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John 4:23-26 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (KJV)
It’s time to rethink the term worship. Much of what I see being described as worship today is nothing more than a Sunday morning outward show, instead of what it was really meant to be; a new life in Christ. If you desire to stay with our Lord you need to stay on His turf, and renew your mind daily in order to stay there. Take notice that the truth will always involve Christ, the Son of the living God. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) We are made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body; if any one of these is not in order the house will fall. The Lord desires for His people to keep renewing the spirit of their mind so that they can worship Him in Spirit, which is far greater than the old man and its way of thinking. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) A constant and consistent renewing of the mind is like shoveling more dirt on the old man so that you can keep him buried with all your other dead works. Salvation is a constant change where you learn to rely more on the inward man by letting the truth subdue the old one. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) There are a lot of foolish doctrines being peddled as the truth by people who have limited our Lord to their carnal thinking. You are able to discern or judge things, not by the outward appearance any longer, rather you are able to see it through the eyes and understanding of our Lord, from His spiritual vantage point. You have the mind of Christ, now go, act and respond like you are really one of His people and stay put in the one realm that He operates in. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV)
One and done folks; not because I say so, but because our Lord is very specific in what realm He operates in, and the one area you need to be in if you are going to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 Timothy 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (KJV) You will notice consistently throughout the scriptures that the terms truth, faith, way, or even our Lord’s name is always mentioned in the singular, or one column. There have been so many names that are thrown around this earth, many of which did not come from the throne, at least not from the one above. Church, if the name doesn’t involve Christ then it is incomplete and missing the most important component which will get you to the one God who is above all. 1 Corinthians 8:5-7 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (KJV) If you don’t take a stand in Christ you will end up falling for anything that is not of God. As we see summed up clearly in verse 7, those that don’t have this knowledge have strayed outside that one realm of our Lord and have become weak; their spiritual house is divided and getting ready to fall. Luke 16:11-14 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (KJV) Today we have many Pharisees who only see dollar signs, and instead of teaching the people the true riches of the kingdom of God, many are preaching a doctrine that reveals the area they have fallen for and sold out to, that being the love of money. The true doctrine of Christ will point you above and not below the standard that our Lord would have you operate in today. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 3:24-26 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. (KJV)
Divide and conquer is a term used when opposing factions go to war. If the opposition can get their opponent to doubt or fear then they have gotten a foothold and the opponent will eventually fall. When a Christian goes outside of our Lord’s realm they open themselves up to a lot of things, none of which is good. Notice that the devil and his angels work together as one, and for those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened they can see the influence he has in this world; and yes it’s sad to say, but even in the so called church. Now if the enemy can work in unison and cause so much confusion, what do you think would happen if the Christians would follow suit (work in unison), worshipping and teaching sound doctrine in Spirit and in truth; what an influence that could have! Hosea 10:1-2 Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. 2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. (KJV) If you have ever gone through the Old Testament you will find that the downfall of God’s chosen people involved intermingling with those of this world. You will find that they were warned ahead of time not to do this because it would have a negative effect on them, leading to their downfall which is clearly illustrated throughout the Old Testament. You will find the same thing happening in your walk if you don’t keep the mind renewed daily in the one realm that is eternal. Doing this will keep the temporal things of this world from having such an influence on you and your decisions. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (KJV) So today the question begs to be asked, are you truly walking by faith or are you being misled by your outward sight? Without faith (not just the hearing, but the actual part where you step out in faith) it is impossible to please God, and remain in the one place He would have you to abide in today. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (KJV)
Have you ever had someone ask you what you think? Many will tell you what they think even when not asked; in fact I know I have given my point of view to many in the past when they were not really interested in what I thought because of the way I was living. Jesus Christ thought it was not robbery to be equal with God, which simply means to be in agreement with Him; and you should think it robbery if you are not equal today, or in agreement with what our Father has promised to those that believe. John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. (KJV) Remember, the same guy said He was the way, the truth and the life and no man can obtain eternal life except through Him. Well, we see the promise we have available when we stay on that one path, by the one Lord, who says specifically there is only one truth that sets us free. All of it is meaningless if you don’t take the time to find out who you are in Christ and renew the mind daily so that you can stay put in His realm. Verse 30 is a motto our Lord claimed and knew for Himself as truth. Do you know today that you and the Father are one, being in agreement? If not, it’s nothing short of robbery. Romans 15:4-6 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Our Lord wasn’t a double talker who said one thing and did another; otherwise He wouldn’t have been of much use to God. Neither will you if you don’t keep the mind renewed daily so that you can glorify our Father in heaven by receiving all that His Son died to give us access to. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (KJV)
