Faith. So many things have been said about faith and so many mistakes have been made concerning faith. For years, we've been in pursuit of this somewhat hard to find quality in our lives.
What is faith? Where does it come from? Who has faith? How do you obtain faith? Does faith always work? How important is faith in the life of a believer? Do you need faith in order to be a Christian? Is there any other way to reach God without faith?
Many of these questions have plagued the Church for numerous years and seem to be unobtainable to many. Some have felt like they don't have enough faith to function in the full capacity of the Christian life. Some have simply given up trying to reach the desired walk with our Father because they feel as though they have enough faith to reach this great goal.
To begin our study on faith, let's find out what it is. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says that without faith it is impossible to please God. So those wishing to please the Father must know how, why, where,when and seek knowledge about faith.
Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) also says that, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of the (things) we do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses)." According to the Word of God, Hebrews 11:6 is the true definition of what faith really is.
It's not some weird thing that can be conjured up by certain persons. It's not something you need to pray for. It is a gift of God given to every man, woman and child who was ever born into this world. Romans 12:3 KJV says,"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, accordingly as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Some seemingly oppose faith (by thinking of themselves more highly than they should) by continuing to act like they haven't been completely cleansed of sin from their past. It almost sounds like they believe that it wasn't enough for Jesus to die for our sins. And, it almost sounds backwards, doesn't it? We can actually oppose faith by false pride and false humility and make faith of no avail. We can act like we're still sinners and contain faith to this one place in our lives.
If we still feel condemned and guilty over our past, then faith hasn't been able to do it's perfect work. After all, Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified)says that if we still feel condemned in His presence, then we're not in complete faith concerning the cross and this is not pleasing to the Father.
Yesterday's Blog contained Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified) which says, "We are saved by grace, through faith, this not of ourselves but is the gift of God." What is the gift of God? The grace or the faith to receive grace? I believe that both are free gift of God. The only way we can accept this mighty gift of His free grace is by faith.
So what is faith? It's what I always wanted...to be pleasing to God, to be able to walk with Him, to fellowship with Him and to be in a place where when I pray I have the assurance that He hears me. In Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified), my faith is the assurance of all these things I've hoped for.
How can I make such a statement about myself being pleasing to God? By faith in God's Word and the sacrifice of Jesus. Is it based on my good works? No. It's based on faith in Him. If it's works, then it's not faith. If it's not faith, then it's not pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6).
How do I understand this faith God gave me? Romans 10:17 (Amplified) says, "So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the message that came from the lips) of Christ (the Messiah Himself)." So, the more I hear the Word of grace and truth preached, the greater my faith in Jesus will increase. Romans 1:17 (Amplified) says, "For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith (disclosed through the faith and leading to faith that arouses to more faith) as it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live by faith.
Everything in the new covenant is, and must be, received through and by faith. Works are dead, sacrifice is done, pride is excluded and only faith will prevail for the fullness of the cross. We have believed and received a portion of what Jesus went to the cross for, but we've let our faith fail in many other areas of our Christian life. We've struggled trying to have faith for so many promises of God.
Ou faith is to be placed in and only in Jesus. The more we learn about what Jesus did on our behalf, the more faith we will have in our covenant with God. We don't set our faith in healing, but faith in the fact that Jesus bore our sickness and disease. This is a truth in our covenant that only faith can obtain.
We don't try to find formulas that work and rituals that are pleasing to the flesh and make us feel like we've done our part. Our part is simply to believe and have faith in the truth that Jesus did it all. The only way to have faith in the fullness of our covenant of grace, is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. Man-made doctrines got us saved (allowed us to get to heaven when we leave here), but have excluded the benefits of grace while we are here.
Jesus has made us righteous (if we will accept it) by faith in His Sacrifice. There's only one thing that can make us righteous and that's faith in Him according to Romans 3:22 (Amplified).
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Lesson 1 FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) tells us, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him (God) for whoever would come near to Him (God) must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
This whole new covenant of grace is based on faith. Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified) says, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through (your) faith. And this (salvation) is not of yourselves (of your own doing, it came not through your own striving) but is the gift of God."
All the things we strive to do on our own will not and cannot bring us what we hope to acquire in God. This covenant we're called to must be and can only be achieved by faith in what Jesus did, from the forgiveness of sin to the healing in your body. Everything that will be made manifest in this earthly realm must be received by faith in the finished work of the cross.
We fail to be healed and receive most of the promises of the new covenant because we still try to earn and deserve them through works and not because God is holding anything back from us. Although we no longer observe the ceremonial parts of the Law, we still try to fulfill the Law by works (whether or not we realize it).
God plainly said in Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) that without faith, it's impossible to please Him. We keep trying to please Him by our performance. We feel like if we pray more, study more, do more or give more then we'll be pleasing to God. NOT TRUE. Though we should do all of these things, it's not to please God, but what we're supposed to be doing as His children.
We don't pray more in order to please God, but to fellowship with Him. We don't study the Word more to please God, but to learn of Him. We don't give more to please God, but to establish His covenant in the world. We don't perform better to please Him, but to reflect into the world the very person of Jesus Himself. All of the things that we're to do aren't done in order to please God, but to reveal to the world around us that Jesus lives in us by grace and faith.
We can't do enough good works to pay the debt of sin removal in our lives. We must, by faith, accept that Jesus did it all. If we try paying for our past and our sins, then we're not putting faith in what Jesus did, but in our own works.
Everything in this covenant of grace must be received as a free gift by faith. We feel that if we do wrong things, we must do something to make amends for them. This isn't faith, but works again.
Does this mean that it makes no difference if we do wrong? No, of course not. When do wrong, instead of trying to make amends for it by works, we should believe by faith that Jesus still removes it in our lives. Sometimes we act like we believe Jesus bore our sins to get us born again, but then we have to cleanse ourselves thereafter. This impossible to do. The same Blood and sacrifice that put sin away when we were saved, is the same Blood and sacrifice that will keep cleansing (by faith) forever.
We've been taught over the years that if things go wrong in our lives, it's because we're doing something wrong. When that thought comes, we being trying to do things in order to make it work. This is, whether we know it or not, trying to obtain whatever it was by works. If something in the covenant isn't working in our lives, then it's because we've never let our hearts (by faith) receive it.
We've come up with many things trying to justify ourselves because of this. But, the bottom line is we have allowed our faith to fail in certain parts of our covenant. If this is a covenant of grace (God's unmerited favor), then it's exactly that...unmerited favor. None of it was earned and none of it can be earned. Only faith in this grace can obtain it in our lives.
Jesus said in John 17:23 (Amplified), "I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and (definitely) recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them (even) as You have loved Me."
In this scripture (if you have faith in it), Jesus said that we are perfectly united with Him and God and one another and that we are just as healed, justified, sinless, righteous and holy as He is. We cannot begin to receive this prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17 (Amplified) unless we receive it by faith. When receiving this by faith, we're not being puffed up with pride and lost favor with God. Contrarily, this means that you've become pleasing to Him because you've come in faith and believed He is the rewarder of those who seek Him out.
What is the reward we seek God for? Is is not that we be clean before Him and be united with Him as one? The only way to achieve this is by faith. When we have faith in all that Jesus did, then this is what pleases God. The reward that we receive is grace to help in our times of need according to Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) which says that the only way to approach the throne of grace is by faith. It is never approached by works or our own merit, but by the unmerited favor of God.
Everything we receive from God must be obtained by faith. Grace has already been extended to us, but only faith can obtain it. Salvation (by grace) has been extended to the entire world, but only those who put faith in it are saved.
This whole new covenant of grace is based on faith. Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified) says, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through (your) faith. And this (salvation) is not of yourselves (of your own doing, it came not through your own striving) but is the gift of God."
All the things we strive to do on our own will not and cannot bring us what we hope to acquire in God. This covenant we're called to must be and can only be achieved by faith in what Jesus did, from the forgiveness of sin to the healing in your body. Everything that will be made manifest in this earthly realm must be received by faith in the finished work of the cross.
We fail to be healed and receive most of the promises of the new covenant because we still try to earn and deserve them through works and not because God is holding anything back from us. Although we no longer observe the ceremonial parts of the Law, we still try to fulfill the Law by works (whether or not we realize it).
God plainly said in Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) that without faith, it's impossible to please Him. We keep trying to please Him by our performance. We feel like if we pray more, study more, do more or give more then we'll be pleasing to God. NOT TRUE. Though we should do all of these things, it's not to please God, but what we're supposed to be doing as His children.
We don't pray more in order to please God, but to fellowship with Him. We don't study the Word more to please God, but to learn of Him. We don't give more to please God, but to establish His covenant in the world. We don't perform better to please Him, but to reflect into the world the very person of Jesus Himself. All of the things that we're to do aren't done in order to please God, but to reveal to the world around us that Jesus lives in us by grace and faith.
We can't do enough good works to pay the debt of sin removal in our lives. We must, by faith, accept that Jesus did it all. If we try paying for our past and our sins, then we're not putting faith in what Jesus did, but in our own works.
Everything in this covenant of grace must be received as a free gift by faith. We feel that if we do wrong things, we must do something to make amends for them. This isn't faith, but works again.
Does this mean that it makes no difference if we do wrong? No, of course not. When do wrong, instead of trying to make amends for it by works, we should believe by faith that Jesus still removes it in our lives. Sometimes we act like we believe Jesus bore our sins to get us born again, but then we have to cleanse ourselves thereafter. This impossible to do. The same Blood and sacrifice that put sin away when we were saved, is the same Blood and sacrifice that will keep cleansing (by faith) forever.
We've been taught over the years that if things go wrong in our lives, it's because we're doing something wrong. When that thought comes, we being trying to do things in order to make it work. This is, whether we know it or not, trying to obtain whatever it was by works. If something in the covenant isn't working in our lives, then it's because we've never let our hearts (by faith) receive it.
We've come up with many things trying to justify ourselves because of this. But, the bottom line is we have allowed our faith to fail in certain parts of our covenant. If this is a covenant of grace (God's unmerited favor), then it's exactly that...unmerited favor. None of it was earned and none of it can be earned. Only faith in this grace can obtain it in our lives.
Jesus said in John 17:23 (Amplified), "I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and (definitely) recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them (even) as You have loved Me."
In this scripture (if you have faith in it), Jesus said that we are perfectly united with Him and God and one another and that we are just as healed, justified, sinless, righteous and holy as He is. We cannot begin to receive this prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17 (Amplified) unless we receive it by faith. When receiving this by faith, we're not being puffed up with pride and lost favor with God. Contrarily, this means that you've become pleasing to Him because you've come in faith and believed He is the rewarder of those who seek Him out.
What is the reward we seek God for? Is is not that we be clean before Him and be united with Him as one? The only way to achieve this is by faith. When we have faith in all that Jesus did, then this is what pleases God. The reward that we receive is grace to help in our times of need according to Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) which says that the only way to approach the throne of grace is by faith. It is never approached by works or our own merit, but by the unmerited favor of God.
Everything we receive from God must be obtained by faith. Grace has already been extended to us, but only faith can obtain it. Salvation (by grace) has been extended to the entire world, but only those who put faith in it are saved.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Lesson 15 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) tells us that the Prince of Peace is one of the many titles given to portray Jesus Christ in the Word of God. Revelations 19 says that on His head were many crowns. One of these crowns is Prince of Peace.
Though we are free from the Law because by grace you are saved, the Law had and still has a place in the unsaved portion of the world. Romans 2:14 (Amplified) says that, "When Gentiles who have not the (divine) Law do instinctively what the Law requires, they are a Law to themselves, since they do not the Law." Verse 15 says, "They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness and their (moral) decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse (them)."
Without the Law being written in our hearts, we would never have realized we were sinners and needed a savior. Some people know they are wrong and excuse their sin by public opinion. With others, we find ourselves in a place of no escape and realize that we need Jesus. This is according to God's plan for us Gentiles and it works perfectly.
The obstacle has been that once conviction comes and we realize we need Jesus, we fail to go from convicting Law to saving grace. We allow the same sin consciences that brought us to Jesus to keep us from fellowship with Jesus. We fail to acknowledge that once you receive Jesus, you are free. Now, this same conscience that convicted you to salvation still works and convicts you in you salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says that, "For our sakes He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him, we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right standing with Him), by His goodness."
Because Jesus became our sin bearer and we've become His righteousness, our hearts and consciences that once was our friend and brought us to Christ now has become our enemy and keeps us in condemnation and guilt. Romans 12:1-3 (Amplified) tells us that "We are now to renew our minds to think as we have been approved unto God. Not to be conformed to the world and its external and superficial customs, But to be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of our minds."
We must learn to think according to what the Word says about us and not what the world or our consciences say about us. Romans 12:3 (Amplified) goes on to say, "We're not to think of ourselves more highly than we should, with an exaggerated opinion of ourselves." We've been taught for years that if we declare we're righteous and children of God and sinless, then that implies we're thinking more highly of ourselves than we should. Actually, the opposite is true. When you declare that you're still old sinners who are saved by grace and that none are righteous, no not one, then you have an exaggerated opinion of yourself. You are actually saying that Jesus wasn't enough to make you rgihteous before God even though He died for your sin.
No wonder there's very little peace in the hearts of God's people. If this is the opinion you have of yourself, then you can never be at peace in your heart. Jesus, whom you have received, did His work so perfectly that there isn't even a stain of sin on you. Jesus' sacrifice was so complete that God views you as righteous. Not only are you no longer a sinner in God's eyes, but Romans 8:16-17 (Amplified) says that, "The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit, (assuring us) that we are God's children." Verse 17 says, "And if we are (His) children, then we are (His) heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him) only we must share His suffering if we are to share His Glory."
This suffering isn't the suffering Jesus bore on the cross that could make us free. Jesus' suffering came from the religious people who wouldn't receive Him and the Truth He taught. They preferred the old way and rejected Jesus' teaching on grace. Jesus said that you cannot put new wine in an ole wine skin and that you must be born again in order to even begin understanding the covenant of grace.
This new covenant isn't based on our performance anymore, but on His. It's not based on what your neighbor thinks about you or worldly people's attitudes of "I remember you when..." This new covenant is based on whether you believe that Jesus was enough to cleanse you completely. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10 (Amplified), "So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities (weaknesses), insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak (in human strength) then am I (truly) strong (aable, powerful in divine strength)."
