2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold! All things are made new. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Romans 8:1-2 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, (there is) now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live (and) walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the Law of the Spirit of Life (which is) in Christ Jesus (the Law of our new being) has freed me from the Law of Sin and of death."
Galatians 6:8 (Amplified) says, "For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
In the last two scriptures, Paul speaks about the case of persons who are born-again by the Spirit of God, while still being taught and raised by the natural man. The Holy Spirit will teach and lead us into maturity in Christ Jesus. By His Own Presence within us, the Holy Spirit will bring us into a place of knowing and understanding who we are as a new creation. The natural, carnal minded man has been taught by the world's idea of this new creation and will return us to bondage of guilt and shame. It will keep us trying to perform as mankind always has and keep us trying to perfect ourselves by religion. One is the dictates of the Spirit and the other is the dictates of the flesh.
God never intended to separate the natural man from the spiritual man, but He intended to combine the two into a being who would be equipped to help and do by the natural man, what the new creation man was born to do. As natural men, we're limited to what we can do to help and by our flesh. The new creation man is unlimited in his ability, through the Spirit of God Who lives within him/her.
This is what Paul was teaching and what Jesus taught too. The Father placed us into a unique position, where we need to learn how to do His will by His Presence. We have His Spirit living in us and we have His Love and compassion for those who are sick, dying and in need. The new creation has the Holy Spirit in us, to heal and restore the natural man. We've learned how to walk in the flesh to some degree, while not walking in the sins of the flesh. But, we've neglected to learn how to walk in the Spirit, by the new creation man within us.
The world's idea of being a Christian is not walking in what we've come to know as sin. We've spent much time disciplining the flesh, but haven't spent much time developing the spirit. We have compassion for the poor, sick, helpless and the hurting of the world and we've given much time in natural things (donating time and money) to help these things. We've been faithful to give to charities and other matters of the natural man (which is the right thing to do), but we need to understand the new creation man within us and go beyond just helping the natural man by the natural man. Jesus went beyond just feeding and seeing the natural man, by His Father Who was within Him. Jesus didn't stop at donating money to the blind man and went the Spirit within Himself to restore sight to that man. This is what the natural people around Jesus, saw that changed them. Anyone could give the blind beggar money, but not everyone could restore his sight.
There is more to "not defiling the Temple of the Holy Spirit," than not cussing or drinking. We can actually defile this temple (this flesh and blood body that the Holy Spirit lives in), by denying God access to our new spirit man. By our flesh, we've stood in proud opposition against the things of God, because of teachings of our foster parent (the world). Accusing God of things we've accused Him of, is defilement. Even though we've done this in ignorance, it's still defilement by the flesh, according to Galatians 3:3 (Amplified) where Paul asks, "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 dependence) on the flesh?"
Arriving to the place where we can understand who and what we are now in the Father, is the greatest challenge for the new creation people. In Mark 16:18 (Amplified) Jesus commented to the people, concerning the things they were to do under the Law, saying, "Even the Gentiles do these things." We don't need to be born-again, in order to see the needs in people's lives. Even the unsaved can see and do something about them. Charities and organizations have been established by the world, to help those in need. The unsaved person cannot though, lay hands on the sick and have them recover. Only the new creation can do this.
Through Christ Jesus, our obligation to the world doesn't only involve the natural, but involves the Spiritual. God has combined the natural man with the spiritual man, making it one unit called the Church. Our love goes beyond sympathy, into deliverance. We don't have to just feel sorry for the sick, but we can make them well again, by the Holy Spirit within us. We simultaneously walk in two different realms now, just like Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and many others in the early Church did. It was the Super-natural power of the Holy Spirit Who drew the world to the Gospel and not large charities, rituals and traditions. It was the Living Spirit of God encased in the natural man and moving by His grace, that drew the people. The world has already heard religion and lacks seeing the Super-natural Presence of God among them.
There were men who went ahead and demonstrated the Super-natural power of God, before the world told them "we cannot do these things." Without the Super-natural Presence of God moving through the Church, we're mostly just debating the things we believe, instead of revealing what the Father says. Don't allow the world to tell you what it thinks about the new creation. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, what you've become. Some might disagree with this (like many have for centuries), but those before went on into the things God had for them and we should too.
Before Paul preached the revelation he received to the Gentiles, the Jews believed that they only, had access to God. The things we read in the Epistles, wasn't only foolish to the Jews, but was considered heresy to the natural man and his carnal mind. It's not so different today. Speaking about the Super-natural things of God (even in the Church) is much like it was in Jesus' day, where He spoke to old covenant people. We can either change what we preach, in order to satisfy the carnal minded or we can preach the glory of God in the new creation family. God hasn't turned healing over to the physicians, but we've chosen the doctors over healing. Both can and have healed the sick in some form or another, but most all the glory has gone to man and medicine. Even in Jesus' time, there were doctors, but none could cleanse the leper except for the Spirit of God.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't visit the doctor or be foolish and die, because of pride. What I am saying is, we must allow the Holy Spirit to be the Teacher of the Church and to the world. Don't give up on God, because someone else did. The Word says, "Seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given you, knock and the door will still be opened" to you. Only those who are seeking, will ever find the True Answer, on this side of Heaven. When we arrive Home, everything will be alright for all of us. On this side of Heaven, though, we're called to reveal God as He truly is and not how the world perceives Him to be.
Combining the Spirit and the flesh, is how God will show Himself to the world. Jesus said, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me that does the work." If you're born-again, then Same Father is living in you and He hasn't changed one iota. He needs a people who will believe in Him enough, that He will be manifested to the world through us. The heroes of the New Testament like Paul and Peter, had a difficult time with those who didn't believe too. It's no different today in the world, than it was for them...but it still worked. Some in that time, believed that Paul and others were "strange and foolish," but they continued on in their world and because of that, we have become God's children.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Lesson 283 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition has passed. Behold! all things are made new. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Before ascending into Heaven and being seated at the right hand of the Father, Jesus told His followers in John 14:18,26 (Amplified), "I will not leave you as orphans (comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless) I will come (back) to you." He continues in Verse 26 saying, "But the (Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby) 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."
According to the above scriptures (along with many more), the Holy Spirit is to be the Teacher of the Church. The Holy Spirit is also God, as the Word is God. Our Awesome God is the Creator of Heaven and earth and He is also our Father. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus said that He "would not leave us as orphans. An orphan has no parents to raise him and he has no home. In the world, we have orphanages, in order to care for and raise these children who have no parents.
Sadly, it's been reconized that not all of these orphanages were good for, nor good to, the children. In many of these homes, the children were abused and mistreated, by the people who were in charge. Many caretakers tried raising the children, the best they knew how, but they were still not the children's parents. Many orphans had parents who couldn't or wouldn't raise them, so they required foster parents.
In today's Church, many of God's family have been raised by foster parents. For them, the world has taken over the raising of God's kids for Him, telling them what is to be believed and what isn't. Much of our religious doctrines haven't been determined by the Holy Spirit, but have come from foster parents (the world). Even after we were grown-up in the natural, we were still students of our foster parent's (the world).
We usually quote only half of Romans 10:17 (Amplified) (like we do with many scriptures). Paul says "So faith comes by hearing." This is the part we mostly quote, but the entire Verse says, "So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the Message that came from the lips) of Christ (the Messiah Himself)." Since God's Word is Truth, this scripture is also true. "Faith comes by hearing (what is told)" It doesn't matter if "what is told" is God's Word or what our foster parents (the world) says. Hearing produces faith.
Jesus tells "The Parable of the Sower" in Mark 4, which is about the sower sowing the Word. The subject of this Parable is God's Word, but the principal is the same with any word. Words are seeds that are planted into the soil or spirits of the people and all words are seeds. If these are seeds of Communism or other gods, then they are still seeds. As long as these seeds are being sown and the people continue hearing, then "faith comes by hearing what is told." Whatever is being told (or sown) in the hearts and minds of the people, is what they place faith in. They will place faith in the Word of the Father, if that's what they're hearing. Or, they will place faith in the words of their foster parents (the world's), if that's what they're hearing.
The compromising and unbelief that is going forth in today's Church, comes from listening to what the world says, instead of the Holy Spirit. Mark 4:24 (Amplified) says, "And [Jesus] said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the Truth you hear) will be the measure (of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you-and more (besides) will be given to you who hear."
This principle is a Spiritual truth, that pertains to the "thought and study" that you give it. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (Amplified), "If you abide in My Word (hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them) you are truly My disciples." Many of us stop reading, but we can fully understand Jesus' teaching, if we read on. Thus, Verse 32 goes on, "And then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."
Only God's Words can set us free. The words of the world (the foster parents) will not only place us in bondage, but will keep us in bondage. Man's ideas (the world's ideas, the foster parent's ideas) can never set God's people at liberty. We have failed to follow Jesus' instructions and "Be careful of what we hear" and have begun placing faith in and having faith in the words of man's religion and the world's ideas of what God has said. This is the same deception satan used with Eve, in the Garden of Eden. Eve wasn't careful about what the Father had said and she began doubting and listening to other words (or seeds) that were being broadcast in her heart. The first seeds were seeds of doubt, concerning faith in God's Word as Truth.
Genesis 3:1-5 (Amplified) says, "Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he (satan) said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the Garden? And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the Garden, Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the Garden; (God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die)." Verses 4-5 say, "But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity."
Faith truly comes by hearing and Eve wasn't faithful about what she heard or listened to. She knew God said, "Eat not of that tree of knowledge," but she began to put "thought and study" into what the serpent said. Satan's words didn't set Eve free, but damned mankind with the sin of trespass and separation from God. The same doctrine of the world (the foster parent) is being spoken today and is being sown into the hearts of many of God's children. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (Amplified), "If you abide in My Word (hold fast 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."
The seeds (words) being sown throughout the world, aren't the seeds (or Words) of Jesus and the Father. They are all seeds though and Genesis 1:11 (Amplified) tells us, "And God said, Let the earth put forth (tender) vegetation; plants yielding seed and fruit trees yielding fruit whose seed is in itself, each according to it's kind upon the earth, and it was so."
The Law of Genesis is that, "Everything bears fruit after it's kind or seed." 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."
This is why it's imperative that we are careful what we hear. Each seed produces after kind. Apple seeds bear apple trees. Peach seeds bear peach trees. This is true for everything God has created. God's Word produced the trees and their seed reproduced what God's Word said it to be. The words we hear (especially words we put thought and study in), produce many things that do not set us free. We must be careful what we hear.
Before ascending into Heaven and being seated at the right hand of the Father, Jesus told His followers in John 14:18,26 (Amplified), "I will not leave you as orphans (comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless) I will come (back) to you." He continues in Verse 26 saying, "But the (Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby) 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."
According to the above scriptures (along with many more), the Holy Spirit is to be the Teacher of the Church. The Holy Spirit is also God, as the Word is God. Our Awesome God is the Creator of Heaven and earth and He is also our Father. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus said that He "would not leave us as orphans. An orphan has no parents to raise him and he has no home. In the world, we have orphanages, in order to care for and raise these children who have no parents.
Sadly, it's been reconized that not all of these orphanages were good for, nor good to, the children. In many of these homes, the children were abused and mistreated, by the people who were in charge. Many caretakers tried raising the children, the best they knew how, but they were still not the children's parents. Many orphans had parents who couldn't or wouldn't raise them, so they required foster parents.
In today's Church, many of God's family have been raised by foster parents. For them, the world has taken over the raising of God's kids for Him, telling them what is to be believed and what isn't. Much of our religious doctrines haven't been determined by the Holy Spirit, but have come from foster parents (the world). Even after we were grown-up in the natural, we were still students of our foster parent's (the world).
We usually quote only half of Romans 10:17 (Amplified) (like we do with many scriptures). Paul says "So faith comes by hearing." This is the part we mostly quote, but the entire Verse says, "So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the Message that came from the lips) of Christ (the Messiah Himself)." Since God's Word is Truth, this scripture is also true. "Faith comes by hearing (what is told)" It doesn't matter if "what is told" is God's Word or what our foster parents (the world) says. Hearing produces faith.
Jesus tells "The Parable of the Sower" in Mark 4, which is about the sower sowing the Word. The subject of this Parable is God's Word, but the principal is the same with any word. Words are seeds that are planted into the soil or spirits of the people and all words are seeds. If these are seeds of Communism or other gods, then they are still seeds. As long as these seeds are being sown and the people continue hearing, then "faith comes by hearing what is told." Whatever is being told (or sown) in the hearts and minds of the people, is what they place faith in. They will place faith in the Word of the Father, if that's what they're hearing. Or, they will place faith in the words of their foster parents (the world's), if that's what they're hearing.
The compromising and unbelief that is going forth in today's Church, comes from listening to what the world says, instead of the Holy Spirit. Mark 4:24 (Amplified) says, "And [Jesus] said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the Truth you hear) will be the measure (of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you-and more (besides) will be given to you who hear."
This principle is a Spiritual truth, that pertains to the "thought and study" that you give it. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (Amplified), "If you abide in My Word (hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them) you are truly My disciples." Many of us stop reading, but we can fully understand Jesus' teaching, if we read on. Thus, Verse 32 goes on, "And then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."
Only God's Words can set us free. The words of the world (the foster parents) will not only place us in bondage, but will keep us in bondage. Man's ideas (the world's ideas, the foster parent's ideas) can never set God's people at liberty. We have failed to follow Jesus' instructions and "Be careful of what we hear" and have begun placing faith in and having faith in the words of man's religion and the world's ideas of what God has said. This is the same deception satan used with Eve, in the Garden of Eden. Eve wasn't careful about what the Father had said and she began doubting and listening to other words (or seeds) that were being broadcast in her heart. The first seeds were seeds of doubt, concerning faith in God's Word as Truth.
Genesis 3:1-5 (Amplified) says, "Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he (satan) said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the Garden? And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the Garden, Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the Garden; (God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die)." Verses 4-5 say, "But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity."
Faith truly comes by hearing and Eve wasn't faithful about what she heard or listened to. She knew God said, "Eat not of that tree of knowledge," but she began to put "thought and study" into what the serpent said. Satan's words didn't set Eve free, but damned mankind with the sin of trespass and separation from God. The same doctrine of the world (the foster parent) is being spoken today and is being sown into the hearts of many of God's children. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (Amplified), "If you abide in My Word (hold fast 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."
