Choose Today

Without a doubt, the Book of Romans is the greatest legal document ever given to man. Not only does it reveal the condition of every person who does not know God, but it also gives a clear, concise description of the legal and vital position of everyone who confesses the Lordship of Jesus Christ and receives Him as Savior. However, once confession is made unto salvation, every person becomes responsible to act in faith and receive all that God has provided through Jesus Christ. In other words,  understanding the difference between living by law and living by grace. The reality is, many people who have been filled with the Holy Spirit, and who say that the Holy Spirit dwells in them, do not actually live in the Spirit, but live according to the flesh much of the time.

We need to see that on the cross, Jesus, by the Father's will, made Himself one with man's fallen, satanic nature, and through His death as man's substitute, had in fact executed man's fallen nature. God never had, nor does He have, any plan for the rehabilitation of man's fallen nature. In every sense of the word, God's plan for man's old fallen nature is execution. He can do nothing with man's old nature except to kill it. Therefore, our rebellious, fallen, satanic nature was executed when Christ died on the cross so that it should no longer have the power to dominate and control us.

God forgives our past sinful acts when we come to Him in Christ, but this is only the beginning. He deals with the old nature, and He brings forth a new nature in its place, which is called the new creation,  (2 Corinthians 5:17), the new man. (Ephesians 4:20-24) This is actually the nature of Jesus Christ reproduced in us by faith through the Word of God. (James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23) The agent who produces the new birth is the Holy Spirit, who also transforms the believer into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Romans 6:1-2) 

The Apostle Paul assumed that everyone born again is living in the grace of God, and is dead to sin, so he is saying, "If you continue to live in sin, you are contradicting yourself. If you are dead to sin, you shouldn't talk about living in sin." Paul continues, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin." (Romans 6:3-7) 

Our old man was crucified with Christ! The tense here signifies that this is an actual historical event that took place in the past. When Jesus died on the cross, our old man died in Him. It happened nearly twenty centuries ago. Why was this done?  "...that the body of sin might be done away with..." not renovated, not fixed up, but done away with, rendered ineffective, no longer able to control and dominate us, "...that we should no longer be slaves of sin." PTL!!! Next, Paul tells us, "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." (Romans 6:11-13) 

Now it becomes the believers responsibility to accept by faith and act upon these wonderful liberating Words. You must refuse to accept the dominion of sin over you and the members of your physical body, but instead yield yourself, your soul (mind, will and emotions) and your body to the Holy Spirit. Although not the conclusion of the whole matter, Paul tells us, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14) Do you believe that? If you do not believe it, you will not experience it. If you believe that you are going to continue sinning, you will continue sinning. However, if you do believe that, then you understand the last part of this verse, "...for you are not under law but under grace." Knowing this to be true, you will indeed walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit not fulfilling the works of the flesh. 

Every believer must come to the place of a firm personal decision to no longer give into the flesh, but yield to the Holy Spirit, to be led by Him. He is the way of escape from continuing in the slavery of sin. Consider this; what good is it to have your past sinful nature and acts forgiven, if you are still controlled by the old fallen, satanic nature? The Holy Spirit will help every believer if you set your will to yielding to Him. He will not force you, it's your decision. Think about this way, every time you make a decision to do the wrong thing, you become more and more the slave of sin, but, every time you make a decision to do the right thing, you become more and more the slave of righteousness and live in the freedom that the Father has provided humanity through Jesus Christ. 

Finally, God made a proposal to Israel which I believe applies today for all believers, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Jesus said it this way, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...

Free Indeed

One of the highlights of summer in the USA is the celebration of Independence Day. From 1776 until the present day, Independence Day has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Although the United States celebrates Independence Day as a day of freedom from Great Britain's oppression, there is a freedom that is far superior, far greater than any freedom that man can provide. In his first recorded preaching of the gospel, the Apostle Peter said, "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." (Acts 2:38) This is how one is born again. This is where and how true freedom comes.

It has been said, "To be born free is a privilege; to die free is an awesome responsibility," yet freedom is never free. It always and only comes at great price. The greatest price ever paid for freedom, was paid at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. So, let's take a moment and look at some of the events that took place to purchase mans true freedom. We begin in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is arrested and taken down to the hall of Caiaphas the High Priest. He is then blindfolded and spit upon, insulted and struck in the presence of the very High Priest of God, and then you witness the long, cold, weary hours until He is taken before Pilate and then eventually to Herod to be mocked and jeered, to be clothed with the mock garment of kingly authority, a mock crown of thorns placed upon His brow, the mock badge of kingly authority placed within His hand, and then the long weary march back to Pilate, where He faces the trial proceeding, with bitterness and jealousy.

