I believe one of the greatest examples of faith, authority, the power of words, but, moreover the immense power of God's Word by an individual, in the New Testament, are seen in this passage of scripture. "Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (Matthew 8:5-10)
Notice, the centurion says to Jesus, only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. Although not the main point, the centurion recognizes the power of words. He also recognizes that like himself, Jesus is also a man under authority but with authority. It’s clear the centurion was not struggling with his identity or his position as a Roman centurion, therefore he knew his authority. Listen to his understanding of authority, “I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.” As far as we know, these words were coming from the mouth of a pagan. It goes on and says, that Jesus marveled, He was amazed at the centurions comprehension and understanding of authority and He equated his understanding and use of authority with having great faith. So in a sense, we can say of this centurion, he knew who he was to the Roman empire; he knew what the Roman empire was to him; and how his superiors truly saw him.
So, by releasing our faith by acting on God’s Word believers can stand with confidence in their authority through Christ. Smith Wigglesworth said, "I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe.” The Apostle Paul tells us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11) First, believers must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not their own might. Second, believers must continually be arrayed with the spiritual armor of God as we stand against the wiles of the devil in our daily lives. We must understand that the devil will do everything in his power to keep believers from coming into the knowledge of their authority over him. I believe that the devil expends more effort working against believers trying to keep them from the revelation of their true and legal identification, position and authority in and through Christ than anything else.
Another important point is that believers need to understand that there are limits concerning their authority. For example, believers do have authority over Satan and his forces if these forces try to come against them in their own life or the lives of their immediate family, loved ones and where others have given them authority. They will be free from the enemy because they have the right to exercise their authority over him in these areas. However, that does not mean that they can go around casting devils out of everyone they meet. Look at what Jesus says to the 70 disciples, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) and what the Apostle James tells us, "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Notice, these scriptures do not say that the devil will flee from everyone you come in contact with, it says he will flee from you or where you have authority.
When I am in public I know that I have authority. When I ask someone if I can pray for them and they give me their permission, then they have given me the authority, but if they do not give me permission, I can certainly pray for them, but I cannot exercise the authority against their will. The only exception to this is if a demonized person tries to come aggressively against me or those whom have given me authority, then I can use my God given authority to stop the aggression. We will look at this as revealed in the scriptures through the ministries of Jesus and the Apostle Paul another time. So, until then, let us stand in faith and the authority that we have been given over darkness, in Jesus Name.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Monday, August 26, 2019
Demon Chasers
Based on the following scriptures we will see that after
Jesus ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He delegated
or transferred His authority to the church. "The Father has put all things under Christ’s feet and
has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship
exercised throughout the church], Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who
fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Christ Who makes
everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself]." (Ephesians 1:22-23 AMP) "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He
loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with
Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us
sit together in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-6) "For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." (Ephesians 5:30) "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are
complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:9-10)
Jesus is the supreme head of the church; we sit with Him on His throne of triumph; we are members of His body; the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him; we are complete in Him; all believers have received His abundance of grace and truth. If all authority has been given to Him in heaven and earth, which it has, and we are His body, which we are, then it stands to reason that everything He is, we are, which agrees with the Word, "…because as He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) To take this a little further, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) and, "But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." (1 Corinthians 6: 17) We have oneness with Christ. I am not making light of the cross, yes, we need to come to the cross for salvation, but we are not to remain there. We need to preach and teach the cross to the unsaved but to the believer we need to preach and teach that the throne is where the believer is, not the cross. The throne is the seat of authority and triumph, not the cross.
Believers exercising their authority hangs on their revelation of knowing God's immense power, "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1: 19-20) and, "God raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6) Notice that not only is Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, which is the highest place of authority, He sits there far above all the powers. Believers sit with Christ also far above all the powers in the same seat of authority. It is revelation of these truths, not intellectual knowledge that will give believers the assured confidence in their authority.
