We can only understand the Word of God from a purely carnal point of view, without the Holy Spirit's revealing the Truth of it to us. We can read the words and understand what they say with our own intelligence, but without Him we won't receive the spiritual revelation of it into our spirit. And, without the spiritual revelation, it simply becomes another religion instead of a relationship.
We read in 2Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) that, "For ourselves 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 relationship with Him, by His goodness)." We also read in 2Corinthians 5:16-17 (Amplified) that, "Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a (purely) human point of view (in terms of natural standards of value) (No) even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a Man, yet now (we have such knowledge of Him that) we know Him no longer (in terms of the flesh). Therefore if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away, behold, the fresh and new has come."
At one time or another, we have all read this scripture, but how many have read it through and by the Spirit? There are some who have read it and continue to refer to themselves as "old sinners" and "unrighteous" and "unworthy." This might sound humble to the carnal standards, but it seems as though we're making Jesus' sacrifice to no avail.
When we read how Jesus made us "clean of sin and righteous with God" and then deny the truth of it, lowers our Lord's sacrifice to that of bulls and goats. At least when people offered sacrifice in the old covenant, they had faith in that sacrifice and accepted their cleansing. On the other hand, we have allowed Jesus' sacrifice be offered up on our account and then choose to speak of ourselves as being "still in our sin" and "unrighteous in God's sight."
We're like the Corinthians who still see themselves from "merely a human point of view" and not by the Spirit of God. Can you imagine standing in God's presence and telling Him that "Jesus was not enough to cleanse you from your sin and you're still a sinner?" Or can you imagine standing in His presence and saying that, "Jesus wasn't enough to give you righteousness or the right standing to enter His presence?" It's not our righteousness that allows us to enter God's presence, but it's Jesus' righteousness. You cannot get more righteous than that!
Without the Holy Spirit's revealing the truth of God's Word to us, we will only view ourselves as "merely human" and not at all spirit. Man's carnal way of thinking will keep us feeling condemned and unworthy. This has been one of the tools satan has used against us for thousands of years. This way of thinking has always kept us focusing on ourselves rather than on Jesus.
That kind of thinking will always prevent us from seeing how the Father sees us. The Word tells us that we are new creatures altogether because of Jesus' sacrifice. It also says that our "old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away." It doesn't that that our old selves will pass away, but that it has passed away.
We were sinners and unrighteous in our old creature or old human being. We are no longer that way because Jesus' sacrifice. It is actually dishonoring the Blood of Jesus when we refer to ourselves as being the same as before His death and our new birth. We say we believe in His sacrifice and in His Blood, but then refuse to acknowledge that both of those things accomplished what God said it did.
This is why the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the truth and power of Calvary to man's spirit and not only his mind. The sacrifice of Jesus has given us the privilege and right standing with the Father. It's because of His righteousness that we can stand in the Father's presence. No one could get more righteous than Jesus Himself. We've been made to be the "Righteousness of God" in Him.
Why do we believe that this is only for the time when we arrive in heaven? If we're not made righteous and without sin here, then how do think we will ever get to heaven? We can't still be sinners and unrighteous here and then change once we die. We have already died in Him.
Paul received this revelation from Jesus Himself and wrote in 1Corinthians 6:9-11 (Amplified) saying, "Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrong doers will not inherit or have any share in the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled); neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality; Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foul mouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the Kingdom of God." Verse 11 goes on, "And such some of you were (once). But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin). And you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed); and you were justified (pronounced righteous) by trusting in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the (Holy) Spirit of our God."
He spoke to the Church saying, "You were these things, but now you are sinless, you are justified and you are righteous by faith in the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God." You are no longer merely human, but now you are already one spirit with the Lord, through Calvary.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Lesson 32 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Most Christians still see themselves in the fallen state of Adam, even though Jesus, in His death and resurrection, has brought man back into full communion with the Father. We still see ourselves more after the flesh than after the Spirit because we're residing our mortal bodies. When we read the Word, we still identify more with the first Adam rather than the Last Adam.
The world and the devil desire to keep God's people more focused on themselves rather than on Jesus. We're much more aware of our failures instead of His victory on our behalf. When we read the New Testament, we still identify with the old covenant more than the new one. People believe that it's "just human nature" to think this way and they are right. What we do not seem to understand is that we are supposed to see and think differently after we're born again.
We believe that so much of what Jesus has done for us is for our life in heaven. But, according to Ephesians 2:5-6 (Amplified), the Father says differently saying, "Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) short comings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ (He) gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). And He raised up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) the Anointed One."
We spend far too much time educating the flesh and far too little time thinking about the spirit. The Holy Spirit will reveal our heavenly seating in Jesus to you and the world and satan will reveal you in the flesh to your own efforts. Through the Holy Spirit's revelations to him, Paul says we're already seated with Jesus where the Father is concerned.
When this flesh body is literally dead, we will only change location from here to where we're no longer separated from Him by this "house" we live in now. 2Corinthians 5:1-4 (Amplified) says, "For we know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Here indeed, in this (present abode, body) we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over (we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be filled out) with our heavenly dwelling." Verse 3-4 go on, "So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body). For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)-not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit) but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life (after the resurrection)."
The only thing separating us from our place with the Father is this house (body) we now live in. Everything else has been done in Christ Jesus. We've already become new creatures in Christ, we've already been justified and we're already seated with Him in Heavenly Places. The only thing left to do is to finish the job He sent us here to do. We are to be laborers of the harvest who bring forth fruit (new believers) into the His Kingdom. We are to be His Body on this earth.
2Corinthians 5:7-8 (Amplified) tells us, "For we walk by faith (we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things with truth and holy fervor thus we walk) not by sight or appearance. (Yes) we have confidence and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord."
Paul tells us not to look at this place as "home," but to see it as a place to walk out what we're called to do. We are not to always have our eyes on self, but to understand by faith, who and what we really are. The only thing holding us here is our "Earth suit." When we put off this Earth suit, then we won't be held down on this planet any longer.
Our purpose for remaining in this world is made clear in 2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) which says, "Therefore if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation ( a new creature altogether) the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come." Verse 18 says, "But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might bring others into harmony with Him)."
The entire purpose for our residing here, instead of being in heaven with Him, is to reconcile the world back into harmony with Him. Our actual home is already "Seated with Him in heavenly places." 2Corinthians 6:1 (Amplified) says, "Laboring together (as God's fellow workers) with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain (that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping them and strengthening them) do not receive it to no purpose."
Our earthly purpose is that we are to be laborers in the harvest, according to 1John 4:2 (Amplified) which says, "Beloved, we are (even here and) God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be (hereafter), but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as God's children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He (really) is."
The world and the devil desire to keep God's people more focused on themselves rather than on Jesus. We're much more aware of our failures instead of His victory on our behalf. When we read the New Testament, we still identify with the old covenant more than the new one. People believe that it's "just human nature" to think this way and they are right. What we do not seem to understand is that we are supposed to see and think differently after we're born again.
We believe that so much of what Jesus has done for us is for our life in heaven. But, according to Ephesians 2:5-6 (Amplified), the Father says differently saying, "Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) short comings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ (He) gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). And He raised up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) the Anointed One."
We spend far too much time educating the flesh and far too little time thinking about the spirit. The Holy Spirit will reveal our heavenly seating in Jesus to you and the world and satan will reveal you in the flesh to your own efforts. Through the Holy Spirit's revelations to him, Paul says we're already seated with Jesus where the Father is concerned.
When this flesh body is literally dead, we will only change location from here to where we're no longer separated from Him by this "house" we live in now. 2Corinthians 5:1-4 (Amplified) says, "For we know that if the tent which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Here indeed, in this (present abode, body) we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over (we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be filled out) with our heavenly dwelling." Verse 3-4 go on, "So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body). For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)-not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit) but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life (after the resurrection)."
The only thing separating us from our place with the Father is this house (body) we now live in. Everything else has been done in Christ Jesus. We've already become new creatures in Christ, we've already been justified and we're already seated with Him in Heavenly Places. The only thing left to do is to finish the job He sent us here to do. We are to be laborers of the harvest who bring forth fruit (new believers) into the His Kingdom. We are to be His Body on this earth.
2Corinthians 5:7-8 (Amplified) tells us, "For we walk by faith (we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things with truth and holy fervor thus we walk) not by sight or appearance. (Yes) we have confidence and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord."
Paul tells us not to look at this place as "home," but to see it as a place to walk out what we're called to do. We are not to always have our eyes on self, but to understand by faith, who and what we really are. The only thing holding us here is our "Earth suit." When we put off this Earth suit, then we won't be held down on this planet any longer.
Our purpose for remaining in this world is made clear in 2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) which says, "Therefore if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation ( a new creature altogether) the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come." Verse 18 says, "But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might bring others into harmony with Him)."
The entire purpose for our residing here, instead of being in heaven with Him, is to reconcile the world back into harmony with Him. Our actual home is already "Seated with Him in heavenly places." 2Corinthians 6:1 (Amplified) says, "Laboring together (as God's fellow workers) with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain (that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping them and strengthening them) do not receive it to no purpose."
Our earthly purpose is that we are to be laborers in the harvest, according to 1John 4:2 (Amplified) which says, "Beloved, we are (even here and) God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be (hereafter), but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as God's children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He (really) is."
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Lesson 31 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
It is Only the Holy Spirit Who can reveal what God has already done to man. The carnal minded man, even though he might be born again, can read scripture without ever seeing the truth in them. Without having the Holy Spirit to reveal to him what God has already done, will always believe these things are for the future. A Christian man who doesn't have the revelation of the Word, will read the Book of Romans and will come away under condemnation. But, the man who allows the Holy Spirit to teach him, will come away with peace.
Romans 3:10 (Amplified) tells us, "As it is written, none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." A carnal minded man, even though he's born again, will read this an remain under condemnation and feeling unrighteous in God's eyes. A man who is being led by and taught by the Holy Spirit will read in the same chapter of Romans 3:21-22 (Amplified) which says, "But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the prophets. Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah); (and it is meant) for all who believe, for there is no distinction."
By His wisdom, the Holy Spirit will reveal to the born again man that now, through Jesus, we who believe in Him are counted as righteous. The Christian who reads this Word by his carnal mind, will meditate on Romans 3:23 (Amplified) which says, "Since all have sinned and are fallen short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives."
The Christian allowing the Holy Spirit's receives the work of the cross in faith and go on to read Verse 24 which says, "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus."
Both can read the same scripture, but only one comes away "free," while the other continues judging himself by his own merits instead of the shed Blood of Jesus. One has received, in his spirit, the Truth of the Word and the other, with his carnal thinking, sees himself as unrighteous in God's eyes.
Both men have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but only one has really allowed the Truth of the Word into their spirit. The other has only received what the carnal mind has dictated to him. The next two verses must also be read and accepted by faith in what Jesus has done through the Holy Spirit's revelation. Thus, Romans 3:25-26 (Amplified) speaking of Jesus, says, "Whom God put forward (before the eyes of all) as a mercy seat and propitiation by His Blood (the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received through faith." This demonstrates how righteous God is because He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. Verse 26 goes on, "This 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."
You might ask, "Didn't both men accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior?" The answer is, "Yes." Did both men really understand the truth of His sacrifice? The answer would be, "No!" One read it in his carnal mind, while the other read it by the renewed mind of the Holy Spirit. Has God not made both men righteous? Yes! But, only one will walk in the Freedom of the Gift of Righteousness, while the other walks under the condemnation of his flesh or carnal mind. One man will have the boldness to, "Draw near to the Throne of Grace in fearlessness and confidence," like Hebrews 4:16 says. The other man will shy away from God's throne of grace and remain feeling and acting like he is still in his old sin and unrighteousness, instead of believing in the Blood of Jesus.
The carnally minded Christian will struggle to find "Help in his time of need," while the other man will receive that Help when needed. God's Throne of Grace is approachable to both, but the carnal minded Christian won't dare to believe he can approach it and be accepted by God. Both men have read the same scripture, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal the depth of the scripture to you and expel the fear and condemnation of the old man.