We then find Jesus standing calm and quiet with no part in this unnatural scene, except that of the innocent victim of jealousy and hate. We see Him scourged, His back laid open by the awful Roman lictor. Blood flows, and flesh is torn as the cruel blows fall mercilessly upon His bare back. Then His clothes are thrown roughly about Him, and He is started out for Golgotha, staggering beneath His cross. We see Him fall under its weight, and Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear it. Then we see Him staggering up the mountain side, surrounded by soldiers. He is laid roughly down upon the cross on His back, and the Roman soldiers with cruel hate drive the spikes into His hands and feet; then He is lifted up naked, and the cross is dropped into the socket in the rock. Jesus of Nazareth is crucified!

We watch the mob as it surges backward and forward about the cross. We hear the High Priest hurling his bitter taunts at Jesus, as He suffers unmercifully nailed to the cross suspended between heaven and earth. We hear the mob in their bitter denunciation, led on by their religious leaders, the very priesthood that was looking for their Messiah. It was a hideous and horrific thing that was taking place. The Son of God hanging on the cross was not a sight for angels, nor for men, but for demons only.

However, the vision I want you to have is not of the physical suffering of Jesus, not what man has done, as that is only a means to an end, but come behind the scenes and see the agony of the Son of God, and see Him smitten by God, His Father. The Apostle Peter tells us on the day of Pentecost that He was delivered up by the determinate counsel and the foreknowledge of God. (Acts 2:23) It is here that we see Father God taking our sin nature and spiritual death, and placing it all upon Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus has taken man's place, and the whole human race is now represented in Him, as He hangs there under judgment on the accursed tree. God takes your sin and mine, yes, the sin of the whole world and lets it fall upon His Son and as God turns His back to Him, He cries out, "My God, Mu God why have you forsaken Me." (Matthew 27:46) Not only did Jesus go to the cross to acquire mans freedom, but also descend into hell itself to pay the penalty of Man's high treason. He took upon Himself the awful guilt to pay man's penalty, because God could not, nor would not pardon man until an adequate sacrifice had been made. (Romans 3:21-26)

He died as Jesus our Substitute, the Lamb of God who bore the sin of the world. But Peter tells us, (quoting David, Psalm 16:10) "For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Acts 2:27) After three days and nights in hell, Jesus arose as Lord, as Master of death, of hell and of the grave. He speaks to the Apostle John, "I was dead and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Hades and of Death." (Revelation 1:18) The matchless, mighty Christ had gone into the strong mans house and plundered his house and his goods. (Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21-22) He had conquered Satan completely in honorable combat; He had taken from him his authority, his dominion; He brings it back and offers it to fallen man through His matchless name and grace.

What does this mean to us? It means that every person who repents, confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and takes Him as his Savior, stands legally acquitted in the presence of God. It means Satan is defeated, and man can be free. This is independence, this is freedom and there is no other freedom from the foundations of the world that has or will ever surpass the freedom the our Heavenly Father has provided for all mankind through Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) PTL. This is true liberty for all! 

See HIS Glory

The word "atmosphere" is define as, the pervading tone or mood of a place or situation; the dominant mood or emotional tone.What is the atmosphere of your time in the worship of the Lord? Let's look at some things to challenge us in creating and atmosphere in our services for the Lords presence to be in our midst. True worship reveals the existence of God, that is, no one can know or experience genuine worship apart from the one true God because He alone can reveal it to us. True worship is beyond the realm of natural knowledge. Whenever true worship occurs, God will manifest Himself to us. Therefore, true worship reveals the living God; it testifies of His existence. The Psalmist says it this way, "The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory." (Psalm 97:6) 

Another aspect is, true worship focuses on God, not self. Sadly, in many Christian circles today, genuine worship has been replaced with songs with lyrics such as, touch me; bless me; heal me; deliver me, which do not exalt the Lord and His majesty. Songs like these are out of purpose and focus. Some people create these songs so their music can be commercialized, but they don't realize that, in doing so, they are setting God aside and turning the needs of people into an idol. Now I know this may offend some, but true worship is about God alone, what He has done; who He is. If we truly know God's Word and exercised faith, believers would know that He already has and continues to, touch us, bless us, heal us, delivers us. We simply appropriate these things by grace through faith, that is, believing that what God said was, is and will be, period!

