for us to live in weakness, failure and or ignorance of the Father's will. I cannot see where there is any ground for us to live outside of our true place and standing in Christ or of our rights and privileges that are freely ours through Jesus Christ. We are the sons and daughters of God as well as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:14-17) Know this day and forever, God has and is revealing His perfect will to you and as Jesus said, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) can be accomplished through you...PTL
could please the Father, know His will and do it, then it is possible for believers to also know God's will.
What are the grounds for this assurance? In the first place we have His mind and His will in the Word. If we search the Word diligently, meditate on it, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in it, we will attain spiritual growth and come to the place to where His will, will be an unconscious consciousness in us. In other words, it will become normal for the believer to know and live in God's will in the same manner as Jesus and the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another ..." (Colossians 3:16) He also tells us, "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) and, "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
The word "knowledge" above, comes from the Greek word n"epignosis" which means correct, full, complete, concise knowledge. We are to be filled with the knowledge of God in this manner and then He gives us the wisdom to use this perfect knowledge. For some, you may be thinking that it does not seem credible that we could have perfect knowledge of God's will. Well, why shouldn't we? Think about it. We have a perfect Revelation of His will (John 14:1-11) in a perfect book, the Bible. The Holy Spirit is a perfect teacher. (John 14:26) We are perfect new creations, created in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We have perfect righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21) We have a perfect relationship with the Father and the Son. (1 John 1:4) We are partakers of the very fullness of Christ. (John 1:16) We have a perfect and complete redemption. (Colossians 2:10) We are born again by the incorruptible Word of God. (1 Peter 1:23) So, it is only logical, it is only reasonable, to believe that God's children should have the ability to have a correct, full, complete, concise knowledge of God, His will.
Unfortunately, many believers have been preached at for so many years as to being poor miserable creatures, who are unworthy and unfit to please God. However, freedom has come to you today that you can enjoy for the rest of your life on planet earth. The Word is a perfect message and you may have perfect knowledge of God's wi1l. Our great, loving, wonderful, heavenly Father has given us His ability to know His will to know what our share is in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:12) We have the ability. It is God-given ability. We have the Holy Spirit whom Jesus said would guide us into all truth. He is our teacher, our guide, our indwelling instructor.
Finally, in searching the scriptures, I cannot see where there is any ground for us to live in weakness, failure and or ignorance of the Father's will. I cannot see where there is any ground for us to live outside of our true place and standing in Christ or of our rights and privileges that are freely ours through Jesus Christ. We are the sons and daughters of God as well as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:14-17) Know this day and forever, God has and is revealing His perfect will to you and as Jesus said, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) can be accomplished through you...PTL
Monday, June 5, 2017
Your Just Like Your Father
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1) This literally means that believers are to act like God Himself in the same manner that Jesus, the Son of God did as we will see shortly. Now for many, this may seem difficult to believe or it might even seem absurd, but there lies the problem, not agreeing with God's Word. Jesus tells a parable that reveals why many people have such a difficult time believing God's Word. He teaches us a parable that we have entitled "The Parable of the Soils." In it, He reveals some important information by asking two questions, "...Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" (Mark 4:13) So, why is this parable so important for believers to understand?
Jesus starts the parable by saying, “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow." (Mark 4:3) To get a better understanding of this parable, we must first "listen" with our spiritual ears. Simply listening with our natural ears will not open our spirits to what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us. In Jesus' explanation of this Parable, He tells us, "The sower sows the word" that is, the Word of God. (Mark 4:14) Simply put, to sow is to scatter (seed) over the ground for growing. In this Parable the ground in which God's Word is to be sown, is the human heart, that is, man's spirit. There is an important reason why sowing God's Word is so vitally important, "that you (all believers) may be filled with the knowledge (complete, concise, full knowledge) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your soul." (James 1:21) So we can see, the more a believer sows God's Word, that is, speak or confess it with the mouth, the more they become imitators of God, as we saw in the above verses. The Apostles Paul also says, "...being transformed into the same image (of the Lord) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Unfortunately, for many believers, they are quick to gloss over this highly important point in this particular Parable. Let's look at why this is so.
In Genesis chapter one we see the account of creation. Nine times we see, "God said...and it was so." (Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 20-21, 24, 26-31) In the earth ministry of Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus tells us, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19) "...I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things." (John 8:28) "...I always do those things that please Him (the Father)." (John 8:29) "I speak what I have seen with My Father..." (John 8:38) "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. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:49-50) Without doubt, Jesus was imitating God, His Father in His words and actions. Do you see the pattern here? "God said...and it was so." Jesus only spoke the words of the Father and I might add, it too, was so.