Many of God's children are living so far below the place that Jesus paid so dearly for. Too many are selling short the power of the Passover Lamb in God's eyes. Truly, though, that makes light of the cost of righteousness or right standing with God that He provided in Jesus Christ. If God didn't wish for us to be in right standing with Him, then He would never have made the way into His presence. It's not our righteousness that we walk in. We don't enter into God's Throne of Grace by what we have done, but by what Jesus has done for us. He has made us righteous.
Romans 3:10 (Amplified) tells us, "As it is written, none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." A carnal minded man, even though he's born again, will read this an remain under condemnation and feeling unrighteous in God's eyes. A man who is being led by and taught by the Holy Spirit will read in the same chapter of Romans 3:21-22 (Amplified) which says, "But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the prophets. Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah); (and it is meant) for all who believe, for there is no distinction."
By His wisdom, the Holy Spirit will reveal to the born again man that now, through Jesus, we who believe in Him are counted as righteous. The Christian who reads this Word by his carnal mind, will meditate on Romans 3:23 (Amplified) which says, "Since all have sinned and are fallen short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives."
The Christian allowing the Holy Spirit's receives the work of the cross in faith and go on to read Verse 24 which says, "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus."
Both can read the same scripture, but only one comes away "free," while the other continues judging himself by his own merits instead of the shed Blood of Jesus. One has received, in his spirit, the Truth of the Word and the other, with his carnal thinking, sees himself as unrighteous in God's eyes.
Both men have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but only one has really allowed the Truth of the Word into their spirit. The other has only received what the carnal mind has dictated to him. The next two verses must also be read and accepted by faith in what Jesus has done through the Holy Spirit's revelation. Thus, Romans 3:25-26 (Amplified) speaking of Jesus, says, "Whom God put forward (before the eyes of all) as a mercy seat and propitiation by His Blood (the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received through faith." This demonstrates how righteous God is because He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. Verse 26 goes on, "This 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."
You might ask, "Didn't both men accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior?" The answer is, "Yes." Did both men really understand the truth of His sacrifice? The answer would be, "No!" One read it in his carnal mind, while the other read it by the renewed mind of the Holy Spirit. Has God not made both men righteous? Yes! But, only one will walk in the Freedom of the Gift of Righteousness, while the other walks under the condemnation of his flesh or carnal mind. One man will have the boldness to, "Draw near to the Throne of Grace in fearlessness and confidence," like Hebrews 4:16 says. The other man will shy away from God's throne of grace and remain feeling and acting like he is still in his old sin and unrighteousness, instead of believing in the Blood of Jesus.
The carnally minded Christian will struggle to find "Help in his time of need," while the other man will receive that Help when needed. God's Throne of Grace is approachable to both, but the carnal minded Christian won't dare to believe he can approach it and be accepted by God. Both men have read the same scripture, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal the depth of the scripture to you and expel the fear and condemnation of the old man.
Many of God's children are living so far below the place that Jesus paid so dearly for. Too many are selling short the power of the Passover Lamb in God's eyes. Truly, though, that makes light of the cost of righteousness or right standing with God that He provided in Jesus Christ. If God didn't wish for us to be in right standing with Him, then He would never have made the way into His presence. It's not our righteousness that we walk in. We don't enter into God's Throne of Grace by what we have done, but by what Jesus has done for us. He has made us righteous.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
Lesson 30 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
During this Memorial Day weekend, I'd like to pay tribute to all those who have served to make and keep this nation free. We have done everything we knew to maintain our freedom, except hold fast to the teachings of the Spirit of God. Men and women have served and many often have died to keep the liberty we enjoy in America. Our forefathers fought to leave us a republic that is free, like no other nation before has ever seen. We've taken great care to fight for what has been given us by previous generations.
In our duty to country, we've neglected the main cause of our freedom and liberty. We have fought and died for what was given us, yet we see our very freedoms being stripped away, not from a foreign enemy, but by our leaving the one thing that made us great in this world. We have left our alliance and allegiance to the Most High God.
While we were busy on the battle grounds of foreign lands, our own nation has removed God from our Pledge of Allegiance, our schools and from public venues. Our children have grown up in a nation that our forefathers would find hard to recognize. We've allowed Bibles to be stricken from our schools and army posts, the crosses be taken down or covered up and prayer only be done in secret (definitely not in public or on the steps of the Supreme Court).
We still have a "form of Godliness," but deny the power thereof. Even in our own military, the very ones who fight and die for our freedom, God has all but been removed or replaced. Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham and head of Samaritan's Purse) was denied a place at the National Prayer breakfast. Our President and leaders haven't been speaking out about all the Christians being slaughtered and the churches being burned down in the Mideast.
John 8:31-32 (Amplified) says, "So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him. If you abide in My Word (holdfast to My teachings and live in accordance with them) you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
There cannot be freedom any longer without the Truth of God's Word in our land. God raised up a nation in less than two-hundred years that is, or was, the mightiest nation on the face of the earth. We were blessed with the abundance of the covenant of God. We have an abundance of food and the power to hold the world in our grip. Americans are more generous than any other peoples when it comes to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked providing sanctuary to those seeking freedom and sending missionaries around the world to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. Man has pushed away the very source of our power and blessings and proclaims that we no longer need God as our source, because we can do it ourselves.
I served in the Military and was proud to serve for truth and freedom. I honor all who have served, including those who died and those who gave an oath to die if need be. They have done everything that could be expected for our nation. There is, however, One Who died for our freedom Whom we don't take into consideration on this great Day of Remembrance. He gave us freedom by His death.
Jesus is the One Who gave us the freedom, the power and the blessings that our nation possesses. Let us remember Jesus Who gave us everything by His death.
While we are remembering those who are now serving and those who went before them, let us also remember what caused us to fight for our freedom in the first place. This nation was fought for and founded on our right and liberty to worship God without any man or government interference. Let us remember that God made America great and not man.
Our future and our freedom was, and still is, built on faith and covenant with the Most High God. He is the Father of our freedom and without Him, we have no freedom. We don't have the freedom to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of God's Word. The freedom to choose how we raise our children and what values we instill in them, was given by battle and prayer. The God given right to be who our Heavenly Father created us to be, came by the Blood of His Son and not by politics or votes. Our freedom comes by faith in Jesus.
In our duty to country, we've neglected the main cause of our freedom and liberty. We have fought and died for what was given us, yet we see our very freedoms being stripped away, not from a foreign enemy, but by our leaving the one thing that made us great in this world. We have left our alliance and allegiance to the Most High God.
While we were busy on the battle grounds of foreign lands, our own nation has removed God from our Pledge of Allegiance, our schools and from public venues. Our children have grown up in a nation that our forefathers would find hard to recognize. We've allowed Bibles to be stricken from our schools and army posts, the crosses be taken down or covered up and prayer only be done in secret (definitely not in public or on the steps of the Supreme Court).
We still have a "form of Godliness," but deny the power thereof. Even in our own military, the very ones who fight and die for our freedom, God has all but been removed or replaced. Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham and head of Samaritan's Purse) was denied a place at the National Prayer breakfast. Our President and leaders haven't been speaking out about all the Christians being slaughtered and the churches being burned down in the Mideast.
John 8:31-32 (Amplified) says, "So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him. If you abide in My Word (holdfast to My teachings and live in accordance with them) you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
There cannot be freedom any longer without the Truth of God's Word in our land. God raised up a nation in less than two-hundred years that is, or was, the mightiest nation on the face of the earth. We were blessed with the abundance of the covenant of God. We have an abundance of food and the power to hold the world in our grip. Americans are more generous than any other peoples when it comes to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked providing sanctuary to those seeking freedom and sending missionaries around the world to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. Man has pushed away the very source of our power and blessings and proclaims that we no longer need God as our source, because we can do it ourselves.
I served in the Military and was proud to serve for truth and freedom. I honor all who have served, including those who died and those who gave an oath to die if need be. They have done everything that could be expected for our nation. There is, however, One Who died for our freedom Whom we don't take into consideration on this great Day of Remembrance. He gave us freedom by His death.
Jesus is the One Who gave us the freedom, the power and the blessings that our nation possesses. Let us remember Jesus Who gave us everything by His death.
While we are remembering those who are now serving and those who went before them, let us also remember what caused us to fight for our freedom in the first place. This nation was fought for and founded on our right and liberty to worship God without any man or government interference. Let us remember that God made America great and not man.
Our future and our freedom was, and still is, built on faith and covenant with the Most High God. He is the Father of our freedom and without Him, we have no freedom. We don't have the freedom to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of God's Word. The freedom to choose how we raise our children and what values we instill in them, was given by battle and prayer. The God given right to be who our Heavenly Father created us to be, came by the Blood of His Son and not by politics or votes. Our freedom comes by faith in Jesus.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Lesson 29 The Ministry and Work of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said in John 10:7 (Amplified), "Again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the door for the sheep." He goes on to say in Verse 27, "The sheep that are My Own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me."
Although the disciples had been with Jesus for three and half years, walked with Him and heard what He had been saying, they couldn't comprehend the Spirit and Truth of His Words. In John 20:9 (Amplified) Jesus said, "For yet they did not know (understand) scripture that said He must rise again from the dead."
Even after all the times the disciples spent with Jesus, saw the miracles He performed and heard His teachings, they couldn't believe in their hearts the Truth of the Spirit of life in His Words, without the Holy Spirit. Today, we have the revelation of His Words given by the Apostle Paul to the Church. Yet, without the Holy Spirit's giving us light, they are not more Truth and Life to us, than they were to the disciples.
We have gleaned enough life from the Word to accept Jesus as our Lord, but we still struggle with the Truth of the power of being in the Father's family. We struggle to find a greater way into the Father's presence, when all the time Jesus is the Door and there is no other way to gain access to the Father, but through Him anymore. We think we'll find favor with Him if we fast more, pray more, read more of the Word, sacrifice more or discipline ourselves. None of these things will give us more access to Him than what we already have.
In the old covenant, people gained an audience with God through sacrifice and fasting. In the new relationship, we have access and an audience with Father all the time by Jesus. We're not trying to impress God, but coming in thanksgiving to the Father. The full truth of this revelation must come by the Holy Spirit.
Man has contrived many various natural minded and carnal minds, how to reach God. We've tried bombarding the Gates of Heaven with prayer. We've tried praying in all night vigils and we've tried self punishment rituals, but none of them are required or even work to gain His attention. The Name of Jesus is the only thing required to gain His attention. This is the Door that give entry into not only the presence of just "God," but "Father."
When you speak for the Name of Jesus, you are bringing again into the heavenlies, the Only sacrifice that is now acceptable to the Father. Jesus is the Only thing needed to receive from a Father Who loves you. The Word without the revelation of the Holy Spirit, will only do what the Law did and will cause you to see only the scriptures about the sinner. You will only see yourself the way the world or perhaps even the way you still focus on self instead of Him.
The Holy Spirit will not remind you of who you were before being born again, but will reveal who you are now in the Father's family. There are more sermons even today, being preached about sin to the Church than about righteousness. In many churches, you cannot say you're righteous through Him without it causing great friction. We sing the beautiful old hymn "Just as I am" in church. But, Jesus didn't leave you "Just as I am." He raised you with Himself and made you a new creation and a child of the Father like He is. The Father doesn't have one family that is righteous and one family that isn't. The whole family, both in heaven and in earth, are all called by one name according to 1Thessalonians 5:18-21 (Amplified) which says, "Thank (God) in everything (no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks) For this is the will of God for you (who are) in Christ Jesus (the Revealer and Mediator of that will) Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the (Holy) Spirit." Verses 20-21 go on, "Do not spurn the gifts or utterances of the prophets (do not deprecate prophetic revelations, nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning) But test and prove all things."
We need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the Spirit and Truth of the scriptures, instead of relying of the carnal minded men to do so. When we try seeking other ways to gaining access to God, we nullify everything Jesus suffered and sacrificed to do so for us. Jesus and Jesus alone has made us "perfect" in the Father's sight and once we begin seeing ourselves like He sees us, we will be changed from "Glory to Glory" as we behold Him (instead of beholding ourselves).