Who is really number one in your life? As child of God, and a believer in Christ we see it should be narrowed down to the one who won back our lives for us while we were sitting on death row waiting for our sentence to be carried out. Psalm 12:1-4 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things: 4 Who have said, with our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (KJV) Simply put, anything outside the realm of one will put you in the category of number 2. Unless one makes our Lord their one and only priority in life it opens the door back up to a lot of things, none of which is what our Lord intended for you. Out of the abundance of the heart your mouth will speak depending on what is deposited in your spiritual bank. So make sure you keep your account open with daily deposits or you will end up with a NSF notice, non sufficient faith. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavered is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) When I see the term double added to the equation, I see that it rhymes with trouble, both of which seem to go hand in hand. Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV) There is only one realm where you will truly be considered an over comer; did you seek the kingdom of God first and stay put, or did you go sailing on the dead sea with high wind warnings of false doctrines predicted, doubling the odds that your ship wouldn’t stay afloat? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:16-18 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
When one is truly baptized (spiritually) into Christ, it will bring life to the believer and show them how to be more than a conqueror through Him that loved us. Instead of being taken in by any deadly doctrine of the serpent, which is how the enemy is described, you will bruise his head with your heel as you keep moving forward. You will speak with a new tongue because of the new heart you were given when born again and baptized into Christ. The words that you are now speaking will be spirit and life so that those who are spiritually sick can make a full recovery. Galatians 6:14-15 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) The whole purpose of the teachings the last couple of weeks is to get you to look beyond the old outdated rituals, and to see the true meaning of how to walk in the Spirit today, right now. These old rituals represent something far greater which is now within you; something that needs to continue working in you in order for you to be saved. We see that the crucifixion that we are partakers of is something that is ongoing so that a new creature can manifest and resurrect in you. Mankind crucified our Lord and left Him for dead, and many are still doing that again and again with their fallen doctrines. Will you let Him out of the tomb so that He can show Himself alive and real in you? 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) If you are not on the inside, then you are outside. If you quit looking at things after the flesh, then you will be in Christ and that new man will come to life by keeping the old one dead and passed away. Again, we see the true meaning of baptism; one dies so that they can resurrect into a new man, in a new realm of life. I John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV) Can you even begin to comprehend what a privilege and honor it is to be considered a son of God, a member of His royal family in Christ? Well, you are not going to find out what the true and pure meaning of His word and purpose is that He has for you until you step out of the old and into the new. Do you truly desire to be pure in His sight? How about baptizing yourself in the living spiritual waters, and leave those old, dead rituals behind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (KJV)
One of the most popular children’s songs is ‘rock a bye baby’ which is sung softly to get a child to sleep. The devil has his own version of that song to get carnal, baby Christians to fall back to sleep spiritually and miss out on what our Lord has for them. The enemy has many of God’s people out chasing a dream in the carnal realm thinking that something in the outward can bring peace and contentment to the Church. The enemy also lulls people to sleep getting them to think someday, when I am ready, then I will deal with this God stuff. John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he was dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever lives and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV) The last couple of weeks we have discussed the term baptism, what it really means and what it no longer represents. We have seen that baptism is really a new way of life, that doesn’t take place until there is a death. The same holds true with a resurrection; you won’t rise up, until you put the old man down and leave him there. Our Lord operates in the now, even describing Himself as, I am. Isn’t it comforting to know that when the Lord said that He would never leave us nor forsake us that we have been assured that when we call upon Him, He responds “here I am”? Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) If we are to be Christ like then shouldn’t we be operating in the ‘I am’ also? Our new life in Christ and being baptized into His death is what allows us to live by faith in the realm of the Spirit. I no longer frustrate the grace of God with old, outdated, dead rituals of the flesh, but I now walk in a newness of life. John 14:5-6 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) The Bible asks the question how can two walk together unless they are in agreement? How can you know that you are truly going the right way unless you are heading there today, right now? You can have directions to a destination but miss getting there simply by missing one turn. The same thing can happen spiritually if you start thinking beyond today, or keep your mind in the past, thinking that something back there is going to bring peace today. Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, what is his name? What shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (KJV) So what answer will you give when encountering one of God’s people today? Will it be some old outdated response, or are you ready to give our Lord’s response? I know I am ready, are you? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV)
