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 away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
I remember the story of "The Ugly Duckling" from my youth and I'm sure most of you know it as well. I didn't really understand the moral of the story then, but I sure felt sympathy for the ugly duckling. His egg became separated from the nest and was placed into and was welcomed into the nest of a mother duck.
When the eggs of her nest began hatching, the ugly duckling hatched too. The other hatch-lings made fun of this strange duck. He tried desperately to be part of the duck family, but as he grew larger, it became apparent that he didn't fit in. He tried to be what they told him he was, but he didn't blend in. Then, the ugly duckling discovers he isn't a duck at all, but he was a beautiful swan. His beauty far surpassed that of the ducks.
The Church of Jesus Christ is similar to the ugly duckling who tried being what others said he should be. We've tried to fit into the world of ducks and not to stand out among them. However, no matter how hard we tried to act and look like ducks, we couldn't conform to this image. The reason we cannot become what they've outlined, is because that is not who we are.
There have been many laws placed on the Church and preached to the Church, in order to make us conform to their ideas about what we should be. Many traditions have been passed down throughout the years, in order to change us into ducks, but we still don't fit their ideas. We've even tried swimming in their ponds, in order to fit it. We found others in other ponds to hang with, but they still believe they are ugly ducklings and don't realize they are beautiful swans. They then, would tell us we're not acting like ducks and push us to the pond where ducks should be.
The ugly duckling began losing his fluffy down and grow feathers. He also grew much larger than the other ducks and everyone noticed this change in his appearance. His ugly gray turned into a beautiful white layer of feathers, to the point where everyone recognized that he was not a duck at all. The other ducks avoided him initially, because he was different, but one day they couldn't deny his beauty. Finally, the ugly duckling laughed at the time and work he put into being a duck. He realized how graceful, beautiful and majestic and he was happy to be who he was made to be...a swan.
The Church has allowed the world and religion to define who we were. We tried to fit in, but we were still considered outsiders and were outcast if we varied in the slightest way we were taught or expected to be. Even when the beauty of the Lord began to transform the Church into His Glory, we were urged to settle into the idea of "just being ducks."
When the awkward stages befell us, many of us weren't sure who we really were. We recognized that there was something different in us, but we weren't comfortable with being different, because we didn't know what that was. Some tried to keep us out of sight from the other ducks, because we were often an embarrassment to the other ducks.
In these last days, the Holy Spirit and the Word are revealing how we are not ducks or even swans, but we are eagles. We were never meant to gather around the pond with the ducks. We couldn't become ducks, no matter how hard others (or we) tried to make us ducks, because that's not who we were created to be. We were created new creation beings and don't fit in with the religious duck ponds. We are finally beginning to renew our minds to God's Word and aren't conforming to the "world and age" they say we're supposed to be. We always knew God created us for more than swimming in a pond, because He created us in His Image and Likeness.
When I was first born-again, many well-meaning Christians instructed me on the way I should act, dress, behave and be. They did so, because they were afraid of my being misled in my Christian walk. If they'd been taught how the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was wrong for them, then that's what they would teach me. As I progressed in my walk with God, I realized that many of their "duck lessons" didn't fit the eagle calling and nature God created me with.
We were not called to be ducks swimming in the world's ponds. Nor were we created to be swans, just looking good while we swim in those ponds. We are a new creation, born to soar among the high places and lifted up on God's Spirit, soaring with Him. We were made to be majestic and high above all the places of the earth. We were made to soar into God's Own realm and to rise "on wings as eagles."
It was difficult for me to soar like an eagle, when swimming like ducks. I needed to be lifted out of the pond the world told me to swim in and I needed to listen to the Voice of my Heavenly Father. Most of the Christians trying to teach me, never attempted to fly beyond the boundaries the set around them. Once I got above the pond and fell into the current of the Holy Spirit, I simply allowed the air current of the Holy Spirit to hold me up and just soar with Him.
We are called into a higher place with God, other than the place the world has defined for us. As long as we walk in the world's image of what the Church should be, then we will be restricted to little duck ponds. We weren't created to be contained by anything, except the Holy Spirit and Jesus, Who is seated with the Father (and Who lives with us and in us). When we soar with Him, things on earth will look much different from His Throne Room, rather than a duck pond.
Let the storms that arise in your life to lift you above the things of the earth and remember that His ways and thoughts are "higher than ours." Let's begin to see things from the advantage of God's perspective and not from a duck pond.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Lesson 103 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 creation altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
Once we begin to better understand what our Heavenly Father has done, we can differentiate between what we've taken for granted and what the truth is. We've focused more on our fallen nature, rather than the power of Jesus' resurrection. We've mostly viewed ourselves as simply forgiven sinners, when God's Word says we are a "new creation."
What is the new creation? Does it mean that we are simply forgiven? Is it nothing more than the old covenant? Most people would agree that it's more than the old covenant, because those people weren't born-again. This is the Gospel Truth, but why is a born-again man so different than the old covenant man? We've entered into a new covenant with God, when through faith in Jesus we become born-again. We, though, continue living our lives like we're under the Law and the old covenant.
The new creation man is exactly that...a new creation. Our old man was already dead by trespass and sin and as far as God's concerned, our natural body died the death of the cross with Jesus. The whole man was therefore dead and was completely separated from God and Life. When our Heavenly Father raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus became the Firstborn from the dead, according to Colossians 1:15-18 (Amplified) which says, "(Now) He is the exact likeness of the unseen God (the visible representation of the unvisible); He is the Firstborn of all creation. He also is the Head of (His) Body, the Church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place (stand first and be preeminent)."
Romans 8:29 (Amplified) says, "For those whom He foreknew (of whom He was aware and beloved beforehand) He also destined from the beginning (foreordained them) to be molded into the Image of His Son (and share inwardly His Likeness) that He might become the Firstborn among many brethren." Hebrews 12:23 (Amplified) says, "And to the Church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered (as citizens) in Heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in Heaven) who have been made perfect. And to Jesus, the Mediator (Go-Between, Agent) of a new covenant and to the sprinkled blood which speaks (of mercy) a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel (which cries out for vengeance)."
The new creation man is like Jesus, a new creation altogether. Although Jesus was "In the beginning with God," He chose to be separated from the Father on our behalf, died in our stead as sinners and was the Firstborn of a sinner being made righteous from death unto life. Jesus never committed any sin, but He died as a sinner and was the first Man born from spiritual death (sin) unto spiritual Life and right standing with God. Now, when we receive Jesus by faith as our Lord, we are also raised with Him from spiritual death (or separation from God, Who is Life). We are reconciled back into right standing or righteousness with God, as though and in truth, we are no longer being viewed like we ever existed before knowing Jesus.
This is why leaning about faith, is one of the most important things for the new creation person. The whole new creation depends on faith, in order to work for us, or the Father. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) tells us, "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)."
There is a lot of discussion concerning faith and faith people, in these Last Days. Some Christians agree faith is the most important part of our new covenant with God, while others reject the "faith message." Still others exploit the faith message. Many things have been taught in the right spirit and have been received in a wrong spirit. Some haven't understood the faith message and have tried to step out beyond what they knew, leaving them disillusioned. This left them discarding the entire thing and returning to their familiar traditions. This is why Paul told Timothy to "Earnestly contend for the faith." A "contender" is someone who is always fighting to become number one.
Everything concerning the new creation, comes from and depends on faith. No one can be born-again, without faith in Christ Jesus. Everything in the new creation, moves and derives from faith. The understanding of being righteous before God, is understood by faith. The very ability of coming before God's Throne of Grace, depends on faith, according to Hebrews 4:16. This not only includes "Coming boldly before God's Throne," but faith to receive mercy and grace once we get there.
The entire state of grace, depends on our faith in what God has done through Jesus on our behalf. 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, introduction) 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 enjoying the glory of God."
Notice that access into God's grace, along with experiencing God's glory, are entered into by faith. Many have reached into the depth of God's grace. By faith, we've received the new birth and salvation offered by grace. Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified) says, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through (your) faith." John 3:16 tells us that, "Even though grace has offered salvation to all men, not all have put any faith in this grace and remain lost or separated from God.
Grace doesn't stop at our just being saved, but after we are saved and born-again, as God's new creation people, we have may degrees of grace available to us, but our inheritance depends on our faith in Jesus. Even though it has all been given, without faith to enter into it, we still stand outside the promises of grace for God's new creation.
Once we begin to better understand what our Heavenly Father has done, we can differentiate between what we've taken for granted and what the truth is. We've focused more on our fallen nature, rather than the power of Jesus' resurrection. We've mostly viewed ourselves as simply forgiven sinners, when God's Word says we are a "new creation."
What is the new creation? Does it mean that we are simply forgiven? Is it nothing more than the old covenant? Most people would agree that it's more than the old covenant, because those people weren't born-again. This is the Gospel Truth, but why is a born-again man so different than the old covenant man? We've entered into a new covenant with God, when through faith in Jesus we become born-again. We, though, continue living our lives like we're under the Law and the old covenant.