The seeds (words) being sown throughout the world, aren't the seeds (or Words) of Jesus and the Father. They are all seeds though and Genesis 1:11 (Amplified) tells us, "And God said, Let the earth put forth (tender) vegetation; plants yielding seed and fruit trees yielding fruit whose seed is in itself, each according to it's kind upon the earth, and it was so."
The Law of Genesis is that, "Everything bears fruit after it's kind or seed." 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."
This is why it's imperative that we are careful what we hear. Each seed produces after kind. Apple seeds bear apple trees. Peach seeds bear peach trees. This is true for everything God has created. God's Word produced the trees and their seed reproduced what God's Word said it to be. The words we hear (especially words we put thought and study in), produce many things that do not set us free. We must be careful what we hear.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Lesson 282 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold! all things are made new. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
2Timothy 2:15-21 (Amplified) says, "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing (rightly handling and skillfully teaching) the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. And their teaching (will devour it) will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, Who have missed the mark and served from the Truth by arguing that the resurrection ha already taken place. Thy are undermining the faith of some. But the firm foundation of (laid by) God, stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription); the Lord knows those who are His, and let everyone who names (himself by) the Name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also (utensils) of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble (use) and some for menial and ignoble (use) So whoever cleanses himself (from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences) will (then himself) be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work."
Let's recognize first of all, that both the "wood and the earthenware" are still in the Master's House, along with the "gold and silver utensils." If you are born-again, then you are in the Master's House. The above scripture wasn't written to distinguish between those in His House and those who are not. But, those who will "cleanse" themselves from these things, can make themselves a "vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master."
Probably not every Christian is working as hard as others, to "prove" himself to be used by the Master. Paul said, "Whoever cleanses himself" "Will make himself" or can make himself a vessel to be used by the Master. Paul speaks about a man and wife relationship in Ephesians 5:26-32 (Amplified) saying in Verse 32, "This mystery is very great, but speak concerning (the relationship of) Christ and the Church." He says in Verse 26, "So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the wood."
These scriptures held us understand better, what Paul was saying to Timothy about, "If a any man will cleanse himself from these things, he can make himself a vessel to be used by the Master." It's left for the individual to cleanse himself from the things in the world. He must understand and wash away the contaminating things of the world with applying the Word to his life. The Word (taken literally) will cleanse the outer contaminates from the believer. This is something that is left to the individual believer.
Paul advises Timothy in 2Timothy 2:16 (Amplified) saying, "But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness." People's opinions will not change the Truth of God's Word. I've heard people say, "When God's ready for me to stop drinking, then He will take away my whiskey." This isn't even close to what Paul said. He said, "That a man will cleanse himself." When we search God's Word to find what God says about the drunkard, we can "wash ourselves with the water of the Word and allow the power of the Word to cleanse us from drunkenness."
Jesus did all that was needed to set us free, but we must still apply His Word of Truth to our lives and allow that Truth to cleanse us. Paul speaks again to Timothy about allowing idle words into our lives, in Verse 17 and the results of listening and being influence by undermining words. Thus, Paul says, "And their teachings will devour it (Truth), will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene." Cancer starts out very small, but spread throughout the entire body. Gangrene is a wound or open sore, that wasn't properly taken care of and allowed blood poison to flood the blood stream and poison the entirety of a person. Both begin small, but are deadly.
There are certain things that have spread throughout the Body of Christ, by those who undermine the Word of God and have allowed the "doctrines of devils" in the Body. These have robbed the Church of faith in God's ability to deliver them from certain things in our lives. God requires us to "study to show ourselves approved by Him." It doesn't matter what some might say about God, but only what you believe. Some might believe that certain things "have passed away," but if God's Word doesn't agree with that, then we must go with the Word.
We sometimes fail to figure God into so many situations in our lives, because we've been taught "God doesn't do these things any longer." Through Jesus, God has made everything available to us, that we need to be victorious in all things. We must rightly divide God's Word and learn from the Holy Spirit, what is ours from God. Then, we can be vessels to be used by the Master.
All these vessels (gold, silver, wood, and earthenware) are in the Master's House, but not all of them are "honorable and noble." Some are for "menial and ignoble use." I prefer to cleanse myself, in order to present myself for "honorable and noble use." You might still be in the Master's House, but not be in a place where He can use you like He wishes too. We erroneously wait for God to "wave His magic wand" and "turn us into something other than what we've chosen to be." Paul tells us that "there is something we must do," that will allow God to have a choice in which vessel He can use.
Not all vessels in the Master's House are the same. Some are wood, while others are earthenware. All of them have the same ability to be gold or silver, but not all of them have done what is necessary to make themselves useful. This isn't legalism, becoming righteous by works. Jesus has already taken care of that. These are things required to allow righteousness to live though us. We need to stop living through God, because our lives are hid in Him through Christ Jesus. It's not us, but "the Father in us," that will reveal the Awesome God we serve to the world. We must get in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to wash away the corruption of the world around us.
2Timothy 2:15-21 (Amplified) says, "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing (rightly handling and skillfully teaching) the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. And their teaching (will devour it) will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, Who have missed the mark and served from the Truth by arguing that the resurrection ha already taken place. Thy are undermining the faith of some. But the firm foundation of (laid by) God, stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription); the Lord knows those who are His, and let everyone who names (himself by) the Name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also (utensils) of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble (use) and some for menial and ignoble (use) So whoever cleanses himself (from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences) will (then himself) be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work."
Let's recognize first of all, that both the "wood and the earthenware" are still in the Master's House, along with the "gold and silver utensils." If you are born-again, then you are in the Master's House. The above scripture wasn't written to distinguish between those in His House and those who are not. But, those who will "cleanse" themselves from these things, can make themselves a "vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master."
Probably not every Christian is working as hard as others, to "prove" himself to be used by the Master. Paul said, "Whoever cleanses himself" "Will make himself" or can make himself a vessel to be used by the Master. Paul speaks about a man and wife relationship in Ephesians 5:26-32 (Amplified) saying in Verse 32, "This mystery is very great, but speak concerning (the relationship of) Christ and the Church." He says in Verse 26, "So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the wood."
These scriptures held us understand better, what Paul was saying to Timothy about, "If a any man will cleanse himself from these things, he can make himself a vessel to be used by the Master." It's left for the individual to cleanse himself from the things in the world. He must understand and wash away the contaminating things of the world with applying the Word to his life. The Word (taken literally) will cleanse the outer contaminates from the believer. This is something that is left to the individual believer.
Paul advises Timothy in 2Timothy 2:16 (Amplified) saying, "But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness." People's opinions will not change the Truth of God's Word. I've heard people say, "When God's ready for me to stop drinking, then He will take away my whiskey." This isn't even close to what Paul said. He said, "That a man will cleanse himself." When we search God's Word to find what God says about the drunkard, we can "wash ourselves with the water of the Word and allow the power of the Word to cleanse us from drunkenness."
Jesus did all that was needed to set us free, but we must still apply His Word of Truth to our lives and allow that Truth to cleanse us. Paul speaks again to Timothy about allowing idle words into our lives, in Verse 17 and the results of listening and being influence by undermining words. Thus, Paul says, "And their teachings will devour it (Truth), will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene." Cancer starts out very small, but spread throughout the entire body. Gangrene is a wound or open sore, that wasn't properly taken care of and allowed blood poison to flood the blood stream and poison the entirety of a person. Both begin small, but are deadly.
There are certain things that have spread throughout the Body of Christ, by those who undermine the Word of God and have allowed the "doctrines of devils" in the Body. These have robbed the Church of faith in God's ability to deliver them from certain things in our lives. God requires us to "study to show ourselves approved by Him." It doesn't matter what some might say about God, but only what you believe. Some might believe that certain things "have passed away," but if God's Word doesn't agree with that, then we must go with the Word.
We sometimes fail to figure God into so many situations in our lives, because we've been taught "God doesn't do these things any longer." Through Jesus, God has made everything available to us, that we need to be victorious in all things. We must rightly divide God's Word and learn from the Holy Spirit, what is ours from God. Then, we can be vessels to be used by the Master.
All these vessels (gold, silver, wood, and earthenware) are in the Master's House, but not all of them are "honorable and noble." Some are for "menial and ignoble use." I prefer to cleanse myself, in order to present myself for "honorable and noble use." You might still be in the Master's House, but not be in a place where He can use you like He wishes too. We erroneously wait for God to "wave His magic wand" and "turn us into something other than what we've chosen to be." Paul tells us that "there is something we must do," that will allow God to have a choice in which vessel He can use.
Not all vessels in the Master's House are the same. Some are wood, while others are earthenware. All of them have the same ability to be gold or silver, but not all of them have done what is necessary to make themselves useful. This isn't legalism, becoming righteous by works. Jesus has already taken care of that. These are things required to allow righteousness to live though us. We need to stop living through God, because our lives are hid in Him through Christ Jesus. It's not us, but "the Father in us," that will reveal the Awesome God we serve to the world. We must get in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to wash away the corruption of the world around us.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Lesson 281 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold! all things are made new. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Our minds have been established by the culture and the world around us, so that we've been held captive from the realm of the Spirit. We've acknowledged very little of the Spiritual Life we received when becoming born-again. Some of us have been Baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, but still have little understanding of what this opens up for us, in Kingdom. Many, even after receiving the Gift or language of the Spirit, simply cease speaking in tongues after a short period of time. Paul teaches in 1Corinthians 14:2 (Amplified), "For one who speaks in an (unknown) tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the Holy Spirit he utters secret Truths and hidden things (not obvious to the understanding)."
This Gift of the Spirit is a doorway into the things of the Spirit realm, into which we were born in Christ Jesus. Here is where we learn who we are and how to function in this new creation. These "secret Truths and hidden things" are the Source of learning how to operate in the Kingdom we've been birthed into. The world (or even those who are saved, but still carnal minded), continues to deny this aspect of our new creation life.
We were born again, not by "corruptible (seed, sperm) but from that is Immortal, by the Ever Living and Lasting Word of God," according to 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified). The Law of Genesis tells us that "everything produces after kind." Thus, Genesis 1:12 (Amplified) says, "The earth brought forth vegetation; plants yielding seed according to their own kinds and trees bearing fruit in which was their seed, each according to its kind, And God saw that it was good (suitable, admirable) and He approved it."
We seem to understand the above Truth in the natural realm, while not doing so concerning our being born again by Incorruptible Seed, the Word of God. If everything produces after kind, then we were born again in His Image. We witness this Law operating around us in the natural world, but fail to see it in the Spirit realm. The Law of Genesis demonstrates how foolish the Theory of Evolution is. Monkeys stay monkeys and men stay men. Men have never produces monkeys and monkeys never turn into men, because everything produces after kind.
If this Law is true and we can observe it's validity all around us, then having been born from the Seed of God, we are born of the God class or of His Spirit. That's what God's Word says about us and what the Law of Genesis says about us. An unrenewed mind that is still being taught by the world (the foster parent) cannot believe this Truth when it comes to monkeys and men. How can we expect it to teach the Church, who we really are in Christ? This sounds sacrilegious to the carnal, unrenewed mind, but it is Spirit and Truth. How could God and His Seed, produce something other than what He is? This would be like my dog producing kittens. It won't happen!
We are produced and born of God, so we have the attributes and character of the One Who fathered us. It can't be any other way. We've allowed the world to foster and raise us in it's image. Men are flesh and blood and men sire children who are flesh and blood. After we were born-again we still bear the image of the natural man, but the Law of Genesis says we were born again. We bear the image of the natural and are created new in the Spirit, after the Image of the Spirit. We now have dual citizenship, with the rights and authority in two realms. We actually have the rights and authority in three realms, as ambassadors of Christs, according to 2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) which says, "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were, through us, we (as Christ's personal representatives) beg you for His sake to lay hold of the Divine favor (now offered you) and be reconciled to God."
We are citizens of Heave and representatives with God's authority on earth, according to Romans 8:17 (Amplified) which says, "And if we are His children, then we are His heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, (sharing His inheritance with Him) only we must share in His suffering if we are to share His glory." Jesus speaks about "His suffering,"in John 15:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as it's own. But because you are not of the world (no longer one with it) but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you."
Jesus reiterates this in Mark 16:17 (Amplified) where He says that as fellow heirs with Him, we've been given the Power of Attorney in His Name and have the authority over demon spirits and rulers of this present age. Thus, Jesus says, "And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe; in My Name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and (even) if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."
Through the new creation birth, we have been given the authority in His Name (Heaven's authority) to cast out demons (spiritual authority) and to lay hands on the sick and heal them (earth's authority). These are the three realms that the new creation have inherited, in order to bring the plans of the Father to pass. Very little has been taught about this, because very little has been known about it. Our foster parent (the world) doesn't have any revelation about this. We've been "loved by the world" (our foster parent) as one of it's own. The world doesn't see us to be much different than they are. A carnal Christian is a child of God, but mostly operates on the same plain that the world does. Even though Tarzan was a human being, he didn't differ much from his foster parents (the apes) and lived like an ape.
If you're someone who has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and received your prayer language, then use it like Paul instructed, "Praying always in the Spirit" for revelation, understanding, anointing, ability and the authority that has been given to this new creation by God through Jesus. Allow the Father to use you to change and be the Light and Salt to this world. If the Church continues allowing the world to tell us who we are, then we won't be much different than the world, other than we will go to Heaven when we die.
We are a new creation and are a species of being who has never existed on this planet before. We were born-again by God's Own Seed and have been born into the Kingdom and family of God Himself. Remember the Law of Genesis that says, "Everything has seed and every seed produces after kind."
Our minds have been established by the culture and the world around us, so that we've been held captive from the realm of the Spirit. We've acknowledged very little of the Spiritual Life we received when becoming born-again. Some of us have been Baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, but still have little understanding of what this opens up for us, in Kingdom. Many, even after receiving the Gift or language of the Spirit, simply cease speaking in tongues after a short period of time. Paul teaches in 1Corinthians 14:2 (Amplified), "For one who speaks in an (unknown) tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the Holy Spirit he utters secret Truths and hidden things (not obvious to the understanding)."