Although the disciples had been with Jesus for three and half years, walked with Him and heard what He had been saying, they couldn't comprehend the Spirit and Truth of His Words. In John 20:9 (Amplified) Jesus said, "For yet they did not know (understand) scripture that said He must rise again from the dead."
Even after all the times the disciples spent with Jesus, saw the miracles He performed and heard His teachings, they couldn't believe in their hearts the Truth of the Spirit of life in His Words, without the Holy Spirit. Today, we have the revelation of His Words given by the Apostle Paul to the Church. Yet, without the Holy Spirit's giving us light, they are not more Truth and Life to us, than they were to the disciples.
We have gleaned enough life from the Word to accept Jesus as our Lord, but we still struggle with the Truth of the power of being in the Father's family. We struggle to find a greater way into the Father's presence, when all the time Jesus is the Door and there is no other way to gain access to the Father, but through Him anymore. We think we'll find favor with Him if we fast more, pray more, read more of the Word, sacrifice more or discipline ourselves. None of these things will give us more access to Him than what we already have.
In the old covenant, people gained an audience with God through sacrifice and fasting. In the new relationship, we have access and an audience with Father all the time by Jesus. We're not trying to impress God, but coming in thanksgiving to the Father. The full truth of this revelation must come by the Holy Spirit.
Man has contrived many various natural minded and carnal minds, how to reach God. We've tried bombarding the Gates of Heaven with prayer. We've tried praying in all night vigils and we've tried self punishment rituals, but none of them are required or even work to gain His attention. The Name of Jesus is the only thing required to gain His attention. This is the Door that give entry into not only the presence of just "God," but "Father."
When you speak for the Name of Jesus, you are bringing again into the heavenlies, the Only sacrifice that is now acceptable to the Father. Jesus is the Only thing needed to receive from a Father Who loves you. The Word without the revelation of the Holy Spirit, will only do what the Law did and will cause you to see only the scriptures about the sinner. You will only see yourself the way the world or perhaps even the way you still focus on self instead of Him.
The Holy Spirit will not remind you of who you were before being born again, but will reveal who you are now in the Father's family. There are more sermons even today, being preached about sin to the Church than about righteousness. In many churches, you cannot say you're righteous through Him without it causing great friction. We sing the beautiful old hymn "Just as I am" in church. But, Jesus didn't leave you "Just as I am." He raised you with Himself and made you a new creation and a child of the Father like He is. The Father doesn't have one family that is righteous and one family that isn't. The whole family, both in heaven and in earth, are all called by one name according to 1Thessalonians 5:18-21 (Amplified) which says, "Thank (God) in everything (no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks) For this is the will of God for you (who are) in Christ Jesus (the Revealer and Mediator of that will) Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the (Holy) Spirit." Verses 20-21 go on, "Do not spurn the gifts or utterances of the prophets (do not deprecate prophetic revelations, nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning) But test and prove all things."
We need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the Spirit and Truth of the scriptures, instead of relying of the carnal minded men to do so. When we try seeking other ways to gaining access to God, we nullify everything Jesus suffered and sacrificed to do so for us. Jesus and Jesus alone has made us "perfect" in the Father's sight and once we begin seeing ourselves like He sees us, we will be changed from "Glory to Glory" as we behold Him (instead of beholding ourselves).
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Lesson 28 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Until we reach the full presence of the Father, we may never know the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of all peoples on earth. We can never understand the Father or the Son or the family of Almighty God Himself, without the working of the Holy Spirit. The Only presence on this planet that understand the heart of God from the foundation of the earth, is the Holy Spirit. He was there in the beginning and knew the heart and longing of the Father to have a family.
For most of us even today, we address Him as Father while maintaining a strange way of knowing Him as Father. We are still trying, in one manner or another, to please Who we view as a complex, distant God Who now is our whole being. Jesus told His Own disciples that He had taught them everything He could teach them until the Holy Spirit arrived, in John 16:12 (Amplified) saying, "I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now."
Jesus teaches on in the next Verse 13 saying that "When the Holy Spirit is sent to them, He will show and reveal all things He has told them." Jesus said that it's useless to try and understand the things of the Father without the Holy Spirit, because the Words He speaks are "Spirit and Truth." Jesus says in John 6:63 (Amplified), "It is the Spirit Who gives life (He is the life giver) the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and Life."
Only the spirit of a man can understand the Spirit of the Word. We can understand how this works with any other language used on earth, but not in Christianity. If you're not taught to speak any language other than English, then you probably cannot understand or converse with someone who speaks only Spanish. You would need to learn Spanish before doing that.
Until you learn Spirit from the Holy Spirit Who is our teacher, you won't be able to understand Spirit. We want to construe the Word so that it says what we want it to say and we strive to approach God on our grounds, We are spirit beings and have a Father Who is a Spirit Being according to John 4:24 (Amplified) which says, "God is a Spirit (a Spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (reality)."
Until this time, the people were of the old covenant and could only in by the blood of goats and bulls. They could offer sacrifice and receive a limited access into God's presence by the animal's blood. This still occurred when Jesus arrived on earth. Jesus said in John 14:6 (Amplified) that, "I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."
It's probably that no one who heard that message understood it, because the Holy Spirit wasn't present or allowed to unveil the truth to them yet. Until this time, the way to God was the Law and the blood of animals, but now this was not to be. If they did present the blood of bulls and goats, it would not be accepted.
The blood of bulls and goats had gotten them to God, but not to Father. They could acknowledge God, but had no perception of Father at all. God had commanded blood to cover them, while the Father provided Blood to cleanse them. God demanded righteousness, while the Father would provide righteousness. Not only was the worshiper changing, but the relationship with the One we worshiped was changing too. We weren't only just to be a people worshiping God, but we were now a family who love our Father. It would no longer be God and His people, but Father and His children. And, the only way into His presence would be Jesus.
It's only by the revelation of the Holy Spirit that we can understand what Jesus said in John 10:9 (Amplified) when He said, "I Am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely) and he will find pasture." There are some who still try finding a way to go deeper in God's presence, but the Only Way to go deeper in the heart of God or the presence of the Father, is by allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal the Spirit Truth of what He and He alone can teach us.
Many of us only understand Jesus as far as the cross and praise God we understand that much, but the Holy Spirit wishes to show us much more about our Father. Some still look at God like He's an angry, moody and uncertain God Who we can never be certain what He will do. Jesus said that, He is not only our God, but now He is our Father and if we see Jesus, then we have seen Him." There is no longer a mystery.
Our relationship with God has not only changed, but God's relationship with us has too. Through Jesus, we have entered into family and not just covenant. We have entered into relationship with not just God, but with Father. Everything for mankind has changed if we would only allow the Holy Spirit to show us the Truth or Spirit of God's Word.
Only your spirit can receive the light of the truth we now have. We try "tempering" the Word by reasoning with an unrenewed mind what only the Holy Spirit can reveal. When Jesus said that "God is a Spirit Being," He meant just that. When He said that, "The Words I speak are Spirit and Truth," He meant just that. When He said He would send the Holy Spirit to teach us what the Spirit Word is and how we have a Spirit Father, He meant just that.
How can we ever hope to understand spiritual things by natural reasonings? We've come to an understanding of Jesus at the cross (at least some understanding), but we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal all truth, not just part of it, to us. If what He reveals doesn't agree with what we think, then we reject it. The Apostle Paul was shown, by the Spirit of Truth, the Spiritual depth of what has happened in the life of a child of the Heavenly Father. Only your new man that is born again, can understand this new relationship with the Father. The old, unrenewed mind still wants to deal with God and sacrifice (in one form or another). But, the child born of His Seed only wants to rejoice in His family and presence.
Even after reading the revelation that the Father gave Paul, we still want to read it in the natural mind instead of the Mind of Christ. We still spend more time studying why we don't qualify instead of studying He Who has already qualified us. I'm not trying to be a son to my Father, because I was born to be a son to my Father.
A fish doesn't need to try being a fish because he was made that way. I don't need to try to be a spirit or a son, because I was made that way. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) says, "You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm) but from One that is immortal, by the Ever Living and lasting Word of God."
For most of us even today, we address Him as Father while maintaining a strange way of knowing Him as Father. We are still trying, in one manner or another, to please Who we view as a complex, distant God Who now is our whole being. Jesus told His Own disciples that He had taught them everything He could teach them until the Holy Spirit arrived, in John 16:12 (Amplified) saying, "I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now."
Jesus teaches on in the next Verse 13 saying that "When the Holy Spirit is sent to them, He will show and reveal all things He has told them." Jesus said that it's useless to try and understand the things of the Father without the Holy Spirit, because the Words He speaks are "Spirit and Truth." Jesus says in John 6:63 (Amplified), "It is the Spirit Who gives life (He is the life giver) the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and Life."
Only the spirit of a man can understand the Spirit of the Word. We can understand how this works with any other language used on earth, but not in Christianity. If you're not taught to speak any language other than English, then you probably cannot understand or converse with someone who speaks only Spanish. You would need to learn Spanish before doing that.
Until you learn Spirit from the Holy Spirit Who is our teacher, you won't be able to understand Spirit. We want to construe the Word so that it says what we want it to say and we strive to approach God on our grounds, We are spirit beings and have a Father Who is a Spirit Being according to John 4:24 (Amplified) which says, "God is a Spirit (a Spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (reality)."
Until this time, the people were of the old covenant and could only in by the blood of goats and bulls. They could offer sacrifice and receive a limited access into God's presence by the animal's blood. This still occurred when Jesus arrived on earth. Jesus said in John 14:6 (Amplified) that, "I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."
It's probably that no one who heard that message understood it, because the Holy Spirit wasn't present or allowed to unveil the truth to them yet. Until this time, the way to God was the Law and the blood of animals, but now this was not to be. If they did present the blood of bulls and goats, it would not be accepted.
The blood of bulls and goats had gotten them to God, but not to Father. They could acknowledge God, but had no perception of Father at all. God had commanded blood to cover them, while the Father provided Blood to cleanse them. God demanded righteousness, while the Father would provide righteousness. Not only was the worshiper changing, but the relationship with the One we worshiped was changing too. We weren't only just to be a people worshiping God, but we were now a family who love our Father. It would no longer be God and His people, but Father and His children. And, the only way into His presence would be Jesus.
It's only by the revelation of the Holy Spirit that we can understand what Jesus said in John 10:9 (Amplified) when He said, "I Am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely) and he will find pasture." There are some who still try finding a way to go deeper in God's presence, but the Only Way to go deeper in the heart of God or the presence of the Father, is by allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal the Spirit Truth of what He and He alone can teach us.
Many of us only understand Jesus as far as the cross and praise God we understand that much, but the Holy Spirit wishes to show us much more about our Father. Some still look at God like He's an angry, moody and uncertain God Who we can never be certain what He will do. Jesus said that, He is not only our God, but now He is our Father and if we see Jesus, then we have seen Him." There is no longer a mystery.
Our relationship with God has not only changed, but God's relationship with us has too. Through Jesus, we have entered into family and not just covenant. We have entered into relationship with not just God, but with Father. Everything for mankind has changed if we would only allow the Holy Spirit to show us the Truth or Spirit of God's Word.
Only your spirit can receive the light of the truth we now have. We try "tempering" the Word by reasoning with an unrenewed mind what only the Holy Spirit can reveal. When Jesus said that "God is a Spirit Being," He meant just that. When He said that, "The Words I speak are Spirit and Truth," He meant just that. When He said He would send the Holy Spirit to teach us what the Spirit Word is and how we have a Spirit Father, He meant just that.
How can we ever hope to understand spiritual things by natural reasonings? We've come to an understanding of Jesus at the cross (at least some understanding), but we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal all truth, not just part of it, to us. If what He reveals doesn't agree with what we think, then we reject it. The Apostle Paul was shown, by the Spirit of Truth, the Spiritual depth of what has happened in the life of a child of the Heavenly Father. Only your new man that is born again, can understand this new relationship with the Father. The old, unrenewed mind still wants to deal with God and sacrifice (in one form or another). But, the child born of His Seed only wants to rejoice in His family and presence.
Even after reading the revelation that the Father gave Paul, we still want to read it in the natural mind instead of the Mind of Christ. We still spend more time studying why we don't qualify instead of studying He Who has already qualified us. I'm not trying to be a son to my Father, because I was born to be a son to my Father.