It is no different for the believer. Believers are to be imitators of our Heavenly Father just like Jesus was during His ministry on earth. This is one of the most important areas for the believers life, sow (speak) God's Word continuously. Moses went to Pharaoh a number of times and spoke God's Word to Him in saying, "The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you saying, Let My people go..." (Exodus 7:16, 8:1, 20, 9:1, 13, ) If we fully read this account, we will see that Moses continually spoke God's Word, the Word eventually prevailed over the circumstances and the children of Israel were released from their bondage. (Exodus 12:31) But it did not stop there. Not only were they released from bondage, they also left Egypt with their possessions, all of the Egyptians wealth, (Exodus 12:31-36) and the entire nation of Israel had perfect health. (Psalm 105:37)
God tells Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Notice, the first thing that God tells Joshua concerning His word is, "This Book of the Law (God's Word) shall not depart from your mouth..." God commanded Joshua first and foremost to continuously speak His Word. Why is that? Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) We are to speak, that is, confess God's Word because it causes faith grow. Paul does not say that faith comes by having heard the Word, but hearing and hearing and hearing, etc. the Word of God.
God also gives us a wonderful promise concerning His Word. "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) What a wonderful promise! We also see, "The Word of God is living and powerful..." (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is as powerful today as it was when He first spoke it. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) So, we have a choice. We can confess God's Word continuously, have our faith built up, see the salvation of the Lord, and live in victory triumphing over the circumstances, or we can confess the problems of life, muddle our way through life and literally let the problems squeeze the life out of us.
Let us look at God's Word spoken through Solomon and Jesus and learn, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth." (Proverbs 6:2) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) In other words, the words of the flesh have no intrinsic value because they do not produce life. In fact, as we saw in Proverbs, negative confession literally snares us, traps us, and produces death.
I want to encourage and challenge you today to speak by declaring the following verses over yourself daily until your faith rises up, "I declare that I will not let any corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And I will not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom I am sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:29-30) Corrupt words do not only mean obscene or filthy conversation, but any words that do not produce good fruit. Yes, corrupt words from our mouth will grieve the Holy Spirit. So, let us begin to speak edifying words by also doing as Paul tells us, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Exercising an attitude of thanksgiving in all things will aid us in promoting healthy, edifying, good fruit bearing words, that is, confessing God's Word, because it always bears good fruit. Let us be imitators of God as His dear children.
Jesus starts the parable by saying, “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow." (Mark 4:3) To get a better understanding of this parable, we must first "listen" with our spiritual ears. Simply listening with our natural ears will not open our spirits to what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach us. In Jesus' explanation of this Parable, He tells us, "The sower sows the word" that is, the Word of God. (Mark 4:14) Simply put, to sow is to scatter (seed) over the ground for growing. In this Parable the ground in which God's Word is to be sown, is the human heart, that is, man's spirit. There is an important reason why sowing God's Word is so vitally important, "that you (all believers) may be filled with the knowledge (complete, concise, full knowledge) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your soul." (James 1:21) So we can see, the more a believer sows God's Word, that is, speak or confess it with the mouth, the more they become imitators of God, as we saw in the above verses. The Apostles Paul also says, "...being transformed into the same image (of the Lord) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Unfortunately, for many believers, they are quick to gloss over this highly important point in this particular Parable. Let's look at why this is so.
In Genesis chapter one we see the account of creation. Nine times we see, "God said...and it was so." (Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 20-21, 24, 26-31) In the earth ministry of Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus tells us, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19) "...I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things." (John 8:28) "...I always do those things that please Him (the Father)." (John 8:29) "I speak what I have seen with My Father..." (John 8:38) "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. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:49-50) Without doubt, Jesus was imitating God, His Father in His words and actions. Do you see the pattern here? "God said...and it was so." Jesus only spoke the words of the Father and I might add, it too, was so.