This Gift of the Spirit is a doorway into the things of the Spirit realm, into which we were born in Christ Jesus. Here is where we learn who we are and how to function in this new creation. These "secret Truths and hidden things" are the Source of learning how to operate in the Kingdom we've been birthed into. The world (or even those who are saved, but still carnal minded), continues to deny this aspect of our new creation life.
We were born again, not by "corruptible (seed, sperm) but from that is Immortal, by the Ever Living and Lasting Word of God," according to 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified). The Law of Genesis tells us that "everything produces after kind." Thus, Genesis 1:12 (Amplified) says, "The earth brought forth vegetation; plants yielding seed according to their own kinds and trees bearing fruit in which was their seed, each according to its kind, And God saw that it was good (suitable, admirable) and He approved it."
We seem to understand the above Truth in the natural realm, while not doing so concerning our being born again by Incorruptible Seed, the Word of God. If everything produces after kind, then we were born again in His Image. We witness this Law operating around us in the natural world, but fail to see it in the Spirit realm. The Law of Genesis demonstrates how foolish the Theory of Evolution is. Monkeys stay monkeys and men stay men. Men have never produces monkeys and monkeys never turn into men, because everything produces after kind.
If this Law is true and we can observe it's validity all around us, then having been born from the Seed of God, we are born of the God class or of His Spirit. That's what God's Word says about us and what the Law of Genesis says about us. An unrenewed mind that is still being taught by the world (the foster parent) cannot believe this Truth when it comes to monkeys and men. How can we expect it to teach the Church, who we really are in Christ? This sounds sacrilegious to the carnal, unrenewed mind, but it is Spirit and Truth. How could God and His Seed, produce something other than what He is? This would be like my dog producing kittens. It won't happen!
We are produced and born of God, so we have the attributes and character of the One Who fathered us. It can't be any other way. We've allowed the world to foster and raise us in it's image. Men are flesh and blood and men sire children who are flesh and blood. After we were born-again we still bear the image of the natural man, but the Law of Genesis says we were born again. We bear the image of the natural and are created new in the Spirit, after the Image of the Spirit. We now have dual citizenship, with the rights and authority in two realms. We actually have the rights and authority in three realms, as ambassadors of Christs, according to 2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) which says, "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were, through us, we (as Christ's personal representatives) beg you for His sake to lay hold of the Divine favor (now offered you) and be reconciled to God."
We are citizens of Heave and representatives with God's authority on earth, according to Romans 8:17 (Amplified) which says, "And if we are His children, then we are His heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, (sharing His inheritance with Him) only we must share in His suffering if we are to share His glory." Jesus speaks about "His suffering,"in John 15:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as it's own. But because you are not of the world (no longer one with it) but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you."
Jesus reiterates this in Mark 16:17 (Amplified) where He says that as fellow heirs with Him, we've been given the Power of Attorney in His Name and have the authority over demon spirits and rulers of this present age. Thus, Jesus says, "And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe; in My Name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and (even) if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."
Through the new creation birth, we have been given the authority in His Name (Heaven's authority) to cast out demons (spiritual authority) and to lay hands on the sick and heal them (earth's authority). These are the three realms that the new creation have inherited, in order to bring the plans of the Father to pass. Very little has been taught about this, because very little has been known about it. Our foster parent (the world) doesn't have any revelation about this. We've been "loved by the world" (our foster parent) as one of it's own. The world doesn't see us to be much different than they are. A carnal Christian is a child of God, but mostly operates on the same plain that the world does. Even though Tarzan was a human being, he didn't differ much from his foster parents (the apes) and lived like an ape.
If you're someone who has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and received your prayer language, then use it like Paul instructed, "Praying always in the Spirit" for revelation, understanding, anointing, ability and the authority that has been given to this new creation by God through Jesus. Allow the Father to use you to change and be the Light and Salt to this world. If the Church continues allowing the world to tell us who we are, then we won't be much different than the world, other than we will go to Heaven when we die.
We are a new creation and are a species of being who has never existed on this planet before. We were born-again by God's Own Seed and have been born into the Kingdom and family of God Himself. Remember the Law of Genesis that says, "Everything has seed and every seed produces after kind."
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Lesson 280 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold all things are made new. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
I remember a serial called "Tarzan of the Apes," that came to the local movie theater every Saturday when I was growing up. Tarzan was a boy raised by apes, in the jungle. Although he was human, Tarzan behaved like an ape, because he was raised in the ape culture. Tarzan acted like the apes acted, lived like them, ate what they ate and "spoke" the ape language. Tarzan was a human being and from a much higher realm of being than the apes, but he failed to function in that realm because of the culture he was raised in. Tarzan was a foster child of the apes who raised him and was born from a higher class of being and held dominion over the jungle animals. The animals recognized the place and power of Tarzan's authority.
This probably seems foolish, but whenever I think about the new creation family of God, I think about "Tarzan of the Apes." Even though we are born-again, are of the Seed of God (His Word) and God Himself calls us His children, we've been raised in the worldly culture and trained by the world and those who didn't know God at all. We've adapted the ways of the world and it's way of thinking, until we operate like they do. Tarzan didn't have to try being a human, because he was born that way. Tarzan didn't know "how to be a human being," because he adapted himself to what he was taught. Tarzan was not an ape, but he lived as one of them, because that was how he was raised.
We don't have to "try being new creation children of God," because after being born-again, we are new creations and God calls us His children. This is true, even if we were raised in the world's system. God's Word produces like it says and if you've received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you've been born into the Kingdom and family of God. You are a new creation. We've don't have to try to be in God's family; we already are. What we need to do now, is learn how to live like this new creation family is supposed to.
We can live like Tarzan, eating bark and roots and living in the trees. Or, we can enter into our real identity and live as God intended for us to live. Tarzan always held great potential, but he never saw another human being to pattern himself after, so he continued living like an ape. We've lived far below the great potential of who God has made us to be as new creation people. We've learned to talk like the world, think like the world, deny the very Super-natural ability of God like the world does and have allowed the world to tell us who we are, instead of knowing who or what we really are.
We were born into the family of God, "By the Same Word (Seed) Who became flesh and dwelt among us," according to John 1:14 The Law of Genesis says that "every seed produces after kind." We've seemingly accepted this as being Truth in every realm, except for the realm of the Spirit. We know that if one plants an apple seed, then he will grow apple trees and that if he plants corn, then he will grow corn. No one can plant corn and have grow green beans from it.
We were born-again, by the Same Seed (Word) that Jesus was born of, but we somehow think we must work at "becoming a child of God and part of His Kingdom," as new creatures. It hasn't been a matter of the Seed not doing it's job of producing children of God. It's been a matter of our not knowing what the Seed has now produced. Tarzan wasn't raised as a human being, so he never grew into his place as a human. The Church has been raised by the world, so we mostly do as the world does.
In order to learn how to become a responsible child of God and to function like a child of God, we must be trained or educated by the Word and the Spirit of God. Tarzan was alive, but he was useless t the human race. This wasn't because Tarzan wasn't human, but because he wasn't raised as a human.
The Church has never come into our life as new creation people, because the world has become our foster parents and has raised us in it's culture. Tarzan had the ability to write, read, drive a car, build a house, become an engineer of physician, but he wasn't raised in that culture. He simply adapted to and became like an ape with less hair.
We cannot allow the world to raise God children, as foster parents. The world doesn't know how we are to be raised and they don't know who or what we should be raised into. The Super-natural doesn't exist for the world, so we were raised to be that it doesn't exist too. Most of the world's gods were fostered from stone or wood and were considered superstition, so the world taught us to believe this about our God. Most of us in the new creation, pray only as a cry of desperation for help, rather than to fellowship with God or to train up ourselves in His family.
Having our prayers heard and answered, should be as true for us, as planting corn; we know what it will produce. The world, as foster parents, has raised God's children and made us to become like the society of the world system. Many in the new creation are ridiculed when speaking about the Super-natural things of God or about the spiritual ability of the new creation. This is true, even in many circles of the family of God (the Church).
When a baby is born into this world, he or she doesn't need to try becoming a human being. It was a human being, when it was conceived. This is also true for the new creation family. When you're born-again, you don't need to try becoming a Christian (or child of God), because you were born a child of God and already are His child. The Church has tried for centuries, to "become Christians," because we never realized that we are already God's children. The world has taught and trained us to be what i considers Christians and what Christians do. Tarzan didn't act like an ape because he was an ape. He acted like one, because his foster parents were apes and taught him to act like an ape.
As new creation family, we have now been born-again into the realm of the Spirit. Very few have allowed themselves to be taught by the Spirit, so we've been trained by the intellectual understanding of the Word and not the Truth and Spirit of the Word. Having a carnal mind, doesn't always mean "unsaved." It means being trained by the world, instead of the Spirit. It's obvious that unsaved men would be carnally minded, but the new creation people are to be trained and raised by the Word and the Spirit. In 1Corinthians 3:1-2 (Amplified) Paul writes to the Church in Corinth (who were new creation people of God), saying, "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) I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough (to be ready for it)."
The Church in Corinth were new creatures, who were being raised by the foster parents of the world. Even though they were spiritual children of God, they were still being raised by the world and the natural man. In Romans 12:2 (Amplified) Paul wrote to the Church of Rome, saying, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to it's external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
Most of us (and I mean most of us) have been trained by the carnal mind, instead of the Spirit. Many in the Church believe that the Super-natural work of God "stopped at the early Church." We've adapted ourselves "to this present age and it's external and superficial customs," just like Paul admonished us not to do. Because we lack understanding about who God has made us to be, we've allowed our foster parent (the world) to teach us and train us up in it's ways and customs. It's true we are to observe the rules and standards of "abstaining from the sins of the flesh," but these standards were already true under the Law. The new creation is supposed to be taught by the Holy Spirit, how to bring the flesh under subjection and how to excel in the spiritual things of God.
I remember a serial called "Tarzan of the Apes," that came to the local movie theater every Saturday when I was growing up. Tarzan was a boy raised by apes, in the jungle. Although he was human, Tarzan behaved like an ape, because he was raised in the ape culture. Tarzan acted like the apes acted, lived like them, ate what they ate and "spoke" the ape language. Tarzan was a human being and from a much higher realm of being than the apes, but he failed to function in that realm because of the culture he was raised in. Tarzan was a foster child of the apes who raised him and was born from a higher class of being and held dominion over the jungle animals. The animals recognized the place and power of Tarzan's authority.
This probably seems foolish, but whenever I think about the new creation family of God, I think about "Tarzan of the Apes." Even though we are born-again, are of the Seed of God (His Word) and God Himself calls us His children, we've been raised in the worldly culture and trained by the world and those who didn't know God at all. We've adapted the ways of the world and it's way of thinking, until we operate like they do. Tarzan didn't have to try being a human, because he was born that way. Tarzan didn't know "how to be a human being," because he adapted himself to what he was taught. Tarzan was not an ape, but he lived as one of them, because that was how he was raised.
We don't have to "try being new creation children of God," because after being born-again, we are new creations and God calls us His children. This is true, even if we were raised in the world's system. God's Word produces like it says and if you've received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you've been born into the Kingdom and family of God. You are a new creation. We've don't have to try to be in God's family; we already are. What we need to do now, is learn how to live like this new creation family is supposed to.
We can live like Tarzan, eating bark and roots and living in the trees. Or, we can enter into our real identity and live as God intended for us to live. Tarzan always held great potential, but he never saw another human being to pattern himself after, so he continued living like an ape. We've lived far below the great potential of who God has made us to be as new creation people. We've learned to talk like the world, think like the world, deny the very Super-natural ability of God like the world does and have allowed the world to tell us who we are, instead of knowing who or what we really are.
We were born into the family of God, "By the Same Word (Seed) Who became flesh and dwelt among us," according to John 1:14 The Law of Genesis says that "every seed produces after kind." We've seemingly accepted this as being Truth in every realm, except for the realm of the Spirit. We know that if one plants an apple seed, then he will grow apple trees and that if he plants corn, then he will grow corn. No one can plant corn and have grow green beans from it.
We were born-again, by the Same Seed (Word) that Jesus was born of, but we somehow think we must work at "becoming a child of God and part of His Kingdom," as new creatures. It hasn't been a matter of the Seed not doing it's job of producing children of God. It's been a matter of our not knowing what the Seed has now produced. Tarzan wasn't raised as a human being, so he never grew into his place as a human. The Church has been raised by the world, so we mostly do as the world does.
In order to learn how to become a responsible child of God and to function like a child of God, we must be trained or educated by the Word and the Spirit of God. Tarzan was alive, but he was useless t the human race. This wasn't because Tarzan wasn't human, but because he wasn't raised as a human.
The Church has never come into our life as new creation people, because the world has become our foster parents and has raised us in it's culture. Tarzan had the ability to write, read, drive a car, build a house, become an engineer of physician, but he wasn't raised in that culture. He simply adapted to and became like an ape with less hair.
We cannot allow the world to raise God children, as foster parents. The world doesn't know how we are to be raised and they don't know who or what we should be raised into. The Super-natural doesn't exist for the world, so we were raised to be that it doesn't exist too. Most of the world's gods were fostered from stone or wood and were considered superstition, so the world taught us to believe this about our God. Most of us in the new creation, pray only as a cry of desperation for help, rather than to fellowship with God or to train up ourselves in His family.
Having our prayers heard and answered, should be as true for us, as planting corn; we know what it will produce. The world, as foster parents, has raised God's children and made us to become like the society of the world system. Many in the new creation are ridiculed when speaking about the Super-natural things of God or about the spiritual ability of the new creation. This is true, even in many circles of the family of God (the Church).
When a baby is born into this world, he or she doesn't need to try becoming a human being. It was a human being, when it was conceived. This is also true for the new creation family. When you're born-again, you don't need to try becoming a Christian (or child of God), because you were born a child of God and already are His child. The Church has tried for centuries, to "become Christians," because we never realized that we are already God's children. The world has taught and trained us to be what i considers Christians and what Christians do. Tarzan didn't act like an ape because he was an ape. He acted like one, because his foster parents were apes and taught him to act like an ape.
As new creation family, we have now been born-again into the realm of the Spirit. Very few have allowed themselves to be taught by the Spirit, so we've been trained by the intellectual understanding of the Word and not the Truth and Spirit of the Word. Having a carnal mind, doesn't always mean "unsaved." It means being trained by the world, instead of the Spirit. It's obvious that unsaved men would be carnally minded, but the new creation people are to be trained and raised by the Word and the Spirit. In 1Corinthians 3:1-2 (Amplified) Paul writes to the Church in Corinth (who were new creation people of God), saying, "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) I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough (to be ready for it)."