A fish doesn't need to try being a fish because he was made that way. I don't need to try to be a spirit or a son, because I was made that way. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) says, "You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm) but from One that is immortal, by the Ever Living and lasting Word of God."
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Lesson 27 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Only One Who can reveal the fullness of the Father to the family of God. Jesus said in John 6:63 (Amplified) that, "It is the Spirit that gives life (He is the life giver) the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and Life."
The Holy Spirit reveals the life of truth. Without the Holy Spirit's bringing the revelation of truth, the Word becomes just another man-made religion, instead of a relationship with the Father. Jesus brought the revelation of God being Father instead of only God and the people were upset with His teachings that man can have an intimate relationship with Deity.
In the old covenant people reached God by their sacrifice of bulls and goats, but Jesus changed that. Thus, He said in John 14:6 (Amplified), "I Am the way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." The people could sacrifice animals and remain in covenant with God, but Jesus was about to change everything. Animal sacrifices would no longer be accepted on behalf of the relationship. Now, we have a covenant between not only God and man, but between the Father and His family. The only way to be accepted into the family relationship and the relationship with the Father, is by the Blood sacrifice of Jesus Himself.
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the Father on many occasions, but they couldn't understand what He was saying. The "words" he spoke were Spirit and their carnal minds couldn't understand them. There are many churches even today, that struggle understanding this truth. We call Him "Father," but still act like we are not His family. The term "Father" is one of endearment that even our carnal mind can grasp, but many can't receive it into their spirits.
Jesus said in John 10:30 (Amplified) that, "I and the Father are One." We have been like the Jews of Jesus' time, who failed to understand that this is a new covenant. Those who accepted that Jesus is the Door to the Father" from John 10:9, entered into a completely different relationship that previously only Jesus and Adam had with God.
It still requires the Holy Spirit can give us rest and comfort in the presence of the Father. We find ourselves struggling to find a way to "please and enter by works" into a place of acceptance with Him. We continue focusing on self instead of truth. We're not trying to be accepted by Him, because we have already been accepted by Him. We are no longer struggling to gain favor with Him, because we already have become "Highly favored" in Him by Jesus.
We still think and operate like the old covenant people who tried to gain ways into His presence. We sometimes act like we're dealing with a "DeadBeat Dad" who produced children and then refused to become responsible for them. He is no longer merely "God" to the believer, but now this Almighty God is my daddy! I don't have to cry or beg or work my way into getting something from Him. He has given us "All things freely" by Jesus. Everything that He has is already mine in Jesus.
Romans 8:16-17 (Amplified) says, "The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit (assuring us) that we are children of God. 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 in His suffering if we are to share His glory."
So, The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit about this Family dynamic. Only He can reveal this truth into our spirit. Our mind can read the words and understand what we read in the Word, but only our spirit can accept this truth and life from those Words. The "suffering" we will share in order to share the inheritance, is not sickness, disease and the things of the cross. Jesus bore that for us, so we could inherit with Him. Walking as family with Him in this world is inviting persecution and suffering from the world.
There's no need for me to fight to become His son and I don't have to fight to become righteous or in right standing with Him, because He made me righteous when He gave me birth by being born again in Jesus. By receiving Jesus, I received righteousness, son-ship, holiness, sanctification, redemption and family rights as His son, by faith. I am no longer trying to reach God, but I'm resting in my place as family.
Without the Holy Spirit bearing witness to this truth (even though it's already ours through Jesus), we will still act as outsider who are trying to obtain a place with Him. Didn't He say in Psalm 23 that "He has prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies?" In order to partake of that table, we will suffer as He did. After all, that table is in the presence of our enemies who wish to persecute us.
No one can keep you from receiving your inheritance, if we will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us. It's not something you can earn, but something you "accept." In this world, you will have tribulations, but we should "be of good cheer" because Jesus said He came to overcome the world. The persecution and tribulation from the world is some of the "suffering" Jesus endured.
It doesn't matter what the world says or thinks...it cannot stop you from entering into your place in God's family. Even in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father gave it all to him. Even though it was already his, the Prodigal's brother never partook of the inheritance because he didn't think he could have it. The Father told him that he could have had it at anytime and that it was already his. Many of us are like that son was in the Father's house and are still acting and living like we're not family.
Don't allow the world and the devil to bring you into a long drawn our siege to obtain fellowship with the father and be part of His family. He always hears you when you speak. Let the Holy Spirit bring the truth of the Word into your spirit. Rest in this relationship with the Father and stop trying to achieve by works what Jesus has already obtained for you.
The Holy Spirit reveals the life of truth. Without the Holy Spirit's bringing the revelation of truth, the Word becomes just another man-made religion, instead of a relationship with the Father. Jesus brought the revelation of God being Father instead of only God and the people were upset with His teachings that man can have an intimate relationship with Deity.
In the old covenant people reached God by their sacrifice of bulls and goats, but Jesus changed that. Thus, He said in John 14:6 (Amplified), "I Am the way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." The people could sacrifice animals and remain in covenant with God, but Jesus was about to change everything. Animal sacrifices would no longer be accepted on behalf of the relationship. Now, we have a covenant between not only God and man, but between the Father and His family. The only way to be accepted into the family relationship and the relationship with the Father, is by the Blood sacrifice of Jesus Himself.
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the Father on many occasions, but they couldn't understand what He was saying. The "words" he spoke were Spirit and their carnal minds couldn't understand them. There are many churches even today, that struggle understanding this truth. We call Him "Father," but still act like we are not His family. The term "Father" is one of endearment that even our carnal mind can grasp, but many can't receive it into their spirits.
Jesus said in John 10:30 (Amplified) that, "I and the Father are One." We have been like the Jews of Jesus' time, who failed to understand that this is a new covenant. Those who accepted that Jesus is the Door to the Father" from John 10:9, entered into a completely different relationship that previously only Jesus and Adam had with God.
It still requires the Holy Spirit can give us rest and comfort in the presence of the Father. We find ourselves struggling to find a way to "please and enter by works" into a place of acceptance with Him. We continue focusing on self instead of truth. We're not trying to be accepted by Him, because we have already been accepted by Him. We are no longer struggling to gain favor with Him, because we already have become "Highly favored" in Him by Jesus.
We still think and operate like the old covenant people who tried to gain ways into His presence. We sometimes act like we're dealing with a "DeadBeat Dad" who produced children and then refused to become responsible for them. He is no longer merely "God" to the believer, but now this Almighty God is my daddy! I don't have to cry or beg or work my way into getting something from Him. He has given us "All things freely" by Jesus. Everything that He has is already mine in Jesus.
Romans 8:16-17 (Amplified) says, "The Spirit Himself (thus) testifies together with our own spirit (assuring us) that we are children of God. 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 in His suffering if we are to share His glory."
So, The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit about this Family dynamic. Only He can reveal this truth into our spirit. Our mind can read the words and understand what we read in the Word, but only our spirit can accept this truth and life from those Words. The "suffering" we will share in order to share the inheritance, is not sickness, disease and the things of the cross. Jesus bore that for us, so we could inherit with Him. Walking as family with Him in this world is inviting persecution and suffering from the world.
There's no need for me to fight to become His son and I don't have to fight to become righteous or in right standing with Him, because He made me righteous when He gave me birth by being born again in Jesus. By receiving Jesus, I received righteousness, son-ship, holiness, sanctification, redemption and family rights as His son, by faith. I am no longer trying to reach God, but I'm resting in my place as family.
Without the Holy Spirit bearing witness to this truth (even though it's already ours through Jesus), we will still act as outsider who are trying to obtain a place with Him. Didn't He say in Psalm 23 that "He has prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies?" In order to partake of that table, we will suffer as He did. After all, that table is in the presence of our enemies who wish to persecute us.
No one can keep you from receiving your inheritance, if we will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us. It's not something you can earn, but something you "accept." In this world, you will have tribulations, but we should "be of good cheer" because Jesus said He came to overcome the world. The persecution and tribulation from the world is some of the "suffering" Jesus endured.
It doesn't matter what the world says or thinks...it cannot stop you from entering into your place in God's family. Even in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father gave it all to him. Even though it was already his, the Prodigal's brother never partook of the inheritance because he didn't think he could have it. The Father told him that he could have had it at anytime and that it was already his. Many of us are like that son was in the Father's house and are still acting and living like we're not family.
Don't allow the world and the devil to bring you into a long drawn our siege to obtain fellowship with the father and be part of His family. He always hears you when you speak. Let the Holy Spirit bring the truth of the Word into your spirit. Rest in this relationship with the Father and stop trying to achieve by works what Jesus has already obtained for you.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Lesson 26 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The purpose of Jesus' coming to earth was to break down the Law of sin and death that kept us separated from the Father. Man was separated from God because of Adam's transgression and had no way of returning to Him. There needed to be a sinless sacrifice that was stronger than death and sin. The blood of bulls and goats could only cover man's sins and do so for only a short time. Day after day and year after year, the sacrifice must be made in order to stave off the judgment and penalty of sin.
John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the "Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus said of Himself in John 14:6 (Amplified) saying, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." No man could stand free in the presence of God without the sacrifice of Jesus. He couldn't be a Just and Holy God without extracting the cost of sin in man's life.
The old covenant provided temporary payment for sin, but didn't provide righteousness and justification for sin. Romans 3:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Well then, are we (Jews) superior and better off than they (Gentiles)? No, not at all. We have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) are under sin (held down by and subject to its power and control). As it is written , none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one."
The above scripture tells us that even the Jews (the covenant people), were still not in right standing or righteous before God. None, but Jesus ever called Him Father. Jesus came as the last sacrifice for mankind, there is none else and no need for another. By His Own Blood sacrifice, God paid the price to make man in rightstanding (righteous) with Him. It's not our righteousness, but His righteousness that we now stand. The "Only way to the Father is by Jesus. The old covenant people could come to God by the sacrifice of bulls and goats, but they couldn't come to Father.
Jesus spoke about this very thing in John 14:7 (Amplified) saying, "If you had known Me (had learned to recognize Me), you would also have known My Father. From now on you known Him and seen Him." Jesus has revealed the will and nature and the love of the Father. We still someone to reveal Jesus to the masses of unsaved persons. Until we know Jesus, we can never know the Father.
Today, many Christians still only know Him as God. We call Him Father, but have no intimate relationship with Him as Father. We seemingly stumble over what His will if for us and His nature concerning us. We mostly still identify with the God of the Old Testament rather than the New Testament Father.
The Holy Spirit's job is to reveal all the grace, mercy, love, nature and compassion of the Father to all who will hear, as well as God's will to heal and deliver. We will never know the Father until we know the Son. We can never really know the Son until the Holy Spirit reveals Him to our spirit.
Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit's coming and He made some comments that we should look deeper into. Jesus knew above all people, the reason for the Holy Spirit's coming, saying in John 14:26 (Amplified), "But the Comforter (Counselor, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Stand-by) the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name (in My place, to represent Me and act on M behalf) He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you."
As the Holy Spirit reveals more and more about what was accomplished on the cross and resurrection, we will see more and more of the Father's heart through Jesus. We've had so many false ideas and impressions of our Father that are distorted by men and not the Holy Spirit.
When we refer to "God fearing people," we truly mean that they fear God. No Father wants his children to be fearful of him. We're not supposed to be afraid of God, we're speaking about having reverence or awe of God's presence. Every Father wishes His children would respect him, but not fear him.
Until Jesus brought God into focus as Father, we were outside that relationship with Him. Now, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus and we can see the Father though Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can do this work in men's hearts. He is to be our Comforter and is the Only One Who can bring comfort to a believer's heart. Without acknowledging Him, we abide in a place where we worry about our old life and how we're not in right standing with God. We cannot seem to get comfortable in His presence and feel inferior as though it was only through pity that we became His children. Without the Holy Spirit there is no comfort in our lives.
I asked my congregation how many felt comfortable in the presence of the Father. I had to ask a second time saying, "How many of you feel at home in the presence of the Father? Then, I asked, "Do you feel like you don't truly belong in the presence of such a Holy and Awesome Being?" I added, "If so, then let the Holy Spirit reveal what Jesus has done on your behalf." Then you can feel like Paul did when he said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain."