The new creation man is exactly that...a new creation. Our old man was already dead by trespass and sin and as far as God's concerned, our natural body died the death of the cross with Jesus. The whole man was therefore dead and was completely separated from God and Life. When our Heavenly Father raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus became the Firstborn from the dead, according to Colossians 1:15-18 (Amplified) which says, "(Now) He is the exact likeness of the unseen God (the visible representation of the unvisible); He is the Firstborn of all creation. He also is the Head of (His) Body, the Church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place (stand first and be preeminent)."
Romans 8:29 (Amplified) says, "For those whom He foreknew (of whom He was aware and beloved beforehand) He also destined from the beginning (foreordained them) to be molded into the Image of His Son (and share inwardly His Likeness) that He might become the Firstborn among many brethren." Hebrews 12:23 (Amplified) says, "And to the Church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered (as citizens) in Heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in Heaven) who have been made perfect. And to Jesus, the Mediator (Go-Between, Agent) of a new covenant and to the sprinkled blood which speaks (of mercy) a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel (which cries out for vengeance)."
The new creation man is like Jesus, a new creation altogether. Although Jesus was "In the beginning with God," He chose to be separated from the Father on our behalf, died in our stead as sinners and was the Firstborn of a sinner being made righteous from death unto life. Jesus never committed any sin, but He died as a sinner and was the first Man born from spiritual death (sin) unto spiritual Life and right standing with God. Now, when we receive Jesus by faith as our Lord, we are also raised with Him from spiritual death (or separation from God, Who is Life). We are reconciled back into right standing or righteousness with God, as though and in truth, we are no longer being viewed like we ever existed before knowing Jesus.
This is why leaning about faith, is one of the most important things for the new creation person. The whole new creation depends on faith, in order to work for us, or the Father. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) tells us, "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)."
There is a lot of discussion concerning faith and faith people, in these Last Days. Some Christians agree faith is the most important part of our new covenant with God, while others reject the "faith message." Still others exploit the faith message. Many things have been taught in the right spirit and have been received in a wrong spirit. Some haven't understood the faith message and have tried to step out beyond what they knew, leaving them disillusioned. This left them discarding the entire thing and returning to their familiar traditions. This is why Paul told Timothy to "Earnestly contend for the faith." A "contender" is someone who is always fighting to become number one.
Everything concerning the new creation, comes from and depends on faith. No one can be born-again, without faith in Christ Jesus. Everything in the new creation, moves and derives from faith. The understanding of being righteous before God, is understood by faith. The very ability of coming before God's Throne of Grace, depends on faith, according to Hebrews 4:16. This not only includes "Coming boldly before God's Throne," but faith to receive mercy and grace once we get there.
The entire state of grace, depends on our faith in what God has done through Jesus on our behalf. 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, introduction) 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 enjoying the glory of God."
Notice that access into God's grace, along with experiencing God's glory, are entered into by faith. Many have reached into the depth of God's grace. By faith, we've received the new birth and salvation offered by grace. Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified) says, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through (your) faith." John 3:16 tells us that, "Even though grace has offered salvation to all men, not all have put any faith in this grace and remain lost or separated from God.
Grace doesn't stop at our just being saved, but after we are saved and born-again, as God's new creation people, we have may degrees of grace available to us, but our inheritance depends on our faith in Jesus. Even though it has all been given, without faith to enter into it, we still stand outside the promises of grace for God's new creation.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Lesson 102 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, the fresh and new has come."
One of the most difficult things to understand and walk in the new creation, is the renewing our minds by the Mind of Christ. Paul speaks about this very thing, with its new attitude and ideals, in Romans 8:7 (Amplified) saying, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law, indeed it cannot."
Paul isn't saying that we are constantly sinning with out thoughts (carnal minds), like some would suggest, but that we are living only by the standards of the world and the flesh (natural man). When we fail to renew our mind by the Spirit, it has no other recourse except to continue thinking the way it always has. Being carnally minded, means being in a place of religious thinking where we acknowledge that "God is," but not thinking "God does."
Anyone who acknowledges God as being "Supreme God," would always acknowledge "God can do anything." It's not that the carnal mind can't make the mental assent and acknowledging there is a God, but it doesn't understand Who or What He is. Many world religions today declare "There is a God," but that doesn't lead to their members being saved or born-again. Religions throughout the world, have all taken to worshiping and serving some sort of god. They believe (as far as a carnal mind can) in this god, but don 't have any idea they are being deceived by the god of this world and are actually serving the devil himself.
Many Christians, likewise, make the mental assent to believing the fact and Truth of Jesus Christ being Lord and they would tell you that "There is nothing God cannot do." However, they never trust or expect Him to actually do anything. This is mainly why we never witness the signs and wonders of God, being revealed to the world. We believe that He can, but don't believe or know that He will. Matthew 8:1-3 (Amplified) says, "When Jesus came down from the mountain, great throngs followed Him. And behold, a leper came up to Him and prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying Lord, If You are willing, You are able to cleanse me by curing me. And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed."
This is where so many new creation people, have yet to walk with our Heavenly Father, today. It would be foolishness to believe that there is a God, but then don't believe that He cannot do anything. We believe there is a God, but fail to renew our minds by the Word and the Holy Spirit to believe not only that He can do anything, but believe that He will do it.
The carnal mind wishes to believe that there is a God. Even the world believes this and worships many heathen forms of gods. The Christian body believes there is only One God and that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Many, however, limit their belief to a "Once in awhile God, Who intervenes on a limited basis in our lives." Only a renewed mind can understand our Living God, Who actually lives in us and through us. It's not that we can only understand if we are born-again, but that we must understand by renewing our minds about what being born-again really means.
We are born-again when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but sometimes don't understand to what extent this means, on this side of Heaven. When the Holy Spirit expounds on this, through the Word, we grow in faith and allow God to move in a greater way in our lives and the lives of others. Not everyone will spend the time or effort to truly seek the Father in this capacity, but the experience will be such a marvelous things that others will want to follow, for those who will put in the effort and time.
I've often wondered why more of God's children don't seek Him out in a greater way. The world is moving at such a hurried pace, that time seems fleeting and more limited than anything else in our lives. We've all heard the saying, "Life happens, in the middle of our plans." This "Life" is the carnal, worldly life, which we have all been well-trained for centuries. We religiously acknowledge God, but don't have the time to get to know Him, because our priorities are elsewhere. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25 (Amplified), "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater (in quality) than food, and the body (far above and more excellent) than clothing?"
These are the worries of someone whose mind hasn't been renewed yet. Of course, we all have need of these things Jesus talks about, but one who has a renewed mind understands that, "God not only can, but He will" take care of us, even here and now. This is probably one of satan's most subtle weapons, used against God's new creation people to keep us thinking in the carnal realm and never being relinquished from his grip. If Jesus did it in His earthly walk, then He can do it now, according to Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) which says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today (yes) and forever (to the ages)."
One of the most difficult things to understand and walk in the new creation, is the renewing our minds by the Mind of Christ. Paul speaks about this very thing, with its new attitude and ideals, in Romans 8:7 (Amplified) saying, "(That is) because the mind of the flesh (with its carnal thoughts and purposes) is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law, indeed it cannot."
Paul isn't saying that we are constantly sinning with out thoughts (carnal minds), like some would suggest, but that we are living only by the standards of the world and the flesh (natural man). When we fail to renew our mind by the Spirit, it has no other recourse except to continue thinking the way it always has. Being carnally minded, means being in a place of religious thinking where we acknowledge that "God is," but not thinking "God does."
Anyone who acknowledges God as being "Supreme God," would always acknowledge "God can do anything." It's not that the carnal mind can't make the mental assent and acknowledging there is a God, but it doesn't understand Who or What He is. Many world religions today declare "There is a God," but that doesn't lead to their members being saved or born-again. Religions throughout the world, have all taken to worshiping and serving some sort of god. They believe (as far as a carnal mind can) in this god, but don 't have any idea they are being deceived by the god of this world and are actually serving the devil himself.
Many Christians, likewise, make the mental assent to believing the fact and Truth of Jesus Christ being Lord and they would tell you that "There is nothing God cannot do." However, they never trust or expect Him to actually do anything. This is mainly why we never witness the signs and wonders of God, being revealed to the world. We believe that He can, but don't believe or know that He will. Matthew 8:1-3 (Amplified) says, "When Jesus came down from the mountain, great throngs followed Him. And behold, a leper came up to Him and prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying Lord, If You are willing, You are able to cleanse me by curing me. And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed."
This is where so many new creation people, have yet to walk with our Heavenly Father, today. It would be foolishness to believe that there is a God, but then don't believe that He cannot do anything. We believe there is a God, but fail to renew our minds by the Word and the Holy Spirit to believe not only that He can do anything, but believe that He will do it.
The carnal mind wishes to believe that there is a God. Even the world believes this and worships many heathen forms of gods. The Christian body believes there is only One God and that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Many, however, limit their belief to a "Once in awhile God, Who intervenes on a limited basis in our lives." Only a renewed mind can understand our Living God, Who actually lives in us and through us. It's not that we can only understand if we are born-again, but that we must understand by renewing our minds about what being born-again really means.