In all of Paul's sufferings for the gospel, none was something that God had done to him, but what people did to Him because of the gospel. People have been taught for years that God knocked Paul down for his being too proud and boastful. Verse 17 of this same chapter in 2 Corinthians 12 (Amplified) says that it was God Who gave Paul the revelation that I'm teaching now. It was a "messenger of satan" who caused all the persecution in an attempt to stop the preaching of grace.
Satan did everything he knew to do trying to stop the "light of this glorious gospel" from being preached. He still works at it by clouding the minds and consciences of God's children and keeping them from receiving peace with their Father. Every epistle Paul wrote began with the same greeting of "May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ reighn in your life and heart." In one way or another, this is his greeting of Peace.
Though we are free from the Law because by grace you are saved, the Law had and still has a place in the unsaved portion of the world. Romans 2:14 (Amplified) says that, "When Gentiles who have not the (divine) Law do instinctively what the Law requires, they are a Law to themselves, since they do not the Law." Verse 15 says, "They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness and their (moral) decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse (them)."
Without the Law being written in our hearts, we would never have realized we were sinners and needed a savior. Some people know they are wrong and excuse their sin by public opinion. With others, we find ourselves in a place of no escape and realize that we need Jesus. This is according to God's plan for us Gentiles and it works perfectly.
The obstacle has been that once conviction comes and we realize we need Jesus, we fail to go from convicting Law to saving grace. We allow the same sin consciences that brought us to Jesus to keep us from fellowship with Jesus. We fail to acknowledge that once you receive Jesus, you are free. Now, this same conscience that convicted you to salvation still works and convicts you in you salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says that, "For our sakes He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him, we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right standing with Him), by His goodness."
Because Jesus became our sin bearer and we've become His righteousness, our hearts and consciences that once was our friend and brought us to Christ now has become our enemy and keeps us in condemnation and guilt. Romans 12:1-3 (Amplified) tells us that "We are now to renew our minds to think as we have been approved unto God. Not to be conformed to the world and its external and superficial customs, But to be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of our minds."
We must learn to think according to what the Word says about us and not what the world or our consciences say about us. Romans 12:3 (Amplified) goes on to say, "We're not to think of ourselves more highly than we should, with an exaggerated opinion of ourselves." We've been taught for years that if we declare we're righteous and children of God and sinless, then that implies we're thinking more highly of ourselves than we should. Actually, the opposite is true. When you declare that you're still old sinners who are saved by grace and that none are righteous, no not one, then you have an exaggerated opinion of yourself. You are actually saying that Jesus wasn't enough to make you rgihteous before God even though He died for your sin.
No wonder there's very little peace in the hearts of God's people. If this is the opinion you have of yourself, then you can never be at peace in your heart. Jesus, whom you have received, did His work so perfectly that there isn't even a stain of sin on you. Jesus' sacrifice was so complete that God views you as righteous. Not only are you no longer a sinner in God's eyes, but Romans 8:16-17 (Amplified) says that, "The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit, (assuring us) that we are God's children." Verse 17 says, "And if we are (His) children, then we are (His) heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him) only we must share His suffering if we are to share His Glory."
This suffering isn't the suffering Jesus bore on the cross that could make us free. Jesus' suffering came from the religious people who wouldn't receive Him and the Truth He taught. They preferred the old way and rejected Jesus' teaching on grace. Jesus said that you cannot put new wine in an ole wine skin and that you must be born again in order to even begin understanding the covenant of grace.
This new covenant isn't based on our performance anymore, but on His. It's not based on what your neighbor thinks about you or worldly people's attitudes of "I remember you when..." This new covenant is based on whether you believe that Jesus was enough to cleanse you completely. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:10 (Amplified), "So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities (weaknesses), insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak (in human strength) then am I (truly) strong (aable, powerful in divine strength)."
In all of Paul's sufferings for the gospel, none was something that God had done to him, but what people did to Him because of the gospel. People have been taught for years that God knocked Paul down for his being too proud and boastful. Verse 17 of this same chapter in 2 Corinthians 12 (Amplified) says that it was God Who gave Paul the revelation that I'm teaching now. It was a "messenger of satan" who caused all the persecution in an attempt to stop the preaching of grace.
Satan did everything he knew to do trying to stop the "light of this glorious gospel" from being preached. He still works at it by clouding the minds and consciences of God's children and keeping them from receiving peace with their Father. Every epistle Paul wrote began with the same greeting of "May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ reighn in your life and heart." In one way or another, this is his greeting of Peace.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Lesson 14 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) says, "He is to be called the Prince of Peace."
In order to walk in peace, you must receive Jesus as your peace. Many have received Jesus, but have not received His peace. We still try walking under Law and have a difficult time walking in peace. We allow our flesh to keep us under condemnation and therefore we haven't received complete peace.
Romans 14:10 (Amplified) tells us that, "Love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law." John 3:16 (Amplified) says that it was God's love that sent Jesus so we could go free from sin and condemnation. In Matthew 5:17-19 (Amplified) Jesus said that "He came to fulfill the Law." In Luke 2:21-23 (Amplified) we read that, "The first Blood Jesus shed on our behalf was the Blood of circumcision for the Law."
For there ever be peace between God and man, it would have to be perfect love on both parts. God loved enough to become man and the man, Christ Jesus, loved God enough to yield to Him even to the death of the cross.
Now, this Love has fulfilled the Law and brought us into a covenant of grace by total forgiveness on our behalf. Peace can now reign between us and our Father because of His Love. This Love has been given to us by His presence in us by the Holy Spirit according to Romans 5:5 (Amplified).
1 John 4:9 (Amplified) says this is why, "In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we were concerned; in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique (Son) into the world, so that we might live through Him." Now, because Love has fulfilled the Law and the penalty of the Law, we who live in this Love no longer have any fear of penalty. 1 John 4:18 (Amplified) says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist) but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors, and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment. And (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection)."
We struggle with the fact that we can walk in life today without fear of sin, punishment and separation. This kind of God's Own Love now abides in us by the Holy Spirit Who actually is Love Itself. When Paul said in Romans 8:14 (Amplified) "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God," he was literally saying what John said in 1 John 4:18 (Amplified) that, "He who is afraid has not reached full maturity and hasn't grown up to perfection."
We've always believed that reaching perfection meant that we never make mistakes or sin. What Paul and John both said is that perfection is understanding that Love never fails. And, they said that those who are led by the Spirit understand that this Love is in us by the presence of the Holy Spirit or this Spirit of God's Love.
This Spirit of God's Love will never condemn you, but will always encourage you to walk in peace because of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always edify, comfort and encourage us to press on. It would be impossible to ever walk in peace with God without the Love that paid the penalty and set us free from the Law of sin and death.
The only way to understand what the Lord said when He called Jesus the Prince of Peace is to accept the fact that it's all paid for now. You can never encounter this kind of Love outside of Jesus. We've never seen is displayed in the lives of men, even Christians for the most part. Jesus said in John 17:23 (Amplified), "I in them and you in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, tat the world may know (and definitely) recognize that You sent Me, and that You have loved them (even as You have loved Me)."
When we come to the Father in prayer or fellowship, this Love must be the forerunner and most prominent thing in our lives. If we enter in with fear or a condemning heart, then we are doubting His Love and have no peace. It's impossible to walk in faith for answered prayer for ourselves or for others when there is no peace in your heart (or conscience) and expect results.
Remember in Mark 11:23-24 (Amplified) Jesus said that "whatever we say ( in prayer or command) we must believe in our hearts?" If we can believe in our hearts that this Love has removed the barrier between us and God once and for all, then we can have peace by the Blood of Jesus. If what John said in 1 John 3:21 (Amplified), "And beloved, if our conscience (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty or condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God." Verse 22 goes on, "And we receive from Him whatever we ask. Because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us) and habitually practice what is pleasing to Him."
Isn't this what Romans 8:14 says to do? As many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. What has the leading of the Holy Spirit taught us about forgiveness, righteousness, justification, reconciliation and grace with peace? If we are led by the Spirit of God's Love, then we will always know and walk in the Prince of Peace.
Only lies of the past that are brought up by an unrenewed mind and a guilty conscience can keep this peace from reigning in your heart. Church, we must believe that what the Word says about us is more true than what our accusing heart says about you. 1 John 3:20 (Amplified) tells us that, "If your heart makes you feel guilty and condemns you, God is greater than your heart."
Receive your forgiveness in peace and let old things truly be passed away. Live in the Prince of Peace.
In order to walk in peace, you must receive Jesus as your peace. Many have received Jesus, but have not received His peace. We still try walking under Law and have a difficult time walking in peace. We allow our flesh to keep us under condemnation and therefore we haven't received complete peace.
Romans 14:10 (Amplified) tells us that, "Love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law." John 3:16 (Amplified) says that it was God's love that sent Jesus so we could go free from sin and condemnation. In Matthew 5:17-19 (Amplified) Jesus said that "He came to fulfill the Law." In Luke 2:21-23 (Amplified) we read that, "The first Blood Jesus shed on our behalf was the Blood of circumcision for the Law."
For there ever be peace between God and man, it would have to be perfect love on both parts. God loved enough to become man and the man, Christ Jesus, loved God enough to yield to Him even to the death of the cross.
Now, this Love has fulfilled the Law and brought us into a covenant of grace by total forgiveness on our behalf. Peace can now reign between us and our Father because of His Love. This Love has been given to us by His presence in us by the Holy Spirit according to Romans 5:5 (Amplified).
1 John 4:9 (Amplified) says this is why, "In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we were concerned; in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique (Son) into the world, so that we might live through Him." Now, because Love has fulfilled the Law and the penalty of the Law, we who live in this Love no longer have any fear of penalty. 1 John 4:18 (Amplified) says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist) but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors, and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment. And (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection)."
We struggle with the fact that we can walk in life today without fear of sin, punishment and separation. This kind of God's Own Love now abides in us by the Holy Spirit Who actually is Love Itself. When Paul said in Romans 8:14 (Amplified) "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God," he was literally saying what John said in 1 John 4:18 (Amplified) that, "He who is afraid has not reached full maturity and hasn't grown up to perfection."
We've always believed that reaching perfection meant that we never make mistakes or sin. What Paul and John both said is that perfection is understanding that Love never fails. And, they said that those who are led by the Spirit understand that this Love is in us by the presence of the Holy Spirit or this Spirit of God's Love.
This Spirit of God's Love will never condemn you, but will always encourage you to walk in peace because of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always edify, comfort and encourage us to press on. It would be impossible to ever walk in peace with God without the Love that paid the penalty and set us free from the Law of sin and death.
The only way to understand what the Lord said when He called Jesus the Prince of Peace is to accept the fact that it's all paid for now. You can never encounter this kind of Love outside of Jesus. We've never seen is displayed in the lives of men, even Christians for the most part. Jesus said in John 17:23 (Amplified), "I in them and you in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, tat the world may know (and definitely) recognize that You sent Me, and that You have loved them (even as You have loved Me)."
When we come to the Father in prayer or fellowship, this Love must be the forerunner and most prominent thing in our lives. If we enter in with fear or a condemning heart, then we are doubting His Love and have no peace. It's impossible to walk in faith for answered prayer for ourselves or for others when there is no peace in your heart (or conscience) and expect results.
Remember in Mark 11:23-24 (Amplified) Jesus said that "whatever we say ( in prayer or command) we must believe in our hearts?" If we can believe in our hearts that this Love has removed the barrier between us and God once and for all, then we can have peace by the Blood of Jesus. If what John said in 1 John 3:21 (Amplified), "And beloved, if our conscience (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty or condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God." Verse 22 goes on, "And we receive from Him whatever we ask. Because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us) and habitually practice what is pleasing to Him."
Isn't this what Romans 8:14 says to do? As many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. What has the leading of the Holy Spirit taught us about forgiveness, righteousness, justification, reconciliation and grace with peace? If we are led by the Spirit of God's Love, then we will always know and walk in the Prince of Peace.
Only lies of the past that are brought up by an unrenewed mind and a guilty conscience can keep this peace from reigning in your heart. Church, we must believe that what the Word says about us is more true than what our accusing heart says about you. 1 John 3:20 (Amplified) tells us that, "If your heart makes you feel guilty and condemns you, God is greater than your heart."
Receive your forgiveness in peace and let old things truly be passed away. Live in the Prince of Peace.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Lesson 13 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 says that, "His name will be called the Prince of Peace."
Under the Law, no man had peace with God because none were righteous; not one. Romans 3:10 (Amplified) says, "As it is written, none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one."
Romans 3:19 (Amplified) says that, "Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that (the murmerings and excuses of) every mouth shall be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God."
Those who were under the Law couldn't escape the sin that came from the fall of Adam according to Romans 3:20 (Amplified) which says, "For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His (God's) sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For (the real function of) the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin (not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character)."
Because the continual sacrifice needed to be made over and over for sins, man's conscience was always condemned by sin. Therefore, man could never be right with God because of the Law's always reminding them of who they were. The Law commands man to love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. But, the Law of sin and death always reminded them of their lack of ability to do so. In this accord, man always fell short of the perfection of the Law. Romans 13:10 (Amplified) tells us that, "Love does no wrong to one's neighbor (it never hurts anyone)." Love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.
Now we come to the new covenant of grace with a clear conscience in Jesus by the fulfilling of the Law. In John 3:16 (Amplified) we read, "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost), but have eternal (everlasting) life." This Love, that is the fulfilling of the Law, was the command Jesus left to the Church. John 13:34 (Amplified) says, "I give you a new commandment; that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another."
This love fulfilled the Law by the truth in the Blood of Jesus. Romans 5:8 (Amplified) says, "But God shows and clearly proves His (Own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Because Love fulfilled the Law, those of us under grace are free from the Law because of the Love God showed on our behalf through Jesus.
