Promises That Are Sure

Many times we hear of the promises of God. Many in the church are divided as to whether the promises revealed in scripture are for the church (every believer) today, if they were only for the start of the church, or if they are for the believer when they get to heaven. Well, let's face it, when believers leave this life for the next, they certainly will not need any of the promises that are revealed in the scriptures. Why? The Apostle John tells us, "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:1-5) Believers will not need the promises of God in eternity. They are all insignificant and useless because we will be in the presence of God basking in His glory. PTL

Did the promises of God fade away when the apostles of the early church went on to glory? In a sense, we can say that His promises are gifts. Therefore, the Apostle Paul tells us, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29) The gifts of God are not revoked, changed or undone. What He has given to the church He does not take back. Also, "Abraham, being fully convinced that what He (God) had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:21) Even Balaam's report to Balak points this out, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) 

So, the promises of God are for every believer today because, "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) When looking in the Old Testament, we find numerous examples of God making promises to Israel, especially in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. The only condition of walking in these promises was they would have to "...do what is right in the sight of the Lord, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes..." (Exodus 15:26) Today, through faith in Jesus Christ, the believer is made righteous. This means that do to God's amazing grace and through faith in Christ the believer fulfills the law. It is the believers faith that releases the promises of God in their life. This being so, then it stands to reason the the believer today can also receive the same promises and even greater based on Hebrews 8:6.

Think about it. Under the Old Covenant, by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, giving ear to His commandments and keeping all His statutes, Israel had the potential of living in the promises of God continually. Well, if the promises that God gave to Israel are not for us who are under a new and better covenant, then it would mean that we lost benefits (promises) when the new covenant was established through Jesus Christ. But that is not what the Bible says. It does not say that we have a worse covenant established on worse promises. No, it say that we have a better covenant established upon better promises. PTL So,  "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23) and receive the promises that God has for us through faith in Jesus Christ. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)        

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...

Hear I Am Lord

The Bible shows us a story of a boy named Samuel who, "ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation." (1 Samuel 3:1) Although, there was no widespread revelation at the time, a wonderful thing happened, "The Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am." (1 Samuel 3:4) Though Samuel, according to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, was about 11 years old at the time, and was not familiar with the voice of the Lord, he was directed by Eli as to how to respond, "Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, Samuel! Samuel, and Samuel answered, Speak, for Your servant hears." (1 Samuel 3:9-10)

Often the Lord calls to us, and like Samuel we are not always sure of His voice. This is not a bad thing, but the Lord wants us to hear Him speak and respond, so He can direct our path. (Proverbs 3:6)
Many believers look at Gods Word and see a scripture like, "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT) and simply marvel at the promise(s) of God. However, let's begin to see Gods Word as facts. We see within God's Word a wonderful promise made concerning His very nature, will and character, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Number 23:19) 

Because God tells us this concerning Himself, it is very important that we look closely at His Word and get it into our hearts. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Therefore, we conclude it is God's Word that not only creates and atmosphere of faith, but is what faith is to be built upon. In Luke chapter five, we find one of numerous passages of scripture that paints a clear picture of hearing the Word of God and responding to it as truth, reality, fact. In this passage of scripture, we find a leper who asks Jesus if He is willing to heal him. Jesus said, "I am willing, be cleansed". (Luke 5:13) Here we see Gods willingness to heal this man. As we continue on, we find an important key, "However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities." (Luke 5:15)

We see here in Luke 5:15, that a multitude heard His report, believed and were healed. However, in Isaiah 53:1, John 12:38 and Romans 10:16 we see the same question presented, "Who has believed our report?" This very question becomes a reality concerning God 's Word, later in Luke five, "Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:17-21)

Notice, "the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason." Reasoning is most likely the greatest enemy, the greatest hindrance to faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us concerning many Jews, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) A good example of this is found in Numbers chapters thirteen and fourteen where Moses reveals Gods promises to Israel and they did not mix it with faith, that is, receive the Word of God as fact and act upon it. Their unbelief caused a generation to die in the wilderness. Israel did not believe the promise that God gave to them concerning Canaan, the Promised Land, how He had given it to them and it would be a place of rest for them in the same way, Christ is the ultimate promise of rest, to those who believe in Him.