We are born-again when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but sometimes don't understand to what extent this means, on this side of Heaven. When the Holy Spirit expounds on this, through the Word, we grow in faith and allow God to move in a greater way in our lives and the lives of others. Not everyone will spend the time or effort to truly seek the Father in this capacity, but the experience will be such a marvelous things that others will want to follow, for those who will put in the effort and time.
I've often wondered why more of God's children don't seek Him out in a greater way. The world is moving at such a hurried pace, that time seems fleeting and more limited than anything else in our lives. We've all heard the saying, "Life happens, in the middle of our plans." This "Life" is the carnal, worldly life, which we have all been well-trained for centuries. We religiously acknowledge God, but don't have the time to get to know Him, because our priorities are elsewhere. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25 (Amplified), "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater (in quality) than food, and the body (far above and more excellent) than clothing?"
These are the worries of someone whose mind hasn't been renewed yet. Of course, we all have need of these things Jesus talks about, but one who has a renewed mind understands that, "God not only can, but He will" take care of us, even here and now. This is probably one of satan's most subtle weapons, used against God's new creation people to keep us thinking in the carnal realm and never being relinquished from his grip. If Jesus did it in His earthly walk, then He can do it now, according to Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) which says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today (yes) and forever (to the ages)."
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Lesson 101 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) is passed. Behold, the new has come."
I made reference to the new condition people as being the Living Ark of the Covenant in yesterday's teaching. Few of us have ever thought much about this or have truly understood it. Paul writes in 1Corinthians 3:16-17 (Amplified) saying, "Do you not discern and understand that you (the whole Church at Corinth) are God's temple (His sanctuary) and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you (to be at home in you, collectively as a Church and also individually)? If anyone does hurt to God's Temple or corrupts it (with false doctrines) or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that (temple) you (the believing Church and its individual believers) are."
Paul went on to speak about false doctrines that corrupt God's temples with worldly wisdom in Verses 18-20 saying, "The world's wisdom is foolishness, absurdity, and stupid, as far as what God has to say, and (human reasonings) are futile." As the temple of God or the Ark of the Covenant, we (the new creation people) have an entirely new place here on this earth. We are not like the old covenant people. God's Spirit would come down upon them and then lift off of them, but the Spirit of God permanently indwells us.
The Ark of the Covenant was so holy that even a beast touching it, would die. It was so powerful with the Holy Presence of God, that anything unclean touching the Ark would die. As new creation people, we are filled with the very same power, Spirit and Holiness that was there with the Ark. The only thing preventing anything or anyone from dying when touching us, is the grace and mercy of the new covenant we live in.
We've been taught we are still in a state of sin and are not truly righteous. When we were saved and received Jesus in our spirit, the Word says the we "died and were made alive in Him." The Holiness of God came into our dead (by sin) body and spirit, so when something unholy touches it (like with the Ark of the Covenant), we actually died. The thing that was raised from the dead, is a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:3-5 (Amplified) says, "Are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious (power) of the Father, so we too might (habitually) live and behave in newness of life. For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be (one with Him in sharing) His resurrection (by a new life lived for God)."
We've been waiting to share His resurrection when we die, but according to Paul, we have already died (I understand we are still in this natural body) and we've already shared Christ's resurrection into this new creation. At the time of our physical death or at the catching up of the Church, we will put on a new body (like Jesus has), but we've already been raised from the dead when we died with Him, were buried with Him and were raised with Him.
This sounds like utter foolishness to the natural man and to carnally minded Christians, this sound too far out. But, to God, this is the new creation, a new people who never existed before He raised them up. We are brand new and have become the new and living Ark of the Covenant. We continue seeing ourselves as "alive," because we walk and talk. However, the Word says that "All Life comes from the Spirit and without the Spirit there is nothing that lasts."
We've come to seeing baptism and even communion as being symbolic and not in the power of what they really are in the Spirit and Truth. They became symbolic and ritualistic , because they are performed by the flesh. If they only remain as "fleshly rituals," then there is no power in performing them without knowledge and faith in what they really are. To the new creation, everything is now in the spirit and is carried over into this natural realm.
The baptism is actually the burial and resurrection from death, in the natural and the spirit. We were already dead in trespass and sin in our spirit man, without Christ. We we become born-again, our natural man died. When the pure Holiness of God comes into a sinful human being, the sin filled body cannot live, just like unholy things touching the Ark of the Covenant. When we receive communion, we acknowledge the death and Blood of our Sacrificed Lamb and declare to the destroyer that, "The debt of sin and death has been paid in full and he no longer has the right or cause to enter our homes or lives."
When we understand that Jesus died as our Lamb, by faith in receiving communion, we declare His Blood over our lives. We declare that, "The Law of sin and death has been fulfilled in our lives. Death has come, the Law has been fulfilled and by the Blood of Jesus, we are free and the destroyer must pass over us." The legal requirements of the covenant, depends on faith in the Blood of Jesus as payment of this legal requirement.
Without having this understanding, baptism and communion are no more than religious, symbolic ritual. Our understanding of what has truly happened and placing faith in that, is what makes the power of the Blood and new creation function, according to the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:2 (Amplified) says, "The Lord would say, even to the Church, By our traditions we have made the Word of no affect in our lives."
The Spirit realm is more real than the natural realm and operates on Spiritual Laws that must be closely followed. We've never known about these laws, because we've never been taught about them and have been left to wonder why things happen in our lives that seem with be without cause or purpose. As new creation people, we walk in a place where we should study to understand and listen very closely to the Holy Spirit, our Teacher.
I made reference to the new condition people as being the Living Ark of the Covenant in yesterday's teaching. Few of us have ever thought much about this or have truly understood it. Paul writes in 1Corinthians 3:16-17 (Amplified) saying, "Do you not discern and understand that you (the whole Church at Corinth) are God's temple (His sanctuary) and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you (to be at home in you, collectively as a Church and also individually)? If anyone does hurt to God's Temple or corrupts it (with false doctrines) or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that (temple) you (the believing Church and its individual believers) are."
Paul went on to speak about false doctrines that corrupt God's temples with worldly wisdom in Verses 18-20 saying, "The world's wisdom is foolishness, absurdity, and stupid, as far as what God has to say, and (human reasonings) are futile." As the temple of God or the Ark of the Covenant, we (the new creation people) have an entirely new place here on this earth. We are not like the old covenant people. God's Spirit would come down upon them and then lift off of them, but the Spirit of God permanently indwells us.
The Ark of the Covenant was so holy that even a beast touching it, would die. It was so powerful with the Holy Presence of God, that anything unclean touching the Ark would die. As new creation people, we are filled with the very same power, Spirit and Holiness that was there with the Ark. The only thing preventing anything or anyone from dying when touching us, is the grace and mercy of the new covenant we live in.
We've been taught we are still in a state of sin and are not truly righteous. When we were saved and received Jesus in our spirit, the Word says the we "died and were made alive in Him." The Holiness of God came into our dead (by sin) body and spirit, so when something unholy touches it (like with the Ark of the Covenant), we actually died. The thing that was raised from the dead, is a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:3-5 (Amplified) says, "Are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious (power) of the Father, so we too might (habitually) live and behave in newness of life. For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be (one with Him in sharing) His resurrection (by a new life lived for God)."
We've been waiting to share His resurrection when we die, but according to Paul, we have already died (I understand we are still in this natural body) and we've already shared Christ's resurrection into this new creation. At the time of our physical death or at the catching up of the Church, we will put on a new body (like Jesus has), but we've already been raised from the dead when we died with Him, were buried with Him and were raised with Him.
This sounds like utter foolishness to the natural man and to carnally minded Christians, this sound too far out. But, to God, this is the new creation, a new people who never existed before He raised them up. We are brand new and have become the new and living Ark of the Covenant. We continue seeing ourselves as "alive," because we walk and talk. However, the Word says that "All Life comes from the Spirit and without the Spirit there is nothing that lasts."
We've come to seeing baptism and even communion as being symbolic and not in the power of what they really are in the Spirit and Truth. They became symbolic and ritualistic , because they are performed by the flesh. If they only remain as "fleshly rituals," then there is no power in performing them without knowledge and faith in what they really are. To the new creation, everything is now in the spirit and is carried over into this natural realm.
The baptism is actually the burial and resurrection from death, in the natural and the spirit. We were already dead in trespass and sin in our spirit man, without Christ. We we become born-again, our natural man died. When the pure Holiness of God comes into a sinful human being, the sin filled body cannot live, just like unholy things touching the Ark of the Covenant. When we receive communion, we acknowledge the death and Blood of our Sacrificed Lamb and declare to the destroyer that, "The debt of sin and death has been paid in full and he no longer has the right or cause to enter our homes or lives."
When we understand that Jesus died as our Lamb, by faith in receiving communion, we declare His Blood over our lives. We declare that, "The Law of sin and death has been fulfilled in our lives. Death has come, the Law has been fulfilled and by the Blood of Jesus, we are free and the destroyer must pass over us." The legal requirements of the covenant, depends on faith in the Blood of Jesus as payment of this legal requirement.