This is what ushers in the Prince of Peace. Because Love set us free, we can now serve God out of a clear conscience by the sacrifice of Love that fulfilled all the Law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-4 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, (there is) now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live (and) walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit." Verse 2 goes on, "For the Law of the Spirit of Life (which is) in Christ Jesus (the Law of our new being) has freed me from the Law of sin and of death." Verse 3 says, "For God has done what the Law could not do, (it's power) being weakened by the flesh (the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit) sending His Own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, (God) condemned sin in the flesh (subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice)." Verse 4 says, "So that the righteousness and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit (our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit)."
One of the prime ways of the flesh (the standards that dictate the ways of the flesh) is to keep the believer under the guilt and condemnation of the Law of the flesh. Those who are free from the Law of sin and death are those who receive Love as the fulfilling of this Law and walk in complete forgiveness by the sacrifice offered and received by God for our forgiveness. Without doing this and walking in the Spirit, we're still trying to fulfill the Law by works and not by the grace of God. When we receive this grace for forgiveness, then we have "the peace that passes all understanding." Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified) says, "Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Verse 7 says, "And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
It's hard to walk in the Love of the new covenant of grace without understanding your own forgiveness. Without this understanding, we still judge ourselves by the standards of others in order to quiet our own conscience. We judge the nonbeliever in their sin to make ourselves feel better about ourselves because we won't accept the truth of forgiveness.
We can never walk in the peace of grace without receiving our own forgiveness by faith. We read in Luke 7:41-43 (Amplified) that, "A certain leader of money (at interest) had two debtors, one owed him five hundred denari, and the other fifty." Verse 42 says, "When they had no means of paying, he freely forgave them both, Now which of them will love him more?" Verse 43 says, "Simon answered, the one, I take if, for whom he forgave and cancelled more. And Jesus said to him, 'You have decided correctly.'"
For those of us who have been forgiven much (if we receive our forgiveness), we love much because we've seen the love that has freed us when we didn't deserve it. The only way I can have peace in my conscience and walk with God in peace is to let Love set me free. When I know what His Love has done for me, then it's easier to love others who have missed it.
I have peace with God because He declared peace with me. As one man said, "I almost feel guilty because I don't feel guilty." I know in my head what I was guilty of, but I know in my heart it is all gone. Understanding this, I no longer try to atone for my own sins by guilt and condemnation, but rejoice in Him that they are gone. All I could accomplish by standing in condemnation is that it would stop me from being who God called me to be. Only one who believes in our Prince of Peace can feel free to let God use him and not feel unworthy to minister to the needs of others.
Live in His peace and allow that peace to come on others through you. Be able to tell the world how God isn't mad at them, but He's calling them to peace with Himself.
Under the Law, no man had peace with God because none were righteous; not one. Romans 3:10 (Amplified) says, "As it is written, none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one."
Romans 3:19 (Amplified) says that, "Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that (the murmerings and excuses of) every mouth shall be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God."
Those who were under the Law couldn't escape the sin that came from the fall of Adam according to Romans 3:20 (Amplified) which says, "For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His (God's) sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For (the real function of) the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin (not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character)."
Because the continual sacrifice needed to be made over and over for sins, man's conscience was always condemned by sin. Therefore, man could never be right with God because of the Law's always reminding them of who they were. The Law commands man to love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. But, the Law of sin and death always reminded them of their lack of ability to do so. In this accord, man always fell short of the perfection of the Law. Romans 13:10 (Amplified) tells us that, "Love does no wrong to one's neighbor (it never hurts anyone)." Love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.
Now we come to the new covenant of grace with a clear conscience in Jesus by the fulfilling of the Law. In John 3:16 (Amplified) we read, "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost), but have eternal (everlasting) life." This Love, that is the fulfilling of the Law, was the command Jesus left to the Church. John 13:34 (Amplified) says, "I give you a new commandment; that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another."
This love fulfilled the Law by the truth in the Blood of Jesus. Romans 5:8 (Amplified) says, "But God shows and clearly proves His (Own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Because Love fulfilled the Law, those of us under grace are free from the Law because of the Love God showed on our behalf through Jesus.
This is what ushers in the Prince of Peace. Because Love set us free, we can now serve God out of a clear conscience by the sacrifice of Love that fulfilled all the Law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-4 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, (there is) now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live (and) walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit." Verse 2 goes on, "For the Law of the Spirit of Life (which is) in Christ Jesus (the Law of our new being) has freed me from the Law of sin and of death." Verse 3 says, "For God has done what the Law could not do, (it's power) being weakened by the flesh (the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit) sending His Own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, (God) condemned sin in the flesh (subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice)." Verse 4 says, "So that the righteousness and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit (our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit)."
One of the prime ways of the flesh (the standards that dictate the ways of the flesh) is to keep the believer under the guilt and condemnation of the Law of the flesh. Those who are free from the Law of sin and death are those who receive Love as the fulfilling of this Law and walk in complete forgiveness by the sacrifice offered and received by God for our forgiveness. Without doing this and walking in the Spirit, we're still trying to fulfill the Law by works and not by the grace of God. When we receive this grace for forgiveness, then we have "the peace that passes all understanding." Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified) says, "Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Verse 7 says, "And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
It's hard to walk in the Love of the new covenant of grace without understanding your own forgiveness. Without this understanding, we still judge ourselves by the standards of others in order to quiet our own conscience. We judge the nonbeliever in their sin to make ourselves feel better about ourselves because we won't accept the truth of forgiveness.
We can never walk in the peace of grace without receiving our own forgiveness by faith. We read in Luke 7:41-43 (Amplified) that, "A certain leader of money (at interest) had two debtors, one owed him five hundred denari, and the other fifty." Verse 42 says, "When they had no means of paying, he freely forgave them both, Now which of them will love him more?" Verse 43 says, "Simon answered, the one, I take if, for whom he forgave and cancelled more. And Jesus said to him, 'You have decided correctly.'"
For those of us who have been forgiven much (if we receive our forgiveness), we love much because we've seen the love that has freed us when we didn't deserve it. The only way I can have peace in my conscience and walk with God in peace is to let Love set me free. When I know what His Love has done for me, then it's easier to love others who have missed it.
I have peace with God because He declared peace with me. As one man said, "I almost feel guilty because I don't feel guilty." I know in my head what I was guilty of, but I know in my heart it is all gone. Understanding this, I no longer try to atone for my own sins by guilt and condemnation, but rejoice in Him that they are gone. All I could accomplish by standing in condemnation is that it would stop me from being who God called me to be. Only one who believes in our Prince of Peace can feel free to let God use him and not feel unworthy to minister to the needs of others.
Live in His peace and allow that peace to come on others through you. Be able to tell the world how God isn't mad at them, but He's calling them to peace with Himself.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Lesson 12 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) declares that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace and that He would be our Counselor. If we'd allow Him to be Wonderful Counselor, then we'd be better able to let Him be our Prince of Peace.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He was the Son of God. Jesus didn't become the Son of God at His birth, He had always been the Son of God. Before Mary was His mother and He became flesh, we called Jesus the Word of God. The Word of God, Wisdom, was in the beginning before anything else was according to Proverbs 8:1-36 (Amplified). John 1:1-3 (Amplified) says that, "Jesus, the Word, and Wisdom are all One and the same person.
In Proverbs 3:19 (Amplified) we read that, "The Lord by skillful and Godly Wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding He has established the heavens." Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) says "Get Wisdom (skillful and Godly wisdom)! (For skillful and Godly wisdom is the principal thing). And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension and interpretation)."
When we read the Word of God, Wisdom is always present because His Word is Wisdom. It's not like we, the Church, don't have wisdom. Proverbs 8:1-5 (Amplified) says that, "Wisdom is crying out in the streets, at the gates of the city, on the top of the heights, beside the way and where the paths meet." So, wisdom is here for all who will listen. But, in Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) we are instructed to, "Get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding."
It's not a matter of wisdom being present, but a matter of not understanding that holds back the child of God. When Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) said that His name would be called Counselor, He meant that Jesus would give us understanding of His Word. God sent the Holy Spirit (Who is also God) to impart understanding to us. John 16:13 (Amplified) says, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the truth giving Spirit) He will guide you into all the truth (the whole, full truth) for He will not speak His Own message (on His Own authority) but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future)."
Jesus spoke about the new covenant's being in the future when He said, "The things are to come, that will happen in the future." He was saying that the crucifixion, the resurrection, the new birth and the new covenant was still in the future. Now, it's up to the Wonderful Counselor to give us understanding concerning this Wisdom. If we will turn to Jesus as Counselor, then He will give understanding about this wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified) says, "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus. Whom God made our wisdom from God, (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our Righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our Consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin)."
The wisdom doesn't simply bring peace without understanding. You might read the Word and you're intelligent enough to know what the words mean, but without understanding that the Word is Spirit and truth, it's just words. Without spiritual understanding of what the Bible says, we still walk under condemnation even though we've read the words.
Jesus will set us free from all guilt, condemnation and the burdens of the past, present and future by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Counselor Who gives understanding to the simple. We learn from Psalms 19:7 (Amplified) says that when we allow Jesus to teach us, then we receive the liberty bought for us with His Blood on the cross. We read in God's Word of Wisdom that our sins are forgiven and cleared away. This is the Word of Wisdom. But, because we don't have understanding, we still walk under the burden as though the sin was still there. Wisdom says we are free, but lack of understanding says we're still sinners saved by grace. Understanding of the Word tells you that you cannot be a sinner and be the righteousness of God at the same time.
A sinner will call upon the Lord and be saved. One who is void of understanding will live as though he's still a sinner in God's eyes. Was it that when the sinner called out to God, God didn't receive him? No, of course not. But, because he doesn't understand his salvation, he remains in bondage to guilt and condemnation.
This lack of understanding has kept people from living the life of liberty that is theirs through faith. Jesus, the Counselor, is also the Prince of Peace. He will counsel us in peace and understanding that will set the captives free.
Peace is an obtainable gift from God to the believer. Some would say that you should be conscious of sin in order to serve God humbly. That isn't what wisdom says or what understanding instructs us to do. When you put your hand to the plow; don't look back.
If we will listen to the counsel of our Prince of Peace instead of the voices of men, then we can walk in the peace that His Word has promised. Colossians 1:20 (Amplified) says, "And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him (the Son) all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him (the Father), made peace by means of the Blood of His cross."
The Father has made peace by means of the Blood of His cross. Jesus, Who is our Peace, will reveal this peace to us by His understanding and wisdom so that we can truly be reconciled to the Father in all fullness in our own consciences. I am free indeed from all the past by His Blood and resurrection. Now, I live this new life through Him Who is my life, my righteousness, my redemption, my healing, my intercessor, my High Priest and my Lord.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He was the Son of God. Jesus didn't become the Son of God at His birth, He had always been the Son of God. Before Mary was His mother and He became flesh, we called Jesus the Word of God. The Word of God, Wisdom, was in the beginning before anything else was according to Proverbs 8:1-36 (Amplified). John 1:1-3 (Amplified) says that, "Jesus, the Word, and Wisdom are all One and the same person.
In Proverbs 3:19 (Amplified) we read that, "The Lord by skillful and Godly Wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding He has established the heavens." Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) says "Get Wisdom (skillful and Godly wisdom)! (For skillful and Godly wisdom is the principal thing). And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension and interpretation)."
When we read the Word of God, Wisdom is always present because His Word is Wisdom. It's not like we, the Church, don't have wisdom. Proverbs 8:1-5 (Amplified) says that, "Wisdom is crying out in the streets, at the gates of the city, on the top of the heights, beside the way and where the paths meet." So, wisdom is here for all who will listen. But, in Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) we are instructed to, "Get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding."
It's not a matter of wisdom being present, but a matter of not understanding that holds back the child of God. When Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) said that His name would be called Counselor, He meant that Jesus would give us understanding of His Word. God sent the Holy Spirit (Who is also God) to impart understanding to us. John 16:13 (Amplified) says, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the truth giving Spirit) He will guide you into all the truth (the whole, full truth) for He will not speak His Own message (on His Own authority) but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future)."
Jesus spoke about the new covenant's being in the future when He said, "The things are to come, that will happen in the future." He was saying that the crucifixion, the resurrection, the new birth and the new covenant was still in the future. Now, it's up to the Wonderful Counselor to give us understanding concerning this Wisdom. If we will turn to Jesus as Counselor, then He will give understanding about this wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified) says, "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus. Whom God made our wisdom from God, (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our Righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our Consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin)."
The wisdom doesn't simply bring peace without understanding. You might read the Word and you're intelligent enough to know what the words mean, but without understanding that the Word is Spirit and truth, it's just words. Without spiritual understanding of what the Bible says, we still walk under condemnation even though we've read the words.
Jesus will set us free from all guilt, condemnation and the burdens of the past, present and future by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Counselor Who gives understanding to the simple. We learn from Psalms 19:7 (Amplified) says that when we allow Jesus to teach us, then we receive the liberty bought for us with His Blood on the cross. We read in God's Word of Wisdom that our sins are forgiven and cleared away. This is the Word of Wisdom. But, because we don't have understanding, we still walk under the burden as though the sin was still there. Wisdom says we are free, but lack of understanding says we're still sinners saved by grace. Understanding of the Word tells you that you cannot be a sinner and be the righteousness of God at the same time.
A sinner will call upon the Lord and be saved. One who is void of understanding will live as though he's still a sinner in God's eyes. Was it that when the sinner called out to God, God didn't receive him? No, of course not. But, because he doesn't understand his salvation, he remains in bondage to guilt and condemnation.
This lack of understanding has kept people from living the life of liberty that is theirs through faith. Jesus, the Counselor, is also the Prince of Peace. He will counsel us in peace and understanding that will set the captives free.
Peace is an obtainable gift from God to the believer. Some would say that you should be conscious of sin in order to serve God humbly. That isn't what wisdom says or what understanding instructs us to do. When you put your hand to the plow; don't look back.
If we will listen to the counsel of our Prince of Peace instead of the voices of men, then we can walk in the peace that His Word has promised. Colossians 1:20 (Amplified) says, "And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him (the Son) all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him (the Father), made peace by means of the Blood of His cross."