It is no different for the believer. Believers are to be imitators of our Heavenly Father just like Jesus was during His ministry on earth. This is one of the most important areas for the believers life, sow (speak) God's Word continuously. Moses went to Pharaoh a number of times and spoke God's Word to Him in saying, "The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you saying, Let My people go..." (Exodus 7:16, 8:1, 20, 9:1, 13, ) If we fully read this account, we will see that Moses continually spoke God's Word, the Word eventually prevailed over the circumstances and the children of Israel were released from their bondage. (Exodus 12:31) But it did not stop there. Not only were they released from bondage, they also left Egypt with their possessions, all of the Egyptians wealth, (Exodus 12:31-36) and the entire nation of Israel had perfect health. (Psalm 105:37)
God tells Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Notice, the first thing that God tells Joshua concerning His word is, "This Book of the Law (God's Word) shall not depart from your mouth..." God commanded Joshua first and foremost to continuously speak His Word. Why is that? Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) We are to speak, that is, confess God's Word because it causes faith grow. Paul does not say that faith comes by having heard the Word, but hearing and hearing and hearing, etc. the Word of God.
God also gives us a wonderful promise concerning His Word. "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) What a wonderful promise! We also see, "The Word of God is living and powerful..." (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is as powerful today as it was when He first spoke it. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) So, we have a choice. We can confess God's Word continuously, have our faith built up, see the salvation of the Lord, and live in victory triumphing over the circumstances, or we can confess the problems of life, muddle our way through life and literally let the problems squeeze the life out of us.
Let us look at God's Word spoken through Solomon and Jesus and learn, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth." (Proverbs 6:2) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) In other words, the words of the flesh have no intrinsic value because they do not produce life. In fact, as we saw in Proverbs, negative confession literally snares us, traps us, and produces death.
I want to encourage and challenge you today to speak by declaring the following verses over yourself daily until your faith rises up, "I declare that I will not let any corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And I will not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom I am sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:29-30) Corrupt words do not only mean obscene or filthy conversation, but any words that do not produce good fruit. Yes, corrupt words from our mouth will grieve the Holy Spirit. So, let us begin to speak edifying words by also doing as Paul tells us, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Exercising an attitude of thanksgiving in all things will aid us in promoting healthy, edifying, good fruit bearing words, that is, confessing God's Word, because it always bears good fruit. Let us be imitators of God as His dear children.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Wise as Serpents
When Jesus commissioned the twelve to go out before Him, He told them, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Wisdom is defined as, the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; the ability to use knowledge correctly. Although wisdom is defined as such, we must understand, as there is God's Kingdom of light and life, there is also Satan's kingdom of darkness and death. This means that wisdom can come from only one of these sources.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells, us, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:13-17)
So we can see, the wisdom that is in the world is not from God, but "earthly, sensual, demonic." This simply means, that every person on planet earth, that is not born again, uses earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom to use their knowledge correctly. However, the truth is, as they use this type of wisdom to promote their knowledge, the results are, bitter envy and self-seeking in their hearts, they lie against the truth and their world is filled with, envy, self-seeking, confusion and every evil thing. Simply look at any society, people group or person who does not know God or His Word, and we clearly see that these things are quite evident. For example, creation, God's wisdom, whereas, evolution is, earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom. For the believer, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3) For those who are not of God, there is still debate, vain discussions and differing opinions of how everything came into being.
The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Colossi reveals another interesting point concerning wisdom, "...that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9) The Holy Spirit tells us through Paul, that believers can be filled, (to make full, to fill up, to fill to the full) with the knowledge (precise and correct knowledge) of God's will (His will is His Word and His Word is His will) in all wisdom (from above, which is pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy) and spiritual (things of the Holy Spirit) understanding (the correct use of knowledge, moreover, the knowledge of His will, His Word). PTL
Think about this. If believers have God's ability and His wisdom, and we do, and if we were to let them loose, what limitlessness there will be in the church as well as in the believers ministry. It is not a problem of education, but of letting God loose in us, liberating Him in us so He can reveal Himself through us to others. Again, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30) Simply put, Jesus has been made wisdom from God to and for every believer.
Going back to the Apostle James, we see, "And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him.
But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. A person of that sort must not expect to receive anything from the Lord such a one is a man of two minds, undecided in every step he takes." (James 1:5-8 WEY) However, I summit to you, that you have the knowledge of the life of God that is in you. You have the knowledge of the power and authority of His Word. You have the knowledge of your legal right to use the Name of Jesus in your combat against spiritual forces. You have the knowledge of the fact that God is actually in you, because you have the wisdom of God in you! So, now you are going to use these mighty facts to bless humanity. Amen!