Without having this understanding, baptism and communion are no more than religious, symbolic ritual. Our understanding of what has truly happened and placing faith in that, is what makes the power of the Blood and new creation function, according to the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:2 (Amplified) says, "The Lord would say, even to the Church, By our traditions we have made the Word of no affect in our lives."
The Spirit realm is more real than the natural realm and operates on Spiritual Laws that must be closely followed. We've never known about these laws, because we've never been taught about them and have been left to wonder why things happen in our lives that seem with be without cause or purpose. As new creation people, we walk in a place where we should study to understand and listen very closely to the Holy Spirit, our Teacher.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Lesson 100 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 away. Behold, the new has come."
The Church has held a blind spot, concerning their being a new creation. For many years we've allowed the world to set a pattern for us to follow, as far as what Christians "should be" and "are." Satan is the god of this world system and when he sets a pattern for us to follow, we can be assured that it's more advantageous to him, rather than to either us or God.
We've been taught for years, that Christians are supposed to be poor, sick, distressed and beaten into nothingness. But, when we read the Word, we see we're to be the Mustard seed, which starts out very small and grows into something very large that covers much ground and bears much fruit. Although the Church began with just a few people, it was meant to be the light and salt of the earth. To the sick, the Church would be healing and to the poor, it was to be a way out of poverty. To the blind, we were supposed to be a light and sight, opening both their natural and spiritual eyes.
We've told the Church that they would go to Heaven when they die, but failed to tell them that "The Kingdom of Heaven has come close to you, and you have come close to it," according to Luke 10:8-9. Jesus gave this Word to men who weren't born-again yet, giving them insight into what He had come to do. Jesus not only made the way for us to go to Heaven, but He also made the way for Heaven to come to earth. The men Jesus had sent out, returned with this report in Luke 10:17-19 (Amplified) saying, "Even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." Satan must have panicked, recognizing he had to stop this power. He couldn't stop God's power over him from working, so he needed to find a way for us to believe that "It doesn't work for us today."
Jesus went on to say in Luke 10:19 (Amplified),"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 by any way harm you." This statement was made even before the cross, by just the Power in and of His Name. How much more should we understand about who we have become in His Name, now that He is risen from the dead and God's Spirit lives on us, by His Name, and in us.
Jesus made a statement to the Father about Whom He had sent in His Name, in Luke 10:21-22 (Amplified) saying, "In that same hour He rejoiced and glorified in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things (relating to salvation) from the wise and understanding and learned, and revealed them to the babes (the childish, unskilled, and untaught) Yes Father, for such was Your gracious will and choice and good pleasure. All things have been given over into My power by My Father; and no one knows Who the Son is except the Father, or Who the Father is except the Son and to anyone to whom the Son may choose to reveal and make Him known."
Jesus said that "What those whom He had sent to do those things (healing, casting out demons, revealing the Kingdom of Heaven) was relating to salvation." The devil has limited those things that relate to salvation, telling the Church that they mean "you go to Heaven when you die." Jesus didn't say this wasn't true, but that salvation also included these other works that they had been doing. Thus, Jesus said in Luke 10:20 (Amplified), "Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in Heaven."
We can all rejoice that "our names are enrolled in Heaven," but we shouldn't stop at that. We should do those things that those who are enrolled in Heaven, are also called to do concerning and relating to salvation. Being enrolled in Heaven is the greatest thing for us, but for those who are still being tormented in body, soul, and spirit, being set free would be the greatest thing they could hope for here. They wish to see the things Jesus said would follow those who He has called, according to Luke 10:9 (Amplified) they would, "Heal the sick in it (the house) and say to them (those in the house whom have been healed and set free) the Kingdom of God has come close to you." this. All other religions do the same thing. As new creation people, we can tell them about the true God and show them that He lives and is here now. These are things, "relating to salvation." Why should they take our word for it, anymore than what others say about their gods? You might answer, "Because it's the Word of God and it is true." The people don't know that. When we reveal the Living God to them in demonstration of His power, then you have brought "the Kingdom of Heaven close to them." This kind of presentation is hard to ignore.
Jesus' follower didn't only tell the captives about the Kingdom of God, but revealed the Kingdom unto them and Jesus said "these things are relating to salvation." Today's Church have taught people about the Kingdom, but haven't revealed the Kingdom in demonstration, so they would know that, "The Kingdom has come close to them." They very power given to the Church (the entire Church) is what will bring the world into the true understanding of salvation.
Jesus said in John 10:38 (Amplified), "But if I do them (the works of My Father), even though you do not believe in Me, (at least) believe the works and have faith in what I do, in order that you may know and understand (clearly) that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father (One with Him)." Even Jesus made His Presence known to the people, concerning salvation, by the works that He did.
We've expected people to believe in Him, simply because we said so, even when Jesus didn't do this. All other "religions" do the same thing, concerning their gods. But, as new creation people, we can not only tell them about the One True God, but we can show them that our God lives and is here now. These are things relating to salvation. Why should they believe what we say, anymore than they should believe what others say about their gods? You might answer, "Because it's the Word of God and it is true." They don't know that. When you reveal our Living God to them in power, you have brought the Kingdom of Heaven close to them. This kind of presentation is hard to ignore.
This super-natural power and ability was given to us, in order to convince the world of what we already know. The Gifts of the Spirit were given to the Church, so we could "Set at Liberty, all who were bound." We are already set at liberty, whether or nor we know it. Now, we are to take this power to the world and establish the Garden of Eden all over this planet. Jesus said in Luke 10:21 (Amplified) that, "Those who are wise, learned and understanding," they're not educated, but carnal enough they believe they already know everything, they will simply believe in what Jesus said and go do His Word, when given this revelation.
The new creation is exactly that...a new creation. Such a people as the Church, have never existed on this planet before. We are living temples and the Ark of the Covenant that actually houses the Presence of God Himself. No longer locked in the Holy of Holies, but have become the Holy of Holies. Not a thing to fear, like in the old covenant, because of its power. But, a thing to rejoice in that this power of God can now flow out of and into everyone we come into contact with.
The fear of God is a reverence and respect of His Presence and ability. It's not a cowering fear that we would expect it to be. Now that we've become the Living Ark of the Covenant by His Own Presence within us, we are to take His Presence into all the world and reveal the heart of God to the people by unveiling His Love to them. Just like it did with Jesus, God's Love includes healing the sick and showing He has mercy on them. His Love includes delivering those who satan has bound and cleanse the unclean.
You might say, "I don't have the Gifts of the Spirit flowing in me." You have the Spirit Who gives these Gifts as He will to profit or help all who need Him. When we allow God's Love to be "perfected" in us and like Jesus, we can be moved by this Love (compassion) and God will still heal the multitudes as He always has. Don't allow satan to water down the Gospel to only going to Heaven when we die. Let Jesus bring Heaven close to those we speak to by demonstration of Heaven. This is your inheritance from Your Father, to the world.
The Church has held a blind spot, concerning their being a new creation. For many years we've allowed the world to set a pattern for us to follow, as far as what Christians "should be" and "are." Satan is the god of this world system and when he sets a pattern for us to follow, we can be assured that it's more advantageous to him, rather than to either us or God.
We've been taught for years, that Christians are supposed to be poor, sick, distressed and beaten into nothingness. But, when we read the Word, we see we're to be the Mustard seed, which starts out very small and grows into something very large that covers much ground and bears much fruit. Although the Church began with just a few people, it was meant to be the light and salt of the earth. To the sick, the Church would be healing and to the poor, it was to be a way out of poverty. To the blind, we were supposed to be a light and sight, opening both their natural and spiritual eyes.
We've told the Church that they would go to Heaven when they die, but failed to tell them that "The Kingdom of Heaven has come close to you, and you have come close to it," according to Luke 10:8-9. Jesus gave this Word to men who weren't born-again yet, giving them insight into what He had come to do. Jesus not only made the way for us to go to Heaven, but He also made the way for Heaven to come to earth. The men Jesus had sent out, returned with this report in Luke 10:17-19 (Amplified) saying, "Even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." Satan must have panicked, recognizing he had to stop this power. He couldn't stop God's power over him from working, so he needed to find a way for us to believe that "It doesn't work for us today."
Jesus went on to say in Luke 10:19 (Amplified),"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 by any way harm you." This statement was made even before the cross, by just the Power in and of His Name. How much more should we understand about who we have become in His Name, now that He is risen from the dead and God's Spirit lives on us, by His Name, and in us.
Jesus made a statement to the Father about Whom He had sent in His Name, in Luke 10:21-22 (Amplified) saying, "In that same hour He rejoiced and glorified in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things (relating to salvation) from the wise and understanding and learned, and revealed them to the babes (the childish, unskilled, and untaught) Yes Father, for such was Your gracious will and choice and good pleasure. All things have been given over into My power by My Father; and no one knows Who the Son is except the Father, or Who the Father is except the Son and to anyone to whom the Son may choose to reveal and make Him known."