The Father has made peace by means of the Blood of His cross. Jesus, Who is our Peace, will reveal this peace to us by His understanding and wisdom so that we can truly be reconciled to the Father in all fullness in our own consciences. I am free indeed from all the past by His Blood and resurrection. Now, I live this new life through Him Who is my life, my righteousness, my redemption, my healing, my intercessor, my High Priest and my Lord.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Lesson 11 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) tells us, "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (of eternity), Prince of Peace."
Notice in this scripture that this Child is born unto us. It didn't say that unto the Father is born a Child, nor did it say that unto the Father a Son is given, but unto us. This Child, Jesus, was born to us and for us. He is the gift of life and grace and truth for us and to us.
This peace that God spoke of by Isaiah was Jesus Himself. Just as surely as Jesus was born, died, and resurrected, this between God and man was assured! We, in our own mind (carnal minds) have a hard time understanding just what our Father had in mind. I posted and titled one blog, "The Law of the Kinsman Redeemer." This is based on Leviticus 25 concerning Jubilee. Also, Jesus Himself spoke of it in Luke 4:19 (Amplified) where He said He cane, "To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord, (the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound)."
When Jubilee came, a Kinsman who was able, would restore back to the one in debt, everything that had been lost because of his debt. As our Kinsman, Jesus paid the debt all the way back to before the fall of Adam. This peace that Isaiah spoke of was a pre-Adam peace, before anything was out of place between the Father and His family. The Prince of Peace, by God's Own decree, has fulfilled every debt that mankind owed.
God has declared a perfect peace by a perfect sacrifice. When He declared by the angels in Luke 2:14 (Amplified) that now, because of His gift (this Son that was born to us), this perfect payment for all our debts was born to us. Everyone who would expect this Kinsman Redeemer would be wholly restored to perfection: no debt, no penalty, perfect redemption. We would be justified, just as if sin had never happened, by His sacrifice, His blood, His death and resurrection.
For those who would refuse this Child that was given, they have no Kinsman Redeemer to pay their debt. Only Jesus was perfect enough to pay it all. When this debt was paid (for all those who received), John 3:16 (Amplified) says that they, "Should not perish, but have everlasting life."
When Jesus said in John 14:27(Amplified) , "Peace I leave with you; My Own peace I now give and bequeath you," He made a statement that we need to pay close attention to. In John 10:30 (Amplified) Jesus said that "He and the Father are One." Together, these two scriptures tell us that this peace Jesus spoke of was "His Own peace" and it was God's peace that He left to us. That's why this Son was born to us.
By refusing to accept this peace, we are rejecting the purpose of the forgiveness of debt and are still trying to pay it with our own works. Only Jesus can, as our Kinsman Redeemer, deliver us back to perfection in the sight of a Just and Holy God.
When I blogged the "Return to Eden," I was speaking both of the Kinsman Redeemer and this peace of perfect reconciliation to God. Before anything went awry and Adam fell and sin was introduced, he and God walked in perfect fellowship just like God and Jesus did. Now, if we'll receive it, we can also walk in perfect union and fellowship with our Father.
When Isaiah 9:6 said that "unto us this Son was given," He was given to the family of God. This Child was born unto the family in order to be our Kinsman Redeemer. He would restore everything back that the family that had been lost at the fall of Adam. This included total peace with our Father (to those who are in the family).
In our carnal thinking, we still hold ourselves in bondage of our mistakes and under the penalty of our trespasses. But, the Word tells us in Colossians 3:15 (Amplified) , Let the (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts (deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state) to which as (members of Christ's) One body you were also called (to live) and be thankful (appreciative) (giving thanks to God always)."
We are to receive this peace and let the Word rule our hearts and be thankful to God for this peace.
Notice in this scripture that this Child is born unto us. It didn't say that unto the Father is born a Child, nor did it say that unto the Father a Son is given, but unto us. This Child, Jesus, was born to us and for us. He is the gift of life and grace and truth for us and to us.
This peace that God spoke of by Isaiah was Jesus Himself. Just as surely as Jesus was born, died, and resurrected, this between God and man was assured! We, in our own mind (carnal minds) have a hard time understanding just what our Father had in mind. I posted and titled one blog, "The Law of the Kinsman Redeemer." This is based on Leviticus 25 concerning Jubilee. Also, Jesus Himself spoke of it in Luke 4:19 (Amplified) where He said He cane, "To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord, (the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound)."
When Jubilee came, a Kinsman who was able, would restore back to the one in debt, everything that had been lost because of his debt. As our Kinsman, Jesus paid the debt all the way back to before the fall of Adam. This peace that Isaiah spoke of was a pre-Adam peace, before anything was out of place between the Father and His family. The Prince of Peace, by God's Own decree, has fulfilled every debt that mankind owed.
God has declared a perfect peace by a perfect sacrifice. When He declared by the angels in Luke 2:14 (Amplified) that now, because of His gift (this Son that was born to us), this perfect payment for all our debts was born to us. Everyone who would expect this Kinsman Redeemer would be wholly restored to perfection: no debt, no penalty, perfect redemption. We would be justified, just as if sin had never happened, by His sacrifice, His blood, His death and resurrection.
For those who would refuse this Child that was given, they have no Kinsman Redeemer to pay their debt. Only Jesus was perfect enough to pay it all. When this debt was paid (for all those who received), John 3:16 (Amplified) says that they, "Should not perish, but have everlasting life."
When Jesus said in John 14:27(Amplified) , "Peace I leave with you; My Own peace I now give and bequeath you," He made a statement that we need to pay close attention to. In John 10:30 (Amplified) Jesus said that "He and the Father are One." Together, these two scriptures tell us that this peace Jesus spoke of was "His Own peace" and it was God's peace that He left to us. That's why this Son was born to us.
By refusing to accept this peace, we are rejecting the purpose of the forgiveness of debt and are still trying to pay it with our own works. Only Jesus can, as our Kinsman Redeemer, deliver us back to perfection in the sight of a Just and Holy God.
When I blogged the "Return to Eden," I was speaking both of the Kinsman Redeemer and this peace of perfect reconciliation to God. Before anything went awry and Adam fell and sin was introduced, he and God walked in perfect fellowship just like God and Jesus did. Now, if we'll receive it, we can also walk in perfect union and fellowship with our Father.
When Isaiah 9:6 said that "unto us this Son was given," He was given to the family of God. This Child was born unto the family in order to be our Kinsman Redeemer. He would restore everything back that the family that had been lost at the fall of Adam. This included total peace with our Father (to those who are in the family).
In our carnal thinking, we still hold ourselves in bondage of our mistakes and under the penalty of our trespasses. But, the Word tells us in Colossians 3:15 (Amplified) , Let the (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts (deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state) to which as (members of Christ's) One body you were also called (to live) and be thankful (appreciative) (giving thanks to God always)."
We are to receive this peace and let the Word rule our hearts and be thankful to God for this peace.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Lesson 10 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) speaks of the birth of Jesus. The Holy Spirit declares in this passage of scripture that Jesus is to be the Prince of Peace. This was a declaration by God setting Himself in a position of peace with mankind through the sacrifice of His Son and His Own Blood.
The problem of this covenant wasn't that the sacrifice wasn't perfect, but that the conscience of men won't allow the Blood to cleanse as it is supposed to. Under the old covenant, the blood of bulls and goats would allow God to overlook the sins of the people , but they still remained in the outer court of the tabernacle.
Hebrews 9:8-9 (Amplified) says that, "By this, the Holy Spirit points out the way into the (true Holy) of Hollies is not yet thrown open as long as the former (the outer portion of the)tabernacle remains a recognized institution and is still standing, seeing that that first (outer portion of the) tabernacle (a visible symbol or type or picture of the present age) in it gifts and sacrifices are offered, and yet are incapable of perfecting the conscience or of cleansing and renewing the inner man of the worshiper."
Only by allowing (by faith in His grace) can the conscience of the worshiper be clean in his own life. The Blood has perfectly cleansed the worshiper, but because we won't permit the Blood in our own minds to cleanse our conscience, we remain in the outer courts of worship. Only by having faith in the Blood's ability to cleanse us of all our sins can we feel that we have access into His presence.
Hebrews 9:14 (Amplified) says, "How much surely shall the Blood of Christ, Who by virtue of (His) eternal Spirit (His Own pre-existent Divine personality) has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our conscience from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the (ever) living God?"
When we offer worship or gifts unto God in a spirit of condemnation, we remain in the outer courts of worship. It's difficult to think about standing in the presence o f a Holy God and not feel condemned by our own remembrance of who we were or even who we are. This must be done only by faith in the Blood of His Son to cleanse us from all things. When we read Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified), we realize that this grace is help when we need it. This grace cleanses the conscience and allow the innerman (the new creation) the liberty to worship God freely.
Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) says, "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners) that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need (appropriate help and well times help coming just when we need it)." When would we ever need grace and unmerited favor more than when we want to approach the Almighty God and His throne of grace? This is the throne of grace to us sinners. We knew we were sinners, we knew we didn't deserve what Jesus has done and for most of us, we still remember where we have been. Only faith in His Blood will qualify us to be there. When we understand this, we have to believe that the Blood has done such a perfect job that it will make you forget who you are and remember Who He Is.
Only then, can you stand in His presence with a clear conscience. It seems like we selfishly and ignorantly think more on ourselves than on Him. We must get ourselves off our minds and get our minds on Jesus. It's not about how bad you were (or are), but it's about how good He is. It's not about how dirty you may have been, but about how pure His Blood has made you.
This Prince of Peace has declared a blood covenant of peace between Him and His Father. It's forever established in the heart of God and cannot be broken. Isaiah 53:5 (Amplified) says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole."
Did you notice how the peace offering was accepted before healing came? I believe that because we still have dis-ease in our spirit, we must manifest disease in our bodies. Once we allow this peace to flow freely from our spirit and allow it to cleanse our conscience, then it will begin to produce healing in our bodies as well.
As long as we are at war in our unrenewed minds, we can't walk in peace with ourselves and cannot walk (or dwell) in His presence by faith. This sacrifice was the door for God to bring His children back into perfect reconciliation with Him. If God, Who we have sinned against, can pay such a price to forgive us, then how can we reject it and hold ourselves accountable? This discredits the power of the sacrifice and dishonors God.
I know that your mind will fight against you on this, but we are to cast down imaginations. 2Corinthians 10:5 (Amplified) says, "(In as much as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Bring your thoughts into His obedience and not yours. Center in on the true knowledge of God and His Word and not your own thoughts of how God feels about you. According to what was said in Isaiah 53:5 (Amplified), all the chastisement needed for us to obtain peace and well being with God was placed onto our Prince of Peace.
The problem of this covenant wasn't that the sacrifice wasn't perfect, but that the conscience of men won't allow the Blood to cleanse as it is supposed to. Under the old covenant, the blood of bulls and goats would allow God to overlook the sins of the people , but they still remained in the outer court of the tabernacle.
Hebrews 9:8-9 (Amplified) says that, "By this, the Holy Spirit points out the way into the (true Holy) of Hollies is not yet thrown open as long as the former (the outer portion of the)tabernacle remains a recognized institution and is still standing, seeing that that first (outer portion of the) tabernacle (a visible symbol or type or picture of the present age) in it gifts and sacrifices are offered, and yet are incapable of perfecting the conscience or of cleansing and renewing the inner man of the worshiper."
Only by allowing (by faith in His grace) can the conscience of the worshiper be clean in his own life. The Blood has perfectly cleansed the worshiper, but because we won't permit the Blood in our own minds to cleanse our conscience, we remain in the outer courts of worship. Only by having faith in the Blood's ability to cleanse us of all our sins can we feel that we have access into His presence.
Hebrews 9:14 (Amplified) says, "How much surely shall the Blood of Christ, Who by virtue of (His) eternal Spirit (His Own pre-existent Divine personality) has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our conscience from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the (ever) living God?"
When we offer worship or gifts unto God in a spirit of condemnation, we remain in the outer courts of worship. It's difficult to think about standing in the presence o f a Holy God and not feel condemned by our own remembrance of who we were or even who we are. This must be done only by faith in the Blood of His Son to cleanse us from all things. When we read Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified), we realize that this grace is help when we need it. This grace cleanses the conscience and allow the innerman (the new creation) the liberty to worship God freely.
Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) says, "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners) that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need (appropriate help and well times help coming just when we need it)." When would we ever need grace and unmerited favor more than when we want to approach the Almighty God and His throne of grace? This is the throne of grace to us sinners. We knew we were sinners, we knew we didn't deserve what Jesus has done and for most of us, we still remember where we have been. Only faith in His Blood will qualify us to be there. When we understand this, we have to believe that the Blood has done such a perfect job that it will make you forget who you are and remember Who He Is.
Only then, can you stand in His presence with a clear conscience. It seems like we selfishly and ignorantly think more on ourselves than on Him. We must get ourselves off our minds and get our minds on Jesus. It's not about how bad you were (or are), but it's about how good He is. It's not about how dirty you may have been, but about how pure His Blood has made you.
This Prince of Peace has declared a blood covenant of peace between Him and His Father. It's forever established in the heart of God and cannot be broken. Isaiah 53:5 (Amplified) says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole."
Did you notice how the peace offering was accepted before healing came? I believe that because we still have dis-ease in our spirit, we must manifest disease in our bodies. Once we allow this peace to flow freely from our spirit and allow it to cleanse our conscience, then it will begin to produce healing in our bodies as well.
As long as we are at war in our unrenewed minds, we can't walk in peace with ourselves and cannot walk (or dwell) in His presence by faith. This sacrifice was the door for God to bring His children back into perfect reconciliation with Him. If God, Who we have sinned against, can pay such a price to forgive us, then how can we reject it and hold ourselves accountable? This discredits the power of the sacrifice and dishonors God.
I know that your mind will fight against you on this, but we are to cast down imaginations. 2Corinthians 10:5 (Amplified) says, "(In as much as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Bring your thoughts into His obedience and not yours. Center in on the true knowledge of God and His Word and not your own thoughts of how God feels about you. According to what was said in Isaiah 53:5 (Amplified), all the chastisement needed for us to obtain peace and well being with God was placed onto our Prince of Peace.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Lesson 9 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) declares that there was a Messiah coming Who would do away with the Law and begin a new covenant and Who would be called the Prince of Peace. He would be the One Who would bring forth a peace between God and man. There would no longer be this uneasy alliance between God and man. And, man would no longer need to concerned about being sent into exile or bondage to the enemy because of their disobedience.