The Holy Spirit, the greater one Who is in us, is no longer imprisoned, but is now set free to use us as He pleases. We are no longer hidden. People know who we are. The Father is glorified, the Name of Jesus is Magnified, the Holy Spirit is working mightily through us and the Word of God is growing and prevailing mightily. So, declare with me, "I have let God loose and have given Him the freedom to do through me the works that He did through Jesus to bless the world." "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)
Wisdom is defined as, the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; the ability to use knowledge correctly. Although wisdom is defined as such, we must understand, as there is God's Kingdom of light and life, there is also Satan's kingdom of darkness and death. This means that wisdom can come from only one of these sources.
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells, us, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3:13-17)
So we can see, the wisdom that is in the world is not from God, but "earthly, sensual, demonic." This simply means, that every person on planet earth, that is not born again, uses earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom to use their knowledge correctly. However, the truth is, as they use this type of wisdom to promote their knowledge, the results are, bitter envy and self-seeking in their hearts, they lie against the truth and their world is filled with, envy, self-seeking, confusion and every evil thing. Simply look at any society, people group or person who does not know God or His Word, and we clearly see that these things are quite evident. For example, creation, God's wisdom, whereas, evolution is, earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom. For the believer, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3) For those who are not of God, there is still debate, vain discussions and differing opinions of how everything came into being.
The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Colossi reveals another interesting point concerning wisdom, "...that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9) The Holy Spirit tells us through Paul, that believers can be filled, (to make full, to fill up, to fill to the full) with the knowledge (precise and correct knowledge) of God's will (His will is His Word and His Word is His will) in all wisdom (from above, which is pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy) and spiritual (things of the Holy Spirit) understanding (the correct use of knowledge, moreover, the knowledge of His will, His Word). PTL
Think about this. If believers have God's ability and His wisdom, and we do, and if we were to let them loose, what limitlessness there will be in the church as well as in the believers ministry. It is not a problem of education, but of letting God loose in us, liberating Him in us so He can reveal Himself through us to others. Again, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:30) Simply put, Jesus has been made wisdom from God to and for every believer.
Going back to the Apostle James, we see, "And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him.
But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. A person of that sort must not expect to receive anything from the Lord such a one is a man of two minds, undecided in every step he takes." (James 1:5-8 WEY) However, I summit to you, that you have the knowledge of the life of God that is in you. You have the knowledge of the power and authority of His Word. You have the knowledge of your legal right to use the Name of Jesus in your combat against spiritual forces. You have the knowledge of the fact that God is actually in you, because you have the wisdom of God in you! So, now you are going to use these mighty facts to bless humanity. Amen!
The Holy Spirit, the greater one Who is in us, is no longer imprisoned, but is now set free to use us as He pleases. We are no longer hidden. People know who we are. The Father is glorified, the Name of Jesus is Magnified, the Holy Spirit is working mightily through us and the Word of God is growing and prevailing mightily. So, declare with me, "I have let God loose and have given Him the freedom to do through me the works that He did through Jesus to bless the world." "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)
Monday, May 22, 2017
Right Standing
One of the miracles of redemption, is the believers standing with God. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul gives us the greatest revelation of the believers standing with God. One thing we are told is found in 2 Corinthians 5:21. It reveals what God did in Christ for the believer, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." When one confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and takes Him as Savior, they immediately become the righteousness of God in Christ. This bears out further in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, "to demonstrate at the present time His (Gods) righteousness, that He might be just (righteous) and the justifier (righteousness) of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:26) "Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. (being declared righteous) (Romans 4:25) "Therefore, having been justified (declared righteous) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)
What a wonderful picture of who and what the born again believer truly is in Christ. Righteousness is the ability to stand in the Father's presence without guilt, condemnation, unworthiness or inferiority. It also gives the believer the legal right to the use of the Name of Jesus. Now we have God's grace, His strength, His ability to stand in the presence of all kinds of sickness, diseases as well as stand in the presence of Satan without fear, as an absolute master over them all. This means that believers must become completely aware, without wavering or doubting, as to their legal position in Christ. In other words, we are a new creation and have the nature and life of the Father in us. Without a total understanding of these truths, it becomes difficult to live the victorious life that we have been given through faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:27)