The Church in Corinth were new creatures, who were being raised by the foster parents of the world. Even though they were spiritual children of God, they were still being raised by the world and the natural man. In Romans 12:2 (Amplified) Paul wrote to the Church of Rome, saying, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age) (fashioned after and adapted to it's external, superficial customs) but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
Most of us (and I mean most of us) have been trained by the carnal mind, instead of the Spirit. Many in the Church believe that the Super-natural work of God "stopped at the early Church." We've adapted ourselves "to this present age and it's external and superficial customs," just like Paul admonished us not to do. Because we lack understanding about who God has made us to be, we've allowed our foster parent (the world) to teach us and train us up in it's ways and customs. It's true we are to observe the rules and standards of "abstaining from the sins of the flesh," but these standards were already true under the Law. The new creation is supposed to be taught by the Holy Spirit, how to bring the flesh under subjection and how to excel in the spiritual things of God.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Lesson 279 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him(."
The religious understanding of righteousness has held the Church in unbelief for the Super-natural works of the Holy Spirit, for too long. If we feel like we have "no right" to come into God's Throne Room of Grace to obtain grace and favor in our time of need, then how can we have faith to receive what the Father wants to do through us? Ironically, the classic scripture we use to lead people to the Lord, is one of the most important Verses in God's Word, concerning righteousness.
Romans 10:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the Truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusting and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God) and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms (his) salvation."
Many have been led to Christ with the above scripture, and later were taught that "None are righteous, no not one. This is a contradiction of our faith and a double-standard in our hearts. Faith and unbelief cannot simultaneously function in our hearts. Paul continues in Romans 10:14 (Amplified) saying, "But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed (in Whom they have no faith, on Whom they have no reliance?) And how are they to believe in Him (adhere to trust in, and rely upon Him) of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?"
This Message of righteousness hasn't been preached to many of the new creation people. It's difficult for them to have faith in righteousness, if it isn't "heard" and it cannot be heard if it isn't "preached." Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes in 1Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified), "But it is from Him that you have your Life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our Righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our Consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty from sin)."
It's one of the most vital things for the new creation, to learn and understand righteousness from God's Word and His Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus has restored God's children back into the family and given us the right to stand in God's Presence again, without guilt and shame. We've never really seen ourselves the way the Father has created us to be. We were created for fellowship and family in the Father's House. As new creations, we're to see ourselves the way the Father created us to be. We've been taught over the last two-thousand years, that we were really only "forgiven sinners." This left us holding onto our old nature, because we didn't understand the Truth about our truly being "new creations."
Paul speaks to the Church in Corinth in 1Corinthians 4:3-4 (Amplified) saying, "But (as for me personally) it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you (on this point) and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trail and judge myself. I am not conscious of anything against myself, and I feel blameless; But I am not vindicated and acquitted before God on that account. It is the Lord (Himself) Who examines and judges me."
After all the things Paul did to the Church (as Saul), he didn't "judge himself any longer on these things." Paul was declared "righteous before the Lord," by the Lord, and was by faith, a new creation. The only way for us to see ourselves as being righteous before God, is by faith in Jesus. Righteousness isn't a feeling, but is a Truth in Jesus. We've tried to produce feelings of righteousness by good works, but this gives us the false self-righteous attitude that the Scribes and Pharisees walked in. They believed they "were righteous"because of their good works. Paul quoted Psalm 14:3 (Amplified) saying, "None were righteous, no, not one."
Many have stopped reading or even listening after this, and have missed what Paul went on to say in the very same discourse. Paul speaks about "true righteousness," in Romans 3:21-24 (Amplified) saying, "But now the Righteousness of God has been revealed independent 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 Christ Jesus (the Messiah). (And it is meant) for all who believe, For there is no distinction. Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives (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."
This Righteousness isn't something we can obtain any other way, than through faith in Jesus Christ. The Father finds it offensive, when we try becoming righteous by our own works and when we deny His Righteousness, we are in through Christ Jesus. Trying to become righteous through our own works, says that we can become our own righteousness without Christ. Denying we are righteous is telling God that even His Own Son wasn't enough to get the job done.
This righteousness is simply trusting the Same Jesus Who took away our sins, made us righteous in Him. Because of Jesus, we are the righteousness of God and anything else is unacceptable to the Father. This righteousness isn't a source of pride or boasting, but a simple trust by faith in Jesus. We don't go around boasting about being righteous, but we should never deny His Gift, because of false humility and human pride and wanting to appear humble. Both attitudes are wrong for the believer. It's an act of faith and a gratitude towards God, when we believe in what God did for us through Jesus. We've been created new and should walk in this faith and right standing with the Father. We must come back into close fellowship with the Father and receive what He has so lavished upon us and walk in it.
We need to learn to receive this Gift of Righteousness, in a way that the Father can now use us to live through, to the world. Don't wait until you "feel righteous enough," for God to use you, but allow God to use you by faith in His Righteousness in Christ Jesus. Many have been held back by feeling unrighteous, because of the sinner that died with Jesus. The flesh (with its sin) died on the cross with Jesus. The new creation was raised brand new and righteous with this Same Sacrifice of Jesus. You were justified and declared righteous with God, when Jesus was justified and declared righteous in His resurrection. You are in Him.
Romans 5:1-2 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, Since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us (grasp the fact that we) have (the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy) peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) Through Him also we have (our) access (entrance by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we (firmly and safely) stand. And let us rejoice and exalt in our hope of experiencing and enjoy the glory of God."
The religious understanding of righteousness has held the Church in unbelief for the Super-natural works of the Holy Spirit, for too long. If we feel like we have "no right" to come into God's Throne Room of Grace to obtain grace and favor in our time of need, then how can we have faith to receive what the Father wants to do through us? Ironically, the classic scripture we use to lead people to the Lord, is one of the most important Verses in God's Word, concerning righteousness.
Romans 10:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the Truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusting and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God) and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms (his) salvation."
Many have been led to Christ with the above scripture, and later were taught that "None are righteous, no not one. This is a contradiction of our faith and a double-standard in our hearts. Faith and unbelief cannot simultaneously function in our hearts. Paul continues in Romans 10:14 (Amplified) saying, "But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed (in Whom they have no faith, on Whom they have no reliance?) And how are they to believe in Him (adhere to trust in, and rely upon Him) of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?"
This Message of righteousness hasn't been preached to many of the new creation people. It's difficult for them to have faith in righteousness, if it isn't "heard" and it cannot be heard if it isn't "preached." Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes in 1Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified), "But it is from Him that you have your Life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our Righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our Consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty from sin)."
It's one of the most vital things for the new creation, to learn and understand righteousness from God's Word and His Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus has restored God's children back into the family and given us the right to stand in God's Presence again, without guilt and shame. We've never really seen ourselves the way the Father has created us to be. We were created for fellowship and family in the Father's House. As new creations, we're to see ourselves the way the Father created us to be. We've been taught over the last two-thousand years, that we were really only "forgiven sinners." This left us holding onto our old nature, because we didn't understand the Truth about our truly being "new creations."
Paul speaks to the Church in Corinth in 1Corinthians 4:3-4 (Amplified) saying, "But (as for me personally) it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you (on this point) and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trail and judge myself. I am not conscious of anything against myself, and I feel blameless; But I am not vindicated and acquitted before God on that account. It is the Lord (Himself) Who examines and judges me."
After all the things Paul did to the Church (as Saul), he didn't "judge himself any longer on these things." Paul was declared "righteous before the Lord," by the Lord, and was by faith, a new creation. The only way for us to see ourselves as being righteous before God, is by faith in Jesus. Righteousness isn't a feeling, but is a Truth in Jesus. We've tried to produce feelings of righteousness by good works, but this gives us the false self-righteous attitude that the Scribes and Pharisees walked in. They believed they "were righteous"because of their good works. Paul quoted Psalm 14:3 (Amplified) saying, "None were righteous, no, not one."
Many have stopped reading or even listening after this, and have missed what Paul went on to say in the very same discourse. Paul speaks about "true righteousness," in Romans 3:21-24 (Amplified) saying, "But now the Righteousness of God has been revealed independent 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 Christ Jesus (the Messiah). (And it is meant) for all who believe, For there is no distinction. Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives (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."
This Righteousness isn't something we can obtain any other way, than through faith in Jesus Christ. The Father finds it offensive, when we try becoming righteous by our own works and when we deny His Righteousness, we are in through Christ Jesus. Trying to become righteous through our own works, says that we can become our own righteousness without Christ. Denying we are righteous is telling God that even His Own Son wasn't enough to get the job done.
This righteousness is simply trusting the Same Jesus Who took away our sins, made us righteous in Him. Because of Jesus, we are the righteousness of God and anything else is unacceptable to the Father. This righteousness isn't a source of pride or boasting, but a simple trust by faith in Jesus. We don't go around boasting about being righteous, but we should never deny His Gift, because of false humility and human pride and wanting to appear humble. Both attitudes are wrong for the believer. It's an act of faith and a gratitude towards God, when we believe in what God did for us through Jesus. We've been created new and should walk in this faith and right standing with the Father. We must come back into close fellowship with the Father and receive what He has so lavished upon us and walk in it.
We need to learn to receive this Gift of Righteousness, in a way that the Father can now use us to live through, to the world. Don't wait until you "feel righteous enough," for God to use you, but allow God to use you by faith in His Righteousness in Christ Jesus. Many have been held back by feeling unrighteous, because of the sinner that died with Jesus. The flesh (with its sin) died on the cross with Jesus. The new creation was raised brand new and righteous with this Same Sacrifice of Jesus. You were justified and declared righteous with God, when Jesus was justified and declared righteous in His resurrection. You are in Him.
Romans 5:1-2 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, Since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us (grasp the fact that we) have (the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy) peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) Through Him also we have (our) access (entrance by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we (firmly and safely) stand. And let us rejoice and exalt in our hope of experiencing and enjoy the glory of God."
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Lesson 278 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. BEHOLD! All things are made new, and all things are from God."
This revelation hasn't entered into the hearts of most believers, still today. The same culture and wisdom of the world has blinded our minds to this Truth. Even though the Word had declared it through most of the new covenant letters and Epistles, we continue struggling with the Truth that through the new creation, we were created into righteousness. Lacking faith in this Truth of our being in right standing with the Father, has resulted in our having lack of faith in everything we do. It also has much to do with what we can receive from the Father, by not wearing our breastplate of righteousness in our daily walk. Ephesians 6:14 (Amplified) says, "Stand therefore (hold your ground) having tightened the bet of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God."
The breastplate covers the heart (spirit) and the organs of the body (Fruit of the Spirit) of our new creation man. This piece of armor was the covering for the vital organs of the body in warfare. It also covers the vital organs (Fruit of the Spirit) in the new creation man, who is a spirit. Without having the breastplate of righteousness (by not having faith in it), we open our new man up to the lies and accusations of the enemy and lose faith in our ability to receive or even hear from the Father. 1John 4:21-22 (Amplified) tells us, "And beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God. And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us) and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him."
Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
The religious mindset of today's churches, considers it as heresy, to say that "we are truly righteous before God." To the Father Who created you in righteousness, it's a lack of your faith in this Truth that holds you back from Him. 1John 4:20 (Amplified) says, "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self-accusations make us feel guilty and condemns us (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)."
This isn't giving us license to deliberately continue in sin and willfulness after being born-again. Paul admonishes, "Don't allow the mistakes we make as we're growing up (maturing) in Jesus to condemn us and allow the enemy to strip us of our breastplate of righteousness and shield of faith." Thus, he says in Ephesians 6:16 (Amplified), "Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one."
When your faith isn't in your righteousness, then your shield of faith isn't quenching all the flaming missiles of satan, leaving you vulnerable in your armor. Then the enemy can torment you and keep you in the belief that "God won't hear or answer your prayers." The Lord speaks about the new creation family, through the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 54:13-14,15 (Amplified) saying, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will) and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order) You shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you." In Verse 15 God continues, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
Faith that is established in righteousness, is the power of your breastplate and is for the protection of your heart (spirit) from the condemnation and guilt (fiery missiles) of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (Amplified) says, "This faith (covering shield) is removed in our lack of established righteousness." This causes us to lower our shields, so the strife that is stirred up in our lives (Remember, God said it's not from Him) and the enemy's fiery missiles can find their way into the heart (our spirit), bringing guilt and condemnation.
The enemy's strategy if to try and keep our unrenewed minds on "who we once were," instead of "who God created us to be in His new creation." The guilt and remorse of the old dead man, is the enemy's avenue into the new life we've now become. Trying to tell a believer that "he doesn't believe," is like Jesus dealing with the traditions of the old covenant people. It sounded religious to them, but it didn't work for them and made God's Word of no effect in their lives.
We must learn to take the things the Father has done and said about us, by faith, and believe that the shield of faith has been provided for us. Ephesians 6:11 (Amplified) tells us, "Put on God's whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies), that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil."
God describes the shield that quenches all these flaming missiles in Isaiah 54:15 (Amplified) saying, "These are fiery missiles (the condemnation, strife, fear, terror, guilt, and all the other flaming missiles that come) But they are not from Me!" If your faith is contaminated by religious teaching that "God is firing these missiles at you," then you're not relying on the Truth that faith will stop them. You must know who your enemy is and it's not God!!!
Much of the teaching and preaching in today's Church, is slanted by our view of the old covenant, rather than the new covenant family. We continue expecting God to deal with us from the outside-in and not from the inside-out. The new creation man is a spirit man, that is made alive again by the Holy spirit Who has now come to live in us. We're able to again hear, see, know, be in right standing and walk with God, like Jesus did.
This revelation hasn't entered into the hearts of most believers, still today. The same culture and wisdom of the world has blinded our minds to this Truth. Even though the Word had declared it through most of the new covenant letters and Epistles, we continue struggling with the Truth that through the new creation, we were created into righteousness. Lacking faith in this Truth of our being in right standing with the Father, has resulted in our having lack of faith in everything we do. It also has much to do with what we can receive from the Father, by not wearing our breastplate of righteousness in our daily walk. Ephesians 6:14 (Amplified) says, "Stand therefore (hold your ground) having tightened the bet of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God."