Before we go any further, think about this. Where God's knowledge and revelation is obscure, the devil will establish a stronghold. The strongholds could be fear, doubt, unbelief, disobedience, believing a lie and rejecting truth and so on. The devil does not want believers to know their authority. The very thing that Adam could have used to defeat the Satan in the garden, his authority over creation, was the very thing that Satan went after and unfortunately was able to have Adam relinquish.
Next, notice from the above scripture in Ephesians, "...the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…" This does not simply refer to God’s power in regeneration, but as the entire series of His acts of power toward Christians from the moment they become born again until they are received in glory. Scripture reveals, "The demons cried out, Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are, the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24) and "Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits…And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? (Acts 19:13, 15) Notice, the demons recognize not only Jesus’ authority but also Paul’s and every believer who know without question, that all authority is in Jesus and we sit with Him on His throne of authority.
Believer have the authority to uphold and enforce the victory over Satan and all his forces that Jesus accomplished, because we have the authority as well as a mandate to do so, "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) The Church is not to pray to God the Father about what to do with the devil. The Church is to exercise the authority that belongs to it as we see here in Mark 16:17-18. Of course this must come by revelation of our authority and not by-way-of intellectual knowledge. It is obvious that the itinerant Jewish exorcists were not born again and therefore limited and could only use the intellectual knowledge they had in their attempt to cast out demons which failed.
To live and operate in the authority that is vested in every believer through Christ, has absolutely nothing to do with how long a person has been saved. The least member of the Body of Christ has just as much authority over the devil as anyone else. The reality is, unless believers stand on God’s Word and know without doubt, fear, unbelief, and without a sense of unworthiness, shame, guilt, condemnation and or inferiority and do something about the devil, nothing will be done in many areas of their life and the lives of others who seek deliverance. So, let us rise up in our generation, infiltrate the culture and bring the power of God down on the works of darkness, setting the captives free in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen?
Jesus is the supreme head of the church; we sit with Him on His throne of triumph; we are members of His body; the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him; we are complete in Him; all believers have received His abundance of grace and truth. If all authority has been given to Him in heaven and earth, which it has, and we are His body, which we are, then it stands to reason that everything He is, we are, which agrees with the Word, "…because as He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) To take this a little further, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) and, "But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him." (1 Corinthians 6: 17) We have oneness with Christ. I am not making light of the cross, yes, we need to come to the cross for salvation, but we are not to remain there. We need to preach and teach the cross to the unsaved but to the believer we need to preach and teach that the throne is where the believer is, not the cross. The throne is the seat of authority and triumph, not the cross.
Believers exercising their authority hangs on their revelation of knowing God's immense power, "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1: 19-20) and, "God raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:6) Notice that not only is Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, which is the highest place of authority, He sits there far above all the powers. Believers sit with Christ also far above all the powers in the same seat of authority. It is revelation of these truths, not intellectual knowledge that will give believers the assured confidence in their authority.
Before we go any further, think about this. Where God's knowledge and revelation is obscure, the devil will establish a stronghold. The strongholds could be fear, doubt, unbelief, disobedience, believing a lie and rejecting truth and so on. The devil does not want believers to know their authority. The very thing that Adam could have used to defeat the Satan in the garden, his authority over creation, was the very thing that Satan went after and unfortunately was able to have Adam relinquish.
Next, notice from the above scripture in Ephesians, "...the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…" This does not simply refer to God’s power in regeneration, but as the entire series of His acts of power toward Christians from the moment they become born again until they are received in glory. Scripture reveals, "The demons cried out, Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are, the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24) and "Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits…And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? (Acts 19:13, 15) Notice, the demons recognize not only Jesus’ authority but also Paul’s and every believer who know without question, that all authority is in Jesus and we sit with Him on His throne of authority.