Jesus said that "What those whom He had sent to do those things (healing, casting out demons, revealing the Kingdom of Heaven) was relating to salvation." The devil has limited those things that relate to salvation, telling the Church that they mean "you go to Heaven when you die." Jesus didn't say this wasn't true, but that salvation also included these other works that they had been doing. Thus, Jesus said in Luke 10:20 (Amplified), "Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in Heaven."
We can all rejoice that "our names are enrolled in Heaven," but we shouldn't stop at that. We should do those things that those who are enrolled in Heaven, are also called to do concerning and relating to salvation. Being enrolled in Heaven is the greatest thing for us, but for those who are still being tormented in body, soul, and spirit, being set free would be the greatest thing they could hope for here. They wish to see the things Jesus said would follow those who He has called, according to Luke 10:9 (Amplified) they would, "Heal the sick in it (the house) and say to them (those in the house whom have been healed and set free) the Kingdom of God has come close to you." this. All other religions do the same thing. As new creation people, we can tell them about the true God and show them that He lives and is here now. These are things, "relating to salvation." Why should they take our word for it, anymore than what others say about their gods? You might answer, "Because it's the Word of God and it is true." The people don't know that. When we reveal the Living God to them in demonstration of His power, then you have brought "the Kingdom of Heaven close to them." This kind of presentation is hard to ignore.
Jesus' follower didn't only tell the captives about the Kingdom of God, but revealed the Kingdom unto them and Jesus said "these things are relating to salvation." Today's Church have taught people about the Kingdom, but haven't revealed the Kingdom in demonstration, so they would know that, "The Kingdom has come close to them." They very power given to the Church (the entire Church) is what will bring the world into the true understanding of salvation.
Jesus said in John 10:38 (Amplified), "But if I do them (the works of My Father), even though you do not believe in Me, (at least) believe the works and have faith in what I do, in order that you may know and understand (clearly) that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father (One with Him)." Even Jesus made His Presence known to the people, concerning salvation, by the works that He did.
We've expected people to believe in Him, simply because we said so, even when Jesus didn't do this. All other "religions" do the same thing, concerning their gods. But, as new creation people, we can not only tell them about the One True God, but we can show them that our God lives and is here now. These are things relating to salvation. Why should they believe what we say, anymore than they should believe what others say about their gods? You might answer, "Because it's the Word of God and it is true." They don't know that. When you reveal our Living God to them in power, you have brought the Kingdom of Heaven close to them. This kind of presentation is hard to ignore.
This super-natural power and ability was given to us, in order to convince the world of what we already know. The Gifts of the Spirit were given to the Church, so we could "Set at Liberty, all who were bound." We are already set at liberty, whether or nor we know it. Now, we are to take this power to the world and establish the Garden of Eden all over this planet. Jesus said in Luke 10:21 (Amplified) that, "Those who are wise, learned and understanding," they're not educated, but carnal enough they believe they already know everything, they will simply believe in what Jesus said and go do His Word, when given this revelation.
The new creation is exactly that...a new creation. Such a people as the Church, have never existed on this planet before. We are living temples and the Ark of the Covenant that actually houses the Presence of God Himself. No longer locked in the Holy of Holies, but have become the Holy of Holies. Not a thing to fear, like in the old covenant, because of its power. But, a thing to rejoice in that this power of God can now flow out of and into everyone we come into contact with.
The fear of God is a reverence and respect of His Presence and ability. It's not a cowering fear that we would expect it to be. Now that we've become the Living Ark of the Covenant by His Own Presence within us, we are to take His Presence into all the world and reveal the heart of God to the people by unveiling His Love to them. Just like it did with Jesus, God's Love includes healing the sick and showing He has mercy on them. His Love includes delivering those who satan has bound and cleanse the unclean.
You might say, "I don't have the Gifts of the Spirit flowing in me." You have the Spirit Who gives these Gifts as He will to profit or help all who need Him. When we allow God's Love to be "perfected" in us and like Jesus, we can be moved by this Love (compassion) and God will still heal the multitudes as He always has. Don't allow satan to water down the Gospel to only going to Heaven when we die. Let Jesus bring Heaven close to those we speak to by demonstration of Heaven. This is your inheritance from Your Father, to the world.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Lesson 99 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) into Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
Many believe that what distinguishes Christians from the world, is their attending Sunday service or the denomination they're affiliated with. We've observed the tradition of our faith and have tried living moral lifestyles. We attend church fairly regularly and give in the offerings. We believed that if we lived uprightly and did good to others, then God would reward us in Heaven.
All the above things are good and should be part of our Christian lives, but they aren't what being a new creation is all about. We've done the best we know how and that is rightly commendable, but we've never learned who we are in Christ Jesus. Our new creation identity reaches far greater than we have ever pursued in God's Word.
Usually, if our denomination disagrees with something, then we also disagree with it. We do this without studying on our own, to see whether or not it's correct. We've mostly left it to our pastor's knowing whether that something was right, according to the Word of God, whether it's "passed away" or whether or not we should blindly follow him. Because of this traditional teaching, we haven't entered into the truth of what our Heavenly Father actually did in us and for us. We simply continued on with our life as usual.
God has far more for us to become and accomplish on His behalf, but instead we struggle with not feeling righteous or in right standing before God. We continue believing God punishes us every time we fail or falter. We never voice it, but we feel like God wasn't doing such things as moving in our lives, like He used to do. Prayer has become a religious ritual, that we had very little faith of it ever coming to pass (we call it a miracle if it did happen).
Little did we know, God so wanted to be a part of every single part of our lives and the only thing restraining Him was our unbelief. After many years of partaking in religious traditions and teachings, we've given up on anything bigger occurring in our walk with God, other than our going to Heaven when we die. Finally, the religious part of the Church just went along with the world, adapting to the world's philosophies. We accepted things in the Church as truth, according to the world's point-of-view.
Many believe that what distinguishes Christians from the world, is their attending Sunday service or the denomination they're affiliated with. We've observed the tradition of our faith and have tried living moral lifestyles. We attend church fairly regularly and give in the offerings. We believed that if we lived uprightly and did good to others, then God would reward us in Heaven.
All the above things are good and should be part of our Christian lives, but they aren't what being a new creation is all about. We've done the best we know how and that is rightly commendable, but we've never learned who we are in Christ Jesus. Our new creation identity reaches far greater than we have ever pursued in God's Word.
Usually, if our denomination disagrees with something, then we also disagree with it. We do this without studying on our own, to see whether or not it's correct. We've mostly left it to our pastor's knowing whether that something was right, according to the Word of God, whether it's "passed away" or whether or not we should blindly follow him. Because of this traditional teaching, we haven't entered into the truth of what our Heavenly Father actually did in us and for us. We simply continued on with our life as usual.
God has far more for us to become and accomplish on His behalf, but instead we struggle with not feeling righteous or in right standing before God. We continue believing God punishes us every time we fail or falter. We never voice it, but we feel like God wasn't doing such things as moving in our lives, like He used to do. Prayer has become a religious ritual, that we had very little faith of it ever coming to pass (we call it a miracle if it did happen).
Little did we know, God so wanted to be a part of every single part of our lives and the only thing restraining Him was our unbelief. After many years of partaking in religious traditions and teachings, we've given up on anything bigger occurring in our walk with God, other than our going to Heaven when we die. Finally, the religious part of the Church just went along with the world, adapting to the world's philosophies. We accepted things in the Church as truth, according to the world's point-of-view.
When we begin to see from His Word, who we are and Who God made us to be, we dismiss it as false teaching because it sounds so strange to our "ears without hearing." This has resulted in the Super-natural Presence of God to seem like fantasy and foolishness, to the average Christian. God is moving in these last days to re-establish His full Presence and truth to His people. We see and hear the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who are reaching out in faith again. James says, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near unto you." We now have people who are searching God's Word, His face and His hands. God is revealing Himself, like He did in the days of old and even greater.
People are hungry for the knowledge of the Truth and God is feeding them by "Every Word that proceeds from His mouth." The time for the Gifts of the Spirit is once again flowing at an increase. The demonstration of the power of the Gospel is being revealed again, by His Presence in His Word. This is the most glorious time for the Church of the Living God this planet has ever seen and we're blessed above all people on earth, to be part of it. Many are looking at (and to) the world, to have their needs met. The new creation people have learned where their help is coming from. Finally, God will demonstrate to the world, through the Church, that He loves them and will meet all their needs and be their Help in time of need. We've entering the place of "God with us," like the Word tells us.
As the Church grows in faith of the Ever Present God, Who is their Ever Present Help in our time of need, we will no longer just be a "referral station," telling the addicts or sickly where to go for help. But, we will show them the power of God is available in abundance to set them free. It's always been available to those who would "seek His Face," but now it's overflowing, not only in the Church, but from the Church.
The Holy Spirit is being poured out again on congregations in the Church. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit isn't theory or speculation any longer, but He is Fact and Truth. We are witnessing this great Truth of God being rained down upon His people, just like on the Day of Pentecost, where Acts 1:8 (Amplified) says," Receiving power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." This is the age of deliverance and the time of His coming. I don't only want to see it, but I want to be a part of it.