Today, when the Word of God is preached the same danger exists. If believers who hear God's Word, do not let it penetrate deep into their hearts to take root, unbelief becomes the end result, and believers become unfruitful. (John 15:1-11). In the Parable of the Soils, revealed in Mark chapter four, Jesus shows us the three main reasons why people, including believers, will hear God's Word, not allow it to take root in their heart where faith grows, and act upon it, that is, bear fruit. The Parable reveals that God's Word is seed that must be planted in good soil, the heart. When this is accomplished over and over, receiving God's Word in a willing heart, it produces faith which yields  a harvest. Jesus said, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) 

Going back to Samuel, we find that he heard the Lords voice and responded. In fact, Samuel was the last Judge of Israel, but moreover, one of the greatest prophets of all the prophets. So, let us be a people who spends time with the Lord, that is, reading, studying and meditating in and on His Word. As we do this more and more, we will come to know God in an intimate way thereby doing great things for Him in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. "...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." (Daniel 11:32) 

Who Am I

When Moses encountered "the Angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush" (Exodus 3:2), he was given instructions concerning the mission that the Lord had called him to. Before Moses departed, he asked, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, what is His name?’ what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you...This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations." (Exodus 3:13-15) 

I AM that I AM is the common English translation of the response that God revealed to Moses when he asked for His name. I AM in the Hebrew language is usually translated in English Bibles as "I AM...I WILL BE...I SHALL BE." Some translations render this name as "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE." The King James version of the Bible reveals God saying "I am" 508 times in the Old Testament and 211 times in the New Testament. Although they may be repeated, such as, "I am the Lord" or "I am God," nevertheless God reveals Himself as I AM throughout His Word. Other examples of this are, "I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus 15:26) "I am Almighty God." (Genesis 17:1) 

Taking this a step further, we also see, "For I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6) from the Old Testament, and "Jesus Christ (God in flesh) is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) from the New Testament. So, why are these things so very important for believers to fully comprehend? Simply put, because far to many of God's children, who love Him and serve Him are living under the weight of a Christianity that has been and is still being taught that God is no longer "I AM" but is now, I was or I may. What is meant by this statement? I am not trying to be  condescending or condemning, but the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Although Paul says, "we are not ignorant of his devices" this does not insinuate that every believer is not ignorant of Satan's devices. Unfortunately, many believers are ignorant of his plans and schemes. Paul also tells us, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) What are deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons? Deceiving spirits are evil spirits that cause someone to accept as true or valid that which is false or invalid. Those who fall prey to such deceptions, obviously do not know it. The doctrines of demons are doctrines blatantly contrary to Scripture. Again, because these doctrines are deceptive, they are easily accepted. 

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul is speaking to us emphatically, not to be ignorant of Satan's deceptive plans, which purpose is to bring apostasy, departing from the faith, through doctrines that are contrary to God's Word. Some good examples of these erroneous doctrines that have been accepted in many sectors of the church, come from teachers that say the age of miracles has past; that God is able to heal, but it may not be His will in certain circumstances; that sickness is God's will for His children. What a deceptive scheme. Satan has worked quite hard to hide the truth from all people, especially believers, concerning these things. Satan has broadcasted these unscriptural, deceptive and illogical doctrines so much, that it has almost succeeded in reducing Almighty God from I AM to I was or I may.

Let us now look at how this plays out in the lives of believers by looking at some Scriptures concerning Israel's condition under Egyptian rule. "And the Lord said, (to Moses) I have surely seen the oppression (affliction; shatter; troubles; misery; poverty; illness; depression) of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows (great pains and suffering)" (Exodus 3:7) Although this was prior to the giving of the Law, Israel was in covenant with God through the covenant that God established with Abraham. For the sake of time, let's skip forward to God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and see what took place. Keep in mind their condition mentioned above. "He (I AM- God) also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble (lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness) among His tribes." (Psalms 105:37) Under the Abrahamic covenant, Israel went from poverty to wealth, and from lacking physical and mental strength as a result of age or illness, to health as they exited Egypt. God also promised Israel, "...I will fulfill the number of your days." (Exodus 23:26)  

Next, look at what David also recognized under the same covenant concerning I AM, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:1-5) "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)  

Now let's look at the Scriptures concerning what God the Father worked in Christ for all, especially for believers. "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) Notice that Jesus is the, "Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." Question? How is it that those under a lesser covenant could have so much available or given to them by I AM than those under "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" by the same I AM? The reality is, Old Testament prophets and kings as well as angels have desired to look into this age of grace. What strange doctrines confront believers who are under this better covenant established on better promises that have absolutely no Scriptural evidence that the age of miracles have past and that the sick are not to look for better promises than those under a lesser covenant. 