True worship brings the presence of God. The primary purpose of worship is to bring the presence of God in the midst of His people. If the worship leader and or worship team or band (whatever term you use to describe the singers and musicians) loses this objective, we can expect nice songs, nice music and a switch of focus from God, to self. This type of situation will prevent believers from experiencing God's presence, which should be the only thing that we should desire in our corporate worship times. This is why I firmly believe that our purpose in worship is to create an atmosphere that invites God's presence to descend. Only in His presence will we be transformed so that we can take the same power of transformation to others.

True worship exalts the name of Jesus and the Word of God. Today, many worship songs used in churches or played in various Christian circles lack power because they are not based on the Word of God. We must write scriptural songs that exalt and magnify the Lord. Songs that truly minister as to what God has done and who God is. Many of David's psalms are such. Therefore, true worship is also based on the Word of God and flows from an understanding, a revelation, of His Word.

True worship transforms the believer. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Although this does not specifically refer to worship, nevertheless, the Lord wants to transform us into His image. Pressing into His presence in worship is one of the ways He can do this. As believers, we do not just worship at a church service. Worship is a lifestyle. As we die to self and offer God love, reverence, and honor, we will experience transformation.

True worship creates intimacy with God. This leads us to our final and perhaps greatest revelation of worship. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches...." (John 15:5) In this perfect oneness with the Lord we become one with His heart, His plans, His sufferings, His vision, His struggle, and His victory. This is why worship cannot be quick or mechanical. When God's presence does not manifest, it is usually because we have not created an atmosphere where He is welcomed, honored, adored and exalted. The Psalmist tells us,  "But You are holy, enthroned (Inhabits) in the praises of Israel" (His people). (Psalm 22:3) Inhabits is defined as, to dwell; to remain; to sit; to abide. The word enthroned is define as, to exalt to an elevated place or seat. 

When we enter into true worship, the Lord touches us, He will dwell with us; He remains with us; as we worship and exalt Him to an elevated place or seat. Through true worship, His presence will manifest among us, but how can we expect His presence to manifest when we offer Him something mechanical, that is, simply going through the motions of worship or singing self focused songs? I believe the day is coming and in some places is here when worship will not be merely a service starter in our churches but the most important part of the service because it is what brings God's presence. If we want to live in His presence, we will always have a new song in the spirit playing inside of us. Corporate worship in churches will also become the longest part of the service because the people will enter into His presence and stay there. God will speak to His people, to each person, as a son or daughter. Then the transformations of the heart will accelerate, and, among other things, it will not take years for believers to develop spiritual maturity.

I believe we will see unusual miracles, signs, wonders, and transformations that have never before been seen as the presence of God, in an atmosphere created by praise and worship, through believers who will not settle for less than His presence in their midst. God is ready and anxious to manifest Himself, and all He needs is for us to build the throne. We must give God and His worship top priority. We must take all the time we need to worship Him until His presence manifests, regardless of how long it takes. For many today, it will take the putting away of our agenda's; the turning away from religion; putting a stop to church as usual; and mostly, the dying of self. So, let us pull out the stops, the inhibitions, the limitations, and church as usual mindset and let us create an atmosphere of true worship where God can arise in the midst of His people. Grace and peace be with you all...  

The Best Father of All

Next Sunday is Father's Day. It is a celebration honoring fatherhood and the influence of fathers in society. It was first proposed by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington in 1909. It is currently celebrated in the United States annually on the third Sunday in June. Father's have always play a big part in every society. Unfortunately, there is a father absence crisis in America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 18.2 - 18.5 million children, that is, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Research shows the negative impact upon a child when raised in a father-absent home, that they may face in the following ways; There is a four times greater risk of poverty; Seven times more likely to become pregnant as a teen; more likely to have behavioral problems; more likely to face abuse and neglect; Two times greater risk of infant mortality; more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; more likely to go to prison; Two times more likely to suffer obesity; more likely to commit crime and Two times more likely to drop out of high school.