The world bombards us with what we "should think and say," to the point of it's being our source of knowledge, even in the Church. God has things going on, that you will never hear or see until you shut off the world and listen to the Word. Don't just believe something because someone else does. Only believe what the Word tells you. Don't be fearful of the things you see in the world, but be revived by what you see in His Word concerning these times. Shut down your "ever buzzing" cell phone, remove your "ever present" head phones and incline your ear and heart to the Voice of the Shepherd once more. Jesus said that, "His sheep know His Voice." Allow the Holy Spirit to show you what to do and what is going on, instead of Facebook, Youtube, television or the person on the other end of your phone. NBC, CBS, Fox News or any other news broadcast, has no idea about what God is doing (I'm not talking about the Christian channels).
We are a new creation and the world or the heavenlies has never seen a people like what our Father has created in Christ Jesus. Even the angels are stunned by what He has done in us, by our new creation life in Jesus. The devil thinks he has put a lid on the Church, using his same old tactics. But, the Lord says differently.
We're not living the life of the early Church, like so many have thought, but we're writing the Last Chapter of the Book of Acts. It's the only book in the Bible that hasn't been completed. We must keep our hearts and minds open to the Voice of the Spirit and allow Him to lead us into things our natural minds would say have "passed away." The only thing that has "passed away" in the new creation, is what 2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Behold, the fresh and new have come." All things have become new!
We are a new creation and the world or the heavenlies has never seen a people like what our Father has created in Christ Jesus. Even the angels are stunned by what He has done in us, by our new creation life in Jesus. The devil thinks he has put a lid on the Church, using his same old tactics. But, the Lord says differently.
We're not living the life of the early Church, like so many have thought, but we're writing the Last Chapter of the Book of Acts. It's the only book in the Bible that hasn't been completed. We must keep our hearts and minds open to the Voice of the Spirit and allow Him to lead us into things our natural minds would say have "passed away." The only thing that has "passed away" in the new creation, is what 2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Behold, the fresh and new have come." All things have become new!
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Lesson 98 The New Creation
Let's read what Paul say in 2Corinthians 5:15-17 (Amplified), "And He (Jesus) died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a (purely) human point of view (in terms of natural standards of value). (No) even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a Man, Yet now (we have such knowledge of Him that) we know Him no longer (in terms of the flesh). Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
The truth of the new creation man is that we actually died with Jesus and were raised with Him, when He rose from the dead. In the natural, a dead man doesn't exist here any longer, only the memory of them is left. The spirit is eternal and is now one with God's Spirit and has become the "lord" over the body of flesh it now indwells. The house or body of flesh look the same. The One Who lives in this house of flesh, is a new creation, a new Tenant, God Himself. 2Corinthians 6:16 (Amplified) says, "What agreement (can there be between) a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the Living God; Even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
Because we've never seen ourselves by the truth of this new creation, we continue to see ourselves (and others) after the flesh. We read about how "God will live in us," just like He did in Jesus. But, then we fail to understand that, just like Jesus said, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me, Who does the work." The same Father Who lived and walked in Jesus, now live and walks in us, as His new creation and living temple. Our lack of revelation concerning this, has held back His desire to flow through us for the deliverance of others.
2Corinthians 6:1 (Amplified) tells us, "Laboring together (as God's fellow workers) with Him then, we beg you not to receive the grace of God in vain (that merciful kindness by which God exerts His Holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ; keeping and strengthening them-do not receive it to no purpose)."
We, the Church, are laboring together with God as "fellow workers." We're the laborers Jesus said to pray to come bring in the harvest. We're still praying for God to send the laborers, not understanding that He already has answered those prayers and that we are the laborers for Christ. The early Church understood some things about their being the new creation, that we don't yet understand.
The Super-natural power of God flowed through the early Church, the new creation people. They walked in and through the Holy Spirit. We can read the Epistles and follow the Acts of the Apostles to see how God was actually living through them and not just living in them. They understood what Jesus said about, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me Who does the works." We confess that God lives in us, somehow though, God doesn't seem to live through us like He did then.
In these last days before Christ returns for His Church, we are returning to the Super-natural Presence of God here on earth. We were always told the miracles Jesus and the early Church did, "Have passed away" or "Were only for special people." We were never taught or told how we were "special people," as a new creation. God is completing what He intended from the beginning and that is to have a family of people just like Himself. Jesus is the First-Born. He isn't the only One the Father has created. Jesus is the Seed sown in death and resurrection, that now brings forth after Kind, a Body of believers like unto THE SEED.
We wouldn't find it strange that an acorn brings forth an Oak Tree or that an apple seed brings forth an apple tree. Why then, would we find if strange that God's Word (His Seed) would produce anything other than what it was created for? 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."
It would be strange for a human being to produce a rabbit or for a rabbit to produce a human. This is because we know that each has a seed that produces "after kind." Why then, would it seem strange to think that God's Seed (Sperm), the Word would produce anything but what the Seed itself is? Jesus was the Seed, He died, He was placed in the ground and rose a new creation. In kind, we died, were buried and have also been raised new creations just like Jesus.
Jesus is the Head of the Body of this new creation people and we are His body. You are not "the Lord" over this Body, but a part of this new body. The body is instructed by the Head, but it has the full ability of the Head, since we are now one in Him. We are instructed to do (like He was instructed to do) what we see and hear our Father (Who lives in us) tells us to do. I don't believe the Father has changed His mind about the things He instructed Jesus to do and what He instructs His body to do, because we have been made one with Him. Remember, it's not you, but the Father in you Who does the work (just like it was with Jesus). This isn't being boastful, but simply being what He created us to be.
Today, there are multitudes of people needing healed, delivered, made whole, and set free. Jesus didn't stop in His ministry when He returned to the Father, but expanded His Own ministry into His Body after He left to become it's Head. The same things He did on earth, are the same things He is doing now (or at least desires to do now). Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today, (yes) and forever (to the ages)." We must listen for and to the voice of the Father and then do whatever the Father tells us to do. Jesus said, "I only do what the Father tells Me to do." He still works this way in us.
The truth of the new creation man is that we actually died with Jesus and were raised with Him, when He rose from the dead. In the natural, a dead man doesn't exist here any longer, only the memory of them is left. The spirit is eternal and is now one with God's Spirit and has become the "lord" over the body of flesh it now indwells. The house or body of flesh look the same. The One Who lives in this house of flesh, is a new creation, a new Tenant, God Himself. 2Corinthians 6:16 (Amplified) says, "What agreement (can there be between) a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the Living God; Even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
Because we've never seen ourselves by the truth of this new creation, we continue to see ourselves (and others) after the flesh. We read about how "God will live in us," just like He did in Jesus. But, then we fail to understand that, just like Jesus said, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me, Who does the work." The same Father Who lived and walked in Jesus, now live and walks in us, as His new creation and living temple. Our lack of revelation concerning this, has held back His desire to flow through us for the deliverance of others.
2Corinthians 6:1 (Amplified) tells us, "Laboring together (as God's fellow workers) with Him then, we beg you not to receive the grace of God in vain (that merciful kindness by which God exerts His Holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ; keeping and strengthening them-do not receive it to no purpose)."
We, the Church, are laboring together with God as "fellow workers." We're the laborers Jesus said to pray to come bring in the harvest. We're still praying for God to send the laborers, not understanding that He already has answered those prayers and that we are the laborers for Christ. The early Church understood some things about their being the new creation, that we don't yet understand.
The Super-natural power of God flowed through the early Church, the new creation people. They walked in and through the Holy Spirit. We can read the Epistles and follow the Acts of the Apostles to see how God was actually living through them and not just living in them. They understood what Jesus said about, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me Who does the works." We confess that God lives in us, somehow though, God doesn't seem to live through us like He did then.
In these last days before Christ returns for His Church, we are returning to the Super-natural Presence of God here on earth. We were always told the miracles Jesus and the early Church did, "Have passed away" or "Were only for special people." We were never taught or told how we were "special people," as a new creation. God is completing what He intended from the beginning and that is to have a family of people just like Himself. Jesus is the First-Born. He isn't the only One the Father has created. Jesus is the Seed sown in death and resurrection, that now brings forth after Kind, a Body of believers like unto THE SEED.
We wouldn't find it strange that an acorn brings forth an Oak Tree or that an apple seed brings forth an apple tree. Why then, would we find if strange that God's Word (His Seed) would produce anything other than what it was created for? 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."
It would be strange for a human being to produce a rabbit or for a rabbit to produce a human. This is because we know that each has a seed that produces "after kind." Why then, would it seem strange to think that God's Seed (Sperm), the Word would produce anything but what the Seed itself is? Jesus was the Seed, He died, He was placed in the ground and rose a new creation. In kind, we died, were buried and have also been raised new creations just like Jesus.
Jesus is the Head of the Body of this new creation people and we are His body. You are not "the Lord" over this Body, but a part of this new body. The body is instructed by the Head, but it has the full ability of the Head, since we are now one in Him. We are instructed to do (like He was instructed to do) what we see and hear our Father (Who lives in us) tells us to do. I don't believe the Father has changed His mind about the things He instructed Jesus to do and what He instructs His body to do, because we have been made one with Him. Remember, it's not you, but the Father in you Who does the work (just like it was with Jesus). This isn't being boastful, but simply being what He created us to be.