We know, according to Scriptures, God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) But, is God more willing to show the mercy of forgiveness to the devil's children, the lost, than He is to His own children? Is He willing to show more mercy and provide better promises to those under a lesser covenant than He is to His own Children who through the meritorious work of Christ are under a better covenant with better promises? Absolutely not! The fact is, our Heavenly Father loves His own children even more than He loves the sinner and His promises to all believers are greater than those under the old covenant. Not only is He able, but He is completely willing in all circumstances to heal, deliver, preserve, rescue, save, provide, make whole and give long life His children. So, let us shed ourselves from all doubts as to who God is and know without doubt that  He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. For He is and will ever be, I AM!!!

He Never Changes

 The Holy Spirit through the Prophet Malachi reveals a very important aspect of God, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) God is immutable. He does not change. He is unchanging. He is unable to be changed. Nothing or no one is capable of changing Him. I labor this point due to the questions that arise concerning whether or not certain aspects of the church were only enacted over a particular space of time which we will look at. The primary meaning of the name Lord, is Jehovah, the "self-existent One who reveals Himself." (Exodus 3:14) The word God in Scripture, El, Elah, Elohim, suggests certain attributes of His Deity, such as His strength, whereas Lord reveals His essential being.

The first appearance of the name Jehovah in Scripture follows the creation of man. It was God, Elohim, Creator, who said, "Let us make man in our image." (Genesis 1:26) However, in the second chapter of Genesis, when man was formed and was given authority over creation, it is the Lord God, Jehovah Elohim, who acts. This clearly indicates a special relationship of Deity, as Jehovah, to man. We see this emphasized throughout the Scriptures. Jehovah is distinctly the redemptive name of Deity. Why do I say this? When sin entered and redemption became necessary, it was Jehovah Elohim who sought Adam and the woman, (Genesis 3:9-13), and clothed them with coats of skins. (Genesis 3:21) This is a beautiful type of righteousness provided by the Lord God, through a sacrifice, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)

The first distinct revelation of Himself by His name Jehovah was in connection with the redemption of the covenant people, Israel, out of Egypt (Exodus 3:13-17).  Since it is God's redemptive relationship to us that these names reveal, they must each point to Calvary where we were redeemed. The blessing that each name reveals must be provided in redemption, which the Scriptures clearly teach. These seven redemptive names, point to God's continuous and increasing revelation of Himself to man. In His redemptive relationship to man, Jehovah has seven compound names which reveal Him as meeting every need of humankind from Adam until the end of time.Interestingly enough, there are seven redemptive not six or eight, but seven. (Seven is the number of divine perfection)

These compound names which are revealed in Scripture are, (not in any particular order)...

• Jehovah-Jireh, "the Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:13-14); Christ is the offering provided for our complete redemption... 
• Jehovah-Nissi, "the Lord our banner" (Exodus 17:8-15); It was Christ's triumphed over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15) that He provided for us, as our Substitute, the redemptive privilege of saying, "Thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)...
• Jehovah-Shalom, "the Lord our peace," (Judges 6:23-24). This reveals to us the redemptive privilege of having His peace. Accordingly, Jesus says, "My peace I give to you." (John 14:27) This blessing is in redemption because "the chastisement of our peace was upon him" (Isaiah 53:5) and confirmed when "having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:20)...
• Jehovah-Ra-ah, "the Lord my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1) Jesus became our shepherd by giving His life for the sheep (John 10:11-15); therefore, this is also privilege provided in redemption...
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu, "the Lord our righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6); Jesus became our righteousness by bearing our sin; therefore, our privilege of receiving the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) is a redemptive blessing...
• Jehovah-Shammah, "the Lord is present" (Ezekiel 48:35) The Lord is present revealing to us the redemptive privilege of enjoying the presence of Him who says, "Lo,I am with you always even until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). This blessing provided in redemption is proven by the fact that we "have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)...
• Jehovah-Rapha, "the Lord that heals" (Exodus 15:26); This name is given to reveal to us our redemptive privilege of receiving the healing which was provided by Christ, our Substitute. Isaiah, in the redemptive chapter, declares, "he has borne our griefs (sicknesses), and carried our sorrows (pains) (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew. 8:17)

