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Matthew 4:8-11 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (KJV)
Again we see the devil taking a shot at the Lord; and again we see that it was foiled, and it was the devil that took a hike, and not one of God’s people. The question asked of our Lord is the same one the enemy is asking also, “so where is this word really written”? Now the chapter and verse was not the answer, rather where is it really written? Psalms 119:10-11 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. (11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (KJV) When one acquires a treasure they put it in a place where it cannot be stolen. When one treasures the things of God more than those of the world then this word is hid in their heart and is treasured more than anything in the outward. God’s word is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, which can cut through the lies and nonsense of the devil and provide the truth that sets one free. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (3) Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (KJV) The letter of the law kills, just like the thief who came to steal your joy and peace with just a twist of the scriptures. Many carry their Bibles around in public thinking that makes them a Christian; however, for the few who are truly chosen by our Lord they keep the Word hidden and know it by heart. Hebrews 10:15-16 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (KJV) We should be operating in the new covenant and not according to the old law. This new covenant works when you allow this word into the heart and then it renews our mind, and reminds us of who we really are in Christ and not what the enemy wants us to think. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) The only way you can faithfully resist the wiles of the devil is when you get to know the truth of God’s word by heart, which will set you free. A lion goes about making a lot of noise to try to scare up the weak and feeble so that he can get an easy meal. The more you get the Word into your heart the more real and alive it becomes, while the lies and the deceptions of the enemy don’t have any teeth. Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (KJV) It’s the outward man, or the old way of thinking, that should be perishing on a daily basis so that a new man can come to life and prevail. God’s own people perish for lack of knowledge; and they don’t walk in wisdom if His word does not become alive and real within the heart. Psalms 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (KJV) Are you a vessel fit and ready for the Master’s use? Out of the abundance of the heart is what the mouth will speak. So today true church in Christ, when the enemy comes along and asks you personally ‘where is it written’, you can tell him from the heart it is written and where he can take his false doctrine. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 3:15-16 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (KJV)
So what is going to keep the peace of God working in you; no I am not talking about once in a while, but rather on a daily basis? If something is not peaceable then it is not of God, and definitely not something that you should continue in. Do take notice of the fact that the word of Christ needs to get into the heart Church, before it moves to the mind. Many think that they need to memorize scriptures, which the reality is, that it is backwards and not going to keep one moving forward in their walk with the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) The word ‘careful’ refers to being anxious; similar to a runner jumping the gun. Those that wait upon the Lord will experience a peace which begins in the heart, then it will unscramble all those other carnal ideas that you thought would work. Again Church, this peace, the word of God, needs to get to the heart first which will then renew the mind. Some get this process reversed thinking that if they hurry they can chase down a blessing, which is just what the enemy desires to see God’s people doing. Matthew 4:3-4 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV) Now after a forty day fast the enemy took a shot at our Lord, trying to get Him to feed the carnal man first. Has the enemy ever tried to get you to go after something other than what God had intended? Do take note of the fact that the enemy wasn’t seeking a chapter and verse where this word was written in the Bible, rather he was checking to see if it was written somewhere else that would make it effective. Psalms 40:7-8 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, (8) I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (KJV) You know, when the enemy comes knocking on your door today he is asking the same question, what and where is it written? For those that know who they are in Christ they will be able to give the appropriate answer that will cause the enemy to flee, as well as keeping the peace of God working within. Acts 19:14-16 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. (15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (KJV) Well this sure doesn’t sound like a peaceable conclusion to the matter, and as we see it was the enemy that prevailed. Trying to imitate others or reading scripted versions of someone else’s account will not work the way that God intended. Hebrews 8:9-10 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. (10) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (KJV) The Bible says that if we resist the devil then he would do the fleeing, not the other way around. However, it is vital that you get this Word into the heart so that you know how effective it really is, and how much more peaceable as well. God bless dearly loved and let the peace of God rule in your heart today being one of the few peace keepers in all sincerity and truth; as well, have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Today I would like to share the following with you on intimate prayer verses the public display of prayer.