Throughout the scriptures it is stated that you need to believe, be baptized, and stay baptized, dying to self and the old doubting nature. There is a river of life flowing from the throne of God and His Son desires to see His people drink these living waters; and when you continue to operate in now faith, you will allow this river to flow and continue to drown your old man so that you may resurrect into the new life available in Christ. Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (KJV) You are set free from a death sentence to walk in the liberty we have in Christ, made possible by His sacrifice. While many claim God is in the damning business, the truth is, He desires not only to set His people free, but see them continue in it. As we see clearly illustrated, our Lord is operating in the now. Is your salvation and foundation built on a rock, or a crock? Romans 8:5-7 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (KJV) When we walk more by sight than faith we become our own worst enemies. If we lose sight of salvation and the old man starts coming back to life, and we start dying spiritually which will result in an eternity separated from God if not brought into check. If you are not experiencing the peace of God daily, then you have drifted off the path of life, and need to find out where you made a wrong turn. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) What time does your spiritual clock say? How about 1:30 (that is 1 Corinthians), which shows us who Christ is, and what we have access to so that we can continue to stay free. No wonder the enemy of the Lord is described as being antichrist; look at all that is left out when you eliminate the Son of God from the equation. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)
You cannot operate in now faith unless you get the opposition of your old way of thinking out of the way. You have to keep the lower nature subdued, or baptized in Christ so that He can have more of an influence on you than the things of this world. God is not concerned about what you have done in the past, or with all the good intentions you have promised Him for the future. In reality, the only thing you have to work with is the here and now; and the true evidence of our Lord will not be found in the religious outward realm, but in a hidden one that you will need to personally seek out for yourself in order for it to become a reality. Hebrews 11:4-6 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) Today, keep your heart and mind in now faith; believe that God is really working in and through you. You came to God seeking His plan of salvation, seeking real results and answers to your prayers; anything short of that is a rip off. You serve a God that created the heavens and the earth, who says nothing is impossible to those that believe. Quit limiting our Lord with mans’ outdated fallen interpretations of the Word and their dead works, and rise up so that you can truly worship Him in spirit and in truth. Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (KJV) Many who are called of God today have not chosen to let God work on their behalf because of a lack of spiritual knowledge. Many still hold to the outward literal interpretations of the Word, and miss the true meaning. God has chosen those who will go deeper, those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth to be the ones who will take His message to the world. When you go back to the works of the law, you put yourself back under the curse; Christ is the end of all that nonsense. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
Let’s begin where we left off last week with the term baptized and what it represents spiritually. Baptism is not some outdated ritual anymore, but a way of life which starts with a death, that being our old fallen nature. Take notice of a key word in verse 16 which says “is” baptized and not “was”. “Is” refers to an ongoing process which one will have to continue if they are truly going to inherit eternal life, and not find out someday that they have run the race in vain; that all their labor was in vain, empty and worthless. Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (KJV) Remember the Bible is full of parables, symbols, and figures that use things we have seen in the outward to describe what is now taking place inwardly in the realm of the Spirit. Given the fact that God Himself is a Spirit then isn’t being in the Spirit the place you should be today, right now. Verse 4 reminds us that our old man is dead and buried, you know like your past? Romans 6:6-8 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV) So what time does your Spiritual clock show? How about now, today, this moment; do you believe more in Christ and what He has done on our behalf and less in what you think you are doing on His? Well, if you keep that doubting, pouting old man nailed to his spiritual cross will you be able to believe. Luke 11:21-23 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV) I don’t care how strong and gung ho you were in the beginning of your walk, if you let down your guard and allow the enemy to come back in and take over, the world and its carnal influences can have more of an effect on you than the Lord. Verse 23 is your wakeup call Church; if you are not with Him, well, then you are in opposition to Him. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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