Today, there are multitudes of people needing healed, delivered, made whole, and set free. Jesus didn't stop in His ministry when He returned to the Father, but expanded His Own ministry into His Body after He left to become it's Head. The same things He did on earth, are the same things He is doing now (or at least desires to do now). Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today, (yes) and forever (to the ages)." We must listen for and to the voice of the Father and then do whatever the Father tells us to do. Jesus said, "I only do what the Father tells Me to do." He still works this way in us.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Lesson 97 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual) condition has passed away. Behold, the new has come."
The new creation is not like any other being that has ever been on this planet. We've operated and tried to fashion our lives after previous generations, but we haven't been right in our operating. We are truly a new creation and are as unique as the earth and stars were before God commanded them to come forth. There never was a creation like us, before the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the Truth of God living in our temple of flesh.
We operate from a completely new aspect and position, than any other being in the existence of mankind altogether. Jesus was the Only human being on the planet Who had at that time, "Life Again" by the Spirit of God Himself. All those at that time, were dead in trespass and sin, according to Ephesians 2:1(Amplified) which says, "And you (He made alive) when you were dead (slain) by (your) trespasses and sins."
Read further in Ephesians 2:5 (Amplified) which says, "Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; (He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him)." The Father has made the new creation people to be His family and Temple, in which to live in and among. There's never been a people like the Church. When we witness those who came before us in the Word, we try patterning ourselves after them. We see ourselves after the Old Covenant and envision God as the One Who chastises us in the flesh, like in the days of old. We fail to understand that in the eyes and mind of God, our body is dead by the same death that crucified Jesus. God now deals with us completely by our new creation spirit man.
The new spirit man is trained and corrected by his spirit and not his flesh. 2Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Every scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, (and) for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)." This scripture tells us how the new creation man is to function now. Our living spirit operates by the indwelling of God's Spirit and the Word (which is Spirit). Romans 8:14 (Amplified) says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
We've had difficulty seeing ourselves like God sees us, mostly because we have been taught how to in recent history. I truly believe that when Paul preached this Gospel to the people, they received more than just the "go to heave" salvation message. They also received the Shalom that Jesus preached. I believe that when the early Church heard the Words of salvation, it brought healing and deliverance to them, just like it did when Jesus preached it.
Satan has labored to discredit the Gospel, until we've nearly lost sight of what Jesus actually preached to the people. Mark 16:19-20 (Amplified) says, "So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoke to them, was taken up into Heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the Message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied (it) Amen (so be it)."
When Jesus' followers preached the Message they heard, signs and miracles closely accompanied it. This is the inheritance of the new creation people...the very Presence of the Father is inside us, like He was in Jesus. This is what has made us a new creation. Never before has there been a people who actually "housed and tabernacled" the very Presence of God Himself. The Spirit of God used to come upon the people or the Spirit of God Himself would actually speak to men, but not from within them.
We have God's Own Spirit and Life flowing out of us from withing, according to Ephesians 3:17-19 (Amplified) which says, "May Christ through your faith (actually) dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints (God's devoted people, the experience of that love) what is the breath and length and height and depth (of it) (that you may really come) to know (practically, through experience for yourselves) the love of Christ which far surpasses mere knowledge (without experience) that you may be filled (through all your being) unto all the fullness of God (may have the richest measure of the divine Presence and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself)."
The new creation is the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are to walk in this earth with signs and wonders produced by "the Father in us, does the work." This is so the world can see the very glory of God through this new creation body of believers, by His Light in us. If we are to :pattern ourselves" after anything, then we are to pattern ourselves after the First of the New Creation Man, the Last Adam Who is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Firstborn among many brethren and He is the Example for God's new creation family.
The new creation is not like any other being that has ever been on this planet. We've operated and tried to fashion our lives after previous generations, but we haven't been right in our operating. We are truly a new creation and are as unique as the earth and stars were before God commanded them to come forth. There never was a creation like us, before the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the Truth of God living in our temple of flesh.
We operate from a completely new aspect and position, than any other being in the existence of mankind altogether. Jesus was the Only human being on the planet Who had at that time, "Life Again" by the Spirit of God Himself. All those at that time, were dead in trespass and sin, according to Ephesians 2:1(Amplified) which says, "And you (He made alive) when you were dead (slain) by (your) trespasses and sins."
Read further in Ephesians 2:5 (Amplified) which says, "Even when we were dead (slain) by (our own) shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; (He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him)." The Father has made the new creation people to be His family and Temple, in which to live in and among. There's never been a people like the Church. When we witness those who came before us in the Word, we try patterning ourselves after them. We see ourselves after the Old Covenant and envision God as the One Who chastises us in the flesh, like in the days of old. We fail to understand that in the eyes and mind of God, our body is dead by the same death that crucified Jesus. God now deals with us completely by our new creation spirit man.
The new spirit man is trained and corrected by his spirit and not his flesh. 2Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Every scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, (and) for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)." This scripture tells us how the new creation man is to function now. Our living spirit operates by the indwelling of God's Spirit and the Word (which is Spirit). Romans 8:14 (Amplified) says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
We've had difficulty seeing ourselves like God sees us, mostly because we have been taught how to in recent history. I truly believe that when Paul preached this Gospel to the people, they received more than just the "go to heave" salvation message. They also received the Shalom that Jesus preached. I believe that when the early Church heard the Words of salvation, it brought healing and deliverance to them, just like it did when Jesus preached it.
Satan has labored to discredit the Gospel, until we've nearly lost sight of what Jesus actually preached to the people. Mark 16:19-20 (Amplified) says, "So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoke to them, was taken up into Heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the Message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied (it) Amen (so be it)."
When Jesus' followers preached the Message they heard, signs and miracles closely accompanied it. This is the inheritance of the new creation people...the very Presence of the Father is inside us, like He was in Jesus. This is what has made us a new creation. Never before has there been a people who actually "housed and tabernacled" the very Presence of God Himself. The Spirit of God used to come upon the people or the Spirit of God Himself would actually speak to men, but not from within them.
We have God's Own Spirit and Life flowing out of us from withing, according to Ephesians 3:17-19 (Amplified) which says, "May Christ through your faith (actually) dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints (God's devoted people, the experience of that love) what is the breath and length and height and depth (of it) (that you may really come) to know (practically, through experience for yourselves) the love of Christ which far surpasses mere knowledge (without experience) that you may be filled (through all your being) unto all the fullness of God (may have the richest measure of the divine Presence and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself)."
The new creation is the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are to walk in this earth with signs and wonders produced by "the Father in us, does the work." This is so the world can see the very glory of God through this new creation body of believers, by His Light in us. If we are to :pattern ourselves" after anything, then we are to pattern ourselves after the First of the New Creation Man, the Last Adam Who is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Firstborn among many brethren and He is the Example for God's new creation family.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Lesson 96 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 away. Behold, the new has come."
In the revelation scripture above, given to Paul by the Holy Spirit, we get a view of what God has done for us by Jesus. We are not simply sinners who have been forgiven, but we are new creation. In order to be a new creation, it must be something that has never previously existed before. We've been taught and trained throughout the years, to view ourselves as just "old sinners who were forgiven by God when we got saved."
It's true that Jesus destroyed and completely removed even the existence and every trace of our sin, but God (through Jesus) declared us clean before Him and righteous with Jesus' Own righteousness. Paul stated in 2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) that we have missed, saying, "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making his appeal as it were through us. W (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."
God has shown His grace and favor toward us through Jesus and has declared that He holds no malice or ill will toward us who are in Christ Jesus. Even though He has opened the way into His Throne of Grace, many are reluctant to enter in and be reconciled with Him. He has made to us the reconciliation from His point of view and has already declared our reconciliation through Jesus. Many of us have never considered being reconciled to Him.
One might wonder whether or not these are the same thing. The answer is "No." Have you ever tried being friends with someone who won't be your friend? It doesn't matter how well you treat them or how friendly you are towards that person, he still refuses to be reconciled to you. You can do everything you know how, but that person refuses to enter into friendship with you. God has done everything He can to demonstrate His acceptance and Love His heart holds for men, but many still stand offish and distrust His Word of reconciliation. We've been reluctant to enter into His Throne Room of His grace.
Jesus said in Luke 2:14 (Amplified), "Glory to God in the Highest (Heaven), and on earth peace among men with Whom He is well pleased (men of good will, of His favor)." John 1:17 (Amplified) says, "For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ." These scriptures tell us that God's favor and peace toward mankind has already been offered to all who will reconcile themselves to Him. From the grossest of sinners, to those who have already received Jesus, this reconciliation has been offered to all who will believe
Many of us have received His offer of being forgiven, but have never reconciled ourselves unto His Presence. We still stand in the Outer courts of His Presence like the old covenant people, and never understand we are now God's Temple. We seen afraid to truth the Truth of His Word concerning our old life and allow that fear to hold us back from being reconciled to God. Reconciliation must come from both parties, in order to be made complete. Even though God has reconciled Himself with mankind through Jesus, many (including Christians), have never reconciled themselves unto Him.