Believer have the authority to uphold and enforce the victory over Satan and all his forces that Jesus accomplished, because we have the authority as well as a mandate to do so, "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) The Church is not to pray to God the Father about what to do with the devil. The Church is to exercise the authority that belongs to it as we see here in Mark 16:17-18. Of course this must come by revelation of our authority and not by-way-of intellectual knowledge. It is obvious that the itinerant Jewish exorcists were not born again and therefore limited and could only use the intellectual knowledge they had in their attempt to cast out demons which failed.
To live and operate in the authority that is vested in every believer through Christ, has absolutely nothing to do with how long a person has been saved. The least member of the Body of Christ has just as much authority over the devil as anyone else. The reality is, unless believers stand on God’s Word and know without doubt, fear, unbelief, and without a sense of unworthiness, shame, guilt, condemnation and or inferiority and do something about the devil, nothing will be done in many areas of their life and the lives of others who seek deliverance. So, let us rise up in our generation, infiltrate the culture and bring the power of God down on the works of darkness, setting the captives free in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen?
Monday, August 19, 2019
Delegated Authority
For believers to stand in the authority of God and use the delegated authority he or she has been freely given, they must first know and understand these highly important aspects. First, fully comprehend God’s authority and second, believers must know who they are Christ; who Christ is in them and how the Father truly sees them. Why are these so important? Knowing these things and operating in them will eliminate, doubt, fear, unbelief, shame, guilt, condemnation, inferiority and disobedience and in turn manifests in the believer the same attributes that we see in Abraham.
We see recorded in Romans, "Abraham 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) Notice, Abraham was "fully convinced." Like Abraham, believers must come to know God’s will, which is His Word, and by it, exercise the kind of faith that prevents doubt, fear, unbelief, etc., to find place. The Apostle Paul tells us, "do not give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) and, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11) Say this with me; "In the Name of Jesus, I will not give place to the devil, therefore, Satan will not take advantage of me, for I am not ignorant of his schemes."
Next, concerning believer’s authority; it is the delegated power and legal right vested in them by the Holy Spirit to uphold, enforce and further Jesus' ministry when He walked the earth as the Son of Man. Jesus tells us, "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) We also see, "Then Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1) "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. And He said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:17-19) and, "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)
Believers need to realize that we have been given the authority over Satan, and all his evil forces. However, consider this. Do we honestly believe that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has any less authority today than the disciples had during Jesus' ministry on earth as the Son of Man as revealed in the Gospels? Do we honestly believe that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has any less authority today than the early church had? Do we honestly believe that although Jesus defeat Satan and all his evil forces that somehow they simply packed up and went away? Believers who think this way tend to describe the church and believers as everything other than victorious and triumphant. Simply put, the value of every believer’s authority rests on two things. One, knowing that God himself is the power behind the believer’s authority; Two, applying faith to number one. Believers will never understand their authority with the intellect; it only comes by revelation. You must believe and then act by faith.
In grasping this, believers then understand that the devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority. Now we see the truth in Romans 5:17 when it says, believers “reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ." Believer’s who thoroughly understand that it is the power of God backing them, can exercise their authority and face the enemy fearlessly on any and every front. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus is always with us through the Holy Spirit who was given to us to uphold, enforce and continue the ministry of Jesus. So, let us by faith take the authority that we have by the Holy Spirit through the Name of Jesus and go, setting the captives free.
We see recorded in Romans, "Abraham 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) Notice, Abraham was "fully convinced." Like Abraham, believers must come to know God’s will, which is His Word, and by it, exercise the kind of faith that prevents doubt, fear, unbelief, etc., to find place. The Apostle Paul tells us, "do not give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27) and, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11) Say this with me; "In the Name of Jesus, I will not give place to the devil, therefore, Satan will not take advantage of me, for I am not ignorant of his schemes."