The breastplate covers the heart (spirit) and the organs of the body (Fruit of the Spirit) of our new creation man. This piece of armor was the covering for the vital organs of the body in warfare. It also covers the vital organs (Fruit of the Spirit) in the new creation man, who is a spirit. Without having the breastplate of righteousness (by not having faith in it), we open our new man up to the lies and accusations of the enemy and lose faith in our ability to receive or even hear from the Father. 1John 4:21-22 (Amplified) tells us, "And beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God. And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us) and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him."
Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
The religious mindset of today's churches, considers it as heresy, to say that "we are truly righteous before God." To the Father Who created you in righteousness, it's a lack of your faith in this Truth that holds you back from Him. 1John 4:20 (Amplified) says, "Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self-accusations make us feel guilty and condemns us (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him)."
This isn't giving us license to deliberately continue in sin and willfulness after being born-again. Paul admonishes, "Don't allow the mistakes we make as we're growing up (maturing) in Jesus to condemn us and allow the enemy to strip us of our breastplate of righteousness and shield of faith." Thus, he says in Ephesians 6:16 (Amplified), "Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one."
When your faith isn't in your righteousness, then your shield of faith isn't quenching all the flaming missiles of satan, leaving you vulnerable in your armor. Then the enemy can torment you and keep you in the belief that "God won't hear or answer your prayers." The Lord speaks about the new creation family, through the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 54:13-14,15 (Amplified) saying, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will) and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order) You shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you." In Verse 15 God continues, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
Faith that is established in righteousness, is the power of your breastplate and is for the protection of your heart (spirit) from the condemnation and guilt (fiery missiles) of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (Amplified) says, "This faith (covering shield) is removed in our lack of established righteousness." This causes us to lower our shields, so the strife that is stirred up in our lives (Remember, God said it's not from Him) and the enemy's fiery missiles can find their way into the heart (our spirit), bringing guilt and condemnation.
The enemy's strategy if to try and keep our unrenewed minds on "who we once were," instead of "who God created us to be in His new creation." The guilt and remorse of the old dead man, is the enemy's avenue into the new life we've now become. Trying to tell a believer that "he doesn't believe," is like Jesus dealing with the traditions of the old covenant people. It sounded religious to them, but it didn't work for them and made God's Word of no effect in their lives.
We must learn to take the things the Father has done and said about us, by faith, and believe that the shield of faith has been provided for us. Ephesians 6:11 (Amplified) tells us, "Put on God's whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies), that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil."
God describes the shield that quenches all these flaming missiles in Isaiah 54:15 (Amplified) saying, "These are fiery missiles (the condemnation, strife, fear, terror, guilt, and all the other flaming missiles that come) But they are not from Me!" If your faith is contaminated by religious teaching that "God is firing these missiles at you," then you're not relying on the Truth that faith will stop them. You must know who your enemy is and it's not God!!!
Much of the teaching and preaching in today's Church, is slanted by our view of the old covenant, rather than the new covenant family. We continue expecting God to deal with us from the outside-in and not from the inside-out. The new creation man is a spirit man, that is made alive again by the Holy spirit Who has now come to live in us. We're able to again hear, see, know, be in right standing and walk with God, like Jesus did.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Lesson 277 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
We discussed the tithe, in the previous lesson. Tithing might be one of the most misunderstood teachings in both the Old and New Testaments. Many have used this for furtherance of their own lives in the ministry, while many have simply ignored teaching about the tithe altogether because of their misunderstanding about it. Genesis 14:18-20 (Amplified) tells us, "Melchizedek King of Salem (later called Jerusalem) brought out bread and wine (for their nourishment); he was the priest of the God Most High And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of Heaven and earth And blessed, praised, and glorified by God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And (Abram) gave him a tenth of all (he had taken)."
The act of tithing was a source of blessing the people, so God placed it into the Law, in order to bless and sustain His people on a legal means. Leviticus 27:30-34 (Amplified) says, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's, it is holy to the Lord. And if a man wants to redeem any of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it." Verses 32-34 go on, "And all the tithe of the herd of the flock, whatever passes under the herdsman's staff (by means of which each tenth animal as it passes through a small door, is selected and marked) the tenth shall be holy to the Lord. The man shall not examine whether the animal is good or bad nor shall he exchange it, then both it and the animal substituted for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites."
One might ask, "Why did God make this a commandment to the people?" Because, as long as they would follow this law, the people would put themselves in a place where God could do what He wanted, which was to bless them in all that they had. God said in Leviticus 26:1-13, 14-41 (Amplified) that He intended to "bless the people if they would obey His laws." In Verses 14-41 God tells what would happen, if the people didn't obey His laws.
Malachi 3:7,8-12 (Amplified) says, "Even from the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My Ordinances and have not kept them, Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts, But you says How shall we return?" Listen to how the Lord wants them to "return," so He can once bless and provide for them. In Verses 8-12 the Lord begins to explain to the people, why they're in captivity and want, saying, "Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You (You have withheld your) tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the Curse (Leviticus 27:3-34) for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My House, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of Hosts, If I will not open the windows of Heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devour-er (insects and plagues) for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of Hosts. And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of Hosts."
The people robbed God by not doing like He said, so God had to resend His Promise to bless them in all they would do. His heart was toward them, to bless them. He made it a commandment, so they would have no choice but to be blessed, if they would only do as His law commanded.
The people seemed to follow the laws pertaining to sacrifice, but when it came to the personal wealth of each man, they chose to hold onto the tithe, instead of releasing it to God for their increase. In Malachi 3:13-15 (Amplified) God says, "Your words have been strong and hard against Me, says the Lord, Yet you say, What have we spoken against You? You have said, It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His Ordinances and walk gloomily and as if in mourning apparel before the Lord of Hosts? And now we consider the proud and arrogant to be happy and favored, evil doers are exalted and prosper, Yes, and when they test God, they escape (unpunished)."
The people had forgotten where the Blessing came from and began looking at the nations that didn't come into covenant with God. Those were already under the Curse, because of the covenant God only made through His law and the blood. They withheld the tithe (which was the source of God's Blessing) to spend it on themselves as the nations did. Soon, it ran out and there was no way to replenish it, without God's Blessing on them.
God made it a command, so He could bless the people in all they had. Abram didn't consider it a command, but an "honor to bless the High Priest with all that God had delivered into his hands." It wasn't an obligation or a command, but was something Abram voluntarily did to honor and God, Who was the Source of his blessing.
The Word tells us that Jesus is our High Priest, in this new covenant and new creation family. Hebrews 7:7-8 (Amplified) says, "Yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one. Furthermore, here (in the Leviticus priesthood) tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there (in the case of Melchizedek) they are received by one of whom it is testified that He lives (perpetually)."
The individual person must decide whether or not he will tithe. There is no law that demands the new creation family of God must tithe. For me, I choose to tithe, in order to honor the High Priest Who blesses me and mine. I recognize that He is my Source of Blessing and I tithe to honor Him, and not because it's law. This is a part of my inheritance as a child of God. I am able to express to Him even my temporal blessing as coming from Him.
Galatians 3:17-18 (Amplified) says, "This is my argument, the Law, which began 430 years after the covenant (concerning the coming Messiah) does not and cannot annul the covenant previously established (ratified) by God, so as to abolish the Promise and make it void. For if the inheritance (of the Promise depends on observing) the Law (as these false teachers would like you to believe) it no longer (depends) on the Promise; however, God gave it to Abraham (as a free gift solely) by virtue of His Promise."
The tithe came before the Law and by Jesus, is now under grace. Grace makes the tithe voluntary as an act of honor and not a law. Don't allow yourselves to try and fulfill the Law (or any part of it) for your Blessing. If you tithe, then let it be because of a grateful heart and as an act of honoring the One Who Redeemed you. Tithe is now, as is everything else in this new creation, a matter of conscience and love and honor. Whether you tithe or don't tithe, doesn't make you "more of a child of God." It's a matter of conscience to believe.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency (from righteous labors) and with the first fruits of all your income So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine." This Promise is still valid for today, to those who will receive it. Do as the Lord directs you and receive your Blessing.
God makes a distinction between those who honored and reverenced Him and those who did not, in Malachi 3. The people didn't rob God by withholding their money or wealth from Him. But, they robbed Him from a means of Blessing and Loving them, when they refused to tithe. Thus, Verses 16-18 say, "Then those who feared (reverenced, honored) the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worship-fully feared the Lord and who thought on His Name. And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possessions, My peculiar treasure) and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then shall you return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who does not serve Him."
According to the above scripture, there were people who tithed and honored God, in the midst of the others who didn't. God writes about those who tithed and honored Him, in a Book of Remembrances, "They shall be Mine." This isn't about God needing your money or belongings. God's not broke or hungry or in a position where He must layoff some angels, so He can balance His checkbook. When the people fail to honor God and recognize Him as their Source by their tithe, then they rob Him of the joy of Blessing them.
God listened to and heard those who feared the Lord and honored Him by tithing when others didn't. Some tithed because of the Law and murmured and complained when they did, because they viewed it as something they "had to do," instead of something they "got to do." Not everything that is placed in the offerings is dedicated to the Lord, by those who put it in. Some give because of compulsion or pride (fear of what others beside them might think of their not giving). Others give as charitable contributions to help keep the lights and heat on in the building, Not everyone gives in order to honor God for His Goodness.
We're not obligated to give or tithe, in this new creation family. It's not a law or even an obligation, but it's a privilege for us to give to Him. We need not be concerned about whether God will accept our gift, because we might not be "righteous enough." He will receive it. Jesus is our High Priest and is the Source of our righteousness and gives us entry to the Father. Today, many of us simply place our tithes and offerings into a plate or basked, to be received to the Lord. Many of us tithe without tithing. Tithe is what you bring, tithing is what you say. Both are acts of honoring and worshiping the Lord, according to Deuteronomy 26:10-19 (Amplified) which says, "And now, behold I bring the first fruits of the ground which You O Lord, have given me. And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you and the Levite and the stranger and the sojourner among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household. When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger and the sojourner, the fatherless and to the widow, that they may eat within your towns and be filled. Then you shall say before the Lord your God, I have brought the hallowed things (the tithe) out of my house and moreover have given them to the Levite, to the strange, and the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to Your commandments which you have commanded me, I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, neither have I forgotten them."
Verses 17-18 go on, "You have (openly) declared the Lord this day to be your God, (pledging) to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and His precepts, and to hearken to His Voice. And the Lord has declared this day that you are His peculiar people as He Promised you, and you are to keep all His commandments. And He will make you high above all nations which He has made, in praise and in fame and in honor and that you shall be a holy people to the Lord your God as He has spoken."
Tithing isn't what makes us a "holy people" in this new creation. It was Jesus Who made us a holy and righteous people, before God. Although this isn't what makes us holy, tithing is still what a holy people do with honor, before our Heavenly Father. What if we don't do these things? There's nothing that says we must tither or even give offerings to Him, in the new creation. It depends on how much your honor, esteem, regard or appreciate His Gift of salvation and Blessing in your life. Remember, this isn't a law, it's a privilege for us. We are blessed to be in a place, where we're given the right through Jesus, to come into His Presence and be received as family. I consider it to always be Father's Day, when I get to present Him with my worship and gifts of thanksgiving. "Honor the Lord with the first fruits, your capital and sufficiency of your righteous labors," according to Proverbs 3:9 (Amplified)
We discussed the tithe, in the previous lesson. Tithing might be one of the most misunderstood teachings in both the Old and New Testaments. Many have used this for furtherance of their own lives in the ministry, while many have simply ignored teaching about the tithe altogether because of their misunderstanding about it. Genesis 14:18-20 (Amplified) tells us, "Melchizedek King of Salem (later called Jerusalem) brought out bread and wine (for their nourishment); he was the priest of the God Most High And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of Heaven and earth And blessed, praised, and glorified by God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And (Abram) gave him a tenth of all (he had taken)."
The act of tithing was a source of blessing the people, so God placed it into the Law, in order to bless and sustain His people on a legal means. Leviticus 27:30-34 (Amplified) says, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's, it is holy to the Lord. And if a man wants to redeem any of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it." Verses 32-34 go on, "And all the tithe of the herd of the flock, whatever passes under the herdsman's staff (by means of which each tenth animal as it passes through a small door, is selected and marked) the tenth shall be holy to the Lord. The man shall not examine whether the animal is good or bad nor shall he exchange it, then both it and the animal substituted for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites."
One might ask, "Why did God make this a commandment to the people?" Because, as long as they would follow this law, the people would put themselves in a place where God could do what He wanted, which was to bless them in all that they had. God said in Leviticus 26:1-13, 14-41 (Amplified) that He intended to "bless the people if they would obey His laws." In Verses 14-41 God tells what would happen, if the people didn't obey His laws.
Malachi 3:7,8-12 (Amplified) says, "Even from the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My Ordinances and have not kept them, Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts, But you says How shall we return?" Listen to how the Lord wants them to "return," so He can once bless and provide for them. In Verses 8-12 the Lord begins to explain to the people, why they're in captivity and want, saying, "Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You (You have withheld your) tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the Curse (Leviticus 27:3-34) for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My House, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of Hosts, If I will not open the windows of Heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devour-er (insects and plagues) for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of Hosts. And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of Hosts."
The people robbed God by not doing like He said, so God had to resend His Promise to bless them in all they would do. His heart was toward them, to bless them. He made it a commandment, so they would have no choice but to be blessed, if they would only do as His law commanded.
The people seemed to follow the laws pertaining to sacrifice, but when it came to the personal wealth of each man, they chose to hold onto the tithe, instead of releasing it to God for their increase. In Malachi 3:13-15 (Amplified) God says, "Your words have been strong and hard against Me, says the Lord, Yet you say, What have we spoken against You? You have said, It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His Ordinances and walk gloomily and as if in mourning apparel before the Lord of Hosts? And now we consider the proud and arrogant to be happy and favored, evil doers are exalted and prosper, Yes, and when they test God, they escape (unpunished)."