John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the "Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus said of Himself in John 14:6 (Amplified) saying, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." No man could stand free in the presence of God without the sacrifice of Jesus. He couldn't be a Just and Holy God without extracting the cost of sin in man's life.
The old covenant provided temporary payment for sin, but didn't provide righteousness and justification for sin. Romans 3:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Well then, are we (Jews) superior and better off than they (Gentiles)? No, not at all. We have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) are under sin (held down by and subject to its power and control). As it is written , none is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one."
The above scripture tells us that even the Jews (the covenant people), were still not in right standing or righteous before God. None, but Jesus ever called Him Father. Jesus came as the last sacrifice for mankind, there is none else and no need for another. By His Own Blood sacrifice, God paid the price to make man in rightstanding (righteous) with Him. It's not our righteousness, but His righteousness that we now stand. The "Only way to the Father is by Jesus. The old covenant people could come to God by the sacrifice of bulls and goats, but they couldn't come to Father.
Jesus spoke about this very thing in John 14:7 (Amplified) saying, "If you had known Me (had learned to recognize Me), you would also have known My Father. From now on you known Him and seen Him." Jesus has revealed the will and nature and the love of the Father. We still someone to reveal Jesus to the masses of unsaved persons. Until we know Jesus, we can never know the Father.
Today, many Christians still only know Him as God. We call Him Father, but have no intimate relationship with Him as Father. We seemingly stumble over what His will if for us and His nature concerning us. We mostly still identify with the God of the Old Testament rather than the New Testament Father.
The Holy Spirit's job is to reveal all the grace, mercy, love, nature and compassion of the Father to all who will hear, as well as God's will to heal and deliver. We will never know the Father until we know the Son. We can never really know the Son until the Holy Spirit reveals Him to our spirit.
Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit's coming and He made some comments that we should look deeper into. Jesus knew above all people, the reason for the Holy Spirit's coming, saying in John 14:26 (Amplified), "But the Comforter (Counselor, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Stand-by) the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name (in My place, to represent Me and act on M behalf) He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you."
As the Holy Spirit reveals more and more about what was accomplished on the cross and resurrection, we will see more and more of the Father's heart through Jesus. We've had so many false ideas and impressions of our Father that are distorted by men and not the Holy Spirit.
When we refer to "God fearing people," we truly mean that they fear God. No Father wants his children to be fearful of him. We're not supposed to be afraid of God, we're speaking about having reverence or awe of God's presence. Every Father wishes His children would respect him, but not fear him.
Until Jesus brought God into focus as Father, we were outside that relationship with Him. Now, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus and we can see the Father though Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can do this work in men's hearts. He is to be our Comforter and is the Only One Who can bring comfort to a believer's heart. Without acknowledging Him, we abide in a place where we worry about our old life and how we're not in right standing with God. We cannot seem to get comfortable in His presence and feel inferior as though it was only through pity that we became His children. Without the Holy Spirit there is no comfort in our lives.
I asked my congregation how many felt comfortable in the presence of the Father. I had to ask a second time saying, "How many of you feel at home in the presence of the Father? Then, I asked, "Do you feel like you don't truly belong in the presence of such a Holy and Awesome Being?" I added, "If so, then let the Holy Spirit reveal what Jesus has done on your behalf." Then you can feel like Paul did when he said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain."
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Lesson 25 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Without the revelation through the Holy Spirit, we adapt ourselves once more to the man-made dictates of religion. The Holy Spirit is the Only One Who can bring the revelation of Jesus to the church or the world. Paul writes to the Church of Galatia about their turning away from the Holy Spirit and returning to the man-made teachings of the old covenant. Galatians 3:1-4 (Amplified) says, "Oh you poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell on you, unto whom-right before your very eyes-Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you this one question; Did you receive the (Holy) Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing (the message of the Gospel) and believing (it)? Was it from observing a Law of rituals or from a message of faith? Verses 3-5 go on, "Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun (your new life spiritually) with the (Holy) Spirit, are you now reaching perfection (by dependance) on the flesh? Have you suffered so many things and experienced so much all nothing (to no purpose) if it really is to no purpose and in vain? Then does He Who supplies you with His marvelous (Holy) Spirit and works powerfully and miraculously among you do so on (the grounds of your doing) what the Law demands, or because of your believing in and adhering to and trusting in and relying on the message that you heard?"
This discourse to the Galatians is still true for the Church today. The Law has been reinstated in many of our churches throughout the world today. We seem to have gone from grace to the Law once again. We began in the Spirit and are now trying to reach our perfection through the flesh again.
The Holy Spirit is the One to Whom the revelation of Jesus is given to the Church and the world. He is the End of death and sin, to the Church and He is the Life and Strength of our new life in Him. The revelation of Jesus Christ did not end at the cross, but began there. Everything that Jesus is and everything Jesus did, is being revealed through the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was raised from the dead and justified through the Spirit, we were also raised and justified. Our justification is not and cannot be by the works of the Law. If it could have been, then Jesus was not necessary for us. Only the Holy Spirit can tame the flesh. Willpower can hold back the flesh to some degree, but not for long. The moment willpower slips, we are back in the same mess we were in before.
As the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus in a new light, He changes us from "glory to glory" as we see Him. 1John 4:17 (Amplified) says, "In this (union and communion with Him) love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world."
Only the Holy Spirit can bring this scripture to life in the believer's heart. Our natural man is striving to become perfect, but the Holy Spirit is the One Who makes us perfect in the Love of Jesus Christ. This isn't our love for Him, but our understanding (through the Holy Spirit) His love for us.
Colossians 2:9-10 (Amplified) says, "For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form (giving complete expression of the divine nature). And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life (in Christ you are filled with the Godhead-Father, Son and Holy Spirit-and reach full spiritual stature). And He is the Head of all rule and authority (of every angelic principality and power)"
Without the Holy Spirit to reveal this scripture to you, your natural man will find some way of explaining it away as not being for us in the here and now. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal His glory to and in us. Natural man still sees the natural man and his weaknesses, while the Holy Spirit reveals the spiritual man and his ability through Jesus. We continue striving to finish the work that Jesus has already completed.
God doesn't view you through your weak flesh and willpower, but see you through Jesus and the Holy Ghost power. This doesn't mean you will never have to struggle with temptation again, but it does mean that through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
This discourse to the Galatians is still true for the Church today. The Law has been reinstated in many of our churches throughout the world today. We seem to have gone from grace to the Law once again. We began in the Spirit and are now trying to reach our perfection through the flesh again.
The Holy Spirit is the One to Whom the revelation of Jesus is given to the Church and the world. He is the End of death and sin, to the Church and He is the Life and Strength of our new life in Him. The revelation of Jesus Christ did not end at the cross, but began there. Everything that Jesus is and everything Jesus did, is being revealed through the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was raised from the dead and justified through the Spirit, we were also raised and justified. Our justification is not and cannot be by the works of the Law. If it could have been, then Jesus was not necessary for us. Only the Holy Spirit can tame the flesh. Willpower can hold back the flesh to some degree, but not for long. The moment willpower slips, we are back in the same mess we were in before.
As the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus in a new light, He changes us from "glory to glory" as we see Him. 1John 4:17 (Amplified) says, "In this (union and communion with Him) love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world."
Only the Holy Spirit can bring this scripture to life in the believer's heart. Our natural man is striving to become perfect, but the Holy Spirit is the One Who makes us perfect in the Love of Jesus Christ. This isn't our love for Him, but our understanding (through the Holy Spirit) His love for us.
Colossians 2:9-10 (Amplified) says, "For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form (giving complete expression of the divine nature). And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life (in Christ you are filled with the Godhead-Father, Son and Holy Spirit-and reach full spiritual stature). And He is the Head of all rule and authority (of every angelic principality and power)"
Without the Holy Spirit to reveal this scripture to you, your natural man will find some way of explaining it away as not being for us in the here and now. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal His glory to and in us. Natural man still sees the natural man and his weaknesses, while the Holy Spirit reveals the spiritual man and his ability through Jesus. We continue striving to finish the work that Jesus has already completed.
God doesn't view you through your weak flesh and willpower, but see you through Jesus and the Holy Ghost power. This doesn't mean you will never have to struggle with temptation again, but it does mean that through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Lesson 24 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
When we think about preaching the Gospel, our first thought usually turns to the unsaved. Truthfully, though, most of the Church have never really heard the Gospel. We preach and share about the cross, along with the release and forgiveness of sin to the unsaved, but we also teach and preach the same message after we're saved. Many never rise above this same message into the realm of what lies in wait for us after we're born again. Sadly, we remain in the same state we were in the moment we are born again.
The Gospel, or Good News, is an ongoing message that didn't stop when we were born again, but is one that continues until we reach our final destination in the Father's House. It is good news to the unsaved when they learn they can be forgiven and saved and have a clean slate with God. It's just as important to the saved that they now have right standing with God and can progress and grow in our relationship with Him.
The message to the world (if they will listen to it), is that a new life awaits those who believe in the shed Blood of Jesus. The message is equally as true for the Church, if they will believe in the shed Blood of Jesus. Once someone is born again, the old man (the man of sin) is dead and buried. The new man has a completely new future and family. And, the things belonging to the new man were also paid for when the price of Jesus' blood gave him new life (through Christ).
We act like we were purchased on a time-plan that requires monthly payments to complete. The same Blood that took away the death and sin of the old man, instantly and simultaneously gave us life and right standing with the Father. There was nothing left to do except to begin our new life in Him.
For many, our new life meant falling back into the old tradition of the world's religious order. They believe that the liberty we received was to be doled out to like an allowance, one quarter or dollar at a time. The truth is that the entire estate was ours all at once. The only thing we don't have in our life now is a glorified body. This is the only thing that is lacking.
Our problem is that we've only listened to men and not to the Teacher of the Church, the Holy Spirit. He and He alone, can reveal to us the fullness of what has really happened when we were born again. 1Corinthians 2:8-10 (Amplified) says, "None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him (who hold him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed)." Verse 10 says, "Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the (Holy) Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
Only the Holy Spirit can reveal all of the "hidden mysteries and divine counsels" of God. He said that these things are "beyond man's scrutiny," but not beyond the Holy Spirit. Without Him we remain in the same spiritual state we were in when we first believed. We are still spiritual babies without the unveiling of the Holy Spirit. It seems like every time the Holy Spirit beings new revelation to the Church, it brings a split in our own congregations.
Many who receive the revelation and try sharing it with the Church are seen as sacrilegious, in one form or another. This was the most difficult things Jesus had to deal with when speaking to His disciples in John 16:12-13 (Amplified). The greatest Teacher Who ever lived said to His disciples, "I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now." Then Jesus said in Verse 13 that "When the Holy Spirit and the new birth came, the Holy Spirit would make all things clear to us."
If Jesus could only teach the natural man so much without the Holy Spirit, then why would we assume that we can teach spiritual things without Him? When the Holy Spirit brings revelation to the Church, we must listen to Him to discern whether or not it's from God. Many "revelations" being taught did not come from the Father. Thus, John said in 1John 2:20 (Amplified), "But you have been anointed by (you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from) the Holy One, and you know (the truth) or you know all things."
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth Who lives within you. That gives you access to know all things. It's not a problem with truth, but a problem with our receiving truth. Many or all of us come into salvation with preconceived ideas about God, heaven and eternity that affects the way we deal with these things. Many simply enter into a particular church or denomination their parents followed. And, because our parents were good people, we think that's the way to follow.
When we hear something different than what's been historically taught in our church, we choose to rebuff it rather than receive it. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can make it real and exciting in our lives.
Many things are being taught in our church today that are both right and wrong. Some things are from God and some are not. This is where 1John 2:20 must come into play in the heart of the believer. Without the Holy Spirit, we aren't able to discern truth from error. Some have decided to disregard any new revelations and remain static in their spiritual growth without grace and maturity. Some though, have dared to step out by faith and learn more about the Father and His Kingdom. It requires hearing from the Holy Spirit.