Notice what the Holy Spirit speaks through the Apostle John, "You are of God, little children..." (1 John 4:4) Take a moment and let that soak into your spirit. Now say it over and over again, "I am of God...I am of God...I am His child...I am His child..." This is not doing mantras. This is speaking the truth over yourself. The more we receive these truths in our spirit, the more we come to realize that the old man, the old nature, with its weaknesses, its failings, its doubts, its fears, its sense of servitude to circumstances, is all gone, and we come to a greater understanding of what a new creation in Christ is all about. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Where we were once a slave, we are now free and filled with abundant life in Christ. Now we can understand the next part of 1 John 4:4, "...For greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
However, as we come to know and walk in these truths, our Heavenly Father wants us to bear the fruit of righteousness. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10) The Apostle John tells us, "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." (1 John 2:29) For most, to "increase the fruits of your righteousness" or to, "practice righteousness" have thought it meant only our conduct, a carefulness in our walk. Although that is implied, it is actually doing the works that Jesus did while on earth as the Son of Man. It is taking Jesus' place and doing the things that He did and even greater. (John 14:12)
Keep in mind that believers do not do works in and of themselves, but it is recognizing and acting upon the grace of God. The Apostle Paul said, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10) The Amplified Bible describes grace as, "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)
Although in the past, we may have lacked in understanding these things, but now, through the Holy Spirit in us, we will major in these truths and present them to others. The Apostle James tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22) "But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18) Faith is simply acting upon God's Word and at the same time His grace goes to work through us. The Lord wants us to begin to live righteousness, to practice righteousness, to break Satan's dominion by speaking with authority just as Jesus did. So, as it was with the Apostle Paul, so it is with us, "...but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." The grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you...
What a wonderful picture of who and what the born again believer truly is in Christ. Righteousness is the ability to stand in the Father's presence without guilt, condemnation, unworthiness or inferiority. It also gives the believer the legal right to the use of the Name of Jesus. Now we have God's grace, His strength, His ability to stand in the presence of all kinds of sickness, diseases as well as stand in the presence of Satan without fear, as an absolute master over them all. This means that believers must become completely aware, without wavering or doubting, as to their legal position in Christ. In other words, we are a new creation and have the nature and life of the Father in us. Without a total understanding of these truths, it becomes difficult to live the victorious life that we have been given through faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:27)
Notice what the Holy Spirit speaks through the Apostle John, "You are of God, little children..." (1 John 4:4) Take a moment and let that soak into your spirit. Now say it over and over again, "I am of God...I am of God...I am His child...I am His child..." This is not doing mantras. This is speaking the truth over yourself. The more we receive these truths in our spirit, the more we come to realize that the old man, the old nature, with its weaknesses, its failings, its doubts, its fears, its sense of servitude to circumstances, is all gone, and we come to a greater understanding of what a new creation in Christ is all about. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Where we were once a slave, we are now free and filled with abundant life in Christ. Now we can understand the next part of 1 John 4:4, "...For greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
However, as we come to know and walk in these truths, our Heavenly Father wants us to bear the fruit of righteousness. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10) The Apostle John tells us, "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." (1 John 2:29) For most, to "increase the fruits of your righteousness" or to, "practice righteousness" have thought it meant only our conduct, a carefulness in our walk. Although that is implied, it is actually doing the works that Jesus did while on earth as the Son of Man. It is taking Jesus' place and doing the things that He did and even greater. (John 14:12)
Keep in mind that believers do not do works in and of themselves, but it is recognizing and acting upon the grace of God. The Apostle Paul said, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10) The Amplified Bible describes grace as, "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)
Although in the past, we may have lacked in understanding these things, but now, through the Holy Spirit in us, we will major in these truths and present them to others. The Apostle James tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22) "But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18) Faith is simply acting upon God's Word and at the same time His grace goes to work through us. The Lord wants us to begin to live righteousness, to practice righteousness, to break Satan's dominion by speaking with authority just as Jesus did. So, as it was with the Apostle Paul, so it is with us, "...but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." The grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, May 15, 2017
We Are Not Alone
During Jesus' last days on earth as the Son of Man, He gave His disciples some final instructions prior to His departure concerning their future relationship with Him, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, the
Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees
Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be
in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:15-18) "The
Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will
teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I
said to you." (John 14:26) "But
when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the
Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." (John 15:26) and...