Although these statistics are real and even heartbreaking, nevertheless their is some wonderful news. God chooses to relate to us in terms we all understand, that is, terms of the family. Family is God's design for the foundation of all societies. Though God embodies the characteristics of both a father and a mother, yet, in a greater, more passionate way, He presents Himself as our Heavenly Father. When we put our faith in Jesus, we become children of God, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12–13) Jesus Himself taught us to call on God as Father, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven..." (Matthew 6:6-9)

We also see in Psalm 68:4-5 more wonderful news, especially to the fatherless, "Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation." Whether we have had a good earthly father or not, we know what a good father should be and what a good father should do. God is the greatest example of fatherhood by revealing to us in His very nature, as a good, good father. In His nature we find the need to be protected, loved, guided, valued, and even disciplined. And God will fulfill that role in our lives if we let Him. There is no need for anyone to be truly fatherless, because God is the perfect Father and He made provision for everyone to become a child of His.

Our Heavenly Father offers Himself as the ideal Father not only to those without earthly fathers, but to all who will come to Him, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." (John 6:37) "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God." (John 16:26–27) God gave His Son so that we might become His children, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) When we belong to Him, He expects us to call on Him, trusting His goodness. He wants us to give our worries over to Him to carry, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) and simply have confidence in Him as we desire to have confidence in our earthly father. God is the best Father there is, He will be a Father to the fatherless and He alone is capable of filling every void left by our imperfect earthly fathers. In truth, God is the only perfect Father and the One we all need most.

So, on this Father's Day, whether we have an earthly father or not, let us honor the greatest Father that ever was or will be, Almighty God, our Heavenly Father...

Pray Without Ceasing

The most remarkable and most moving prayer spoken by the LORD Jesus Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane. After celebrating the Passover, Jesus and His disciples, minus Judas Iscariot, sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30) Jesus' earthly ministry as the Son of Man is winding down. He knew why He had come from God and He knows what is about to happen. He takes His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He then takes Peter, John and James a little further into the garden to pray and says to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38) Jesus then leaves Peter, John and James, goes a little farther into the garden, falls on His face and begins to pray. These men have seen Jesus pray many times but something was different. They must have noticed the sorrow and distress that was upon Him. What they didn’t know, was Jesus was facing the fact that He would soon be made sin. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Next, "Jesus came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:40-41) He warns them to watch, literally, to abstain from sleep; to be vigilant, to guard against danger, and pray that they do not enter into temptation. He knew the danger that was coming and how the flesh might possibly give in to temptation. He knew that He was about to take the place of every human being and endure the punishment that was required to meet man’s greatest need, redemption.

In the incarnation, deity and humanity came together. Jesus was not mortal or immortal, but a perfect human being as Adam was before the fall. However, as man’s substitute, He would become mortal the moment sin was placed upon Him in the same way that Adam became mortal when he sinned. Jesus knew that the moment He would be made sin, He would experience what Adam experience when he himself sinned. He would spiritually die, be forsaken by the Father and then physically die. He knew that as Adam’s sin made him subject to Satan, it would be the same for Him. He knew that He would suffer in hell until the entire debt that humanity owed justice was paid in full.

Some may have trouble comprehending these things, but they are facts, "And they made His grave with the wicked, but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand." (Isaiah 53:9-10) The word death is plural in the original Hebrew and like Adam, Jesus died twice, spiritually and physically. Isaiah also tells us, "He has put Him to grief…" The word grief here means, to make sick, to be diseased, to afflict. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.)" (Galatians 3:13) We see that Jesus was made sin with our sin, was made sick with our sicknesses and a curse.

This should gives us a greater understanding as to what Jesus was going through in the Garden. "Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:43-44)  He alone must pay the penalty for humanity or humanity would be eternally lost. Did you ever notice that angels never came and ministered to Him while He was on the cross. I believe there was more spiritual agony here, than there was on the cross. Three times He prayed a prayer of dedication and consecration, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42) A more literal rendering would be, “If it be possible, take this cup from Me, not my will, but yours be carried through to completion and save humanity.”

After Jesus finishes praying, "He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." (Matthew 26:45-46) As Jesus emerged from prayer He had already won the the first part of the battle. He was no longer in sorrow and distress, but He was the Conqueror. He was ready for the trial; He was ready for the scourging; He was ready for the cross; He was ready to conquer sin and death; He was ready to redeem humanity from the hands of the enemy; He was ready to destroy sin, disease, poverty and everything that was set against humanity by Satan all due to Adam's transgression. Jesus emerged from prayer as the righteous, conquering King of kings and Lord of lords.