The danger of staying static in your Christian walk is that you're not investing what you've been given. The danger of going on from faith to faith is being deceived by a voice we don't recognize. If we will study the Word by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then we can grow into mature men and women of God. If we study the Word without the Holy Spirit, then we become like the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' time. They believed they knew it all and didn't need any teaching or further learning.
There is always more to learn in the believer's life. The more we understand our Father, the easier it is to walk with Him. The less we understand our Father, on the other hand, the more inadequate we feel in His presence and uncertain in our security.
The Gospel, or Good News, is an ongoing message that didn't stop when we were born again, but is one that continues until we reach our final destination in the Father's House. It is good news to the unsaved when they learn they can be forgiven and saved and have a clean slate with God. It's just as important to the saved that they now have right standing with God and can progress and grow in our relationship with Him.
The message to the world (if they will listen to it), is that a new life awaits those who believe in the shed Blood of Jesus. The message is equally as true for the Church, if they will believe in the shed Blood of Jesus. Once someone is born again, the old man (the man of sin) is dead and buried. The new man has a completely new future and family. And, the things belonging to the new man were also paid for when the price of Jesus' blood gave him new life (through Christ).
We act like we were purchased on a time-plan that requires monthly payments to complete. The same Blood that took away the death and sin of the old man, instantly and simultaneously gave us life and right standing with the Father. There was nothing left to do except to begin our new life in Him.
For many, our new life meant falling back into the old tradition of the world's religious order. They believe that the liberty we received was to be doled out to like an allowance, one quarter or dollar at a time. The truth is that the entire estate was ours all at once. The only thing we don't have in our life now is a glorified body. This is the only thing that is lacking.
Our problem is that we've only listened to men and not to the Teacher of the Church, the Holy Spirit. He and He alone, can reveal to us the fullness of what has really happened when we were born again. 1Corinthians 2:8-10 (Amplified) says, "None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him (who hold him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed)." Verse 10 says, "Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the (Holy) Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
Only the Holy Spirit can reveal all of the "hidden mysteries and divine counsels" of God. He said that these things are "beyond man's scrutiny," but not beyond the Holy Spirit. Without Him we remain in the same spiritual state we were in when we first believed. We are still spiritual babies without the unveiling of the Holy Spirit. It seems like every time the Holy Spirit beings new revelation to the Church, it brings a split in our own congregations.
Many who receive the revelation and try sharing it with the Church are seen as sacrilegious, in one form or another. This was the most difficult things Jesus had to deal with when speaking to His disciples in John 16:12-13 (Amplified). The greatest Teacher Who ever lived said to His disciples, "I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now." Then Jesus said in Verse 13 that "When the Holy Spirit and the new birth came, the Holy Spirit would make all things clear to us."
If Jesus could only teach the natural man so much without the Holy Spirit, then why would we assume that we can teach spiritual things without Him? When the Holy Spirit brings revelation to the Church, we must listen to Him to discern whether or not it's from God. Many "revelations" being taught did not come from the Father. Thus, John said in 1John 2:20 (Amplified), "But you have been anointed by (you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from) the Holy One, and you know (the truth) or you know all things."
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth Who lives within you. That gives you access to know all things. It's not a problem with truth, but a problem with our receiving truth. Many or all of us come into salvation with preconceived ideas about God, heaven and eternity that affects the way we deal with these things. Many simply enter into a particular church or denomination their parents followed. And, because our parents were good people, we think that's the way to follow.
When we hear something different than what's been historically taught in our church, we choose to rebuff it rather than receive it. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can make it real and exciting in our lives.
Many things are being taught in our church today that are both right and wrong. Some things are from God and some are not. This is where 1John 2:20 must come into play in the heart of the believer. Without the Holy Spirit, we aren't able to discern truth from error. Some have decided to disregard any new revelations and remain static in their spiritual growth without grace and maturity. Some though, have dared to step out by faith and learn more about the Father and His Kingdom. It requires hearing from the Holy Spirit.
The danger of staying static in your Christian walk is that you're not investing what you've been given. The danger of going on from faith to faith is being deceived by a voice we don't recognize. If we will study the Word by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then we can grow into mature men and women of God. If we study the Word without the Holy Spirit, then we become like the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' time. They believed they knew it all and didn't need any teaching or further learning.
There is always more to learn in the believer's life. The more we understand our Father, the easier it is to walk with Him. The less we understand our Father, on the other hand, the more inadequate we feel in His presence and uncertain in our security.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Lesson 23 The Work and Minsitry of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said in John 14:26 (Amplified), "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Stand-by), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name (in My place, to represent Me, and act on My behalf); He will teach you all things, and He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you."
This work and ministry is to represent and act on behalf of Jesus. The Holy Spirit's ministry is to represent Jesus in the office Jesus now holds. He is also to act on the behalf of Jesus as the Ever present One in our lives and born again spirits. The Holy Spirit is to carry on the "finished" work of the cross. He is to reveal the work of Jesus as Redeemer to every child of God. The Holy Spirit allows us to read the Father's Word as the Redeemed and not the lost.
John 1:16-17 (Amplified) says, "For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift. For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ."
All the things that Jesus is and brought are dispensed to us through the Holy Spirit. The grace Jesus brought is ours through the Spirit of Grace, Who is the Holy Spirit. The grace, truth, blessings, favor and gifts that are Jesus, are administrated to the Church through the Holy Spirit, Who is the Executor of the will.
It's only by knowing and hearing the Holy Spirit in our lives that we can truly come to understand and receive all that Jesus has done on our behalf. When we allow the Holy Spirit to be "real" in our lives, He will show us Jesus in all His Risen Splendor. Even this grace is dispensed by the Holy Spirit. The grace has been granted by the Father already, but without knowing the Holy Spirit, we cannot receive of it the way the Father intended.
Even though grace has come, only the Holy Spirit can reveal to us the full power of this grace. We must know grace in order to give grace. The Holy Spirit will be the One Who gives the grace to administer grace to others. We will continue trying to walk in Law and not grace when we don't know Him. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal grace to us in a way where we can walk above the guilt and condemnation from our past.
Many Christians don't read the Word from the position of the redeemed, but only from the position of the lost. We can read about grace, truth, gifts and favor for the believer, but then live and walk like these things aren't real. The Holy Spirit is to reveal truth to us and once we're born again, He is the most important thing in your life. Jesus said in John 14:26 (Amplified) that, "The Holy Spirit would be sent in His place to represent and act on Jesus' behalf." The only way to truly know Jesus, is by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 1:3 (Amplified) speaks about Jesus, saying, "He is the sole expression of the glory of God (the Light-Being, the Out-raying or radiance of the divine); and He is the perfect imprint and very Image of (God's) nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His Mighty Word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt. He sat down at the right hand of Divine Majesty on High."
Jesus reveals God to the Church as Father and Love. Jesus is the Only way we can really know Father God. The Holy Spirit is the One Who reveals Jesus. Without the Holy Spirit, we don't know God as we should or as we are intended to know Him.
We begin to know God as not only God, but as Father when the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus in His total grace. The value of the Holy Spirit, in a Christian's life, is paramount to walking in His grace. He is the One Who strengthens our faith in the finished work of the cross. Many in today's Church have never allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus beyond the cross. They see and know Jesus proceeding the cross and they believe in His resurrection, but they haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal that we were resurrected with Him. Romans 6:5 (Amplified) tells us, "For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be (one with Him in sharing) His resurrection (by a new life lived for God)."
This is the Holy Spirit as Teacher in the Church today. As we, through the Holy Spirit, begin seeing ourselves the way the Father sees us now through Jesus, it will set us free from the bondage of guilt and condemnation from the old, dead man who was crucified with Christ. Then, we will actually live the new life that we, through His grace, have already received.
These things belong to every born again believer. But, without the revealing of this truth, we fail to appropriate it in our lives. We still live as mere men like Paul discussed in 1Corinthians 3:1 (Amplified) which says, "However brethren, I could not talk to you as to spiritual (men), but as to non-spiritual (men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates) as to mere infants (in the new life) in Christ (unable to talk yet)."
Paul spoke about the mysteries of God in and through Jesus, in 1Corinthians 2:10 (Amplified) saying, "Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the Holy Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
The only way to know and understand these things is by the Holy Spirit according to 1Corinthians 2:13-14 (Amplified) which says, "And we are setting these truths forth in Words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the (Holy) Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language (to those who possess the Holy Spirit)." Verse 14 says, "But the natural, no spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God."
The Holy Spirit is everything Jesus said He would be in our lives. We're the ones who have limited Him in His ministry and His work. He is still revealing Jesus, even in His place with the Father. He is revealed as our High Priest, our unity with Him in God, and much more than we know yet.
This work and ministry is to represent and act on behalf of Jesus. The Holy Spirit's ministry is to represent Jesus in the office Jesus now holds. He is also to act on the behalf of Jesus as the Ever present One in our lives and born again spirits. The Holy Spirit is to carry on the "finished" work of the cross. He is to reveal the work of Jesus as Redeemer to every child of God. The Holy Spirit allows us to read the Father's Word as the Redeemed and not the lost.
John 1:16-17 (Amplified) says, "For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift. For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ."
All the things that Jesus is and brought are dispensed to us through the Holy Spirit. The grace Jesus brought is ours through the Spirit of Grace, Who is the Holy Spirit. The grace, truth, blessings, favor and gifts that are Jesus, are administrated to the Church through the Holy Spirit, Who is the Executor of the will.
It's only by knowing and hearing the Holy Spirit in our lives that we can truly come to understand and receive all that Jesus has done on our behalf. When we allow the Holy Spirit to be "real" in our lives, He will show us Jesus in all His Risen Splendor. Even this grace is dispensed by the Holy Spirit. The grace has been granted by the Father already, but without knowing the Holy Spirit, we cannot receive of it the way the Father intended.
Even though grace has come, only the Holy Spirit can reveal to us the full power of this grace. We must know grace in order to give grace. The Holy Spirit will be the One Who gives the grace to administer grace to others. We will continue trying to walk in Law and not grace when we don't know Him. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal grace to us in a way where we can walk above the guilt and condemnation from our past.
Many Christians don't read the Word from the position of the redeemed, but only from the position of the lost. We can read about grace, truth, gifts and favor for the believer, but then live and walk like these things aren't real. The Holy Spirit is to reveal truth to us and once we're born again, He is the most important thing in your life. Jesus said in John 14:26 (Amplified) that, "The Holy Spirit would be sent in His place to represent and act on Jesus' behalf." The only way to truly know Jesus, is by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 1:3 (Amplified) speaks about Jesus, saying, "He is the sole expression of the glory of God (the Light-Being, the Out-raying or radiance of the divine); and He is the perfect imprint and very Image of (God's) nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His Mighty Word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt. He sat down at the right hand of Divine Majesty on High."
Jesus reveals God to the Church as Father and Love. Jesus is the Only way we can really know Father God. The Holy Spirit is the One Who reveals Jesus. Without the Holy Spirit, we don't know God as we should or as we are intended to know Him.
We begin to know God as not only God, but as Father when the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus in His total grace. The value of the Holy Spirit, in a Christian's life, is paramount to walking in His grace. He is the One Who strengthens our faith in the finished work of the cross. Many in today's Church have never allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus beyond the cross. They see and know Jesus proceeding the cross and they believe in His resurrection, but they haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal that we were resurrected with Him. Romans 6:5 (Amplified) tells us, "For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be (one with Him in sharing) His resurrection (by a new life lived for God)."
This is the Holy Spirit as Teacher in the Church today. As we, through the Holy Spirit, begin seeing ourselves the way the Father sees us now through Jesus, it will set us free from the bondage of guilt and condemnation from the old, dead man who was crucified with Christ. Then, we will actually live the new life that we, through His grace, have already received.
These things belong to every born again believer. But, without the revealing of this truth, we fail to appropriate it in our lives. We still live as mere men like Paul discussed in 1Corinthians 3:1 (Amplified) which says, "However brethren, I could not talk to you as to spiritual (men), but as to non-spiritual (men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates) as to mere infants (in the new life) in Christ (unable to talk yet)."