God continued to speak of this Messiah throughout the old covenant books and the prophets. They waited for so long that it became almost fable-like to most of God's people (like Jesus' return is to some today). This new covenant declares that the Messiah would be the answer to all of Israel's problems. He would make them right in God's sight and without anymore sacrifice. No longer would they have to be afraid of the One Who punished their sins and trespasses. They would be free from all things and have peace with God Himself.
In Isaiah 53(Amplified), "The prophet wrote (by the Holy Spirit) who has believed (trusted in, relied upon, and clung to) our message (of that which was revealed to us), And to whom has the arm of the Lord been disclosed?" Not all of God's people understood the scriptures and not all of them could believe and take in all that it meant to them,. The old ways were familiar to them and change seemed so strange. They were more content to remain as they were rather than chance a new way (even if it was a better way).
Most of us today don't understand that when Jesus was here as a Man in the flesh, the people couldn't understand what He was saying. That's why He spoke so much in parables. These were Old Testament people without the Holy Spirit, without the benefit of the revelation that Paul had, and without the sacrifice that Jesus would later become.
They had a hard time believing in what the scriptures said and were afraid they would be brought into heresy by this new teacher. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul was in the process of delivering all the new converts to this new doctrine to prison.
Today, we find ourselves in the very same dilemma as they were in. We're having a difficult time believing the report that Isaiah spoke. When we speak about Jesus bearing all our sickness and disease, we meet opposition. When we speak about His grace covering all of our past, present and future sins, we meet opposition. And, when we speak about the peace between God and man we meet opposition.
It still seems that some people's eyes are blind to the glory of grace. We still expect God to punish us when we're wrong and to bless us when we're right. We still believe God to tempt and test us to determine if we'll succeed and resist us if we fail.
This was the way the old covenant worked for the people. All of the blessings were based upon their performance. When they were good, then God was good and when they were bad, then God was bad. They couldn't seem to get it in their spirits that this new covenant wasn't based on their performance and obedience, but on Jesus! If they could only believe that Jesus was obedient even unto death and that He is our obedience too.
Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus didn't merely pay for our sins and iniquities, but for all our shortcomings. Yet, we still try to make up for all these things ourselves and expect punishment when we fail (as we always do).
If we will "believe the report" Isaiah said, then we can walk into a realm with God that we've always wanted and could never achieve. This promise concerning Jesus is that He would become what I was, so that I could become what He is. He would bear my sin and I would bear His righteousness. He would be cast out from God so that I could be reconciled to God. Jesus would have God turn His back to Him so that I could now see His face. Jesus would be forsaken so that I could become a son of the Father. He would bear my sickness and I was to walk in His healing. He became the curse so that I could receive the blessing. Jesus would be tormented so I could have His peace with God. He would call Him God so that I could call Him Father.
Whosoever the Son sets free is free indeed according to the Word. We struggle with all these scriptures and it keeps us from ever being at peace in our hearts because we always feel like we fall short of pleasing God. If we can "believe in the report" like Isaiah said, then we would understand what Jesus said that, "It gives the Father great pleasure to give the Kingdom to His children." Doctrines over time have kept us from ever being in peace or being comfortable in the presence of God. Yet, the scriptures tell us to "Come boldly to the throne of grace." In order to come boldly, we must first believe we have a right )because of Jesus) to be there.
In order to call God Father and stand before Him, we must first believe we are in right standing, righteous because of Jesus, before Him. To ever expect a righteous God to even hear our prayers we must first believe we have been justified (because of Jesus). If we are ever to believe we have peace and are at peace with God, then we must believe He gives us His peace through the Prince of Peace.
People have said for years that "you can't do anything without Jesus." That's a very true statement, but there's a statement just as true that we need to think about. Jesus said that "He will never leave you or forsake you and that He will be with you to the very end of the world and forever." You need to understand that whatever you do, God will live in you and walk in you. He will be our God and we will be His people and greater is He Who is in you than he that is in the world.
This same Jesus Who bore our sin also bore the rest of God's wrath and punishment for us. God will never be angry with you again according to Isaiah 54:9 (Amplified). No wonder Isaiah said these things were for he who has believed our report. To the old covenant people (without the Holy Spirit), this was almost impossible to comprehend. Eve today, in the unrenewed mind of the Christian, it still seems like "it just can't that simple and he needs to do something. Well, we are required to do something...Believe.`
God continued to speak of this Messiah throughout the old covenant books and the prophets. They waited for so long that it became almost fable-like to most of God's people (like Jesus' return is to some today). This new covenant declares that the Messiah would be the answer to all of Israel's problems. He would make them right in God's sight and without anymore sacrifice. No longer would they have to be afraid of the One Who punished their sins and trespasses. They would be free from all things and have peace with God Himself.
In Isaiah 53(Amplified), "The prophet wrote (by the Holy Spirit) who has believed (trusted in, relied upon, and clung to) our message (of that which was revealed to us), And to whom has the arm of the Lord been disclosed?" Not all of God's people understood the scriptures and not all of them could believe and take in all that it meant to them,. The old ways were familiar to them and change seemed so strange. They were more content to remain as they were rather than chance a new way (even if it was a better way).
Most of us today don't understand that when Jesus was here as a Man in the flesh, the people couldn't understand what He was saying. That's why He spoke so much in parables. These were Old Testament people without the Holy Spirit, without the benefit of the revelation that Paul had, and without the sacrifice that Jesus would later become.
They had a hard time believing in what the scriptures said and were afraid they would be brought into heresy by this new teacher. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul was in the process of delivering all the new converts to this new doctrine to prison.
Today, we find ourselves in the very same dilemma as they were in. We're having a difficult time believing the report that Isaiah spoke. When we speak about Jesus bearing all our sickness and disease, we meet opposition. When we speak about His grace covering all of our past, present and future sins, we meet opposition. And, when we speak about the peace between God and man we meet opposition.
It still seems that some people's eyes are blind to the glory of grace. We still expect God to punish us when we're wrong and to bless us when we're right. We still believe God to tempt and test us to determine if we'll succeed and resist us if we fail.
This was the way the old covenant worked for the people. All of the blessings were based upon their performance. When they were good, then God was good and when they were bad, then God was bad. They couldn't seem to get it in their spirits that this new covenant wasn't based on their performance and obedience, but on Jesus! If they could only believe that Jesus was obedient even unto death and that He is our obedience too.
Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus didn't merely pay for our sins and iniquities, but for all our shortcomings. Yet, we still try to make up for all these things ourselves and expect punishment when we fail (as we always do).
If we will "believe the report" Isaiah said, then we can walk into a realm with God that we've always wanted and could never achieve. This promise concerning Jesus is that He would become what I was, so that I could become what He is. He would bear my sin and I would bear His righteousness. He would be cast out from God so that I could be reconciled to God. Jesus would have God turn His back to Him so that I could now see His face. Jesus would be forsaken so that I could become a son of the Father. He would bear my sickness and I was to walk in His healing. He became the curse so that I could receive the blessing. Jesus would be tormented so I could have His peace with God. He would call Him God so that I could call Him Father.
Whosoever the Son sets free is free indeed according to the Word. We struggle with all these scriptures and it keeps us from ever being at peace in our hearts because we always feel like we fall short of pleasing God. If we can "believe in the report" like Isaiah said, then we would understand what Jesus said that, "It gives the Father great pleasure to give the Kingdom to His children." Doctrines over time have kept us from ever being in peace or being comfortable in the presence of God. Yet, the scriptures tell us to "Come boldly to the throne of grace." In order to come boldly, we must first believe we have a right )because of Jesus) to be there.
In order to call God Father and stand before Him, we must first believe we are in right standing, righteous because of Jesus, before Him. To ever expect a righteous God to even hear our prayers we must first believe we have been justified (because of Jesus). If we are ever to believe we have peace and are at peace with God, then we must believe He gives us His peace through the Prince of Peace.
People have said for years that "you can't do anything without Jesus." That's a very true statement, but there's a statement just as true that we need to think about. Jesus said that "He will never leave you or forsake you and that He will be with you to the very end of the world and forever." You need to understand that whatever you do, God will live in you and walk in you. He will be our God and we will be His people and greater is He Who is in you than he that is in the world.
This same Jesus Who bore our sin also bore the rest of God's wrath and punishment for us. God will never be angry with you again according to Isaiah 54:9 (Amplified). No wonder Isaiah said these things were for he who has believed our report. To the old covenant people (without the Holy Spirit), this was almost impossible to comprehend. Eve today, in the unrenewed mind of the Christian, it still seems like "it just can't that simple and he needs to do something. Well, we are required to do something...Believe.`
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Lesson 8 Prince Of Peace
At Christmastime we hear more about peace on earth than at any other time of year. I've put out this teaching so we can actually partake of this peace of the Christmas season.
When Jesus came as the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified), He came as our Prince of Peace. It was God Himself, declaring peace between mankind and Him. God has declared through Jesus that all who will receive Jesus would receive and partake of His promise of peace.
Peace doesn't solely mean we will be worry free like some would think. Peace means that we're no longer at odds with God and He is no longer at odds with us. And, it means that all of God's judgments, His anger, His separation because of sin,and His separation from man throughout the centuries is over. And, it means that by faith in Jesus, we can now be reconciled back to God like in the beginning.
God took the first step towards us for this great gift by sending Jesus. In James 4:8 (Amplified) we read, "Come close to God and He will come close to you (recognize that you are sinners), get your soiled hands clean; (realize that you have been disloyal) wavering individuals with divided interest, and purify your hearts (of spiritual adultery)."
Under the Law, it was all a matter of works just to stay under covenant. God was never reconciled
unto man nor was man reconciled unto God under the Law. As long as man met the requirements of the Law, there was an agreement between God and man that would protect and bless based upon man's obedience to the Law.
Romans 3:21-26 (Amplified) says, "Whom God put forward before the eyes of all (Jesus) as a mercy seat and propitiation by His Blood (the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation), to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment." Verse 26 goes on, "It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has (true) faith in Jesus."
God, provided through faith in Jesus, the gift of reconciliation to mankind by His Own Blood at the cross.
Now, you can understand what James 4:8 (Amplified) says that, "If we will draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto us." God made the first move towards us when He extended the way to Himself in Jesus.
Under the Law, there was this constant, uneasy feeling about God's move towards man if he failed in any way. They couldn't draw nigh unto God because only the High Priest could come that close. No matter what sacrifice was made, they were still outside the Holy of Hollies. They could only enter in so far and then only with blood. This blood of bulls and goats could only cover someone for a year at the most and then it had to be renewed by a new sacrifice.
They could by only remain in a place where God could bless them for a little while by making sacrifices and through works under the Law. Through faith in Jesus, we have reconciled ourselves to God by Jesus like James 4:8 said: "Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you." The only way to draw nigh unto God is to believe that Jesus has become our peace offering once and for all.
Now, God can fulfill His end of this peace agreement He made through Jesus. If we will draw nigh unto Him (through faith in Jesus), then He can now, finally, draw nigh unto us. Without coming into His presence in faith in His Sacrifice of Jesus, then we are still outside of His covenant of peace and reconciliation.
That's why in Luke 2:14 (Amplified) says, "Glory to God in the highest (heaven) and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased (men of good will, of His favor)." How do we qualify for this peace on earth? or well pleasing unto Him? By accepting His extended hand of favor and grace through faith and receiving Jesus as our Savior and Sacrifice of reconciliation and our righteousness.
Jesus, and Jesus alone, can bring this promised peace and reconciliation between God and man by His Blood. The problem has been that even though we've received Jesus and God has declared peace with us, we haven't allowed the faith of His Blood to reconcile us to Him. It's not a short coming on His behalf to draw me closer to me. But, it's my lack of faith in His peace covenant to draw near to HIm.
God's gift was to as many as will receive. John 1:11-12 (Amplified) says that, "He came to that which belonged to Him (His Own, His domain creation, things, world) and they which were His Own did not receive Him and did not receive Him and did not welcome Him." Verse 12 says, "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name."
What about those who don't believe and trust in Him? Did God not make the same covenant of peace to all mankind? Yes, He did. God has made the first move of peace on earth. It's not God Who is not at peace with us, but it's we who are not at peace with Him.
Do we really believe that when we receive Jesus that we're forgiven for all time? Do we really believe that through Jesus we are right with God at all times? Do we really believe that through Jesus we have been justified forever? Or, have we not entered into "drawing near to Him" out of fear or unbelief?
God has secured His end of this covenant of grace. Everything that God promised through Jesus is ours. On the other hand, we have to appropriate by faith what He promised to and for us. If we will not believe in His peace and still stand in our own guilt even after Jesus paid for our sin, then does this mean God's peace is void? Of course not. We must receive what God has provided in order to have peace in our own hearts.
2John 3:20-21 (Amplified) says that, "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us (for we are in God's hands) for He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)."
This means that even when we let our hearts condemn us and we won't let peace reign or rule in our lives, then He is still at peace with us. We need to accept His peace with us and be at peace with Him and be at peace in ourselves with Him. Verse 21 says, "And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
Now we can understand what James 4:8 said that if we will "by faith in Jesus" believe that we have peace with God, it is drawing near to God. And, now God can draw near to us because we're not in fear, guilt or condemnation, but in peace. Now, God can walk with us in perfect fellowship because of a mutual peace. His peace is with me and my peace is with Him. This isn't an uneasy alliance like the world's peace, but "His Own peace He gives to us (His very Own peace with the Father" according to John 14:27 (Amplified).
When Jesus came as the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified), He came as our Prince of Peace. It was God Himself, declaring peace between mankind and Him. God has declared through Jesus that all who will receive Jesus would receive and partake of His promise of peace.
Peace doesn't solely mean we will be worry free like some would think. Peace means that we're no longer at odds with God and He is no longer at odds with us. And, it means that all of God's judgments, His anger, His separation because of sin,and His separation from man throughout the centuries is over. And, it means that by faith in Jesus, we can now be reconciled back to God like in the beginning.