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." (John 16:7) "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:12-15) "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come after His departure to take His place on earth. Not only would the Holy Spirit be with them, but He would be in them. We see this fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) Notice that the Holy Spirit not only filled the whole house where they were sitting, but also notice that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
Unfortunately, various creeds and doctrines have either limited or prevented people from this wonderful experience. When the disciples exited the upper room and took to the streets of Jerusalem, Peter explains what was taking place by quoting the prophetic scriptures that pointed to this event. He continues to tell them that what they were witnessing was a result of Jesus being raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God, which then released the promise from the Father, the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2: 5-33) Finally, Peter tells the people that God has made Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ. In response the people say to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2.37) "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2.38-39)
Not only was the Holy Spirit poured out upon the apostles and those that were present in the upper room, but also we see that anyone who would be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Looking further into this experience, we note, "to your children" is a reference from the Prophet Joel, "your sons and daughters" (Joel 2:28); "to all" refers to, the whole race; not limited to Jews, "who are afar off" refers to, "those in other lands" and "as many" refers to, all those who hear the gospel and respond to it. There is no indication whatsoever that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit was or is limited to a dispensation of time or a specific people group on the earth.
That very day, the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit entered them and recreated them. They were now new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) What a miracle it is to have God the Holy Spirit immediately come into the person who confesses the Lord Jesus Christ and takes Him as their Savior. How wonderful it is to become instantly recreated becoming a partaker of the Divine Nature. (2 Peter 1:4) This means that we have the same creative ability of God in us, (Ephesians 3:20) and the same love of God also in us (Romans 5:5) No wonder the Apostle John tells us, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
There is so much that can be shared concerning the Holy Spirit, but for now, take some time and meditate on the truths above as well as the following. The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who participated in creation. (Genesis 1 - 2) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who was in Jesus when He walked on the sea in Galilee. (Matthew 14:22-33) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. (Ephesians 1:19-21) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit that enables the believer to do the same works that Jesus did and even greater. (John 1:12) Although we may not have taken advantage of the riches of grace that belong to us, it does not change the fact that the same Holy Spirit who did these things is with and in us, "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)
The Holy Spirit longs to be loosed in us to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth today through each and every believer, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18) So remember, we are not alone. God Himself, that is, the Holy Spirit, is with us and in us, "strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." Hallelujah...
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." (John 16:7) "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:12-15) "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come after His departure to take His place on earth. Not only would the Holy Spirit be with them, but He would be in them. We see this fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) Notice that the Holy Spirit not only filled the whole house where they were sitting, but also notice that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
Unfortunately, various creeds and doctrines have either limited or prevented people from this wonderful experience. When the disciples exited the upper room and took to the streets of Jerusalem, Peter explains what was taking place by quoting the prophetic scriptures that pointed to this event. He continues to tell them that what they were witnessing was a result of Jesus being raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God, which then released the promise from the Father, the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2: 5-33) Finally, Peter tells the people that God has made Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ. In response the people say to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2.37) "Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2.38-39)
Not only was the Holy Spirit poured out upon the apostles and those that were present in the upper room, but also we see that anyone who would be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Looking further into this experience, we note, "to your children" is a reference from the Prophet Joel, "your sons and daughters" (Joel 2:28); "to all" refers to, the whole race; not limited to Jews, "who are afar off" refers to, "those in other lands" and "as many" refers to, all those who hear the gospel and respond to it. There is no indication whatsoever that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit was or is limited to a dispensation of time or a specific people group on the earth.
That very day, the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit entered them and recreated them. They were now new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) What a miracle it is to have God the Holy Spirit immediately come into the person who confesses the Lord Jesus Christ and takes Him as their Savior. How wonderful it is to become instantly recreated becoming a partaker of the Divine Nature. (2 Peter 1:4) This means that we have the same creative ability of God in us, (Ephesians 3:20) and the same love of God also in us (Romans 5:5) No wonder the Apostle John tells us, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
There is so much that can be shared concerning the Holy Spirit, but for now, take some time and meditate on the truths above as well as the following. The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who participated in creation. (Genesis 1 - 2) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who was in Jesus when He walked on the sea in Galilee. (Matthew 14:22-33) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. (Ephesians 1:19-21) The Holy Spirit who is in us, is the same Spirit that enables the believer to do the same works that Jesus did and even greater. (John 1:12) Although we may not have taken advantage of the riches of grace that belong to us, it does not change the fact that the same Holy Spirit who did these things is with and in us, "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)
The Holy Spirit longs to be loosed in us to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth today through each and every believer, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18) So remember, we are not alone. God Himself, that is, the Holy Spirit, is with us and in us, "strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." Hallelujah...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)