The apostle Paul tells us, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) As conquerors our prayer is to be one that is rooted in the Word of God. It is based on the believer knowing that their faith in Christ has already given them the victory over the circumstances that life may bring. It is one that is conceived within the believer that gives them the confidence that in Christ they are independent of their circumstances and, in a personal sense, "can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) It is the assured confidence that God is able to do what He said He would do. (Numbers 23:19) So, let us pray like Jesus our Conqueror, especially when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstance, knowing that we can, "Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)  

The LORD Our Righteousness

Sin consciousness can be traced to the main reason for practically every failure in a persons life, even that of a believer. For the believer, it erodes and even destroys faith. It destroys the initiative in the heart because it creates within, a sense of shame, unworthiness and can produce an inferiority complex. It causes the believer to be afraid of God because he/she has no sense of their legal right to stand in the Father's presence without condemnation, even though the scriptures call believers into fellowship with the Father and the Son (1 John 1:3). Few theologians have recognized the fact that sin consciousness is the parent of practically all human religions. When studying the basis of all the religions of the world, we find in every one, that man seeks to be healed of this awful tormenting condition. 

Sin consciousness not only destroys faith, it also robs us of our peace of mind and due to these two things, it tends to make ineffectual the most earnest and zealous prayer 1ife. Think about it this way. How can one honestly believe that God will hear and answer prayer if we approach Him unsure that He even accepts us? For the most part, theologians since Luther have not faced this issue head on and therefore, lack in presenting a cure for this condition. In the approach of man needing righteousness, the church has spent its efforts, preaching how unfit and unworthy the believer is before a Holy God. Many have attempted to meet this issue, but for the most part, they have failed to bring the cure that lasts. 

Man's cure has been confessing and repenting of sins, sorrow for sins, deep agony in prayer, going to church, doing penance, fasting, giving money, saying repetitive prayers, doing good deeds, giving up pleasures, fighting bad habits, putting themselves under discipline of self-denial and self-abasement, by neglecting the body. Some have even gone so far as to lacerate their bodies. Others have taken long pilgrimages and still others have separated themselves from society by locking themselves in seclusion. Some are finding temporary relief in confessing their sins to one another. Yet in all of these things man has only found temporary relief at best, from the pressure that is upon him. In other words, no works of any kind whether they be works of self-abnegation, repentance, penance, saying of prayers, or self-denial can ever rid the mind of sin consciousness. 

There are two types of sin consciousness. One is the man who has never been born again, "that at that time you were without Christ...having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) The unregenerate person, the natural man, is not just a sinner, he is more than that, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14) The Bible calls the unbeliever lawless and darkness. He is more than a transgressor. He is more than a violator of the law. He is by nature a son of disobedience and a child of wrath. (Ephesians 2:2-3) He is spiritually dead, that is, united with Satan. (John 8:44)

The other type of sin consciousness is the undeveloped believer. One who has never grown beyond the state of being a babe, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe." (Hebrews 5:12-13) As we can see the undeveloped believer does not know their rights and privileges in Christ being "unskilled in the word of righteousness."  

So, man is presented with a great dilemma. The problem is, can God legally deal with the sin problem and the sins problem? How can He deal with this Satanic nature that is in man? Has God provided a redemption that cures this sin condition? The answer to these three questions is unequivocally yes! God has made provision to make a New Creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) His plan is to bring a redemption that will impart His own nature into a person (2 Peter 1:3) thereby removing the sin nature and at the same time destroying sin consciousness. It is a redemption that covers every phase of man's need, by perfectly restoring his relationship as a child of God and restoring his fellowship with the Father so that there is no sense of guilt, shame, unworthiness or inferiority. A few of the wonderful aspects of God's brilliant plan of redemption are; the believer stands complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10); he is a partaker of the fullness of God in Christ. (John 1:16); he is a child of God. (John 1:12)

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul shows us another wonder of this redemption, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14) There are four facts revealed to us here. First, we are delivered out of Satan's dominion. Second, we are born into the kingdom of the Son of His love. The third, having redemption, meaning, Satan has no legal right to reign over the one who has confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and accepted Him as Savior. Fourth, He not only redeems us out of Satan's dominion, there is also a remission of our sins. This means that all sins previously committed are cancelled as though they never happened.