God took the first step towards us for this great gift by sending Jesus. In James 4:8 (Amplified) we read, "Come close to God and He will come close to you (recognize that you are sinners), get your soiled hands clean; (realize that you have been disloyal) wavering individuals with divided interest, and purify your hearts (of spiritual adultery)."
Under the Law, it was all a matter of works just to stay under covenant. God was never reconciled
unto man nor was man reconciled unto God under the Law. As long as man met the requirements of the Law, there was an agreement between God and man that would protect and bless based upon man's obedience to the Law.
Romans 3:21-26 (Amplified) says, "Whom God put forward before the eyes of all (Jesus) as a mercy seat and propitiation by His Blood (the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation), to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment." Verse 26 goes on, "It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has (true) faith in Jesus."
God, provided through faith in Jesus, the gift of reconciliation to mankind by His Own Blood at the cross.
Now, you can understand what James 4:8 (Amplified) says that, "If we will draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto us." God made the first move towards us when He extended the way to Himself in Jesus.
Under the Law, there was this constant, uneasy feeling about God's move towards man if he failed in any way. They couldn't draw nigh unto God because only the High Priest could come that close. No matter what sacrifice was made, they were still outside the Holy of Hollies. They could only enter in so far and then only with blood. This blood of bulls and goats could only cover someone for a year at the most and then it had to be renewed by a new sacrifice.
They could by only remain in a place where God could bless them for a little while by making sacrifices and through works under the Law. Through faith in Jesus, we have reconciled ourselves to God by Jesus like James 4:8 said: "Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you." The only way to draw nigh unto God is to believe that Jesus has become our peace offering once and for all.
Now, God can fulfill His end of this peace agreement He made through Jesus. If we will draw nigh unto Him (through faith in Jesus), then He can now, finally, draw nigh unto us. Without coming into His presence in faith in His Sacrifice of Jesus, then we are still outside of His covenant of peace and reconciliation.
That's why in Luke 2:14 (Amplified) says, "Glory to God in the highest (heaven) and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased (men of good will, of His favor)." How do we qualify for this peace on earth? or well pleasing unto Him? By accepting His extended hand of favor and grace through faith and receiving Jesus as our Savior and Sacrifice of reconciliation and our righteousness.
Jesus, and Jesus alone, can bring this promised peace and reconciliation between God and man by His Blood. The problem has been that even though we've received Jesus and God has declared peace with us, we haven't allowed the faith of His Blood to reconcile us to Him. It's not a short coming on His behalf to draw me closer to me. But, it's my lack of faith in His peace covenant to draw near to HIm.
God's gift was to as many as will receive. John 1:11-12 (Amplified) says that, "He came to that which belonged to Him (His Own, His domain creation, things, world) and they which were His Own did not receive Him and did not receive Him and did not welcome Him." Verse 12 says, "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name."
What about those who don't believe and trust in Him? Did God not make the same covenant of peace to all mankind? Yes, He did. God has made the first move of peace on earth. It's not God Who is not at peace with us, but it's we who are not at peace with Him.
Do we really believe that when we receive Jesus that we're forgiven for all time? Do we really believe that through Jesus we are right with God at all times? Do we really believe that through Jesus we have been justified forever? Or, have we not entered into "drawing near to Him" out of fear or unbelief?
God has secured His end of this covenant of grace. Everything that God promised through Jesus is ours. On the other hand, we have to appropriate by faith what He promised to and for us. If we will not believe in His peace and still stand in our own guilt even after Jesus paid for our sin, then does this mean God's peace is void? Of course not. We must receive what God has provided in order to have peace in our own hearts.
2John 3:20-21 (Amplified) says that, "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us (for we are in God's hands) for He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)."
This means that even when we let our hearts condemn us and we won't let peace reign or rule in our lives, then He is still at peace with us. We need to accept His peace with us and be at peace with Him and be at peace in ourselves with Him. Verse 21 says, "And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
Now we can understand what James 4:8 said that if we will "by faith in Jesus" believe that we have peace with God, it is drawing near to God. And, now God can draw near to us because we're not in fear, guilt or condemnation, but in peace. Now, God can walk with us in perfect fellowship because of a mutual peace. His peace is with me and my peace is with Him. This isn't an uneasy alliance like the world's peace, but "His Own peace He gives to us (His very Own peace with the Father" according to John 14:27 (Amplified).
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Lesson 7 Prince Of Peace
In Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified), the Word calls Jesus the "Prince of Peace." Finding peace in this world is almost impossible to most of the population on the planet. We have tried to find peace by many different ways and means. We'd thought that having more money would bring peace and that having more things would bring us peace. We have chased this elusive peace for most of our lives. Even God's people haven't been in peace for the most part.
We've believed and even taught from the pulpit that if you'd just Jesus in your life then everything will be alright. For most of us, we found that getting saved didn't bring the great Utopia we'd heard about. We preached about heaven, sin, faith and many other things. We talked about the enemy and his attacks and about God trying and testing us. We explained away the peace that Jesus promised by foolish sermons.
A good share of Christians only took comfort in the fact that they would go to heaven when everything was over, but that still didn't bring peace while they were here. We thought that our going to church and acting differently would make the difference, but it didn't. I've found that the same things that upset the world still upset and cause discomfort to the Church.
In Ephesians 1:1-2 (Amplified) the Word of God says that, "Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah) by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus." Verse 2 goes on, "May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace (which means peace with God and harmony, unity and undisturbedness) be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
This peace that's been given is not a things or a doctrine or something that can be obtained by anything we can do on our own. It's the person of Jesus, Himself. When we spend time with Him, we will receive His peace. John 14:27 (Amplified) says, "Peace I leave with you; My (Own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled)."
Philippians 4:6-8 (Amplified) says, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Verse 7 says, "And God's peace shall be yours, (that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ) and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Verse 8 goes on, "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them)."
I've heard so many times by so many people that, "I can't control what I think." This isn't true! If we have no means of controlling what we think, then God wouldn't have placed these instructions in the Word for us to follow.
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified) says, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You)."
When we do as the Word instructs in Philippians 4:6-8, then we're instructed to think on Jesus. Not only the promise of heaven when we die, but the promise of heaven while we live. The Mind of Christ that is within us is the knowledge of Christ in us and our hope of glory.
This is fellowship with and a personal walk with Him. We've walked in a place of public relations with Him in our churches, but this peace comes from a personal relationship with God in our private lives. We hear sermons and testimonies about God, but they cannot take the place of knowing Him on your own. The peace that was promised has already of some future time, but here now. Isaiah spoke of a future time and John 14:27 speaks of the here and now. Paul speaks of a constant peace in Philippians 4:6-8.
This peace isn't us trying to "keep up with the Jones'." There's no peace with what the world is doing. This doesn't mean to necessarily live like a beggar and be content in it, but to live in peace with what you have. Trust God for what you need and rest in the fact that God will supply your every need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6 (Amplified) we find Jesus speaking about the needs we have as men on earth. Every father knows that when you bring children into your family, they will need provisions. Do you actually think God didn't foresee this when He created us in the beginning? God didn't merely give us heaven, but everything that heaven can provide. We seem to forget that everything we see, touch, smell, hear or partake of in this realm came from the spirit realm. It was all made by the same Father Who placed us here to begin with.
Whenever Jesus needed food for the multitude, didn't God provide food for them (from the Spirit realm into the natural realm? It all came from heaven to be used here. The heavens moved on behalf of the disciples and loaded an earthly boat with earthly fish, for earthly men. I've never quite understood why we try to put off God into the spiritual realm as though He was only capable of doing things in the Spirit.
Peace comes from knowing, talking and walking with and staying in constant fellowship with Jesus here and now. Don't keep Him somewhere in the future. Keep your mind on Him.
Matthew 6:31-33 (Amplified) says, "Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, what are we going to have to eat? or, what are we going to have to drink, or what are we going to have to wear?"
Verse 32 goes on, "For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you nee them all." Verse 33 says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."
In other words, when you and I received Jesus (Who is God's righteousness) and we were born again, we were translated into His Kingdom and if we will understand more about Jesus and more about what He's done, then we can actually walk in heaven's peace in this earthly realm. It doesn't do away with heaven, but it manifests heaven on earth.
When we keep our minds on Jesus instead of earthly circumstances that are part of this earthly life, Jesus said He will take care of the things we need here as well as things we need there. This is the peace that manifests Jesus in the realm of the natural world.
We've believed and even taught from the pulpit that if you'd just Jesus in your life then everything will be alright. For most of us, we found that getting saved didn't bring the great Utopia we'd heard about. We preached about heaven, sin, faith and many other things. We talked about the enemy and his attacks and about God trying and testing us. We explained away the peace that Jesus promised by foolish sermons.
A good share of Christians only took comfort in the fact that they would go to heaven when everything was over, but that still didn't bring peace while they were here. We thought that our going to church and acting differently would make the difference, but it didn't. I've found that the same things that upset the world still upset and cause discomfort to the Church.
In Ephesians 1:1-2 (Amplified) the Word of God says that, "Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah) by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus." Verse 2 goes on, "May grace (God's unmerited favor) and spiritual peace (which means peace with God and harmony, unity and undisturbedness) be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
This peace that's been given is not a things or a doctrine or something that can be obtained by anything we can do on our own. It's the person of Jesus, Himself. When we spend time with Him, we will receive His peace. John 14:27 (Amplified) says, "Peace I leave with you; My (Own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled)."
Philippians 4:6-8 (Amplified) says, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Verse 7 says, "And God's peace shall be yours, (that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ) and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Verse 8 goes on, "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them)."
I've heard so many times by so many people that, "I can't control what I think." This isn't true! If we have no means of controlling what we think, then God wouldn't have placed these instructions in the Word for us to follow.
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified) says, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You)."
When we do as the Word instructs in Philippians 4:6-8, then we're instructed to think on Jesus. Not only the promise of heaven when we die, but the promise of heaven while we live. The Mind of Christ that is within us is the knowledge of Christ in us and our hope of glory.
This is fellowship with and a personal walk with Him. We've walked in a place of public relations with Him in our churches, but this peace comes from a personal relationship with God in our private lives. We hear sermons and testimonies about God, but they cannot take the place of knowing Him on your own. The peace that was promised has already of some future time, but here now. Isaiah spoke of a future time and John 14:27 speaks of the here and now. Paul speaks of a constant peace in Philippians 4:6-8.
This peace isn't us trying to "keep up with the Jones'." There's no peace with what the world is doing. This doesn't mean to necessarily live like a beggar and be content in it, but to live in peace with what you have. Trust God for what you need and rest in the fact that God will supply your every need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6 (Amplified) we find Jesus speaking about the needs we have as men on earth. Every father knows that when you bring children into your family, they will need provisions. Do you actually think God didn't foresee this when He created us in the beginning? God didn't merely give us heaven, but everything that heaven can provide. We seem to forget that everything we see, touch, smell, hear or partake of in this realm came from the spirit realm. It was all made by the same Father Who placed us here to begin with.
Whenever Jesus needed food for the multitude, didn't God provide food for them (from the Spirit realm into the natural realm? It all came from heaven to be used here. The heavens moved on behalf of the disciples and loaded an earthly boat with earthly fish, for earthly men. I've never quite understood why we try to put off God into the spiritual realm as though He was only capable of doing things in the Spirit.
Peace comes from knowing, talking and walking with and staying in constant fellowship with Jesus here and now. Don't keep Him somewhere in the future. Keep your mind on Him.
Matthew 6:31-33 (Amplified) says, "Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, what are we going to have to eat? or, what are we going to have to drink, or what are we going to have to wear?"
Verse 32 goes on, "For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you nee them all." Verse 33 says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."
In other words, when you and I received Jesus (Who is God's righteousness) and we were born again, we were translated into His Kingdom and if we will understand more about Jesus and more about what He's done, then we can actually walk in heaven's peace in this earthly realm. It doesn't do away with heaven, but it manifests heaven on earth.
When we keep our minds on Jesus instead of earthly circumstances that are part of this earthly life, Jesus said He will take care of the things we need here as well as things we need there. This is the peace that manifests Jesus in the realm of the natural world.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Lesson 6 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 54:10 (Amplified) says that, "For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord Who has compassion on you."
This covenant of peace is as strong as the Blood of our Peace Offering, Jesus. We seem to believe that the Blood has cleansed us from sin, but that it wasn't enough to bring peace with God. In Isaiah 54:14-15 (Amplified) God said, "You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order); you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you." In Verse 15, He says, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
This seems to be fairly plain and concrete in the heart and mind of God. In order to establish ourselves in righteousness, we must be born again. Once we've received Jesus, we become established in His righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says that, "For our sake He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, an example of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness)."
God's will is that man must be born again according to John 3:16. So, in order that we enter into this peace covenant with God, Jesus is "The Way, The Truth and The Life."
Romans 5:8-10 (Amplified) says, "But God shows and clearly proves His (Own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Verse 9 says, "Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's Blood, how much more (certain is it that) we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God." Verse 10 goes on, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more (certain) now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion through His resurrection) Life."
We've remained outside of receiving God's covenant of peace because of not having renewed our minds according to the scriptures. In Romans 8:7 (Amplified) we read, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot." Romans 12:2 (Amplified) directs us, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind, (by its new ideals and its new attitude) so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
God's perfect will for mankind was and is that the wall between Him and us be totally removed and that we could walk with Him like Jesus (or Adam before the fall of man) did. God's will is to be able to walk with His children in perfect peace and fellowship like any loving Father would.
If our unrenewed minds or carnal thinking keeps us from receiving this peace covenant God made with us through Jesus, then although He has sworn to be at peace with us, we don't receive or enter into this peace with HIm.
In our renewed minds, we still feel that God is out to chastise us and rebuke us over every little thing we do wrong. Do you honestly think God didn't know we couldn't do right all the time? Of course, He knew. But, God still said that I will receive Jesus as your peace offering as well as your sin offering.
God isn't like us saying, "I will forgive you, but I'll never forget." God said in Hebrews 10:17 (Amplified) that, "Their sins and their law breaking I will remember no more." When God says that He will remember our sins no more, He does it perfectly. We keep trying to repent and walk in guilt over things that God has perfectly put out of His heart and mind. Because our carnal minds don't understand the Spirit of the Word, we still refuse to receive and walk in the peace that came by The Prince of Peace, Jesus.