Next, concerning believer’s authority; it is the delegated power and legal right vested in them by the Holy Spirit to uphold, enforce and further Jesus' ministry when He walked the earth as the Son of Man. Jesus tells us, "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) We also see, "Then Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1) "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. And He said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:17-19) and, "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)
Believers need to realize that we have been given the authority over Satan, and all his evil forces. However, consider this. Do we honestly believe that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has any less authority today than the disciples had during Jesus' ministry on earth as the Son of Man as revealed in the Gospels? Do we honestly believe that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has any less authority today than the early church had? Do we honestly believe that although Jesus defeat Satan and all his evil forces that somehow they simply packed up and went away? Believers who think this way tend to describe the church and believers as everything other than victorious and triumphant. Simply put, the value of every believer’s authority rests on two things. One, knowing that God himself is the power behind the believer’s authority; Two, applying faith to number one. Believers will never understand their authority with the intellect; it only comes by revelation. You must believe and then act by faith.
In grasping this, believers then understand that the devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority. Now we see the truth in Romans 5:17 when it says, believers “reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ." Believer’s who thoroughly understand that it is the power of God backing them, can exercise their authority and face the enemy fearlessly on any and every front. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus is always with us through the Holy Spirit who was given to us to uphold, enforce and continue the ministry of Jesus. So, let us by faith take the authority that we have by the Holy Spirit through the Name of Jesus and go, setting the captives free.
Monday, August 12, 2019
The Controversy of the Universe
Looking again at the authority of God, we need to take a deeper look at what the Bible records concern it. So, let's begin in Isaiah 14:12-15, the fall of Lucifer and Ezekiel 28:13-17, the account of the king of Tyre. We start with Isaiah, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you 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. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15) Next, we move to Ezekiel.
"You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you." (Ezekiel 28:13-17) (Note: in this account, the law of double reference is used for Lucifer. That is, scripture having a double meaning, using one thing but referring to another)
Now let us look closely at what has transpired. Isaiah 14:12-15 deals with, Lucifer, now Satan, violating God’s authority while Ezekiel 28:13-17 emphasizes his trespassing against God's holiness. To offend God's authority is a rebellion far more serious than that of offending God's holiness. Offending God’s holiness or sinning is a matter of conduct, whereas offending God’s authority is a matter of principle. Jesus tells us, "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:31-32)
In context with this passage, Jesus cast out demons by the authority vested in Him through the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees rejected this and said that Jesus’ authority was through Beelzebub, that is Satan. The first part of this passage is sin against God’s Holiness, the latter is rebellion against God’s authority. So, Isaiah’s report is Satan's intent of setting his throne above the throne of God thereby violating God's authority. It was not the act of sinning that caused Satan's fall, it was his act of rebellion against God’s authority. It was rebellion which God condemned. Now we understand why Samuel says, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:23) Rebellion and Satan are synonymous.
The controversy of the universe is centered on who has the authority. Although believers have the authority over Satan and all of his forces, any conflict that we may have with Satan is the direct result of our attributing all authority to God; therefore Satan’s approach to believers is the same as it was in the Garden of Eden. He makes his appeal to the flesh, that is, the five senses, especially the mind, will and emotions, trying to turn believers from the truth, one being, that all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and earth. Please remember this, Satan is not afraid of believers who preach God’s Word. His greatest fear is those who understand and are completely subject to God’s authority.
God has purposed to manifest His authority to the world through the church, through each and every believer. He uses His power to maintain His authority, therefore, His authority is the hardest thing to come up against. Notice how the crowd responded to Jesus as He taught, "Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." (Mark 1:27) Due to the believers oneness with Christ (John 15:5) we too must know and operate in the same authority as Jesus did during His earth walk as the Son of man. So, before a believer can understand and properly use God’s delegated authority, he or she must fully comprehend and be subject to God's authority. Grace and Peace be with you...