The people had forgotten where the Blessing came from and began looking at the nations that didn't come into covenant with God. Those were already under the Curse, because of the covenant God only made through His law and the blood. They withheld the tithe (which was the source of God's Blessing) to spend it on themselves as the nations did. Soon, it ran out and there was no way to replenish it, without God's Blessing on them.
God made it a command, so He could bless the people in all they had. Abram didn't consider it a command, but an "honor to bless the High Priest with all that God had delivered into his hands." It wasn't an obligation or a command, but was something Abram voluntarily did to honor and God, Who was the Source of his blessing.
The Word tells us that Jesus is our High Priest, in this new covenant and new creation family. Hebrews 7:7-8 (Amplified) says, "Yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one. Furthermore, here (in the Leviticus priesthood) tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there (in the case of Melchizedek) they are received by one of whom it is testified that He lives (perpetually)."
The individual person must decide whether or not he will tithe. There is no law that demands the new creation family of God must tithe. For me, I choose to tithe, in order to honor the High Priest Who blesses me and mine. I recognize that He is my Source of Blessing and I tithe to honor Him, and not because it's law. This is a part of my inheritance as a child of God. I am able to express to Him even my temporal blessing as coming from Him.
Galatians 3:17-18 (Amplified) says, "This is my argument, the Law, which began 430 years after the covenant (concerning the coming Messiah) does not and cannot annul the covenant previously established (ratified) by God, so as to abolish the Promise and make it void. For if the inheritance (of the Promise depends on observing) the Law (as these false teachers would like you to believe) it no longer (depends) on the Promise; however, God gave it to Abraham (as a free gift solely) by virtue of His Promise."
The tithe came before the Law and by Jesus, is now under grace. Grace makes the tithe voluntary as an act of honor and not a law. Don't allow yourselves to try and fulfill the Law (or any part of it) for your Blessing. If you tithe, then let it be because of a grateful heart and as an act of honoring the One Who Redeemed you. Tithe is now, as is everything else in this new creation, a matter of conscience and love and honor. Whether you tithe or don't tithe, doesn't make you "more of a child of God." It's a matter of conscience to believe.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (Amplified) says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency (from righteous labors) and with the first fruits of all your income So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine." This Promise is still valid for today, to those who will receive it. Do as the Lord directs you and receive your Blessing.
God makes a distinction between those who honored and reverenced Him and those who did not, in Malachi 3. The people didn't rob God by withholding their money or wealth from Him. But, they robbed Him from a means of Blessing and Loving them, when they refused to tithe. Thus, Verses 16-18 say, "Then those who feared (reverenced, honored) the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worship-fully feared the Lord and who thought on His Name. And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possessions, My peculiar treasure) and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then shall you return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who does not serve Him."
According to the above scripture, there were people who tithed and honored God, in the midst of the others who didn't. God writes about those who tithed and honored Him, in a Book of Remembrances, "They shall be Mine." This isn't about God needing your money or belongings. God's not broke or hungry or in a position where He must layoff some angels, so He can balance His checkbook. When the people fail to honor God and recognize Him as their Source by their tithe, then they rob Him of the joy of Blessing them.
God listened to and heard those who feared the Lord and honored Him by tithing when others didn't. Some tithed because of the Law and murmured and complained when they did, because they viewed it as something they "had to do," instead of something they "got to do." Not everything that is placed in the offerings is dedicated to the Lord, by those who put it in. Some give because of compulsion or pride (fear of what others beside them might think of their not giving). Others give as charitable contributions to help keep the lights and heat on in the building, Not everyone gives in order to honor God for His Goodness.
We're not obligated to give or tithe, in this new creation family. It's not a law or even an obligation, but it's a privilege for us to give to Him. We need not be concerned about whether God will accept our gift, because we might not be "righteous enough." He will receive it. Jesus is our High Priest and is the Source of our righteousness and gives us entry to the Father. Today, many of us simply place our tithes and offerings into a plate or basked, to be received to the Lord. Many of us tithe without tithing. Tithe is what you bring, tithing is what you say. Both are acts of honoring and worshiping the Lord, according to Deuteronomy 26:10-19 (Amplified) which says, "And now, behold I bring the first fruits of the ground which You O Lord, have given me. And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. And you and the Levite and the stranger and the sojourner among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household. When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger and the sojourner, the fatherless and to the widow, that they may eat within your towns and be filled. Then you shall say before the Lord your God, I have brought the hallowed things (the tithe) out of my house and moreover have given them to the Levite, to the strange, and the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to Your commandments which you have commanded me, I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, neither have I forgotten them."
Verses 17-18 go on, "You have (openly) declared the Lord this day to be your God, (pledging) to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and His precepts, and to hearken to His Voice. And the Lord has declared this day that you are His peculiar people as He Promised you, and you are to keep all His commandments. And He will make you high above all nations which He has made, in praise and in fame and in honor and that you shall be a holy people to the Lord your God as He has spoken."
Tithing isn't what makes us a "holy people" in this new creation. It was Jesus Who made us a holy and righteous people, before God. Although this isn't what makes us holy, tithing is still what a holy people do with honor, before our Heavenly Father. What if we don't do these things? There's nothing that says we must tither or even give offerings to Him, in the new creation. It depends on how much your honor, esteem, regard or appreciate His Gift of salvation and Blessing in your life. Remember, this isn't a law, it's a privilege for us. We are blessed to be in a place, where we're given the right through Jesus, to come into His Presence and be received as family. I consider it to always be Father's Day, when I get to present Him with my worship and gifts of thanksgiving. "Honor the Lord with the first fruits, your capital and sufficiency of your righteous labors," according to Proverbs 3:9 (Amplified)
Friday, October 13, 2017
Lesson 276 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
The world and man's idea of religion have trained us to think of ourselves by the way men portray us, instead of how the Word of God portrays us. In John 17:19 (Amplified) Jesus said, "And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicated, and consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth."
Do you believe that Jesus accomplished the things He went to the cross to do? If you do, then you must also believe what the Word (the Truth) is in our lives and bring your thoughts into captivity and under the authority of the Truth. It doesn't matter what satan, your neighbors, your family, or even your conscience says about you, because the Truth (the Word) is what you must believe and trust to bring you to a place of reverence before God and to a place of fellowship with Him. We must be confident in both relationships simultaneously.
Even tithing isn't under Law, nor is it a law, nor is Old or New Testament. It is a matter of honor, according to Proverbs 3:9-10 (Amplified) which says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency (from righteous labors) and with the first fruits of all your income. So shall your storage places be filled with plenty and your vats be overflowing with new wine."
For many years, I believe we've misquoted and misread Malachi 3:9, 10-14 (Amplified), saying it's about "robbing God." We've tried making men tithe by declaring them to be "robbing God." Even though the scripture says this, we must allow the Spirit to reveal the Truth about this robbery, to u. First of all, God DOES NOT need your twenty dollars. Secondly, He has promised a Blessing upon the tither, making the tither dependent upon no man, except God Himself. Thus, God says in the above scripture, "You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation." Why were they "cursed with a curse?" Because, they were "robbing God."
In Verses 10-14 God explains what He wanted to do for them, if they would honor Him in their tithe and offerings. God said He would override the curse they had come under and would be able to bless them, heal them, rebuke them and put them in a place where "All nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of Hosts." Where then did the robbing part come in? They had robbed God of His heart's plan and purpose to bless them in all areas of their lives. They refused to do so.
It wasn't a matter of their money, but their trust and honor towards God. If they would trust Him, then God could have had the joy of blessing and healing and exalting the nation. They instead, robbed God of the joy of being a Loving God and Provider for them. Times have arisen in my life, where I wished to do things for my children, but because of their distrust or childish foolishness, they placed themselves in a place where I couldn't do so. I too, felt like they robbed me of the joy of blessing them.
God said in Malachi 3:7,14-15 (Amplified), "even from the days of your father's you have turned aside from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts; But you say, How shall we return?" Remember Proverbs 3:9-10 says we "honor the Lord with our tithes and offerings." We place ourselves in a place of being under the curse, when we withhold and don't honor God. Malachi tells us that the people didn't honor God, but they were actually in contempt of Him. Thus, Verses 14-15 the people say, "It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His ordinances and walk gloomily before the Lord of Hosts? And now we consider the proud and arrogant to be happy and favored; evil doers are exalted and prosper; Yes, and when they test God, they escape (unpunished)." This is how they "robbed God." They not only dishonored Him with the fruits of their blessing, but they disdained Him with their words of distrust and accusations of favor.
It's totally up to your discretion whether or not you bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord. As a pastor, I have no idea whether you gave or not. It's between you and your Heavenly Father. This is an act of honoring Him for Who and What He is to you, in your life. This is an expression and acknowledgment of Him and what He's done. When you honor Him, then you've "opened His joy," according to Verse 10 where God says, "I will open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing upon you that you can't find room enough to receive it all."
This is how we rob God. We rob the joy He receives when He is able to Bless us with His great Love. The world made this scripture about money and greed, but God meant if for fellowship, honor and the joy of Blessings. It's not about religion and law, but it's about relationship and Love. This is an individual walk of honor and trust, between the Father and yourself. We must pray about what we've seen from this revelation and talk to the Father about it. Abraham said in Genesis 12:23 (Amplified), " I would not take a thread or shoelace or anything that is yours; lest you should say,I have made Abraham rich." Abraham wanted everyone to know that it was Almighty God and His blessing, that made Abraham rich and this was a matter of honor for him, according to Genesis 15:1 (Amplified) which says, "After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, Fear not Abram I am your shield, your abundant compensation and your reward shall be exceedingly great."
You must study God's Word for yourself and look unto the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth into your spirit. It's not that we shouldn't tithe or give or share or do any of these things. It's not as much about "what we do," but "why" we do them. One is Law and works, while the other is Love and worship. They might look like they're the same thing, if you only see them in the offering plate. But, they are not the same in the Eyes of the One Who receives them.
"Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Balancing living in this body (the flesh) and walking in the spirit, has been a constant source of friction in the Church for two-thousand years. How do we still live in this natural body and walk in the new creation spirit man we've become? The body (the natural man) is a constant reminder of the old man and holds many in condemnation. For others, the new creation man (spirit man) means for "when we die and get to Heaven."
Some constantly fight to control their flesh, in order to be acceptable to God, while others use grace like some loophole for their lack of self-control and acting foolish. Where do we actually fit into this new man and our place with a Holy God? We've viewed God as being so holy, perfect and unapproachable. Or, we've made Him so familiar that He has lost His perfection and position as Almighty God. There must be a balance between God and Father. Receiving this Awesome God in the realm of Father, comes only by fellowship.
Jesus never forgot (even for a second), that He was in the Presence of Almighty God and He still was never intimidated by His power or His glory. Jesus was always mindful of the Father's Presence in His life and in His Body. Jesus said that, "It's the Father in Me Who does the works." This illustrated His awareness of the Ever Present indwelling of God, in Him. Even so, Jesus never condemned Himself for ministering to the lowest of people.
It was a matter of fact in the Life of Jesus, that God would also heal and deliver the lowest of people, as well as the highest. Jesus never doubted that His Father would deliver a prostitute, just as quickly as He would a King. Jesus also knew that the Father needed Him to be "human enough," so the people could identify with Him. Jesus also knew that the Father needed Him to infinitely be "Spirit enough," in order to hear and move by the power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus never allowed His flesh or any sense of the enemy, to cause Him to doubt His identity in the Father.
Jesus was never boastful of Who He was and He was never intimidated to deny His Godliness, by the world or those around Him. Today, it seems we're quick to say that, "God is our Father," while simultaneously being reluctant to say we are His sons and daughters.
I am His son, but I am not THE SON (Jesus). I am nonetheless, God's son. I'm not saying this in boast, but I declare it in Truth. I am a son of the Most High God and nothing can change or modify this Truth. While I am God's son, how can I please Him or walk with Him in this body of flesh, without condemnation?
The concerns we hold about coming close in fellowship with Him, stem from the teachings of man and not from the Spirit. Even though you're born-again and have become a new creation in Christ, the world and carnal minded men will still identify you with the sinner and not with the Christ. Satan wishes to hold you back from your new identity with Jesus, in order to hold the Church in condemnation and guilt's prison. This is the only way he can control the new creation family of God.
We've fought over such things as whether or not to tithe; whether tithing is under the Law or under grace. We've argued over whether it's a command to read the Word or can we simply follow the Golden Rules of the Beatitudes. Do we "have" to go to Church or can we walk our own walk without it? Some Christians are arguing about which day is the correct day to worship and what is the humblest and most chaste way to dress before the world and the Father. Balancing the human body with the Divine Spirit Who now lives in it, has presented a dilemma for centuries. The new creation man that lives inside this natural body, is in fact, a divine creature. How can it be "Christ in us, our hope and glory" and not be "divinity?" How can we be the temple of the Holy Spirit Who now lives in our spirit and that not be a "Divine Being?"
The natural mind with the world's idea of Christianity deems this as "blasphemous" to say, but this is what God's Word says about us. It says we are sons and daughters of God, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Jesus. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth in 2Corinthians 10:3-5 (Amplified), "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood) but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (in as much as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Jesus handled the "thoughts and reasonings and argument" that satan tried bringing against the Truth, in Luke 4:3-4 (Amplified) saying, "Then the devil said to Him; If you are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf (of bread). And Jesus replied to him; It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone, but by every Word and Expression of God."
Notice how Jesus didn't try justifying Himself by saying that He was "born of a virgin." He didn't deny Who He was, in order to appear humble. Jesus succinctly stated that "He was to live by God's Word and what it said." The same temptation that came to Jesus, is the same one that comes to us, in our walk with the Father. You don't have to shout on the streets, "I am a son or daughter of God," but you also shouldn't allow the enemy to cause you to doubt that you are indeed God's son or daughter. Don't look at the flesh, look at the Word. Your flesh will lie to you, but God's Word is Truth.
The world and religion have trained us to doubt our holiness in Christ, because of our flesh. Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:17 (Amplified), "Sanctify them (purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy) by the Truth, Your Word is Truth." If God's Word says that "you are holy," then confess what the Word says, because" it is Truth," and not something you've invented.
The world and man's idea of religion have trained us to think of ourselves by the way men portray us, instead of how the Word of God portrays us. In John 17:19 (Amplified) Jesus said, "And so for their sake and on their behalf I sanctify (dedicated, and consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the Truth."