I clipped it out of a magazine a long time ago and do not recall who wrote it but it touched my heart and I have kept it all these years. Intimate prayer is a matter of the heart. Payer is no doubt the oldest form of meditation that has sustained and encouraged millions for centuries. It is a dialogue between oneself and God: talking to God about extremely personal matters, sharing with Him all that is in one’s heart, crying out to Him in anguish and thanking Him for all His blessings. And then it is simply being quiet, listening to what He wishes to say to us. Solitude. A stirring of one’s spirit, waiting upon the Lord. “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope” (Psalm 130:5) -- (author unknown). Public display of prayer is a matter of the fleshly man puffed up in their own mind seeking more to be seen and heard by man than God. An open show of their religion and not the hidden man of the heart. Matthew 6:1-8 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (5) And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (KJV) Now, do you see anywhere in these verses where it says that we should do our alms before man? Remember, anything that we do to be openly seen of man is alms before man. And yet we see many who do these very things; these public displays of prayer, washings, debates with reprobates, bashings (throwing stones, so to speak), etc. None of which do we see our Lord having done. He didn’t argue, fuss, humiliate, or glory in another’s flesh; He did what He saw the Father do, and spoke what He heard the Father speak; He knew the heart of man, and He held God to be true and every man a liar. Isn’t the fact that God sees all things and knows the thoughts and intents of the heart enough? He knows when we are doing or saying something from the heart with pure motives; those motives being only to please Him, for we seek not our reward here on earth but in Heaven. We don’t have to convince man that we are a Christian through outward showings. It is the hidden man of the heart that speaks volumes in word and in deed; in Spirit and in truth; speaking more to God than to man. Dearly loved brethren, let your honest and godly manner of life before God speak on your behalf. Don’t be as ‘the many’ who corrupt the Word of God through vain repetitions and public displays; instead be as the few who through intimate prayer in sincerity and in truth seek to please our Father in Heaven and Him only, regardless of what ‘the many’ say, do and consider Christianity to be. God bless, and be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, who sees in secret and rewards thee openly. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Will you allow the Lord to show you what needs to be removed and how to empty your backpack today? Now some things you will be able to cast aside quite easily, but there are other things that are a bit harder to let go of or to find; things that you have been hanging on to for probably a very long time, and may have forgotten about because you stuffed it way into the bottom of your spiritual backpack. You may or may not know what these are. It takes the Lord to enlighten the eyes of our understanding to see what it is that needs to be discarded for us to move forward in our Spiritual walk with Him.
Those of you who know what it is like to dig through a bag with a lot of stuff in it trying to find the one thing you are looking for sometimes takes a bit of time and it can be frustrating because you know that it is in that bag. Spiritually; first, cease from your own works. If you are trying to find it on your own then it will take more time because you become so frustrated that you forget that the Lord is here to help you, to enlighten your eyes to see what it is that needs to be dealt with, easing the burden, in order for your Spiritual growth to continue. If you are trying to let go of that which you have been hanging on to for many years it takes time, as well as a lot of hard work. The hard work is getting the flesh, the old nature that is comfortable or used to the way things are, into subjection to the Spirit. The easing of the burden is met through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has been right where you are and relied on the leading of the Spirit to overcome the world. On our own it will seem impossible but with God all things are possible. In and through Christ you are able to let go of that which is no longer beneficial to your walk in the Spirit. Remember, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; you can’t take the old with you, as it is weighing you down spiritually and you will be unable to soar up and meet Him in the air come the time the Lord calls you home to be with Him for eternity. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) So today, wait upon the Lord to give you instruction on that which He is asking you to empty out of your spiritual backpack, the easing of the burden. Because if you wait, He will renew your strength and enable you to overcome in the area that He is asking you too. For where the Lord is there is always strength, without Him you can do nothing. Spiritual strength, the power of Christ, gives us liberty and allows us to mount up with wings as eagles, and soar above the cares and concerns of this life, and experience joy above and beyond what we could have asked or thought. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (KJV) So in closing, my beloved brethren, I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; and that you will allow the Lord this day to ease your burden and put a skip in your Spiritual step with joy unspeakable and for all to see. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. There are many things in this life that one puts into their spiritual backpack and carries around with them wherever they go and in whatever they do without really paying attention to how much they are stuffing into it and not removing anything. Now the things that I am talking about are the unpleasant things; whether it is the loss of a job or a family member, or maybe an unpleasant childhood event, as well as the everyday cares and concerns of this life. All of these things weigh one down spiritually and for many these things cause death, whether spiritually or physically, because one is unable to bear the burden and feel that they have no one or place to turn to for help. Many fall under the weight of their spiritual backpack.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) There is One in heaven who has taken on our infirmities and who is able to help bear the burdens of life by providing the way of escape for us if we take the time to seek Him and allow Him to deliver us from our destructions, that being Christ Jesus. He took on the weight of the world and was triumphant over it. He told us to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world and its wicked ways; which He is now able to help us in the time of need, knowing how to overcome and is willing to show us the way of escape, the way to empty our spiritual backpack of those things that weigh us down and keep us from living an abundant and full life in Him, free from the cares and concerns of this life. Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (KJV) Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) It is time to empty out that junk in your spiritual backpack that is weighing you down. Instead fill it up with that which will continually give you life and life more abundantly, and is not burdensome but helps to lighten the load of this life, allowing you to remain up in the air in heavenly places in Christ Jesus who is seated at the right hand side of God our Father. Will you allow the Lord to show you what needs to be removed and how to empty your backpack today? My beloved brethren I leave you with these words today… Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:10-12 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) 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? (KJV)
Many have aspirations of being a minister of God; however, they overlook simple little things that cause them to fall away. Paul was specific to write that the root cause of all evil is traced back to the heart and the true desires of it. In our Lord’s realm, it is the opposite of mans; what man esteems to be first on their priority list is actually the least concern of our Lord, where what the Lord would consider first would get put on the back burner by man. Yeah that love of money has taken many a well intentioned preacher to the bottom and drowned them in destruction and perdition. Luke 16:13-14 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) It’s one or the other Church, we are either with our Lord or we are in opposition, no middle ground. I have heard some modern day Pharisees who claim that giving money to their organizations is the highest form of worship. Yet our Lord was quite specific in the fact that His true worshippers would be doing so in the realm of the Spirit, and according to truth, which has nothing to do with dollar amounts, does it? Luke 12:25-28 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (KJV) The Lord desires for His people to grow up and mature in the realm of the Spirit by their faith in the completed work that He has done on our behalf. However, when looking around today and listening to many of mans fallen doctrines I see that they are spinning in circles thinking that something carnal would ever satisfy a Spiritual need. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (KJV) Didn’t take much leaven to get in and infiltrate the whole lump did it? The enemy tweaks the doctrine a little bit, just enough to make it too good to be true. In order to partake of the riches above and be used of God effectively, you will need to abandon your pursuit of the riches of this fallen temporal world. You just can’t have it both ways Church. James 3:4-6 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. (5) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (KJV) You know, if that rudder is just a bit off in the beginning of the launch and nobody notices it right away, by the time it gets to the other side of the sea it will be way off course. Didn’t take much to cause trouble did it; a very small helm or that little member of ours called a tongue, which can be such a hot button if left unchecked. Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (KJV) God has called many into His fold, yet in the end only a few are really chosen. The few are the ones who have not overlooked the simple little things that God said would be deal breakers if not observed. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1John 5:5-7 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (6) This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (KJV)
There was more to this man Jesus Christ than what people could see on the outward. Some would make their determinations based on His carnal lineage and not on the Spiritual one, referring only to Him as being the son of a carpenter. Those that know the truth that has been personally revealed to them through the Spirit know that Jesus of Nazareth was a man who was led by the Spirit of Christ, the first born again man. Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (2) (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) (3) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (KJV) The Bible is pretty consistent in the fact that Jesus Christ is referred as the Son, and not God Himself. This man was also referred to as being the seed of David based on the flesh. However, it took two births for this man to accomplish the task that God had set in motion so that we could be reconciled. 2Corinthians 5:19-21 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV) That same God that was in Christ is within us as well, showing us personally on a daily basis how we can be reconciled with God. All through the Word you see that God sent His Son to do His work so that He could take the sin of the world and deal with it once and for all; so that the middle wall of partition could be taken down and we too could have access to the throne. Matthew 27:45-46 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (46) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (KJV) This man Jesus of Nazareth was about to finish his ministry by dying on the cross. We see that Christ the Son of God was crying out as well, because He never knew sin and never knew what separation from God was about. Christ spent three days and three nights in hell, a place of torment to pay the spiritual price for mankind so that we would not have to taste the second death. As painful a beating as the Son of man took on before the cross, the spiritual beating and torment that Christ took was far more excruciating and painful given the fact that the spiritual is so much greater than the physical. Romans 6:21-23 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) You know folks, our death sentence has been already carried out, and a way of escape has been provided by God through His Son. The wages of sin is a death sentence, and was not totally accomplished until Christ the Son of God went to hell, paid the price, and rose victoriously with the keys of hell and death; unlocking the gates so that His church would no longer be held in bondage to it any longer. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1John 5:7-8 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (KJV)