"You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you." (Ezekiel 28:13-17) (Note: in this account, the law of double reference is used for Lucifer. That is, scripture having a double meaning, using one thing but referring to another)
Now let us look closely at what has transpired. Isaiah 14:12-15 deals with, Lucifer, now Satan, violating God’s authority while Ezekiel 28:13-17 emphasizes his trespassing against God's holiness. To offend God's authority is a rebellion far more serious than that of offending God's holiness. Offending God’s holiness or sinning is a matter of conduct, whereas offending God’s authority is a matter of principle. Jesus tells us, "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:31-32)
In context with this passage, Jesus cast out demons by the authority vested in Him through the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees rejected this and said that Jesus’ authority was through Beelzebub, that is Satan. The first part of this passage is sin against God’s Holiness, the latter is rebellion against God’s authority. So, Isaiah’s report is Satan's intent of setting his throne above the throne of God thereby violating God's authority. It was not the act of sinning that caused Satan's fall, it was his act of rebellion against God’s authority. It was rebellion which God condemned. Now we understand why Samuel says, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:23) Rebellion and Satan are synonymous.
The controversy of the universe is centered on who has the authority. Although believers have the authority over Satan and all of his forces, any conflict that we may have with Satan is the direct result of our attributing all authority to God; therefore Satan’s approach to believers is the same as it was in the Garden of Eden. He makes his appeal to the flesh, that is, the five senses, especially the mind, will and emotions, trying to turn believers from the truth, one being, that all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and earth. Please remember this, Satan is not afraid of believers who preach God’s Word. His greatest fear is those who understand and are completely subject to God’s authority.
God has purposed to manifest His authority to the world through the church, through each and every believer. He uses His power to maintain His authority, therefore, His authority is the hardest thing to come up against. Notice how the crowd responded to Jesus as He taught, "Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." (Mark 1:27) Due to the believers oneness with Christ (John 15:5) we too must know and operate in the same authority as Jesus did during His earth walk as the Son of man. So, before a believer can understand and properly use God’s delegated authority, he or she must fully comprehend and be subject to God's authority. Grace and Peace be with you...
Monday, August 5, 2019
God's Authority
Once believers have a solid understanding of their identification and position in Christ, they will then know that they can stand in the Father presence without guilt, condemnation, unworthiness, shame or inferiority as well as stand and face Satan and his evil forces as triumphant victors; as more than conquerors. Once a believers knows these things, then they will understand and know the authority that has been given them to uphold and enforce what the Father accomplished through Christ. With this revelation knowledge believers will no long confess failure, weakness, doubt, fear or unbelief, but humbly stand by grace through faith in the power of His might in the face of any circumstance no matter how small or large it may seem.
The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) Therefore, living in the light of what God’s Word reveals as the believers new and true identification, position and authority, we see that it is based upon their faith in the integrity of God’s Word or put another way, not simply knowing facts about God, but knowing God Himself. To know God is to know His will and to know His will is to know His Word for they are one and the same. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Abraham 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)
In other words, Abraham completely apprehended the will of God. To Him, there was no question concerning God’s will. There are two things that arise from this; First, Abraham's faith prevented doubt, fear and unbelief to find place; second, this caused Abraham to be completely obedient to God. There can be no doubt, fear, unbelief and especially disobedience where true authority exists. Paul also tells us, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists (or rebels against) the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (Romans 13:1-4)
So, what is authority? It is God’s sovereign right to give commands, make decisions, have jurisdiction, have control, to take charge, or to rule over that which opposes or is contrary to His Will, that is, His Word. God’s throne is established on His authority, therefore, all of His acts issue from His throne. All physical laws of the universe are maintained by His authority; "God in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…" (Hebrews 1:2-3) God’s Word is His power from which emanates His authority. God's authority represents God Himself and His power is revealed by His acts. Look at the peoples response to Jesus teachings, "...for Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:29)
God alone is authority in all things. As we saw in Romans 13, all the authorities of the earth are instituted by God. Because God’s authority is such a tremendous thing in the universe, we need to understand that absolutely nothing overshadows it. Therefore, it is imperative for us who desire to serve God and build His kingdom, to know the authority of God and what it means to the church and every believer. Until next time, the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you...