It is God alone, through Jesus Christ alone, (Acts 4:12) who has the cure that is not simply relief from sin consciousness, but a complete, eternal and comprehensive redemption which is available to all who call upon the name of Jesus. "to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be righteous and the righteousness of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:26) "Therefore, having been justified (declared righteous) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2) "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) The cure? The Father's own righteousness filling the believer. PTL

Jesus Is Our Banner

Today, Monday, May 25, 2026, the USA observes Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the USA on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally it was known as Decoration Day and was established after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Eventually, Memorial Day became a day to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Although we remember the fallen from wars fought in the natural realm, the reality is, all wars begins in the spiritual realm and manifest in the natural realm. Warring in the spiritual realm, began before the creation of man where Lucifer, rebelled against God in an attempt to be equal with God. (Isaiah 14:12-15) Unfortunately, this war did not stop there. Lucifer, now Satan, in his hatred towards God and towards man, created in the image and likeness of God, wages war on earth pitting man against man through his lies and deceptions.

In short, the war against humanity started in the Garden of Eden where Adam chose to surrender to Satan, transforming him from a child of God to a child of Satan. For thousands of years countless human lives have been lost through the lies and deceptions of the one whose sole purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Satan is known as destroyer, murderer, liar, deceiver, accuser, and especially the enemy of the human soul. He is the epitome of all that is evil and there is no good or truth in him. (John 8:44) He also is the one behind all sickness, disease, poverty, pestilence, death and every evil action known to man. Although, we see the evil and destructive nature of war in the natural realm, the Apostle Paul tells us the reality of war, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

History reveals the greatest war that was ever fought. This war was fought in both the natural and spiritual realms. This was the greatest war ever fought because not one person from the creation of man had ever been able to fight against Satan and rise the victor. All humanity was helpless and hopeless in this world, until the greatest warrior that ever walked on the earth emerged. His name, Jesus, the Son of God. Unfortunately, there are billions of people that  have not recognized the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid to set humanity free. Many of them may have heard the story of Jesus, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), but, "the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)

The night before Jesus would face this most horrendous battle, which meant it would cost Him His life, He sat with His disciples and in a sense, set up a Memorial Day for all generations to come to all who would call upon His Name to be saved. "When the hour had come, Jesus sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them,  with fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20)

The Apostle Paul tells us, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) As we can see, believers are to participate in "Holy Communion" as a deep, intimate connection with the One, Jesus Christ, who has given humanity more freedom than any nation(s) or army(s) could possible provide.

Through faith in Jesus Christ people no longer have to live under the tyrannical rule of Satan because Jesus Christ took the punishment for every sin of every man, woman and child in His own body on the cross. Satan and sin, which are synonymous, has been defeated and humanity can now be free. When we consider what Jesus did for us and all mankind, the mind can hardly comprehend it. The apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:18-19)

This means that not one person in all of humanity had the ability to provide redemption. God Himself became a man, Jesus, the Son of God, God the Son, the Christ who has provided mankind’s salvation and redemption. (John 1:14) It was God through Christ who redeemed mankind from the dominion of Satan. (1 John 3:8) It was God through Christ who destroyed death. (Hebrews 2:14) It was God through Christ who restored man’s authority over the Satan (Luke 10:19) It was God through Christ who paid mankind's debt so He could adopt us and make us His children (Romans 8:15-16) It is God through Christ who gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 2:3) It is God through Christ who gives us exceedingly great and precious promises. (2 Peter 1:4) It is God through Christ who gives us the victory at all times (1 Corinthians 15:57) and it is God through Christ who gave us eternal life (1 John 2:25) All the wonderful things come to us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Finally, Paul instructs us, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26) Believers are encouraged to celebrate our Memorial Day every day in remembrance of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we bring to remembrance the war that He fought and the life He gave to bring freedom to humanity. Although, Jesus had become a fallen warrior in the battle for freedom, He rose victoriously from the dead, completely liberating humanity, never to fall again. This has given hope to all, especially those who we honor on Memorial Day who have lost their lives protecting the freedoms we have in the USA. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) So, let us take time every day and give the highest honor to Jesus Christ, the One who has given all humanity the greatest of all freedoms, eternal life! PTL...