This completes the list of seven redemptive names of God, which were given for the purpose of revealing God's relationship to all of us under each of these seven titles. These seven names also belong to Christ. (John 1:1, 14) It is under each of these seven titles that He "is the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus says to all who come to Him for any of these seven
blessings, "He that comes to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) This is the Good News that God wants preached to all the world, so that every person may have the privilege of enjoying "the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:29) There is nothing of God's Word more "settled in heaven" than His redemptive names. No one has a right to change God, "I AM" to I was!!!

The Holy Spirit, who is sent to execute for us the blessings of redemption, is our Helper and He is ready to help us press through and beyond all of the obstacles that try to keep believers from all their redemptive rights through Jesus Christ. These blessings are pledged to us in His seven unchanging redemptive and covenant names of God. So, I want to encourage us all, if we need provision, Jehovah-Jireh will provide; if you need victory, Jehovah-Nissi, has provided it; if you need peace, it is available now through Jehovah-Shalom; we can rest in the fact that Jesus is Jehovah-Ra-ah our shepherd; by virtue of becoming a New Creation in Christ, Jehovah-Tsidkenu is our righteousness; we never have to feel that he has forsaken us, for Jehovah-Shammah is ever-present; if you need healing now, today, Jehovah-Rapha, is the healer of spirit, soul and body.

Finally, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) These redemptive names of God and everything they represent belong to you now! As we have seen, the Scriptures reveal, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) and "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) So, do not wait. By faith take hold of all of His promises. They belong to us NOW...

Soing or Sowing

In Mark's Gospel chapter four, Jesus teaches us the Parable of the Soils. In it He talks about seed being sown on four type of soils. In His explanation of the Parable He tells us the seed sown is the Word. In other words, God's Word is the seed of the divine life. It is life giving. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) Until one puts faith, unwavering trust in God's Word, he is trying to reap a harvest where there is no seed planted. It would be senseless for a farmer to have faith for a harvest before he has even planted the seed. In the same way, it is not God's will that there be a harvest without the planting of the seed, that is, without His will, His Word, being known and acted on.

For instance, for a sick person to know that it is God's will to heal him, it is necessary for the seed to be planted in his heart and mind. The seed is not planted until it is known, received and as I had mentioned, having unwavering trust that what God says is absolutely true and He is absolutely both willing and able to perform what He says. In the same way, no person can become a Christian before he or she knows that it is God's will to save. It is God's Word sown, trusted and acted upon which recreates the spirit and also heals both soul and body. God will always be limited in a persons life until he or she knows God's will in a matter. It is the Gospel, which the Holy Spirit says through the Apostle Paul, "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16) which applies to all its phases, both physical and spiritual.

Neither the spiritual nor the physical phase of the Gospel is to be applied by prayer alone. Seed is powerless until it is planted. So, if we are unsure of God's Will, instead of saying, "Pray for me" we should first say, "Teach me God's Word", so that we can intelligently cooperate with the Holy Spirit and receive the promises of God. Within the Apostle Paul's prayer for the church we see, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:17-18) After the eyes of our understanding are sufficiently enlightened, our attitude toward sickness, disease, sin and all the works of the devil should be the same as the Lord Jesus', "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

We can be sufficiently enlightened by the promises of God by simply believing that our prayer is heard before we have experienced the answer, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24) God's promises work their wonders while we see and act on eternal realities, that is, on His promises, on His faithfulness, etc., but we must stand on His Word and refuse to be affected by temporal things to the contrary. God always fulfills His promises when He can get the right cooperation. (Hebrews 10:23, 11:6) He always accepts us and undertakes for us when we apply Mark 11:24 to our daily lives.