The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) Therefore, living in the light of what God’s Word reveals as the believers new and true identification, position and authority, we see that it is based upon their faith in the integrity of God’s Word or put another way, not simply knowing facts about God, but knowing God Himself. To know God is to know His will and to know His will is to know His Word for they are one and the same. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Abraham 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)
In other words, Abraham completely apprehended the will of God. To Him, there was no question concerning God’s will. There are two things that arise from this; First, Abraham's faith prevented doubt, fear and unbelief to find place; second, this caused Abraham to be completely obedient to God. There can be no doubt, fear, unbelief and especially disobedience where true authority exists. Paul also tells us, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists (or rebels against) the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." (Romans 13:1-4)
So, what is authority? It is God’s sovereign right to give commands, make decisions, have jurisdiction, have control, to take charge, or to rule over that which opposes or is contrary to His Will, that is, His Word. God’s throne is established on His authority, therefore, all of His acts issue from His throne. All physical laws of the universe are maintained by His authority; "God in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…" (Hebrews 1:2-3) God’s Word is His power from which emanates His authority. God's authority represents God Himself and His power is revealed by His acts. Look at the peoples response to Jesus teachings, "...for Jesus taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matthew 7:29)
God alone is authority in all things. As we saw in Romans 13, all the authorities of the earth are instituted by God. Because God’s authority is such a tremendous thing in the universe, we need to understand that absolutely nothing overshadows it. Therefore, it is imperative for us who desire to serve God and build His kingdom, to know the authority of God and what it means to the church and every believer. Until next time, the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, July 29, 2019
God's Blessings Are Yours Now
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) Jesus bought and secured for every believer, in His victory over Satan, a complete redemption which includes the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, such as, complete forgiveness, healing, protection, provision, to name a few. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises." (2 Peter 1:3-4) Paul also tells us, "For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory." (2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT) The writer of Hebrews tells us, "But now He 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) PTL
Due to the believers position in Christ, every single spiritual blessing belongs to you now. We do not have to work for them; beg God for them; fight demons to attain them; they are already ours by faith in the God’s Word. All spiritual blessings are ours, not due to what we can do, but simply because we are in Christ. (John 17:20-26) Also, keep in mind "For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]." (Romans 2:11 AMP) God has no favorites. No one is blessed with any more spiritual blessings than anyone else in the Body of Christ.
Every believer is equally blessed. However, if believers do not know these thing, which is solely based on their position in Christ, they will have a difficult time receiving their inheritance in Christ, and find themselves not being able to partake of what is rightfully, or legally theirs. Every one of us in the Body of Christ is blessed with all or every spiritual blessing in Christ, period!
Simply put, if we do not know these things or if we know them but do not see the manifestation of them, then, it is obvious the eyes of our understanding need to be enlightened so we can know our position in Christ and by faith and enjoy the benefits that are ours in Christ. In other words, believers can know what is legally theirs. They can know what the Word says, but unless they act upon what God’s Word says, they can miss out on the rights, privileges and blessings that already belong to every believer in Christ. However, just knowledge of what belongs to you isn't enough. It is knowledge acted upon that brings results. For example, if the gospel is preached to an unsaved person, they are receiving the knowledge as to what Christ did for humanity, moreover, for them. Paul tells us, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
However, a person must act on the knowledge that was given to them concerning Christ by confessing with their mouth and believing in their heart before God responds and saves them. There is absolutely no difference when it comes to our identification, position and authority in Christ. God’s Word gives us the knowledge of God Himself and all that is legally and vitally our in Christ. We act on God’s Word by confessing and believing. Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:22-24)
Although all of God’s promises, His spiritual blessings, belong to every believer, without applying a firm faith in God’s Word concerning our identity, position and authority in Christ, these things seem to be only a fantasy. If you have been around Christian circles long enough, you will hear people who are saved and truly love Jesus reason away God’s promises and blessings simply due to what Jesus said, "...and does not doubt in his heart, but believes..." Honestly, it can take some time to build your faith, so do not lose heart. Do not quit or give up. The Apostle Paul tells us, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) All to many times when believers do not see results quick, now and in a hurry they lose heart and will buy into faithless doctrines that erode faith and promote doubt. They agree man’s commentary of God’s Word, rather than simply believing God’s Word.