Paul spoke about the mysteries of God in and through Jesus, in 1Corinthians 2:10 (Amplified) saying, "Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the Holy Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
The only way to know and understand these things is by the Holy Spirit according to 1Corinthians 2:13-14 (Amplified) which says, "And we are setting these truths forth in Words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the (Holy) Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language (to those who possess the Holy Spirit)." Verse 14 says, "But the natural, no spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God."
The Holy Spirit is everything Jesus said He would be in our lives. We're the ones who have limited Him in His ministry and His work. He is still revealing Jesus, even in His place with the Father. He is revealed as our High Priest, our unity with Him in God, and much more than we know yet.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Lesson 22 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 (Amplified) says, "But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth."
The Holy Spirit is much more in our lives than we've ever allowed Him to be. Most Christians know that He is there, but sadly, the Holy Spirit has no place in their lives. Acts 2:16 (Amplified) says that, "(After the Holy Spirit had fallen on the Upper Room), Peter stood up and said, But (instead) this is (the beginning of) what was spoken through the Prophet Joel."
Many believe that the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father to start the Church, while others believe that He was sent for only the early Church age. Some Christians even say, "Now that we have the Bible, there is no need for the Holy Spirit in the Church." So many things have been said and taught about the Holy Spirit's place in ministry. Some have even gone so far as declaring that "God no longer heals, delivers or performs supernatural things because they are no longer needed to make the Church function." However, I read in Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) that, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today, (yes) and forever (to the ages)."
If Jesus ministered and sent the Holy Spirit to do the same work He did, then everything the Holy Spirit ever did, He continues to do. Jesus is always the same, but we have changed. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless to do the ministry and without Him, we are just the same as we were.
Paul said in Acts 20:22-23 (Amplified), "And now, you see, I am going to Jerusalem, bound by the (Holy) Spirit and obligated and compelled by the (convictions of my own) spirit, not knowing what will befall me there, Except that the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me." The Holy Spirit was the One Who was showing Paul what he would have to face for his part in the Gospel.
Paul was never in the dark concerning his part in the ministry because the Holy Spirit was leading him. It seems like most of us have no idea what we're called to do or where we are to go, because we don't acknowledge the Holy Spirit's ministry. Paul was forbidden, by the Holy Spirit, to go to a certain place in Acts 16:6-7 (Amplified) which says, "And Paul and Silas passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Word in (the province of) Asia. And when they came opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them."
We get ourselves into trouble by not listening to the "Spirit of Jesus" or the Holy Spirit. Most of us would have gone on into the territory of Phrgia and Galatia despite the warning. Paul did eventually go into these places and build churches, but not at that time. Only when the Holy Spirit had given them direction, could they be able to be effective.
The Holy Spirit always leads us into ministry and never drives us into it. It seems strange to us that the Holy Spirit would forbid us to go into a place and proclaim Jesus, but He did here. What would have happened to Paul if he hadn't listened? We will never know, but the Holy Spirit forbade him for a reason. I wonder how many missionaries would never have died if they had listened to His voice. The Holy Spirit is to be our Guide and as such, He knows the way in and the way out. Without a guide, it could be easy to get lost in a strange place.
Many Christians have left the place in the Body where the Holy Spirit had fit them to, only to find themselves in a place they weren't fitted to. This has been harmful for some and others may have missed what God called them to do for lesser things. This doesn't mean that they're not saved or that they don't belong to the Father, but like any other body, the parts need to be in the correct place in order to work properly. If you've ever had a hip or shoulder out of joint, then you can imagine what this can do to the rest of the body.
God is bringing the parts of His Body into the place they belong, in these last days. It's going to cause some discomfort in the Body as things are being moved around, but it's going to be glorious when it's complete. We move from church to church seeking where we should be, but He is the One who "fitly joins us together." This is His work and His ministry in the earth today, for the Body.
Ephesians 4:16 (Amplified) says, "For because of Him the whole body (the Church, in all its various parts) closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part (with power adapted to its need) is working properly (in all its functions) grow to full maturity, building itself up in love."
Through the Holy Spirit, the Father is now "joining" His Body together as He wills. As this Body is joined properly, it will begin to stand erect in the fullness and the stature of Christ. The whole world is near to seeing the glory of the Lord in a way they've never seen before. The Body will stand strong as long as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.
We are the generation that will write the last chapter of the Church age for all the world to see. Jesus will be exalted through his Body, in great power and signs. We see the Church in its infancy in Acts, but now we stand as one mature Body. We're no longer infants or children, but stand in the fullness and stature of the Lord. It's been two thousand years of growth and maturity for the Church, but now is the time of the coming of the Lord!
The Holy Spirit is much more in our lives than we've ever allowed Him to be. Most Christians know that He is there, but sadly, the Holy Spirit has no place in their lives. Acts 2:16 (Amplified) says that, "(After the Holy Spirit had fallen on the Upper Room), Peter stood up and said, But (instead) this is (the beginning of) what was spoken through the Prophet Joel."
Many believe that the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father to start the Church, while others believe that He was sent for only the early Church age. Some Christians even say, "Now that we have the Bible, there is no need for the Holy Spirit in the Church." So many things have been said and taught about the Holy Spirit's place in ministry. Some have even gone so far as declaring that "God no longer heals, delivers or performs supernatural things because they are no longer needed to make the Church function." However, I read in Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) that, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today, (yes) and forever (to the ages)."
If Jesus ministered and sent the Holy Spirit to do the same work He did, then everything the Holy Spirit ever did, He continues to do. Jesus is always the same, but we have changed. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless to do the ministry and without Him, we are just the same as we were.
Paul said in Acts 20:22-23 (Amplified), "And now, you see, I am going to Jerusalem, bound by the (Holy) Spirit and obligated and compelled by the (convictions of my own) spirit, not knowing what will befall me there, Except that the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me." The Holy Spirit was the One Who was showing Paul what he would have to face for his part in the Gospel.
Paul was never in the dark concerning his part in the ministry because the Holy Spirit was leading him. It seems like most of us have no idea what we're called to do or where we are to go, because we don't acknowledge the Holy Spirit's ministry. Paul was forbidden, by the Holy Spirit, to go to a certain place in Acts 16:6-7 (Amplified) which says, "And Paul and Silas passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Word in (the province of) Asia. And when they came opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them."
We get ourselves into trouble by not listening to the "Spirit of Jesus" or the Holy Spirit. Most of us would have gone on into the territory of Phrgia and Galatia despite the warning. Paul did eventually go into these places and build churches, but not at that time. Only when the Holy Spirit had given them direction, could they be able to be effective.
The Holy Spirit always leads us into ministry and never drives us into it. It seems strange to us that the Holy Spirit would forbid us to go into a place and proclaim Jesus, but He did here. What would have happened to Paul if he hadn't listened? We will never know, but the Holy Spirit forbade him for a reason. I wonder how many missionaries would never have died if they had listened to His voice. The Holy Spirit is to be our Guide and as such, He knows the way in and the way out. Without a guide, it could be easy to get lost in a strange place.
Many Christians have left the place in the Body where the Holy Spirit had fit them to, only to find themselves in a place they weren't fitted to. This has been harmful for some and others may have missed what God called them to do for lesser things. This doesn't mean that they're not saved or that they don't belong to the Father, but like any other body, the parts need to be in the correct place in order to work properly. If you've ever had a hip or shoulder out of joint, then you can imagine what this can do to the rest of the body.
God is bringing the parts of His Body into the place they belong, in these last days. It's going to cause some discomfort in the Body as things are being moved around, but it's going to be glorious when it's complete. We move from church to church seeking where we should be, but He is the One who "fitly joins us together." This is His work and His ministry in the earth today, for the Body.
Ephesians 4:16 (Amplified) says, "For because of Him the whole body (the Church, in all its various parts) closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part (with power adapted to its need) is working properly (in all its functions) grow to full maturity, building itself up in love."
Through the Holy Spirit, the Father is now "joining" His Body together as He wills. As this Body is joined properly, it will begin to stand erect in the fullness and the stature of Christ. The whole world is near to seeing the glory of the Lord in a way they've never seen before. The Body will stand strong as long as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us.
We are the generation that will write the last chapter of the Church age for all the world to see. Jesus will be exalted through his Body, in great power and signs. We see the Church in its infancy in Acts, but now we stand as one mature Body. We're no longer infants or children, but stand in the fullness and stature of the Lord. It's been two thousand years of growth and maturity for the Church, but now is the time of the coming of the Lord!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Lesson 21 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Today, I presided in a funeral for a precious lady of God. Only the presence of the Holy Spirit can be the Comforter in the passing of a loved one. Friends and extended family members alike gather around the family and do their very best to bring comfort to them. After everyone leaves and returns to their own homes, the exhausted family is left to grieve alone.
Without knowing the Comforter, many persons become locked in despair over the passing of their loved one. Too many families are left to cope with this grief by themselves. Even the Christian who has not acknowledged the Holy Spirit as his "ever present help in times of need," can seemingly be lost in grief.
Many are left wondering why and how such a things can happen to someone who loved God. Even the great Apostle Paul, who gave us the revelation we're learning from today, was perplexed by some things. Thus, he wrote in 1Corinthians 13:12-13 (Amplified), "For now we are looking into a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection (of reality as in a riddle or enigma) but then (when perfection comes) we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly) but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood (by God)." Verse 13 goes on, "And so faith, hope, and love abide; faith (conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love-true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us) These three; but the greatest of these is love."
Even Paul, who was given the revelation from Jesus Himself, was left in wonderment about the things we know and live. We do not always have the answers we would like to have and we must trust God in our love and our faith in Him. Many questions are left to us unanswered presently, but Paul said that "we would fully understand."
The Comforter is the One Who can hold things together and give us peace when there is none to be found. Only He can reach into the very depths of your heart and spirit, giving you comfort and peace where you need it most. Friends can and will do what they can to bring you comfort, but their attempts at comforting can only go so far. The fact they are there, brings some kind of comfort, but not the deep comfort that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
2Corinthians 5:4-5 (Amplified) tells us that our mortal body is the house our spirit resides in, saying, "For while we are still in this tent (house), we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighted down, depressed, oppressed) not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit) but rather, that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life (after the resurrection)." Verse 5 says, "Now He Who has fashioned us (preparing and making us fit) for this very things is God, Who also has given us the (Holy) Spirit as a guarantee (of the fulfillment of His promise)."
The Holy Spirit is at work in each of us, preparing us into the "fitness" of what God intended us to be from the very beginning. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we will receive what God has promised us from His Word (and His Word will never return to Him void). We will see and be with our loved ones again for eternity, in His house.
Without knowing the Comforter, many persons become locked in despair over the passing of their loved one. Too many families are left to cope with this grief by themselves. Even the Christian who has not acknowledged the Holy Spirit as his "ever present help in times of need," can seemingly be lost in grief.
Many are left wondering why and how such a things can happen to someone who loved God. Even the great Apostle Paul, who gave us the revelation we're learning from today, was perplexed by some things. Thus, he wrote in 1Corinthians 13:12-13 (Amplified), "For now we are looking into a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection (of reality as in a riddle or enigma) but then (when perfection comes) we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly) but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood (by God)." Verse 13 goes on, "And so faith, hope, and love abide; faith (conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love-true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us) These three; but the greatest of these is love."
Even Paul, who was given the revelation from Jesus Himself, was left in wonderment about the things we know and live. We do not always have the answers we would like to have and we must trust God in our love and our faith in Him. Many questions are left to us unanswered presently, but Paul said that "we would fully understand."
The Comforter is the One Who can hold things together and give us peace when there is none to be found. Only He can reach into the very depths of your heart and spirit, giving you comfort and peace where you need it most. Friends can and will do what they can to bring you comfort, but their attempts at comforting can only go so far. The fact they are there, brings some kind of comfort, but not the deep comfort that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
2Corinthians 5:4-5 (Amplified) tells us that our mortal body is the house our spirit resides in, saying, "For while we are still in this tent (house), we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighted down, depressed, oppressed) not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit) but rather, that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life (after the resurrection)." Verse 5 says, "Now He Who has fashioned us (preparing and making us fit) for this very things is God, Who also has given us the (Holy) Spirit as a guarantee (of the fulfillment of His promise)."