Three in one is the heavenly equation; and as we see, those that are in this realm have three that agree in one. Three separate entities, yet they all work as one to bear or to give testimony to what they know personally. The question now becomes, who and what source are you receiving your witness from, are you limited to just the realm of the flesh or have you stepped out and expanded your search to those things which are above? 1Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV) Those that are in the flesh cannot please God because they limit themselves to the carnal realm and what the limited carnal mind can interpret. Those that allow God to reveal Himself personally through the Spirit are able to see the deep things of God, and are not so easily swayed by man’s limited fallen interpretations of His word. 1Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV) Do take note of the fact that the things of God are unknown to man, well at least the carnal man who chooses to reject the wisdom from above and rely on their own works. The things of God are there for the taking, and it is a free gift to all. So Church, don’t neglect this free gift that God had His own Son die for on our behalf, because you will have an eternity to ponder what should have been and what was really a simple plan of salvation. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) Until you personally are able to come to a working knowledge of God through His Son you will be tossed to and fro with man’s fallen doctrines which are based on an outward determination and not the inward. We see Jesus Christ of Nazareth clearly praying to His Father in heaven, and again making clear the fact that a relationship with Him can only be established by the truth which only comes from above. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) So how rock solid is your relationship today with our Father in heaven? Is it based on fact that came directly from the throne of God through His Son, or did you just settle for second hand opinions? We see Jesus being referred to as the Christ, the Son of God, which is why He was able to give an accurate account based on truth. You clearly see the fact that Jesus did not say that He was God, but rather God’s Son is how it is described. Mark 13:31-33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (32) But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (33) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. (KJV) I bring this point up because some are predicting the end of the world and are giving dates in which it will happen. Hey Church, wouldn’t it be great if Jesus of Nazareth could have just named the date and time, and then we could all be ready? Well, he would have had to be God in order for that to happen, would he not? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1John 5:7-9 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (9) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (KJV)
We are establishing a heavenly order so that we can operate in and understand better the plan of salvation God sent our way through His Son. We see the difference of those that are born of flesh are flesh, and those which are born of Spirit would be considered Spiritual people as well, because they rely on the testimony from above as being accurate. John 14:26-28 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (28) Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (KJV) Jesus Christ came that we would have life, and have it in abundance; which for those that are born again it is referring to the realm of the Spirit. We see the Son making reference to His Father in heaven, even to the point of describing Him as greater than Himself. So before jumping on this popular doctrine of mankind that swears up and down that Jesus was God you need to make your determination based on fact and not on fiction. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV) When you come to an understanding of the Father-Son relationship it is a real eye opener because you are able to see for yourself as a member of the body of Christ also, and not just some spectator looking in from the outside. Once you begin to see and understand this revelation, which is described as a mystery it makes you and the testimony you deliver a lot more powerful and effective. John 13:16-18 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (17) If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. (KJV) God bases His choice of people that He uses to deliver His message on the heart and the true motives of it. God does not play favorites, neither is He looking for people pleasers; rather He is looking for those that hold Him to be true and man the liar, no matter who or how many choose the witness of man over the greater witness from above. 1John 4:4-6 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (KJV) The greater witness is based on the inward man who is revealing truth to His people, and not the outward man who bases his success by big buildings and followers. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1John 5:7-8 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (KJV)
Just for the record, this week our goal is to see the order set in place, first with our Father in heaven, followed by His Son, as well as the Holy Ghost. Now do be aware that some have altered this order, even to the point of claiming that Jesus was God. As we go through the scriptures this week you can make your own determination based on what the Father says, which I personally consider to be the highest source, not only on this earth but I would include the whole universe as well. 1Corinthians 11:1-3 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV) Jesus Christ was sent by God, His Father, to manifest a plan of salvation which was made available through His perfect sacrifice. You will notice throughout the scriptures that Jesus Christ is referred to as the Son of God, as well as the Son of man. So Christ Himself followed a plan dictated by His Father in heaven which is clearly spelled out in the New Testament for those who are truly seeking the truth that would set them free. 1Corinthians 15:26-28 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (27) For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (28) And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all. (KJV) The Bible is very specific in the fact that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between man and God, our only way to the throne. We see again that Jesus Christ is referred to as the Son, who also is subject to the Father. Knowing for yourself the Father-Son relationship will go a long way toward you establishing your own personal relationship with the Father through the Son as well, revealing Himself through the Holy Spirit. 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) We see again the record set straight in the fact that God the Father is above all. In fact when you see the term Father it refers to supreme, or the head would be another definition. So how does one describe the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as being one, yet described as separate? Well, for today we will establish the order set in heaven, and continue in the Word to see how it all plays out through the Bible. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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