To take this out further, let's look at Proverbs 4:20-22. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." God's Word cannot be health to either soul or body before it is heard, received and attended to. Notice here that the Words of God, spoken through Solomon, are life only to those who find them. If one desires to receive life and healing from God, they must take time to find the words in the scriptures that promise these results. When God's Word becomes health to all your flesh, your sickness and or disease will be gone.  Unfortunately, because many believers today have failed to find and attend to God's Word for their need(s), the promises that the Father has and is willing and able to give His children do not manifest. 

As we see in this Proverb and when we respond to it, His Words are "Life and health to all our flesh." The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:21-22) We also see that God tells us exactly how to attend to His Words, "Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart. Therefore, having your eyes on your circumstances and being occupied with them, will cause God's Word to "depart from your eyes." So, we are to look at, consider, meditate on God's Word and like Abraham, we also become strong in faith looking at the promises of God and nothing else.

As the only way a seed can do its work is by being kept in the ground, so the only way that God's imperishable seed can effectually work in us is by it being "kept in the midst of our heart." This does not mean occasionally, but continuously. This is most likely the main reason why many have failed to receive the wonderful promises of God. When we attend to God's Words by not letting them depart
from before our eyes and by keeping them in the midst of our heart, the seed takes root in good ground. This is the kind of ground in which, Jesus says, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) This is the crux of the message revealed in the Parable of the Soils.

Therefore, after you have planted your seed, (God's Word which give promise and solution to your circumstances) you simply believe it is growing even though you do not see it growing. This is faith that is, as the writer of Hebrews says, "the evidence of things not seen." By looking to Christ, by looking to God's Word, we have perfect evidence for faith. Any person can get rid of his or her doubts by looking only at the evidence that God has given for our faith, His Word. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Seeing only what God says will produce and increase faith.  By continuously, "giving attention to God's words; Inclining your ear to His sayings; not letting them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; we will find life, light, liberty, love, joy, guidance, wisdom, understanding, provision, perfect health and so much more. God's Word provides everything that we could ever possibly need in this life. (2 Peter 1:3)

So, let us take these final words to heart, as it has been said, "Don't doubt your faith; doubt your doubts, for they are unreliable." May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ flood your heart and mind. 

Better Covenant, Better Promises

During the ministry of Jesus on earth as the Son of Man, His dealings with humanity at that time was  exclusively with the Jews. Though they had a covenant with God, yet He was surrounded by people who were not born again. They had not received eternal life. On one particular encounter that Jesus had with the Jews, He revealed this stark reality to them, "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do..." (John 8:44) Though they contended that they were Abraham's children and even the children of God. However, due to the fall of Adam, they were all spiritually dead, and had the satanic nature within like every other person on earth. (Romans 3:23) How hard it must have been for Jesus, whose heart was filled with love, to tell them this unhappy truth. He was able to speak this truth to them, because He was not conformed to the world, His surroundings or to the opinions of man. He always spoke the things that He heard from His Father.(John 12:49)

It is not what people do or have done that separates them from God, it is what they are by nature that
separates them from God. By reason of Adam's rebellion and he being the federal representative of all humanity, all like him, were spiritually dead. As Jesus revealed, they all had the nature of the devil. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John tells us, "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest." (1 John 3:10) There are only to categories, one of two families, in which every person on earth is connected to. Unless one is born again through faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a child of God (John 1:12-13), they are a spiritually dead child of the devil. 

Due to this, as Jesus walked the earth, He was limited very largely to the physical realm in His contact with people. He healed them of disease, He raised some from the dead, He fed the multitudes, but He could not redeem them or make even one of them a new creation and give them eternal life. Although the Jews had a priesthood and the high priest made a yearly atonement for their sins, Jesus had not yet satisfied justice by paying the penalty of sin through His own sinless life and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for all. (Hebrews 9:11-12) We get a beautiful picture of this revealed in Hebrews.