The Holy Spirit is at work in each of us, preparing us into the "fitness" of what God intended us to be from the very beginning. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we will receive what God has promised us from His Word (and His Word will never return to Him void). We will see and be with our loved ones again for eternity, in His house.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Lesson 20 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
2Corinthians 4:3-4 (Amplified) says, "But, even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden (only) to those who are perishing and obscured (only) to those who are spiritually dying, and veiled (only) to those who are lost." Verse 4 goes on, "For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers minds (that they should not discern the truth) preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ (the Messiah) Who is the Image and Likeness of God."
Most of us probably knew that the "god of this world" could "blind the eyes" of the unbeliever (the sinner), but how many of us knew he could blind the eyes of the Church? If the true Light of Who Jesus is were to be "unveiled" in the eyes of the Church, then the world harvest would be overwhelming. The above scripture said that "the light is veiled, covered up." It is already there, we just need to allow the Holy Spirit to unveil it to us, that's what He came to do. He didn't have to make it true, it already was true. His job is to show us what has been veiled or covered until this time. This work of the Holy Spirit is the Glory of the new covenant. The "god of this world" (satan, the devil) has used man's idea of truth and made us believe that this is God. Pride is what makes us think we already know this truth and is the very veil that still covers The Truth.
Ephesians 3:10-12 (Amplified) tells us, "(The purpose is) that through the Church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all it's infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers, and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in (the person of) Christ Jesus our Lord." Verse 12 says, "In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (and unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)."
This is what the "god of this world" is trying so diligently to keep "veiled" from the world and the Church. In Ephesians 3:9 (Amplified), Paul, through the unveiling of this truth (given him by Jesus) said it was given, "Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan (regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men) of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in (the mind of) God, Who created all things by Christ Jesus."
Paul said this had been veiled or concealed through the ages in the mind of God until now. The Holy Spirit has been sent here to unveil what has been until now concealed, to show forth the plan of God for His family to all men and even to the principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:11-12 (Amplified) tells us, "Put on God's whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies) that you may be able to successfully stand up against (all) the strategies and deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."
The mystery that has been "veiled until now," has been unveiled even to where the wicked spirits have seen it already happen when Jesus was raised from the dead. When Jesus was raised and the power of sin was broken, the Law was finished and the veil of God's plan was revealed even to the wicked spirits. Satan has tried desperately over the years to cover up what God has made plain to the spirit realm.
Now, the Holy Spirit is uncovering, revealing and removing the "veil" from the hearts of the believer. Once this veil is removed and the Church can see the whole plan of God, the darkness that has kept us"victims" will be gone and we will see that we are not victims, but victors in Christ Jesus.
Most of us probably knew that the "god of this world" could "blind the eyes" of the unbeliever (the sinner), but how many of us knew he could blind the eyes of the Church? If the true Light of Who Jesus is were to be "unveiled" in the eyes of the Church, then the world harvest would be overwhelming. The above scripture said that "the light is veiled, covered up." It is already there, we just need to allow the Holy Spirit to unveil it to us, that's what He came to do. He didn't have to make it true, it already was true. His job is to show us what has been veiled or covered until this time. This work of the Holy Spirit is the Glory of the new covenant. The "god of this world" (satan, the devil) has used man's idea of truth and made us believe that this is God. Pride is what makes us think we already know this truth and is the very veil that still covers The Truth.
Ephesians 3:10-12 (Amplified) tells us, "(The purpose is) that through the Church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all it's infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers, and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in (the person of) Christ Jesus our Lord." Verse 12 says, "In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (and unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)."
This is what the "god of this world" is trying so diligently to keep "veiled" from the world and the Church. In Ephesians 3:9 (Amplified), Paul, through the unveiling of this truth (given him by Jesus) said it was given, "Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan (regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men) of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in (the mind of) God, Who created all things by Christ Jesus."
Paul said this had been veiled or concealed through the ages in the mind of God until now. The Holy Spirit has been sent here to unveil what has been until now concealed, to show forth the plan of God for His family to all men and even to the principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:11-12 (Amplified) tells us, "Put on God's whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies) that you may be able to successfully stand up against (all) the strategies and deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."
The mystery that has been "veiled until now," has been unveiled even to where the wicked spirits have seen it already happen when Jesus was raised from the dead. When Jesus was raised and the power of sin was broken, the Law was finished and the veil of God's plan was revealed even to the wicked spirits. Satan has tried desperately over the years to cover up what God has made plain to the spirit realm.
Now, the Holy Spirit is uncovering, revealing and removing the "veil" from the hearts of the believer. Once this veil is removed and the Church can see the whole plan of God, the darkness that has kept us"victims" will be gone and we will see that we are not victims, but victors in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Lesson 19 The Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's job is to bring the family of God into maturity and into one accord. As long as man is operating in the religious teachings we've all learned throughout the years (and not all of it is wrong), we will differ in our opinions and not come into the unity the Father desires for our lives. Man's ideas about what the Word says and the Holy Spirit's teaching of the Word, are not always the same. We get caught up in our own ideas even today, just like the Scribes and Pharisees did when Jesus walked among them in the flesh.
God's idea and purpose for the main theme of the Holy Spirit's ministry was to teach men by their spirit and not by their flesh. Men in the old covenant weren't and could not be taught by their spirit, because they weren't born again of the Spirit. Jesus told Nicodemus that, "He must be born again of the spirit." When man was spiritually dead, God dealt with them from the outside in and not from the inside out. Their concept of God was one must simply follow the Law and avoid the penalty of sin. Our concept is that sin is now dealt with by Jesus and we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no more sacrifice needed or accepted by the Father for sin. Jesus accomplished it all.
Now, we come to the crux of the matter for the Church, which is how do we learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit? 2Timothy 3:16-17 (Amplified) says, "Every scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and is not profitable for instruction, for reproof, and conviction of sin, for correction of error, and discipline in obedience (and) for training in righteousness (in) (holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action)." Verse 17 says, "So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
The phrase "God breathed" reminds me of Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) which says, "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or Spirit of life, and man became a living being." God's breath is the Holy Spirit of Life. When His Word is now "God breathed," it is Spirit and it is life. Jesus said as much in John 6:63 (Amplified) where He said, "It is the Spirit Who gives life (He is the life-giver); the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and life."
We have come up with many different truths about what the Word of God is really saying, because we haven't always been led by the Holy Spirit. This has been one of the main ways satan uses to keep the Church from coming into the unity we are supposed to be operating in. Remember that the "flesh profits nothing." All of the things of the flesh we have learned over the years, are now being shaken and tested.
It's up to the individual Christian to hear the Holy Spirit for himself. We can have anointed preaching and still miss the truth of what is being said, unless we allow the Holy Spirit to illuminated it in our heart. I cannot recall anyone who spoke the Word with more anointing, than Jesus. There were those who heard what Jesus said, but "Their hearts (spirits) were hardened and they would not hear."
Many man made doctrines have grown from the Church over the last two thousand years, some of which were Spirit and some were flesh. This doesn't mean we're to be the "Lone Ranger" type Christian who believes we singularly have the truth. If you believe that, then you're not being led by the Spirit either. Each of us might have a portion of the truth to share with another believer. This is how the truth will come.
The devil will keep us fighting with one another over who has the truth. Truthfully, none of us has the "whole" truth, but we have the Spirit of truth. There are some things we've always held onto that we might need to let go of. There are also some things we haven't wanted to believe that we must embrace, as the Holy Spirit reveals them to us.
Most of what the Holy Spirit will teach us, are about Himself. The Gifts of the Spirit have been dismissed by many believers. The Holy Spirit must reveal Himself once again to the Church, in order to restore His position as our Teacher. There are many man made doctrines today that deny His ministry and His power to operate in our lives. Some have even ridiculed healing and speaking in tongues and even miracles and prophecies from God to the Church.
It seems unthinkable that the Teacher of the Church has had to take a backseat to man made religions. Mostly, we've clung to the old covenant rather than the new covenant. John speaks from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1John 2:20 (Amplified) saying, "But you have been anointed by (You hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from) the Holy One, and you all know (the truth) or you know all things."
If you are born again by the Spirit of Truth, then the Truth Giver is now in your spirit. All the truth is now in you. It's not something you must "get," but something you must allow to be brought out. That's what revelation knowledge is, something that is already there, but must be revealed. You can place a tarp over a statue so that no one can see the statue, but once you remove the tarp you can see the statue. The statue wasn't just placed there, it was already there, but the tarp covered it.
Our man made religions and the blindness of the world has "pulled the wool over our eyes" like that tarp and prevented our seeing what has been there all along. It the Spirit of Truth is in you, then all truth is already there.
God's idea and purpose for the main theme of the Holy Spirit's ministry was to teach men by their spirit and not by their flesh. Men in the old covenant weren't and could not be taught by their spirit, because they weren't born again of the Spirit. Jesus told Nicodemus that, "He must be born again of the spirit." When man was spiritually dead, God dealt with them from the outside in and not from the inside out. Their concept of God was one must simply follow the Law and avoid the penalty of sin. Our concept is that sin is now dealt with by Jesus and we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no more sacrifice needed or accepted by the Father for sin. Jesus accomplished it all.
Now, we come to the crux of the matter for the Church, which is how do we learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit? 2Timothy 3:16-17 (Amplified) says, "Every scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and is not profitable for instruction, for reproof, and conviction of sin, for correction of error, and discipline in obedience (and) for training in righteousness (in) (holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action)." Verse 17 says, "So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
The phrase "God breathed" reminds me of Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) which says, "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or Spirit of life, and man became a living being." God's breath is the Holy Spirit of Life. When His Word is now "God breathed," it is Spirit and it is life. Jesus said as much in John 6:63 (Amplified) where He said, "It is the Spirit Who gives life (He is the life-giver); the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and life."
We have come up with many different truths about what the Word of God is really saying, because we haven't always been led by the Holy Spirit. This has been one of the main ways satan uses to keep the Church from coming into the unity we are supposed to be operating in. Remember that the "flesh profits nothing." All of the things of the flesh we have learned over the years, are now being shaken and tested.
It's up to the individual Christian to hear the Holy Spirit for himself. We can have anointed preaching and still miss the truth of what is being said, unless we allow the Holy Spirit to illuminated it in our heart. I cannot recall anyone who spoke the Word with more anointing, than Jesus. There were those who heard what Jesus said, but "Their hearts (spirits) were hardened and they would not hear."
Many man made doctrines have grown from the Church over the last two thousand years, some of which were Spirit and some were flesh. This doesn't mean we're to be the "Lone Ranger" type Christian who believes we singularly have the truth. If you believe that, then you're not being led by the Spirit either. Each of us might have a portion of the truth to share with another believer. This is how the truth will come.
The devil will keep us fighting with one another over who has the truth. Truthfully, none of us has the "whole" truth, but we have the Spirit of truth. There are some things we've always held onto that we might need to let go of. There are also some things we haven't wanted to believe that we must embrace, as the Holy Spirit reveals them to us.
Most of what the Holy Spirit will teach us, are about Himself. The Gifts of the Spirit have been dismissed by many believers. The Holy Spirit must reveal Himself once again to the Church, in order to restore His position as our Teacher. There are many man made doctrines today that deny His ministry and His power to operate in our lives. Some have even ridiculed healing and speaking in tongues and even miracles and prophecies from God to the Church.
It seems unthinkable that the Teacher of the Church has had to take a backseat to man made religions. Mostly, we've clung to the old covenant rather than the new covenant. John speaks from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1John 2:20 (Amplified) saying, "But you have been anointed by (You hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from) the Holy One, and you all know (the truth) or you know all things."
If you are born again by the Spirit of Truth, then the Truth Giver is now in your spirit. All the truth is now in you. It's not something you must "get," but something you must allow to be brought out. That's what revelation knowledge is, something that is already there, but must be revealed. You can place a tarp over a statue so that no one can see the statue, but once you remove the tarp you can see the statue. The statue wasn't just placed there, it was already there, but the tarp covered it.
Our man made religions and the blindness of the world has "pulled the wool over our eyes" like that tarp and prevented our seeing what has been there all along. It the Spirit of Truth is in you, then all truth is already there.
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