Do you believe that Jesus accomplished the things He went to the cross to do? If you do, then you must also believe what the Word (the Truth) is in our lives and bring your thoughts into captivity and under the authority of the Truth. It doesn't matter what satan, your neighbors, your family, or even your conscience says about you, because the Truth (the Word) is what you must believe and trust to bring you to a place of reverence before God and to a place of fellowship with Him. We must be confident in both relationships simultaneously.
Even tithing isn't under Law, nor is it a law, nor is Old or New Testament. It is a matter of honor, according to Proverbs 3:9-10 (Amplified) which says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency (from righteous labors) and with the first fruits of all your income. So shall your storage places be filled with plenty and your vats be overflowing with new wine."
For many years, I believe we've misquoted and misread Malachi 3:9, 10-14 (Amplified), saying it's about "robbing God." We've tried making men tithe by declaring them to be "robbing God." Even though the scripture says this, we must allow the Spirit to reveal the Truth about this robbery, to u. First of all, God DOES NOT need your twenty dollars. Secondly, He has promised a Blessing upon the tither, making the tither dependent upon no man, except God Himself. Thus, God says in the above scripture, "You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation." Why were they "cursed with a curse?" Because, they were "robbing God."
In Verses 10-14 God explains what He wanted to do for them, if they would honor Him in their tithe and offerings. God said He would override the curse they had come under and would be able to bless them, heal them, rebuke them and put them in a place where "All nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight, says the Lord of Hosts." Where then did the robbing part come in? They had robbed God of His heart's plan and purpose to bless them in all areas of their lives. They refused to do so.
It wasn't a matter of their money, but their trust and honor towards God. If they would trust Him, then God could have had the joy of blessing and healing and exalting the nation. They instead, robbed God of the joy of being a Loving God and Provider for them. Times have arisen in my life, where I wished to do things for my children, but because of their distrust or childish foolishness, they placed themselves in a place where I couldn't do so. I too, felt like they robbed me of the joy of blessing them.
God said in Malachi 3:7,14-15 (Amplified), "even from the days of your father's you have turned aside from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts; But you say, How shall we return?" Remember Proverbs 3:9-10 says we "honor the Lord with our tithes and offerings." We place ourselves in a place of being under the curse, when we withhold and don't honor God. Malachi tells us that the people didn't honor God, but they were actually in contempt of Him. Thus, Verses 14-15 the people say, "It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His ordinances and walk gloomily before the Lord of Hosts? And now we consider the proud and arrogant to be happy and favored; evil doers are exalted and prosper; Yes, and when they test God, they escape (unpunished)." This is how they "robbed God." They not only dishonored Him with the fruits of their blessing, but they disdained Him with their words of distrust and accusations of favor.
It's totally up to your discretion whether or not you bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord. As a pastor, I have no idea whether you gave or not. It's between you and your Heavenly Father. This is an act of honoring Him for Who and What He is to you, in your life. This is an expression and acknowledgment of Him and what He's done. When you honor Him, then you've "opened His joy," according to Verse 10 where God says, "I will open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing upon you that you can't find room enough to receive it all."
This is how we rob God. We rob the joy He receives when He is able to Bless us with His great Love. The world made this scripture about money and greed, but God meant if for fellowship, honor and the joy of Blessings. It's not about religion and law, but it's about relationship and Love. This is an individual walk of honor and trust, between the Father and yourself. We must pray about what we've seen from this revelation and talk to the Father about it. Abraham said in Genesis 12:23 (Amplified), " I would not take a thread or shoelace or anything that is yours; lest you should say,I have made Abraham rich." Abraham wanted everyone to know that it was Almighty God and His blessing, that made Abraham rich and this was a matter of honor for him, according to Genesis 15:1 (Amplified) which says, "After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, Fear not Abram I am your shield, your abundant compensation and your reward shall be exceedingly great."
You must study God's Word for yourself and look unto the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth into your spirit. It's not that we shouldn't tithe or give or share or do any of these things. It's not as much about "what we do," but "why" we do them. One is Law and works, while the other is Love and worship. They might look like they're the same thing, if you only see them in the offering plate. But, they are not the same in the Eyes of the One Who receives them.
"Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Balancing living in this body (the flesh) and walking in the spirit, has been a constant source of friction in the Church for two-thousand years. How do we still live in this natural body and walk in the new creation spirit man we've become? The body (the natural man) is a constant reminder of the old man and holds many in condemnation. For others, the new creation man (spirit man) means for "when we die and get to Heaven."
Some constantly fight to control their flesh, in order to be acceptable to God, while others use grace like some loophole for their lack of self-control and acting foolish. Where do we actually fit into this new man and our place with a Holy God? We've viewed God as being so holy, perfect and unapproachable. Or, we've made Him so familiar that He has lost His perfection and position as Almighty God. There must be a balance between God and Father. Receiving this Awesome God in the realm of Father, comes only by fellowship.
Jesus never forgot (even for a second), that He was in the Presence of Almighty God and He still was never intimidated by His power or His glory. Jesus was always mindful of the Father's Presence in His life and in His Body. Jesus said that, "It's the Father in Me Who does the works." This illustrated His awareness of the Ever Present indwelling of God, in Him. Even so, Jesus never condemned Himself for ministering to the lowest of people.
It was a matter of fact in the Life of Jesus, that God would also heal and deliver the lowest of people, as well as the highest. Jesus never doubted that His Father would deliver a prostitute, just as quickly as He would a King. Jesus also knew that the Father needed Him to be "human enough," so the people could identify with Him. Jesus also knew that the Father needed Him to infinitely be "Spirit enough," in order to hear and move by the power and Presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus never allowed His flesh or any sense of the enemy, to cause Him to doubt His identity in the Father.
Jesus was never boastful of Who He was and He was never intimidated to deny His Godliness, by the world or those around Him. Today, it seems we're quick to say that, "God is our Father," while simultaneously being reluctant to say we are His sons and daughters.
I am His son, but I am not THE SON (Jesus). I am nonetheless, God's son. I'm not saying this in boast, but I declare it in Truth. I am a son of the Most High God and nothing can change or modify this Truth. While I am God's son, how can I please Him or walk with Him in this body of flesh, without condemnation?
The concerns we hold about coming close in fellowship with Him, stem from the teachings of man and not from the Spirit. Even though you're born-again and have become a new creation in Christ, the world and carnal minded men will still identify you with the sinner and not with the Christ. Satan wishes to hold you back from your new identity with Jesus, in order to hold the Church in condemnation and guilt's prison. This is the only way he can control the new creation family of God.
We've fought over such things as whether or not to tithe; whether tithing is under the Law or under grace. We've argued over whether it's a command to read the Word or can we simply follow the Golden Rules of the Beatitudes. Do we "have" to go to Church or can we walk our own walk without it? Some Christians are arguing about which day is the correct day to worship and what is the humblest and most chaste way to dress before the world and the Father. Balancing the human body with the Divine Spirit Who now lives in it, has presented a dilemma for centuries. The new creation man that lives inside this natural body, is in fact, a divine creature. How can it be "Christ in us, our hope and glory" and not be "divinity?" How can we be the temple of the Holy Spirit Who now lives in our spirit and that not be a "Divine Being?"
The natural mind with the world's idea of Christianity deems this as "blasphemous" to say, but this is what God's Word says about us. It says we are sons and daughters of God, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Jesus. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth in 2Corinthians 10:3-5 (Amplified), "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood) but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (in as much as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Jesus handled the "thoughts and reasonings and argument" that satan tried bringing against the Truth, in Luke 4:3-4 (Amplified) saying, "Then the devil said to Him; If you are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf (of bread). And Jesus replied to him; It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone, but by every Word and Expression of God."
Notice how Jesus didn't try justifying Himself by saying that He was "born of a virgin." He didn't deny Who He was, in order to appear humble. Jesus succinctly stated that "He was to live by God's Word and what it said." The same temptation that came to Jesus, is the same one that comes to us, in our walk with the Father. You don't have to shout on the streets, "I am a son or daughter of God," but you also shouldn't allow the enemy to cause you to doubt that you are indeed God's son or daughter. Don't look at the flesh, look at the Word. Your flesh will lie to you, but God's Word is Truth.
The world and religion have trained us to doubt our holiness in Christ, because of our flesh. Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:17 (Amplified), "Sanctify them (purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy) by the Truth, Your Word is Truth." If God's Word says that "you are holy," then confess what the Word says, because" it is Truth," and not something you've invented.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Lesson 275 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Jesus said that, "The Kingdom of God has come close to you today," in Luke 10:8-9,19 (Amplified) which says, "Whenever you go into a town and they receive you and accept you, and welcome you, eat what is set before you And heal the sick in it and says to them, the Kingdom of God has come close to you."
Today, the Kingdom of God has more than "come close to us," it has come INTO us, by this new creation experience. We don't only have this Kingdom within us, but we're ambassadors from this Kingdom, in order to reveal it to the nations. Jesus continues in Verse 19 telling His followers (who weren't yet born-again people, but they did operate in the Authority of One Who was not under the usurped authority of the god of this world) saying, "Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and (physical and mental strength and ability) over all the power that the enemy (possesses) and nothing shall in any way harm you."
This was delegated authority from One Who operated above the natural realm of fallen man. Jesus delegated His authority to them, and it brought everything back into the first realm which the Curse had brought into this world system. This brought back the power of the Blessing, because Jesus wasn't contaminated with the fall or sin. Things now were beginning to come back into place on earth, at least in the place where a Man Who was above the Curse was walking. Jesus didn't cast out devils throughout the earth, but only in the place where He walked on earth. We cannot control everything that happens on this planet, but we can control what happens in the part and portions that belong to us.
If the Church begins to understand and walk in our delegated authority, then can you imagine how much of this earth will change, because we occupy much of the earth. Many of the storms that have been brought against us could have been calmed, if we had stood together as a collective Body, in dominion and authority. We've been taught to accept these storms as "just the way things are," but Jesus didn't accept this. Many have taught that "God sent these things to teach us a lesson," because of our sin. God sent Jesus because of sin, not a storm. If He was going to send a storm to judge sin, then it would be as "In the days of Noah."
As individual Christians, we should take the responsibility upon ourselves to seek God, in a way that we've never done before. Don't depend on your pastor to do the seeking for you, but do it yourself. If we were so slack in doing things in the natural as we've been in seeking God's Word, then most of us wouldn't be able to read, write, talk or even walk today. Everything we've learned to do, required diligence and patience to accomplish. When it comes to God's Word, though, we might try it once and when it doesn't work like we think it should, we quit. God is not slack in His Promises, but we've been slack in training ourselves in faith and patience.
Jesus healed people, because He knew that "God's will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven," meant God wanted them to walk in health and healing on this earth. This wasn't an afterthought on God's part. God never intended for us to be sick and miserable, when He formed man in the beginning. God had created a family for Himself and He never intended for that family to live on welfare, but in His Blessing.
We've limited God's ability to do anything and have believed these are for "after we die and go to Heaven." It's true that when we arrive at our destination with Him, we will all be whole and well, but He isn't limited to do these things after we die. It's not God Who limits us, but it's we who limit Him. God not only can do everything He ever did before, but He wants to do all these things He did before, for us. We have limited the Holy One of Israel. Hebrews 4:1 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, while the Promise of entering His rest still holds and is offered today, let us be afraid (to distrust it) lest any of you should think he has come too late and has come short of reaching it."
No matter what God did for the Israelites in the Wilderness, they still wouldn't trust Him for the next that arose. They were always distrusting and unbelieving, even when they witnessed the miracles God did for them, they doubted He could do the next miracle. We've heard how "God tested the people in the Wilderness," but in Hebrews 3:4 (Amplified) God says, "It was the people who tested Him." This has been another excuse for not believing God and His Word. If God said He would do it, then He will.
Our faith in the Super-natural God of all creation, has been limited to only "after we die and leave this earth." If God can't do anything with us while we're alive, then why would we think He can do anything with us after we are dead? If He ever was God, then He still is God, because "He changes not and is not a man that He should lie." Don't cease in your quest for God in your life and don't simply get caught up in the status quo with Him.
God is still looking for someone to be in a position to believe in Him and change this earth through Him. God waited for someone who would believe what He said, while the people were in the Wilderness forty years. Joshua and Caleb were the ones who believed what God said. Did you ever notice that only those who would believe Him, are the ones we read about in God's Word" God has a Hall of Fame list, counting those who believed Him and carried out His plans for mankind. This list is found in Hebrews 11:39-40 (Amplified) which says, "And all of these, though they won Divine approval by means of their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised Because God had us in mine and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they (these heroes and heroines of faith) should not come to perfection apart from us (before we could join them)."
God is still searching for people who will dare to believe Him and move into a place of faith, that will change the hearts of the unbelievers. He's searching for those who will not only "talk about Him," but will "reveal Him" to the world. This isn't a passed away Gospel, but is still the Good News of the Kingdom with the demonstration of the power of God to mankind. As new creation people, we can do like Jesus did, having "the Father in Me that does the work."
Jesus said that, "The Kingdom of God has come close to you today," in Luke 10:8-9,19 (Amplified) which says, "Whenever you go into a town and they receive you and accept you, and welcome you, eat what is set before you And heal the sick in it and says to them, the Kingdom of God has come close to you."
Today, the Kingdom of God has more than "come close to us," it has come INTO us, by this new creation experience. We don't only have this Kingdom within us, but we're ambassadors from this Kingdom, in order to reveal it to the nations. Jesus continues in Verse 19 telling His followers (who weren't yet born-again people, but they did operate in the Authority of One Who was not under the usurped authority of the god of this world) saying, "Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and (physical and mental strength and ability) over all the power that the enemy (possesses) and nothing shall in any way harm you."
This was delegated authority from One Who operated above the natural realm of fallen man. Jesus delegated His authority to them, and it brought everything back into the first realm which the Curse had brought into this world system. This brought back the power of the Blessing, because Jesus wasn't contaminated with the fall or sin. Things now were beginning to come back into place on earth, at least in the place where a Man Who was above the Curse was walking. Jesus didn't cast out devils throughout the earth, but only in the place where He walked on earth. We cannot control everything that happens on this planet, but we can control what happens in the part and portions that belong to us.