"For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." (Hebrews 10:1-4) "And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:11-14)

We get a perfect picture here of the people (Jews) under the Old Covenant whose sin was simply covered, not taken away. Then Jesus comes and puts away all the sin that had been covered under the Old Covenant so that the Jews who put their faith in the atoning blood of animals could be saved and given eternal life by His sacrifice. No more would sin be simply covered, but taken away, removed, blotted out. Before this, there was no High Priest at the right hand of the Father with blood to show that the sin problem was dealt with. Before this, no human being could approach God. Before this, there was no Mediator at the right hand of the Father making intercession. However, Jesus has made these things available to all mankind. To do this, He became sin with our sin. He went to hell for three days and nights. In hell He satisfied the claims of justice and conquered Satan. He was raised from the dead by God's mighty power. He then carried His blood into heaven where it was accepted and then sat down at the Father's right hand making man's redemption a completed thing.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP) "He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 AMP) "Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3 AMP) The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:3-4 AMP) 

Finally, the Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews tells us, "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) What a wonderful thing. For all those who confess Jesus as Lord and take Him as Savior, redemption has been made eternal and available. Hallelujah! We are now new creations created in Christ Jesus and through faith in Jesus Christ, heaven is open and the promises of God are available to all who, "...believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you." (Mark 11:24)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you...

Had You Known Me

For centuries, many in the church have come to know God, that is, His will, nature, character, purpose and plan in a very non-biblical fashion. Many believers today also misunderstand or have a limited knowledge of God in this way, therefore, they miss out on the wonderful promises and manifestation of His Kingdom, Power and Glory that come through Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews records, "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days 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 (nature)..." (Hebrews 1:1-3) 

In and throughout the Old Testament, God used various methods in communicating his will, nature, character, purpose and plan to humanity. At times it was by direct communication and at times by dreams and visions. He did this mostly through the prophets. Although the prophets, were in a sense, great in God, the day came when God sent His only begotten Son into the world where He spoke to us in a way that brought the greatest revelation of His will, nature, character, purpose and plan. The writer goes on to say, that God's Son was the "brightness of His glory and the express image of His person." In other words, when Jesus was revealed in the flesh He was the "exact representation" of Father God's "nature."

The Greek word translated "exact representation" finds its origin in the making of coins by striking them, thus creating an impression upon them. This word can be translated as coined impression or
exact reproduction. The Greek word translated "nature" can be translated as real substance or essence. In other words, what these opening verses in Hebrews are telling us, is, that Jesus Christ is the exact representation, the coined impression, the exact reproduction of the nature, character, real substance, and essence of the Father. No one had ever revealed the Father so perfectly in every way until Jesus. This is one of the most important things that believer must fully understand if we want to know the perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan of God.

The Gospel of John expresses this fundamental, but most important truth concerning Jesus more often than any other book. The truth presented by the writer of Hebrews and, as we will see revealed by the Apostle John in his Gospel, can be easily taken for granted because at first glance it seems so apparent. Because it is so apparent, so obvious, it can be easily underestimated in significance. However, overlooking and underestimating the significance of this truth continues to be the main reason why so many believers have such a non-biblical perspective of God, in regard to His will, nature, character, purpose and plan, that is, who He truly and really is. We begin with the conversation that Jesus has with the eleven apostles (Judas Iscariot having left them to go and betray Jesus). Although the eleven are present, Jesus' conversation is directed towards Thomas and Philip.

"Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:6-7) Jesus tells them that He is "the way, the truth and the life." Jesus is the only access to the Father and He is the source of Truth and life. There is hardly a believer anywhere that would object to these rather obvious truths. He goes on, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." Notice that Jesus says, "if you had known Me, you would have known My Father also." In other words, to know Christ is to know the Father.  The word "known" in this passage, by definition, carries the same meaning as, "Now Adam "knew" Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain..." (Genesis 4:1) It is to have an intimate relationship, and intimate connection with Jesus as a man with his wife. 

Studying the life of Jesus will reveal the perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan of the Father. If believers fail to believe that Jesus knows and reveals the Father in this way in all matters, their knowledge of God will be filled with misconceptions of who He truly is. Mysteries that were once hidden in the Old Testament, are now revealed in Jesus, through His words and actions. The conversation continues, "Philip said to Jesus, Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us. Jesus said to him, have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works." (John 14:8-10)

This conversation reveals some important truths. Jesus tells Philip that when He is seen, the Father is also seen. Every word and every action of Jesus reveals the will of the Father. Jesus also reveals the special nature of the relationship between Himself and the Father. The fact is, Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus. The Father in Jesus gives Him the words to speak. The implication is that the teaching and commands of Jesus reveals the Father's perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan in all matters. Jesus gives credit to the Father for His works. The miracles and healing in the life of Jesus were expressions of the divine purpose of the Father. Finally, in this conversation, Jesus reveals what this special relationship between Him and His Father will mean to His disciples in the future, if believers want to do the same kind of works. Jesus continues...

"Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:11-14) Faith in Jesus includes believing that He was and is in the Father. This phrase is of great importance. In context of these verses, Jesus has been teaching the importance of believing that He has been revealing the Father. In fact, Jesus commands His followers to believe that very thing. If believers fail to believe that Jesus reveals the perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan of the Father, they will find that faith will be difficult for many of the things that Jesus did for humanity through His death, resurrection and glorification. They will also fail to understand and walk out in this life, the fact that Jesus calls upon all believers to replicate His ministry and do even greater things.

This great promise, "the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do" is conditioned on the earlier statement that believers must believe that Jesus is in the Father and the Father in Him. That Jesus is an exact reproduction of the Father revealing the Father's perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan in all matters. Believers must believe that the will, nature, character, purpose and plan of the Father was finding absolute perfect expression in the actions, attitudes, teaching and commands of Jesus. Now that Jesus has gone to be with the Father, the will, nature, character, purpose and plan of the Father can now be expressed through believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

We can now draw this important conclusion from what has been revealed in the above. Believing that God the Father was in Jesus expressing His perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan through everything that Jesus said and did, has opened the door for believers to do similar and even greater works than Jesus. While many believes would be quick to agree with these things, if they fail to grasp the significance of this highly important matter discussed here, they will fail to experience the miraculous works that Jesus promised those who believe, would do. Simply put, this is not a matter of the intellect, but of revelation. Without seeking God for a revelation of these things, we will see Christianity as no more than any other powerless world religion. We will continue to develop doctrinal disclaimers that disagree with the perfect will, nature, character, purpose and plan of God and possibly never come to see God as who He really is. 

So, let us be as Abraham, "Who did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21) Amen?

We Walk By Faith Not By Sight

The Bible reveals many principle concerning the faith that moves mountains. (Mark 11:23) In the King James Version of the Bible the word faith appears 243 times; 241 times in the New Testament. This is why believers should be well versed in all the aspects of faith as revealed in the Bible. One of the important thing that we must understand, although God is not bound by time and space, but is eternal, He also dwells in the "now."  (Exodus 3:14.) He does not need time nor does He depend on either the day or the night to do His works. The Bible clearly reveals that God is in the past and future at the same time, but can also invade the present. (Revelation 1:8) Therefore, in the spiritual realm, the past and the future come together in the present constituting the now.

One reason why most do not see supernatural manifestations of miracles, signs, and wonders in the church is that these things take place in the now. Unfortunately, many believers speak in terms of the future. They say that God will bring a revival; He will heal; He will perform miracles. They use a language for the future, not the now. But faith is now! (Hebrews 11:1.) We need to believe that God is bringing revival now; He is healing now; He is performing miracles now; the harvest of souls is  ready for gathering now! "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Most believers know where they came from and some know where they are going, but few know where they are now. They are unaware of what God is doing and saying at this very moment. 

The Apostle Paul tells us, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3) When we live according to sight only, we essentially have no comprehension of the reality of faith. Walking by sight causes believers to focus on the problems and difficulties that arise in this life. We forget that these things are temporary. This is one reason why the Apostle James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4) 

By faith, we must believe that God is intervening now. Now is the time to activate our faith. Job tells us, "You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28) Right now, 1et's declare and establish the time to receive healing for any sickness, disease, financial struggles or any other need that we may have. We must determine the time, refuse to let doubt or unbelief have place and God will do it. It is His promise. "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) 

I'm not suggesting that we are to order God around like a servant. I'm saying that these things are already done in the spiritual realm. Jesus has opened the door to all believers to receive all the promises God. (2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 8:6) The promises of God, are just waiting for us to decide when we will claim them. But we must remember, releasing the promises of God requires faith in the same way that Abraham believed God; "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness...He 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 4:3, 20-21) 

Let us also keep in mind what the Apostle James tells us, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) So, let us believe God above the circumstances, problems and or trials that we may face, look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, release our faith and receive the promise that God has for us.    