This covenant of peace is as strong as the Blood of our Peace Offering, Jesus. We seem to believe that the Blood has cleansed us from sin, but that it wasn't enough to bring peace with God. In Isaiah 54:14-15 (Amplified) God said, "You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order); you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you." In Verse 15, He says, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
This seems to be fairly plain and concrete in the heart and mind of God. In order to establish ourselves in righteousness, we must be born again. Once we've received Jesus, we become established in His righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says that, "For our sake He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, an example of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness)."
God's will is that man must be born again according to John 3:16. So, in order that we enter into this peace covenant with God, Jesus is "The Way, The Truth and The Life."
Romans 5:8-10 (Amplified) says, "But God shows and clearly proves His (Own) love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Verse 9 says, "Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's Blood, how much more (certain is it that) we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God." Verse 10 goes on, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more (certain) now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion through His resurrection) Life."
We've remained outside of receiving God's covenant of peace because of not having renewed our minds according to the scriptures. In Romans 8:7 (Amplified) we read, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot." Romans 12:2 (Amplified) directs us, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind, (by its new ideals and its new attitude) so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
God's perfect will for mankind was and is that the wall between Him and us be totally removed and that we could walk with Him like Jesus (or Adam before the fall of man) did. God's will is to be able to walk with His children in perfect peace and fellowship like any loving Father would.
If our unrenewed minds or carnal thinking keeps us from receiving this peace covenant God made with us through Jesus, then although He has sworn to be at peace with us, we don't receive or enter into this peace with HIm.
In our renewed minds, we still feel that God is out to chastise us and rebuke us over every little thing we do wrong. Do you honestly think God didn't know we couldn't do right all the time? Of course, He knew. But, God still said that I will receive Jesus as your peace offering as well as your sin offering.
God isn't like us saying, "I will forgive you, but I'll never forget." God said in Hebrews 10:17 (Amplified) that, "Their sins and their law breaking I will remember no more." When God says that He will remember our sins no more, He does it perfectly. We keep trying to repent and walk in guilt over things that God has perfectly put out of His heart and mind. Because our carnal minds don't understand the Spirit of the Word, we still refuse to receive and walk in the peace that came by The Prince of Peace, Jesus.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Lesson 5 Prince Of Peace
Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
Since everything in our new covenant with the Father depends on grace through faith, without putting faith in what Jesus did on our behalf, we cannot approach God at all. Grace made everything accessible, but faith is how we appropriate all that grace has provided.
This peace that Jesus gave to us, is His Own peace with the Father. In John 14:27 (Amplified) Jesus said that it was His Own peace that He left us. This is God's grace and God's will for us. This peace that Jesus left us is the same peace He has even now with our Father. It's not based on if we are perfect or even always right. It's based on faith in the grace of God.
We were saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:6-8 (Amplified) says that, "The grace of God supplied the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God." Grace, supplied by faith, has to obtain this free gift of God. Everything in this new covenant must be obtained by faith in God's sacrifice. Hebrews 11:6 said that without faith in Jesus and grace, we cannot please God. If we don't receive what Jesus did by our faith, then we are in essence trying to reach God on our own terms.
This peace that we've been given is exactly the same. It's given by grace and it must be received by faith. Even when we mess up and our senses tell us that God isn't pleased with us, we must by faith believe we have a covenant of peace with God. No matter what your flesh tells you or what anyone else tells you, your faith must remain in His grace to give you access to God.
We remain at peace with God and He with us because of Jesus. It's not because we are always perfect, but because Jesus is always perfect. I remain righteous before God because Jesus is always righteous and not because I am righteous. That's what grace is all about; unmerited favor. Grace isn't something we've earned, but something we didn't earn or deserve.
We were hostile towards God from the beginning. Romans 10:1-3 (Amplified) says that, "Our minds were setting up a way to God by our Own works." Even under the Law, this wasn't working. Romans 3:10 (Amplified) says, "None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." Even those who were under the Law couldn't fulfill the standard required to become righteous before od.
Only by grace can we have our assurance and hope of peace with God fulfilled. This peace with God means that if we will believe (by faith) what Jesus said and did, God will always be at peace with you. You may not be at peace within yourself, but that won't stop God from being at peace with you.
The most expressed opinion people hold today is that God will get you if you mess up. Those believing that are still at war in their own minds against the truth of the covenant. The stress people talk about all the time wouldn't be part of the believer's life if they would only put faith in Jesus' peace.
John 14:1 (Amplified) says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me."
Notice how Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." In other words, there's something I am supposed to do to prevent my heart from being troubled. The thing I"m supposed to do is to trust in Him. This must be done by faith in what He said in the 27th verse of this same chapter which was, "Peace I leave with you."
This covenant of peace is a very important part of our promise of salvation. Without peace you can't enter into His presence with any assurance or faith. Hebrews 6:11 says that without faith we cannot please God. We can't even approach Him without faith. Our entire covenant is one of faith. Our righteousness, our peace, our fellowship, our redemption, our sanctification and our entire eternity is based on faith in the Blood of Jesus. Why would it not mean also that our peace is also a thing of faith in His Word?
If you will read the entire chapter of Isaiah 54 you'll find the promise of what we now have manifest. You'll see how without this peace, we would still be tormented in our minds and flesh thinking it's God Who is displeased with us. Verses 13,14,15 declare that "Great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of His children." Verse 15 says that, "Things will gather together to try and stop this peace from reigning, but it is not from Me[God]." We need to study what Isaiah 54 says and learn to know what this covenant of grace and peace is all about.
So many of God's children are in a dilemma about whether God is our answer of is He the problem. Is God sending the trouble or are we just not seeing the answer? According to Isaiah 54, God is the answer and peace is supposed to be our results. This covenant of peace was made by God, upheld by God and was given by grace and not by works.
If we stay in peace under this new covenant, then we have access unto the throne of grace (and the Father) at all times. Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) says that, "Even in our failures, we have confidence (because of this peace) to come to Him at any time."
Since everything in our new covenant with the Father depends on grace through faith, without putting faith in what Jesus did on our behalf, we cannot approach God at all. Grace made everything accessible, but faith is how we appropriate all that grace has provided.
This peace that Jesus gave to us, is His Own peace with the Father. In John 14:27 (Amplified) Jesus said that it was His Own peace that He left us. This is God's grace and God's will for us. This peace that Jesus left us is the same peace He has even now with our Father. It's not based on if we are perfect or even always right. It's based on faith in the grace of God.
We were saved by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:6-8 (Amplified) says that, "The grace of God supplied the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God." Grace, supplied by faith, has to obtain this free gift of God. Everything in this new covenant must be obtained by faith in God's sacrifice. Hebrews 11:6 said that without faith in Jesus and grace, we cannot please God. If we don't receive what Jesus did by our faith, then we are in essence trying to reach God on our own terms.
This peace that we've been given is exactly the same. It's given by grace and it must be received by faith. Even when we mess up and our senses tell us that God isn't pleased with us, we must by faith believe we have a covenant of peace with God. No matter what your flesh tells you or what anyone else tells you, your faith must remain in His grace to give you access to God.
We remain at peace with God and He with us because of Jesus. It's not because we are always perfect, but because Jesus is always perfect. I remain righteous before God because Jesus is always righteous and not because I am righteous. That's what grace is all about; unmerited favor. Grace isn't something we've earned, but something we didn't earn or deserve.
We were hostile towards God from the beginning. Romans 10:1-3 (Amplified) says that, "Our minds were setting up a way to God by our Own works." Even under the Law, this wasn't working. Romans 3:10 (Amplified) says, "None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." Even those who were under the Law couldn't fulfill the standard required to become righteous before od.
Only by grace can we have our assurance and hope of peace with God fulfilled. This peace with God means that if we will believe (by faith) what Jesus said and did, God will always be at peace with you. You may not be at peace within yourself, but that won't stop God from being at peace with you.
The most expressed opinion people hold today is that God will get you if you mess up. Those believing that are still at war in their own minds against the truth of the covenant. The stress people talk about all the time wouldn't be part of the believer's life if they would only put faith in Jesus' peace.
John 14:1 (Amplified) says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me."
Notice how Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." In other words, there's something I am supposed to do to prevent my heart from being troubled. The thing I"m supposed to do is to trust in Him. This must be done by faith in what He said in the 27th verse of this same chapter which was, "Peace I leave with you."
This covenant of peace is a very important part of our promise of salvation. Without peace you can't enter into His presence with any assurance or faith. Hebrews 6:11 says that without faith we cannot please God. We can't even approach Him without faith. Our entire covenant is one of faith. Our righteousness, our peace, our fellowship, our redemption, our sanctification and our entire eternity is based on faith in the Blood of Jesus. Why would it not mean also that our peace is also a thing of faith in His Word?
If you will read the entire chapter of Isaiah 54 you'll find the promise of what we now have manifest. You'll see how without this peace, we would still be tormented in our minds and flesh thinking it's God Who is displeased with us. Verses 13,14,15 declare that "Great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of His children." Verse 15 says that, "Things will gather together to try and stop this peace from reigning, but it is not from Me[God]." We need to study what Isaiah 54 says and learn to know what this covenant of grace and peace is all about.
So many of God's children are in a dilemma about whether God is our answer of is He the problem. Is God sending the trouble or are we just not seeing the answer? According to Isaiah 54, God is the answer and peace is supposed to be our results. This covenant of peace was made by God, upheld by God and was given by grace and not by works.
If we stay in peace under this new covenant, then we have access unto the throne of grace (and the Father) at all times. Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified) says that, "Even in our failures, we have confidence (because of this peace) to come to Him at any time."
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Lesson 4 Prince Of Peace
When God had the angels announce at the birth of Jesus, "Peace on earth, and good will toward man," this was the entrance of what Isaiah foretold in Isaiah 9:6, "The promise of this time of peace between God and man, has been established."
Until this time, there had been the separation that was brought about in the Garden of Eden. Because of the sin of Adam, there was war declared in the spirit realm that encompassed all of humanity. The promise of peace was to come when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would come.
Most of us think that all things happened at the resurrection. But, peace began when Jesus was born. All through the four gospels we see this peace of God working. As Jesus forgave the woman taken in adultery, we see this peace of God tell her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
We watched as the Prince of Peace stopped the storm on the Sea of Galilee when He commanded, "Peace, be still." This manifest peace of God, in the form of flesh, brought comfort and peace to all who would receive it. Jesus sat on the Mt. of Olives and said about the city of Jerusalem, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how many times I wanted to take you under My wings as a mother hen with her chicks, but you would not."
This Man of peace came to declare that God was no longer upset or angry with man. Jesus said in John 10:10(Amplified) that, "I come that you have life, and have it to the fullest." In John 12:47 (Amplified) Jesus proclaimed the purpose of His coming when He said, "If anyone hears My teachings and fails to observe them (does not keep them, but disregards them) it is not I Who judges him. For I have not come to judge and condemn and to pass sentence and to inflict penalty on the world, but to save the world."
When peace was made with mankind, it was now up to man to accept it. It's difficult to walk in peace with someone who rejects your efforts. Even as God's Love was poured out on mankind in John 3:16 (Amplified) "So that none should perish, but have everlasting life," there have been millions of people since that time who have rejected God's offer of love and salvation and have perished anyway. If you don't respond to His love, it has no benefit to you because you don't believe. His Peace (God's peace towards me) must be believed on my behalf in order for me to ever enjoy it in my life. Even though God's peace is there and even though it's real and even though it's God's Own will for me, I can still walk in fear of His judgement and punishment if I don't believe.
It's not God Who breaks the covenant despite what we may think, hear or feel. God's covenant of peace is ironclad and sealed by the Blood of Jesus. Even when we fail to walk in this peace with God, His peace will still be there for you always. No matter what happens in the life of a believer, God will never turn loose of the truth of His peace towards you.
We've been taught and have believed throughout the years, that when things go wrong in the Christian's life, that it's God Who is punishing them for their wrongdoing. But, according to Jesus in John 12:47 (Amplified), "He didn't come to judge or inflict penalty on us, but to save us." If Jesus punished us for wrongdoings, then we would have been destroyed before we ever got saved.
Romans 8:6-7 (Amplified) tells us that, "Now the mind of the flesh (which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit) is death (death that compromises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind of the (Holy) Spirit is life and (soul) peace (both now and forever)." Verse 7 goes on, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and (purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot."
Did you notice how in this scripture, that it wasn't God Who was hostile towards us, but the carnal mind that's hostile towards Him? How many Christians do you suppose we have who are still carnal minded? We need to renew our minds as the Word instructs us to do in Romans 12:2 (Amplified) which says, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude) so that you may prove (for yourself) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, in His sight for you."
Without understanding what the meaning of "renew your mind," we still think the same as the world does about peace with God. So, even a believer (one who is saved)will still walk hostile (not going with God) to the covenant of peace if he doesn't renew his mind. He isn't against God in his heart, but his mind (by not believing the Word) will be and actually is against God's Word and covenant.
The end result will be that this child of God will still walk in fear of his heavenly Father and won't be able to enjoy the liberty of the peace in his heart. He will always be accusing God of things that have nothing to do with God because he doesn't believe what this Prince of Peace came to do. You can find yourself not in peace with God even though He is still at peace with you all the time.
Peace of heart and mind are priceless blessings in the believer's life. Without peace, you will never enjoy the liberty that the Holy Spirit came to establish for the child of God. This liberty is the grace of the covenant. Just receive it and walk at liberty with the Father.
Until this time, there had been the separation that was brought about in the Garden of Eden. Because of the sin of Adam, there was war declared in the spirit realm that encompassed all of humanity. The promise of peace was to come when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would come.
Most of us think that all things happened at the resurrection. But, peace began when Jesus was born. All through the four gospels we see this peace of God working. As Jesus forgave the woman taken in adultery, we see this peace of God tell her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
We watched as the Prince of Peace stopped the storm on the Sea of Galilee when He commanded, "Peace, be still." This manifest peace of God, in the form of flesh, brought comfort and peace to all who would receive it. Jesus sat on the Mt. of Olives and said about the city of Jerusalem, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how many times I wanted to take you under My wings as a mother hen with her chicks, but you would not."