If the Church begins to understand and walk in our delegated authority, then can you imagine how much of this earth will change, because we occupy much of the earth. Many of the storms that have been brought against us could have been calmed, if we had stood together as a collective Body, in dominion and authority. We've been taught to accept these storms as "just the way things are," but Jesus didn't accept this. Many have taught that "God sent these things to teach us a lesson," because of our sin. God sent Jesus because of sin, not a storm. If He was going to send a storm to judge sin, then it would be as "In the days of Noah."
As individual Christians, we should take the responsibility upon ourselves to seek God, in a way that we've never done before. Don't depend on your pastor to do the seeking for you, but do it yourself. If we were so slack in doing things in the natural as we've been in seeking God's Word, then most of us wouldn't be able to read, write, talk or even walk today. Everything we've learned to do, required diligence and patience to accomplish. When it comes to God's Word, though, we might try it once and when it doesn't work like we think it should, we quit. God is not slack in His Promises, but we've been slack in training ourselves in faith and patience.
Jesus healed people, because He knew that "God's will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven," meant God wanted them to walk in health and healing on this earth. This wasn't an afterthought on God's part. God never intended for us to be sick and miserable, when He formed man in the beginning. God had created a family for Himself and He never intended for that family to live on welfare, but in His Blessing.
We've limited God's ability to do anything and have believed these are for "after we die and go to Heaven." It's true that when we arrive at our destination with Him, we will all be whole and well, but He isn't limited to do these things after we die. It's not God Who limits us, but it's we who limit Him. God not only can do everything He ever did before, but He wants to do all these things He did before, for us. We have limited the Holy One of Israel. Hebrews 4:1 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, while the Promise of entering His rest still holds and is offered today, let us be afraid (to distrust it) lest any of you should think he has come too late and has come short of reaching it."
No matter what God did for the Israelites in the Wilderness, they still wouldn't trust Him for the next that arose. They were always distrusting and unbelieving, even when they witnessed the miracles God did for them, they doubted He could do the next miracle. We've heard how "God tested the people in the Wilderness," but in Hebrews 3:4 (Amplified) God says, "It was the people who tested Him." This has been another excuse for not believing God and His Word. If God said He would do it, then He will.
Our faith in the Super-natural God of all creation, has been limited to only "after we die and leave this earth." If God can't do anything with us while we're alive, then why would we think He can do anything with us after we are dead? If He ever was God, then He still is God, because "He changes not and is not a man that He should lie." Don't cease in your quest for God in your life and don't simply get caught up in the status quo with Him.
God is still looking for someone to be in a position to believe in Him and change this earth through Him. God waited for someone who would believe what He said, while the people were in the Wilderness forty years. Joshua and Caleb were the ones who believed what God said. Did you ever notice that only those who would believe Him, are the ones we read about in God's Word" God has a Hall of Fame list, counting those who believed Him and carried out His plans for mankind. This list is found in Hebrews 11:39-40 (Amplified) which says, "And all of these, though they won Divine approval by means of their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised Because God had us in mine and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they (these heroes and heroines of faith) should not come to perfection apart from us (before we could join them)."
God is still searching for people who will dare to believe Him and move into a place of faith, that will change the hearts of the unbelievers. He's searching for those who will not only "talk about Him," but will "reveal Him" to the world. This isn't a passed away Gospel, but is still the Good News of the Kingdom with the demonstration of the power of God to mankind. As new creation people, we can do like Jesus did, having "the Father in Me that does the work."
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Lesson 274 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has 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 aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
For over two-thousand years, the Church has had difficulty understanding who we are in Jesus, as new creations. We falter in our Christian walk, trying to find a balance between the natural man and the Super-natural man. When God created man in the natural form, he was already created in the spirit form, according to Genesis 1:27 (Amplified) which says, "So God created man in His Own Image, in the Image and Likeness of God He created him, male and female He created them." Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) goes on, "Then the Lord 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 created both the man of the spirit and the man of the dust, for purpose and pleasure. The spirit man was created for fellowship and to be God's family, while the natural man was created to live on earth and rule and enjoy the things God created for him in the natural realm. God had prepared this natural realm for man to rule and enjoy in his natural form, while still being in perfect fellowship with God in his spirit form. In both realms, man was to enjoy his place of creation. Man could rule his natural domain by his spiritual connection with the Father. Man's natural body and senses were nourished and taught by his spirit, which was in full fellowship with God's Own Wisdom. By ruling from the spirit, the natural man had only to enjoy what the Lord had created for him to enjoy. There was no need for anything, because the Father had completed everything before He formed the natural man.
We also are natural men and women, who have been restored to perfect fellowship with the Lord again. We are like the first Adam (or son of God) was to be. We're to ruled creation that God made for us to enjoy. The Last Adam (Jesus) restored dominion, by redeeming or buying us back, through His Sacrifice. Now, we've once again been placed in a position of dominion in this earth, by Jesus.
In John 10:10 (Amplified), Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." Jesus didn't say we're to be miserable in our humanity, but that "through Him, we would now be able to enjoy it to the full." Until this time, the earth had been transferred into satan's hands and he is the one who "came to steal, kill and destroy." Now, Jesus was prophesying a change coming.
As Christian people, we haven't made the distinction between the world and the earth. The "world" is the demonic system that the enemy set up to control mankind, while the "earth" is the very garden home God created for man to live in and enjoy. Jesus simply said that "He was going to bring man back into fellowship with the lost realm of the Spirit of God (Life), so that now we could once again have and enjoy Life to the full."
God made man alive again to Himself, returning creation to the Father's original intent. Many have taught that "it is sin to enjoy the things of the earth." Many more of us have been taught that we "must be only spirit." Neither are really Truth, as the Lord taught us in His ministry. Jesus brought healing and deliverance to the natural man, so man could enjoy his humanity, instead of suffering in it. We're not to be healed "only when we get to Heaven," but we're to be able to enjoy our own humanity while on earth. Jesus could have simply taken us Home, when we were born, if this was so.
We are to take back the dominion that the Father gave to us through Jesus and return this creation to the dream and vision He had, when He creation it. From the beginning, God made this earth for man's own pleasure and enjoyment.
The earth has nothing to do with the way this earth has been messed up, because the world's system (that has been running it) is wrong. God never created this earth to produce thorns and death, but to be a blessing to and for His children. Romans 8:19 (Amplified) says, "For (even the whole) creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known (waits for the revealing,the disclosing of their sonship)."
Many read the above scripture to mean, "At the End of the Age" when things are all over and not for while we're here on earth. The new creation family of God has dominion and authority restored back to us now, while we're still here in this life. The outer-man (the natural body) has now been "filled with the Divine Presence of the Spirit of God." We're a perfect example of the God-Man, Jesus. Jesus was all human (natural Man) and was all God (the Father in Him). Jesus' inner-Man (His Spirit) was the Father intertwined with His Spirit and brought about His dominion and authority. The outer-Man was subject to His Spirit and His spirit was subject to the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the Perfect balance of what was in the heart of God, from the beginning...family.
Religion teaches that in order to be a good Christian and inherit the Kingdom, we must suffer, be sick, be broke and be miserable. I don't know about you, but the reason I came to the Lord in the first place, was because I was miserable, sick, broke and full of dispare. Jesus didn't say that "He came so that we might be miserable, but that we might have peace and joy." There's a balance between the divine nature that now lives in our new man's spirit and the flesh and blood body that has now become the temple of the Holy Spirit.
We can now have and enjoy life, just like Jesus said, because we have Life (God's Life) restored to us through Jesus in this new creation. We have a flesh and blood body, to enjoy the things of the earth like God intended from the beginning. I can enjoy my family, my life, my horses, my cattle, my God, and spending my leisure time with the great things of nature God created for my pleasure. When I look around at the glory of the things my Father has placed in my life, I can now truly "enjoy life to the full, till it overflows."
When Jesus entered my life, I finally aborted the world's treadmill and began walking in my new creation life. I am not "only human," but now have become more than just human, because I'm filled with the Super-natural of God. That changed my natural into His Image.
We keep talking about Heaven and the things that are to come. No doubt that this will be marvelous to behold, but we also need to encompass the Truth that in Jesus, Heaven has now come here to us. By His Sacrifice, we're been translated into where God intended us to be when He created man in the beginning. All by grace. The problem's been that we've only had the opportunity to see this earth, from the eyes of fallen man. We've never really seen it as it was before the fall of Adam.
We've never seen what "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven," from Heaven's viewpoint. This planet wasn't supposed to be a home for the sick and downtrodden, but a dual home for the inner and outer-man. This was the place for the Father could visit His children. This was the beautiful home he made for us, where every need of mankind (physical and spiritual) was and would be prepared for man. Satan brought this beauty of God's creation into such a state of ruin, through his system of running it and through the Curse. Now, that the Blessing has been restored through Jesus, things are to change this earth and return the system into it's natural glory. I cannot control the whole earth, but I can control my part of it, through the new creation man in me.
For over two-thousand years, the Church has had difficulty understanding who we are in Jesus, as new creations. We falter in our Christian walk, trying to find a balance between the natural man and the Super-natural man. When God created man in the natural form, he was already created in the spirit form, according to Genesis 1:27 (Amplified) which says, "So God created man in His Own Image, in the Image and Likeness of God He created him, male and female He created them." Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) goes on, "Then the Lord 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 created both the man of the spirit and the man of the dust, for purpose and pleasure. The spirit man was created for fellowship and to be God's family, while the natural man was created to live on earth and rule and enjoy the things God created for him in the natural realm. God had prepared this natural realm for man to rule and enjoy in his natural form, while still being in perfect fellowship with God in his spirit form. In both realms, man was to enjoy his place of creation. Man could rule his natural domain by his spiritual connection with the Father. Man's natural body and senses were nourished and taught by his spirit, which was in full fellowship with God's Own Wisdom. By ruling from the spirit, the natural man had only to enjoy what the Lord had created for him to enjoy. There was no need for anything, because the Father had completed everything before He formed the natural man.
We also are natural men and women, who have been restored to perfect fellowship with the Lord again. We are like the first Adam (or son of God) was to be. We're to ruled creation that God made for us to enjoy. The Last Adam (Jesus) restored dominion, by redeeming or buying us back, through His Sacrifice. Now, we've once again been placed in a position of dominion in this earth, by Jesus.
In John 10:10 (Amplified), Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." Jesus didn't say we're to be miserable in our humanity, but that "through Him, we would now be able to enjoy it to the full." Until this time, the earth had been transferred into satan's hands and he is the one who "came to steal, kill and destroy." Now, Jesus was prophesying a change coming.
As Christian people, we haven't made the distinction between the world and the earth. The "world" is the demonic system that the enemy set up to control mankind, while the "earth" is the very garden home God created for man to live in and enjoy. Jesus simply said that "He was going to bring man back into fellowship with the lost realm of the Spirit of God (Life), so that now we could once again have and enjoy Life to the full."
God made man alive again to Himself, returning creation to the Father's original intent. Many have taught that "it is sin to enjoy the things of the earth." Many more of us have been taught that we "must be only spirit." Neither are really Truth, as the Lord taught us in His ministry. Jesus brought healing and deliverance to the natural man, so man could enjoy his humanity, instead of suffering in it. We're not to be healed "only when we get to Heaven," but we're to be able to enjoy our own humanity while on earth. Jesus could have simply taken us Home, when we were born, if this was so.
We are to take back the dominion that the Father gave to us through Jesus and return this creation to the dream and vision He had, when He creation it. From the beginning, God made this earth for man's own pleasure and enjoyment.
The earth has nothing to do with the way this earth has been messed up, because the world's system (that has been running it) is wrong. God never created this earth to produce thorns and death, but to be a blessing to and for His children. Romans 8:19 (Amplified) says, "For (even the whole) creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known (waits for the revealing,the disclosing of their sonship)."
Many read the above scripture to mean, "At the End of the Age" when things are all over and not for while we're here on earth. The new creation family of God has dominion and authority restored back to us now, while we're still here in this life. The outer-man (the natural body) has now been "filled with the Divine Presence of the Spirit of God." We're a perfect example of the God-Man, Jesus. Jesus was all human (natural Man) and was all God (the Father in Him). Jesus' inner-Man (His Spirit) was the Father intertwined with His Spirit and brought about His dominion and authority. The outer-Man was subject to His Spirit and His spirit was subject to the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the Perfect balance of what was in the heart of God, from the beginning...family.
Religion teaches that in order to be a good Christian and inherit the Kingdom, we must suffer, be sick, be broke and be miserable. I don't know about you, but the reason I came to the Lord in the first place, was because I was miserable, sick, broke and full of dispare. Jesus didn't say that "He came so that we might be miserable, but that we might have peace and joy." There's a balance between the divine nature that now lives in our new man's spirit and the flesh and blood body that has now become the temple of the Holy Spirit.
We can now have and enjoy life, just like Jesus said, because we have Life (God's Life) restored to us through Jesus in this new creation. We have a flesh and blood body, to enjoy the things of the earth like God intended from the beginning. I can enjoy my family, my life, my horses, my cattle, my God, and spending my leisure time with the great things of nature God created for my pleasure. When I look around at the glory of the things my Father has placed in my life, I can now truly "enjoy life to the full, till it overflows."
When Jesus entered my life, I finally aborted the world's treadmill and began walking in my new creation life. I am not "only human," but now have become more than just human, because I'm filled with the Super-natural of God. That changed my natural into His Image.
We keep talking about Heaven and the things that are to come. No doubt that this will be marvelous to behold, but we also need to encompass the Truth that in Jesus, Heaven has now come here to us. By His Sacrifice, we're been translated into where God intended us to be when He created man in the beginning. All by grace. The problem's been that we've only had the opportunity to see this earth, from the eyes of fallen man. We've never really seen it as it was before the fall of Adam.
We've never seen what "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven," from Heaven's viewpoint. This planet wasn't supposed to be a home for the sick and downtrodden, but a dual home for the inner and outer-man. This was the place for the Father could visit His children. This was the beautiful home he made for us, where every need of mankind (physical and spiritual) was and would be prepared for man. Satan brought this beauty of God's creation into such a state of ruin, through his system of running it and through the Curse. Now, that the Blessing has been restored through Jesus, things are to change this earth and return the system into it's natural glory. I cannot control the whole earth, but I can control my part of it, through the new creation man in me.
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