He Has Promises

Many times we hear of the promises of God. Many in the church are divided as to whether the promises revealed in scripture are for the church (every believer) today, if they were only for the start of the church, or if they are for the believer when they get to heaven. Well, let's face it, when believers leave this life for the next, they certainly will not need any of the promises that are revealed in the scriptures. Why? The Apostle John tells us, "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:1-5) Believers will not need the promises of God in eternity. They are all insignificant and useless because we will be in the presence of God basking in His glory. PTL

Did the promises of God fade away when the apostles of the early church went on to glory? In a sense, we can say that His promises are gifts. Therefore, the Apostle Paul tells us, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29) The gifts of God are not revoked, changed or undone. What He has given to the church He does not take back. Also, "Abraham, being fully convinced that what He (God) had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:21) Even Balaam's report to Balak points this out, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)      

So, the promises of God are for every believer today because, "But now He (Jesus) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) When looking in the Old Testament, we find numerous examples of God making promises to Israel, especially in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. The only condition of walking in these promises was they would have to "...do what is right in the sight of the Lord, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes..." (Exodus 15:26) Today, through faith in Jesus Christ, the believer is made righteous. This means that do to God's amazing grace and through faith in Christ the believer fulfills the law. It is the believers faith that releases the promises of God in their life. This being so, then it stands to reason the the believer today can also receive the same promises and even greater based on Hebrews 8:6.

Think about it. Under the Old Covenant, by doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, giving ear to His commandments and keeping all His statutes, Israel had the potential of living in the promises of God continually. Well, if the promises that God gave to Israel are not for us who are under a new and better covenant, then it would mean that we lost benefits (promises) when the new covenant was established through Jesus Christ. But that is not what the Bible says. It does not say that we have a worse covenant established on worse promises. No, it say that we have a better covenant established upon better promises. PTL So,  "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23) and receive the promises that God has for us through faith in Jesus Christ. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)        

Things to Remember

Today, throughout the United States it is a national holiday entitled, Memorial Day. It is a day in which Americans remember the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives so that others may have freedom. They did not give their lives for the United States alone, but also for others throughout the world in efforts to bring an end to demonized dictators who, like Satan their father, have only one desire, power over humanity. Their objective is to steal, kill, destroy and or hold in bondage to slavery their fellow man in efforts to promote their tyrannical reign.

Although people may have many thing to remember, for Christians the greatest Memorial Day for them should be, the day that we "confessed with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believed in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and were saved." (Romans 10:9) We celebrate the fact the Jesus Christ also paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life to save (redeem, heal, deliver, make whole) all humanity from Satan, the most evil, murderous tyrant known to man. We should remember as Paul said, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:1-2)

Notice that before one confesses Christ they "were dead in trespasses and sin" not spiritually sick, but spiritually dead. Cut off from and unable to communicate with God. This was due to the fact that before one is born again, they walk according to the world, according to the ways of the devil. Paul tells us that the devil, "The god of this age had blinded your mind from the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 4:4) However, one day in the history of man, God took it upon Himself the fix the problem, "He  anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) Then a glorious thing happened. Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." (John 6:44) Our heavenly Father drew us to Jesus, gave us the grace and faith to confess Christ. Then God immediately "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)

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 and provided man’s redemption. (John 1:14) It was God who redeemed man from the dominion of Satan. (1 John 3:8) It was God who destroyed death. (Hebrews 2:14) It was God who restored man’s authority over the Satan (Luke 10:19) It was God who adopted us through Jesus Christ and made us His children (Romans 8:15-16) It is God who gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 2:3) It is God who gives us exceedingly great and precious promises. (2 Peter 1:4) It is God who gives us the victory at all times (1 Corinthians 15:57) and it is God who gave us eternal life (1 John 2:25) all through Jesus Christ.

I could go on and on concerning what scripture says as to what God Himself did for humanity through Jesus Christ and what He gives to those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. When we look to the promises that God has made throughout the Bible, there are several estimations. They range from 3000 to 7000 promises. Many of these promises were spoken by the Prophets and have been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. However, in the New Testament there is an estimated 750 promises that God has bestowed upon the believer. PTL Although today is Memorial Day, for the believer remembering what God did us and what he has given to us, should be a Memorial Day celebration everyday.