One final thought concerning Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John reveals to us, "Being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst...Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, we have seen the Lord. So Thomas said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:19, 24-25) This is common among most believers today, it’s called mental assent or sense knowledge faith. It only believes what the five senses can understand or make real. However, when Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and confronts Thomas, we see, "Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] believe!" ( John 20:27 AMP)
The believers position in Christ far above principalities and powers has already been accomplished. But believers must exercise faith that this is indeed our rightful position in Christ over principalities and powers before it will profit us. Our position as believers is one of joint-seating with Christ in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6) If believers are to rise above circumstances, then we must take advantage of our position in Christ. Amen...
Due to the believers position in Christ, every single spiritual blessing belongs to you now. We do not have to work for them; beg God for them; fight demons to attain them; they are already ours by faith in the God’s Word. All spiritual blessings are ours, not due to what we can do, but simply because we are in Christ. (John 17:20-26) Also, keep in mind "For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another]." (Romans 2:11 AMP) God has no favorites. No one is blessed with any more spiritual blessings than anyone else in the Body of Christ.
Every believer is equally blessed. However, if believers do not know these thing, which is solely based on their position in Christ, they will have a difficult time receiving their inheritance in Christ, and find themselves not being able to partake of what is rightfully, or legally theirs. Every one of us in the Body of Christ is blessed with all or every spiritual blessing in Christ, period!
Simply put, if we do not know these things or if we know them but do not see the manifestation of them, then, it is obvious the eyes of our understanding need to be enlightened so we can know our position in Christ and by faith and enjoy the benefits that are ours in Christ. In other words, believers can know what is legally theirs. They can know what the Word says, but unless they act upon what God’s Word says, they can miss out on the rights, privileges and blessings that already belong to every believer in Christ. However, just knowledge of what belongs to you isn't enough. It is knowledge acted upon that brings results. For example, if the gospel is preached to an unsaved person, they are receiving the knowledge as to what Christ did for humanity, moreover, for them. Paul tells us, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
However, a person must act on the knowledge that was given to them concerning Christ by confessing with their mouth and believing in their heart before God responds and saves them. There is absolutely no difference when it comes to our identification, position and authority in Christ. God’s Word gives us the knowledge of God Himself and all that is legally and vitally our in Christ. We act on God’s Word by confessing and believing. Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:22-24)
Although all of God’s promises, His spiritual blessings, belong to every believer, without applying a firm faith in God’s Word concerning our identity, position and authority in Christ, these things seem to be only a fantasy. If you have been around Christian circles long enough, you will hear people who are saved and truly love Jesus reason away God’s promises and blessings simply due to what Jesus said, "...and does not doubt in his heart, but believes..." Honestly, it can take some time to build your faith, so do not lose heart. Do not quit or give up. The Apostle Paul tells us, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) All to many times when believers do not see results quick, now and in a hurry they lose heart and will buy into faithless doctrines that erode faith and promote doubt. They agree man’s commentary of God’s Word, rather than simply believing God’s Word.
One final thought concerning Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John reveals to us, "Being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst...Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, we have seen the Lord. So Thomas said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:19, 24-25) This is common among most believers today, it’s called mental assent or sense knowledge faith. It only believes what the five senses can understand or make real. However, when Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and confronts Thomas, we see, "Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] believe!" ( John 20:27 AMP)
The believers position in Christ far above principalities and powers has already been accomplished. But believers must exercise faith that this is indeed our rightful position in Christ over principalities and powers before it will profit us. Our position as believers is one of joint-seating with Christ in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6) If believers are to rise above circumstances, then we must take advantage of our position in Christ. Amen...