This Man of peace came to declare that God was no longer upset or angry with man. Jesus said in John 10:10(Amplified) that, "I come that you have life, and have it to the fullest." In John 12:47 (Amplified) Jesus proclaimed the purpose of His coming when He said, "If anyone hears My teachings and fails to observe them (does not keep them, but disregards them) it is not I Who judges him. For I have not come to judge and condemn and to pass sentence and to inflict penalty on the world, but to save the world."
When peace was made with mankind, it was now up to man to accept it. It's difficult to walk in peace with someone who rejects your efforts. Even as God's Love was poured out on mankind in John 3:16 (Amplified) "So that none should perish, but have everlasting life," there have been millions of people since that time who have rejected God's offer of love and salvation and have perished anyway. If you don't respond to His love, it has no benefit to you because you don't believe. His Peace (God's peace towards me) must be believed on my behalf in order for me to ever enjoy it in my life. Even though God's peace is there and even though it's real and even though it's God's Own will for me, I can still walk in fear of His judgement and punishment if I don't believe.
It's not God Who breaks the covenant despite what we may think, hear or feel. God's covenant of peace is ironclad and sealed by the Blood of Jesus. Even when we fail to walk in this peace with God, His peace will still be there for you always. No matter what happens in the life of a believer, God will never turn loose of the truth of His peace towards you.
We've been taught and have believed throughout the years, that when things go wrong in the Christian's life, that it's God Who is punishing them for their wrongdoing. But, according to Jesus in John 12:47 (Amplified), "He didn't come to judge or inflict penalty on us, but to save us." If Jesus punished us for wrongdoings, then we would have been destroyed before we ever got saved.
Romans 8:6-7 (Amplified) tells us that, "Now the mind of the flesh (which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit) is death (death that compromises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind of the (Holy) Spirit is life and (soul) peace (both now and forever)." Verse 7 goes on, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and (purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot."
Did you notice how in this scripture, that it wasn't God Who was hostile towards us, but the carnal mind that's hostile towards Him? How many Christians do you suppose we have who are still carnal minded? We need to renew our minds as the Word instructs us to do in Romans 12:2 (Amplified) which says, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude) so that you may prove (for yourself) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, in His sight for you."
Without understanding what the meaning of "renew your mind," we still think the same as the world does about peace with God. So, even a believer (one who is saved)will still walk hostile (not going with God) to the covenant of peace if he doesn't renew his mind. He isn't against God in his heart, but his mind (by not believing the Word) will be and actually is against God's Word and covenant.
The end result will be that this child of God will still walk in fear of his heavenly Father and won't be able to enjoy the liberty of the peace in his heart. He will always be accusing God of things that have nothing to do with God because he doesn't believe what this Prince of Peace came to do. You can find yourself not in peace with God even though He is still at peace with you all the time.
Peace of heart and mind are priceless blessings in the believer's life. Without peace, you will never enjoy the liberty that the Holy Spirit came to establish for the child of God. This liberty is the grace of the covenant. Just receive it and walk at liberty with the Father.
Lesson 3 Prince Of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified) tells us, "For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (of eternity), Prince of Peace."
Jesus wasn't just our sin offering, but as a sin offering He was also our peace offering. We sometimes see Jesus as bearing our sins, but not as all the rest of what He paid for by His blood. When He made the statement in John 14:27 (Amplified) "Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid, (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled."
John, no doubt remembering what Jesus said, said this in 1John 3:20-21 (Amplified), "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us (for we are in God's hands) for He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)." Verse 21 says, "And, behold; if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
When we receive the peace that Jesus gave us (His Own peace), we no longer live in the guilt and condemnation of who we were or what we were. Even our mistakes are covered by the Blood of our peace offering, Jesus. Mostly, though, we still walk in our own shortcomings and mistakes which keep us from having peace with our Father. Jesus became not just our peace offering, but our peace. In Him, we have complete peace with God and access to Him at anytime.
The world hasn't received this peace and feel separated from God because they feel that God is angry at them all the time for some reason or another. It was God Who sent Jesus as our peace offering because His anger was poured out on Jesus.
In Isaiah 54:9-10 (Amplified) we read, "For this is like the days of Noah to Me; as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you." Verse 10 goes on, "For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you."
In Verse 13 of this same chapter, it says (speaking of Jesus), "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will) and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of Your children."
You might say, "Yes, it's only for those who are obedient to God's will." To that I would answer that if you've received Jesus, then you have become obedient to His will.
Isaiah 53:10-11 (Amplified) says, "Yet it was the will of the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief and made Him sick. When You and He made His life an offering for sin (and He has risen from the dead, in time to come) He shall see His (spiritual) offspring, He shall prolong His days, and the will and pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand." Verse 11 says, "He shall see (the fruit) of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; by His knowledge of Himself (which He possesses and imparts to others) shall My (uncomprimisingly) righteous One, My servant, justify many and make many righteous (upright and in right standing with God) for He shall bear their iniquities and their guilt (with the consequences) says the Lord."
So, you see that Jesus is the will of God for all who will believe and receive. When you have accepted Jesus as your complete sacrifice for all things, you are now in the will of God. As we learn more about Jesus, we walk more and more in the knowledge of His will.
The peace that Jesus gave to us was to proclaim God's peace covenant to all the earth. God isn't mad at you nor will He be. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was the gift of God to mankind. When we understand this, we will have boldness to walk in the light of His resurrection in fellowship with our Father. There's no need to be afraid of God (even if we do miss it at times). Our peace offering has been accepted by God and our peace should stay secure in our hearts.
Jesus wasn't just our sin offering, but as a sin offering He was also our peace offering. We sometimes see Jesus as bearing our sins, but not as all the rest of what He paid for by His blood. When He made the statement in John 14:27 (Amplified) "Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid, (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled."
John, no doubt remembering what Jesus said, said this in 1John 3:20-21 (Amplified), "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us (for we are in God's hands) for He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)." Verse 21 says, "And, behold; if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
When we receive the peace that Jesus gave us (His Own peace), we no longer live in the guilt and condemnation of who we were or what we were. Even our mistakes are covered by the Blood of our peace offering, Jesus. Mostly, though, we still walk in our own shortcomings and mistakes which keep us from having peace with our Father. Jesus became not just our peace offering, but our peace. In Him, we have complete peace with God and access to Him at anytime.
The world hasn't received this peace and feel separated from God because they feel that God is angry at them all the time for some reason or another. It was God Who sent Jesus as our peace offering because His anger was poured out on Jesus.
In Isaiah 54:9-10 (Amplified) we read, "For this is like the days of Noah to Me; as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you." Verse 10 goes on, "For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you."
In Verse 13 of this same chapter, it says (speaking of Jesus), "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will) and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of Your children."
You might say, "Yes, it's only for those who are obedient to God's will." To that I would answer that if you've received Jesus, then you have become obedient to His will.
Isaiah 53:10-11 (Amplified) says, "Yet it was the will of the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief and made Him sick. When You and He made His life an offering for sin (and He has risen from the dead, in time to come) He shall see His (spiritual) offspring, He shall prolong His days, and the will and pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand." Verse 11 says, "He shall see (the fruit) of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; by His knowledge of Himself (which He possesses and imparts to others) shall My (uncomprimisingly) righteous One, My servant, justify many and make many righteous (upright and in right standing with God) for He shall bear their iniquities and their guilt (with the consequences) says the Lord."
So, you see that Jesus is the will of God for all who will believe and receive. When you have accepted Jesus as your complete sacrifice for all things, you are now in the will of God. As we learn more about Jesus, we walk more and more in the knowledge of His will.
The peace that Jesus gave to us was to proclaim God's peace covenant to all the earth. God isn't mad at you nor will He be. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was the gift of God to mankind. When we understand this, we will have boldness to walk in the light of His resurrection in fellowship with our Father. There's no need to be afraid of God (even if we do miss it at times). Our peace offering has been accepted by God and our peace should stay secure in our hearts.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Lesson 2 Prince Of Peace
Jesus is our peace offering between us and God. Many people believe though, that every time something goes wrong in the life of a believer that it's God punishing them for wrong behavior. God declared a peace treaty between Himself and mankind on the very night Jesus was born. Luke 2:14 (Amplified) says, "Glory to God in the highest (heaven); and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased (men of His good will, of His favor)."
As believers, we are men of God's good will and favor because of Jesus. Since it was our Father Who cut the covenant with Jesus, it's unbreakable. Hebrews 6:18 (Amplified) says, "This was that, by two unchangeable things (His promise and His oath) in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled (to Him) for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before us."
This covenant of peace was one where Jesus became our peace offering on the cross. When Jesus was accepted by God as the perfect sacrifice, we were received as well. Now, this peace means that we have peace with our Father at all times because Jesus is still (once and for all time) seated at the right hand of the Father on our behalf. Jesus would have to be rejected by the Father before this covenant could ever be disolved.
Because Jesus is our peace and our peace offering, there's nothing that can break it...it is written in God's Own blood. We've been taught over the years that sicknesses, calamities, accidents, and other bad things are God punishing us for our failures or bad performance. Not true!
Do you believe that if God punished us for our failures, then we would never have lived long enough to get saved? We were punished when Jesus was punished. We were judged when He was judged. And, we were justified when Jesus was raised from the dead. Romans 4:25 (Amplified) says, "Who was betrayed and put to death (Jesus) because of our misdeeds and was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal) making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God."
When we finally come to understand just what this means in our lives, it will completely change our walk with the Father. As far as God's concerned, when we enter into this covenant, He saw us all as clean as our Lamb, Jesus Who was slain for us. He only sees us through the Blood of Jesus. We are righteous because He is righteous and not because we always do good or even when we do wrong. Our righteousness doesn't depend on us, it depends on Jesus.
Our peace covenant was made secure at the same time our sins were cleansed and forgiven. Jesus was the Lamb Who covered everything that was separating us from the Father since the Garden of Eden. For the most part, we have only learned that Jesus took our sin. What we weren't taught was that when Jesus became our substitute on the cross, He became what I was so that I could become what He was.
Now that I'm God's son, I have peace with Him and His peace reigns in me. People don't understand the true liberty we have through Jesus. We are so free that we don't know how to live in it. Liberty takes some getting used to. I finally realized that my position with God doesn't depend on my good works, but by my faith in Jesus' works.
No matter how good I tried to be or how hard I worked at it, I only proved to myself and to God that I was still trying to be right with Him by my own merits. After awhile, I realized that the only way to approach God was through what He had done in Jesus. The harder I worked on my own righteousness, the further I got from God. Romans 4:16 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, (inheriting) the promise is the outcome of faith and depends (entirely) on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor) to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is (thus) the father of us all."
In Romans 5:9 (Amplified) we read, "Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's Blood, how much more (certain is it that) we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God." This peace should override all of the lies, accusations and condemnation of the flesh and the world against us.
God isn't mad at you. Nor does He hold any of our trespasses against us any longer. He is at perfect peace with us now because of Jesus. We read in Psalm 85: 10-11 (Amplified) that, "Mercy and loving kindness and truth have been met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Verse 11 goes on, "Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven."
Also in Psalm 34:22 (Amplified) we read where the Lord has said, "'The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.'"
As believers, we are men of God's good will and favor because of Jesus. Since it was our Father Who cut the covenant with Jesus, it's unbreakable. Hebrews 6:18 (Amplified) says, "This was that, by two unchangeable things (His promise and His oath) in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled (to Him) for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before us."
This covenant of peace was one where Jesus became our peace offering on the cross. When Jesus was accepted by God as the perfect sacrifice, we were received as well. Now, this peace means that we have peace with our Father at all times because Jesus is still (once and for all time) seated at the right hand of the Father on our behalf. Jesus would have to be rejected by the Father before this covenant could ever be disolved.
Because Jesus is our peace and our peace offering, there's nothing that can break it...it is written in God's Own blood. We've been taught over the years that sicknesses, calamities, accidents, and other bad things are God punishing us for our failures or bad performance. Not true!
Do you believe that if God punished us for our failures, then we would never have lived long enough to get saved? We were punished when Jesus was punished. We were judged when He was judged. And, we were justified when Jesus was raised from the dead. Romans 4:25 (Amplified) says, "Who was betrayed and put to death (Jesus) because of our misdeeds and was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal) making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God."
When we finally come to understand just what this means in our lives, it will completely change our walk with the Father. As far as God's concerned, when we enter into this covenant, He saw us all as clean as our Lamb, Jesus Who was slain for us. He only sees us through the Blood of Jesus. We are righteous because He is righteous and not because we always do good or even when we do wrong. Our righteousness doesn't depend on us, it depends on Jesus.
Our peace covenant was made secure at the same time our sins were cleansed and forgiven. Jesus was the Lamb Who covered everything that was separating us from the Father since the Garden of Eden. For the most part, we have only learned that Jesus took our sin. What we weren't taught was that when Jesus became our substitute on the cross, He became what I was so that I could become what He was.
Now that I'm God's son, I have peace with Him and His peace reigns in me. People don't understand the true liberty we have through Jesus. We are so free that we don't know how to live in it. Liberty takes some getting used to. I finally realized that my position with God doesn't depend on my good works, but by my faith in Jesus' works.
No matter how good I tried to be or how hard I worked at it, I only proved to myself and to God that I was still trying to be right with Him by my own merits. After awhile, I realized that the only way to approach God was through what He had done in Jesus. The harder I worked on my own righteousness, the further I got from God. Romans 4:16 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, (inheriting) the promise is the outcome of faith and depends (entirely) on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor) to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is (thus) the father of us all."
In Romans 5:9 (Amplified) we read, "Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's Blood, how much more (certain is it that) we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God." This peace should override all of the lies, accusations and condemnation of the flesh and the world against us.
God isn't mad at you. Nor does He hold any of our trespasses against us any longer. He is at perfect peace with us now because of Jesus. We read in Psalm 85: 10-11 (Amplified) that, "Mercy and loving kindness and truth have been met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Verse 11 goes on, "Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven."
Also in Psalm 34:22 (Amplified) we read where the Lord has said, "'The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.'"
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