Monday, July 22, 2019
Vanquishers in Heavenly Places
The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul gives us some wonderful insight concerning believers, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39) What Paul is telling us is the Body of Christ, every believer, is more than a conqueror over all the power of the enemy because we are in Christ. For some believers and even church leaders, it’s time to move beyond the cross where believer are told week after week to come to the cross because they are nothing more than sinners saved by grace. The fact is, all believers WERE sinners save by grace, but now are the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Of course we came to the cross when we were saved, and we should never forget the tremendous divine exchange that took place there, but now it’s time to sit on the throne in Christ where we can rule and reign in life with Him. (Romans 5:17)
Paul also tells us, "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:22) This scripture refers back to the previous verses and is saying that all things, principalities, powers, thrones, or dominions, Satan himself are all under subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and because we are in Christ, they are also subject to us in His Name. We are Christ's body on the earth, so all these things have been put under our feet also. This is why Satan cannot rule over any believer unless the believer gives their consent, whether by choice or through ignorance. Jesus tells us, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) Jesus in using the terms "scorpions" and "serpents" is speaking figuratively as a type of demonic powers. Jesus was actually saying, "I give you authority to tread upon devils, demons, evil spirits and over all the power of the enemy. And because of the authority in My Name, none of the power of the enemy can harm you." The believer who is ful1y conscious of their position in Christ will understand the divine authority behind him, his authority in Christ and can face the enemy without fear.
Keep in mind, that you do not have any power in and of yourself, but our authority is in Christ. We see this played out in the believers in the early church. "Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour." (Acts 16:16-18) In contrast to this, we see, "Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded." (Acts 19:11-16)
In the above passages we see the Apostle Paul was able to use his authority in Christ to cast out a demon due to one thing. Remember, it was he who said, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." He knew who he was in Christ and his knowledge of this opened the door for the Lord to work unusual miracles by his hands. On the other hand the seven sons of Sceva did not have the authority in Christ and were overwhelmed by the very demon they were trying to cast out. It is when believers absolutely know who they are in Christ, who Christ is in them and how the Father truly sees them that the realm of the supernatural, the things in heaven, manifests on earth. Why? The Conqueror Himself, Jesus Christ, has made every believer "more that a conqueror." PTL. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
Paul also tells us, "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:22) This scripture refers back to the previous verses and is saying that all things, principalities, powers, thrones, or dominions, Satan himself are all under subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and because we are in Christ, they are also subject to us in His Name. We are Christ's body on the earth, so all these things have been put under our feet also. This is why Satan cannot rule over any believer unless the believer gives their consent, whether by choice or through ignorance. Jesus tells us, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) Jesus in using the terms "scorpions" and "serpents" is speaking figuratively as a type of demonic powers. Jesus was actually saying, "I give you authority to tread upon devils, demons, evil spirits and over all the power of the enemy. And because of the authority in My Name, none of the power of the enemy can harm you." The believer who is ful1y conscious of their position in Christ will understand the divine authority behind him, his authority in Christ and can face the enemy without fear.
Keep in mind, that you do not have any power in and of yourself, but our authority is in Christ. We see this played out in the believers in the early church. "Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour." (Acts 16:16-18) In contrast to this, we see, "Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded." (Acts 19:11-16)
In the above passages we see the Apostle Paul was able to use his authority in Christ to cast out a demon due to one thing. Remember, it was he who said, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." He knew who he was in Christ and his knowledge of this opened the door for the Lord to work unusual miracles by his hands. On the other hand the seven sons of Sceva did not have the authority in Christ and were overwhelmed by the very demon they were trying to cast out. It is when believers absolutely know who they are in Christ, who Christ is in them and how the Father truly sees them that the realm of the supernatural, the things in heaven, manifests on earth. Why? The Conqueror Himself, Jesus Christ, has made every believer "more that a conqueror." PTL. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
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