We continue to find ourselves standing afar from and trying to find the favor God has already offered us through Jesus. Were we all sinners? Of course, we were. Did we deserve to be made righteous? Of course not. However, by His divine favor, He has made this possible through Jesus. We're not to arrogant about entering His Presence, but we are to be comfortable in His Presence, by faith in what He Himself has made available to us.
I wonder how many of speak and act like friends and family in the Presence of our Father. Do we come to Him as though we are "right" in His eyes? Or, do we distrust His offer of righteousness and stand aloof not daring to reconcile ourselves to Him? I never thought of my children as being arrogant for calling me, "Dad." Nor did I consider them being boastful for believing I would always accept them into my presence. Even when they were wrong, they could come to me and together we would make things right again. This is how we reconcile ourselves to God. Even though He's done everything He can to reconcile Himself to us, we must accept His gift of reconciliation and reconcile ourselves to Him.
It seems strange that as children of God, we still distrust Him to do what He promised, when He could swear by no Higher, He swore to Himself. We confess we believe God's Word and refer to ourselves as being the same as before being saved, instead of about who God has made us to be. Do we really believe we are a new creation or do we see ourselves like we were and never reconcile ourselves to the One Who has promised reconciliation to us?
We are always welcome to God's Throne of Grace and even better, His Very Presence has come to dwell in us as the Temple He has chosen to reside in. The Feast of Tabernacles has come to pass in this new creation, according to John 14:23 (Amplified) where Jesus said, "If a person (really) loves Me, he will keep My Word (obey My teachings) and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (above, special dwelling place) with him." When we don't understand what the Father has done to reconcile Himself to us, we remain reluctant to reconcile ourselves unto Him. This always keeps us from being able to have complete faith in His desire to do for us, everything He wants to do.
Having the "Fear of the Lord" doesn't mean we have a cringing fear or dread of His Presence, but rather having reverence and respect for Him and believing His Word of reconciliation unto us and being reconciled to Him. The truth of the new creation brings boldness to approach Him on His Own terms and not on our terms. We've spent two-thousand years trying to find way of being acceptable to God, instead of placing faith and receiving what He has already done and reconciling ourselves to Him. We must reconcile ourselves to Him by faith and put faith in His way of doing and being right.
All of God's promises work by faith in what He has already said and done. When we try finding our own way to receive from God, we are actually living by unbelief in His Word. The only way to approach Him, is by His Own standards of faith in what He has done through Jesus. Any other way is by the flesh and is useless in God's New Covenant. We can never be "good enough" in our own righteousness to approach Him. This is why faith is so important to the new creation.
God has already made the Way for us to enter into Him at any time. Jesus said in John 6:29 (Amplified), "This is the work (service) that God asks of you; That you believe in the One Whom He has sent (that you cleave tom, trust in, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger)." Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) tells us, "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 exist and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him.
God has a prescribed way for us to obtain the promises and rewards of Grace and Covenant. All of these way require faith to obtain. From being saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8) to being found righteous in His eyes (Romans 1:17) which says, "For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith."
2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) 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.
In the revelation scripture above, given to Paul by the Holy Spirit, we get a view of what God has done for us by Jesus. We are not simply sinners who have been forgiven, but we are new creation. In order to be a new creation, it must be something that has never previously existed before. We've been taught and trained throughout the years, to view ourselves as just "old sinners who were forgiven by God when we got saved."
It's true that Jesus destroyed and completely removed even the existence and every trace of our sin, but God (through Jesus) declared us clean before Him and righteous with Jesus' Own righteousness. Paul stated in 2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) that we have missed, saying, "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making his appeal as it were through us. W (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."
God has shown His grace and favor toward us through Jesus and has declared that He holds no malice or ill will toward us who are in Christ Jesus. Even though He has opened the way into His Throne of Grace, many are reluctant to enter in and be reconciled with Him. He has made to us the reconciliation from His point of view and has already declared our reconciliation through Jesus. Many of us have never considered being reconciled to Him.
One might wonder whether or not these are the same thing. The answer is "No." Have you ever tried being friends with someone who won't be your friend? It doesn't matter how well you treat them or how friendly you are towards that person, he still refuses to be reconciled to you. You can do everything you know how, but that person refuses to enter into friendship with you. God has done everything He can to demonstrate His acceptance and Love His heart holds for men, but many still stand offish and distrust His Word of reconciliation. We've been reluctant to enter into His Throne Room of His grace.
Jesus said in Luke 2:14 (Amplified), "Glory to God in the Highest (Heaven), and on earth peace among men with Whom He is well pleased (men of good will, of His favor)." John 1:17 (Amplified) says, "For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ." These scriptures tell us that God's favor and peace toward mankind has already been offered to all who will reconcile themselves to Him. From the grossest of sinners, to those who have already received Jesus, this reconciliation has been offered to all who will believe
Many of us have received His offer of being forgiven, but have never reconciled ourselves unto His Presence. We still stand in the Outer courts of His Presence like the old covenant people, and never understand we are now God's Temple. We seen afraid to truth the Truth of His Word concerning our old life and allow that fear to hold us back from being reconciled to God. Reconciliation must come from both parties, in order to be made complete. Even though God has reconciled Himself with mankind through Jesus, many (including Christians), have never reconciled themselves unto Him.
We continue to find ourselves standing afar from and trying to find the favor God has already offered us through Jesus. Were we all sinners? Of course, we were. Did we deserve to be made righteous? Of course not. However, by His divine favor, He has made this possible through Jesus. We're not to arrogant about entering His Presence, but we are to be comfortable in His Presence, by faith in what He Himself has made available to us.
I wonder how many of speak and act like friends and family in the Presence of our Father. Do we come to Him as though we are "right" in His eyes? Or, do we distrust His offer of righteousness and stand aloof not daring to reconcile ourselves to Him? I never thought of my children as being arrogant for calling me, "Dad." Nor did I consider them being boastful for believing I would always accept them into my presence. Even when they were wrong, they could come to me and together we would make things right again. This is how we reconcile ourselves to God. Even though He's done everything He can to reconcile Himself to us, we must accept His gift of reconciliation and reconcile ourselves to Him.
It seems strange that as children of God, we still distrust Him to do what He promised, when He could swear by no Higher, He swore to Himself. We confess we believe God's Word and refer to ourselves as being the same as before being saved, instead of about who God has made us to be. Do we really believe we are a new creation or do we see ourselves like we were and never reconcile ourselves to the One Who has promised reconciliation to us?
We are always welcome to God's Throne of Grace and even better, His Very Presence has come to dwell in us as the Temple He has chosen to reside in. The Feast of Tabernacles has come to pass in this new creation, according to John 14:23 (Amplified) where Jesus said, "If a person (really) loves Me, he will keep My Word (obey My teachings) and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (above, special dwelling place) with him." When we don't understand what the Father has done to reconcile Himself to us, we remain reluctant to reconcile ourselves unto Him. This always keeps us from being able to have complete faith in His desire to do for us, everything He wants to do.
Having the "Fear of the Lord" doesn't mean we have a cringing fear or dread of His Presence, but rather having reverence and respect for Him and believing His Word of reconciliation unto us and being reconciled to Him. The truth of the new creation brings boldness to approach Him on His Own terms and not on our terms. We've spent two-thousand years trying to find way of being acceptable to God, instead of placing faith and receiving what He has already done and reconciling ourselves to Him. We must reconcile ourselves to Him by faith and put faith in His way of doing and being right.
All of God's promises work by faith in what He has already said and done. When we try finding our own way to receive from God, we are actually living by unbelief in His Word. The only way to approach Him, is by His Own standards of faith in what He has done through Jesus. Any other way is by the flesh and is useless in God's New Covenant. We can never be "good enough" in our own righteousness to approach Him. This is why faith is so important to the new creation.
God has already made the Way for us to enter into Him at any time. Jesus said in John 6:29 (Amplified), "This is the work (service) that God asks of you; That you believe in the One Whom He has sent (that you cleave tom, trust in, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger)." Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) tells us, "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 exist and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him.
God has a prescribed way for us to obtain the promises and rewards of Grace and Covenant. All of these way require faith to obtain. From being saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8) to being found righteous in His eyes (Romans 1:17) which says, "For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith."
2Corinthians 5:20 (Amplified) 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.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Lesson 95 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) is passed away. Behold! The fresh and new has come."
I've had several persons approach me saying, "You never deal with the real problems of life, but you always teach about the spiritual life." The entire reason for my teachings about the new creation, is so we can be capable of applying the Truth of what God has done, to what so many refer to as "the real problems of life." so many Christians have taken the "real world" problems and exalted them above the real truth of this new creation.
What we call "the real world" isn't something God has never thought of, because He has thought of everything. On the other hand, though,we have separated the real world from the plan of God. Can you even imagine God not knowing about the things occurring on earth? Or, that He has left us in a place where He is unable to reach us? The problem isn't that God doesn't care or cannot do anything to help us, but that we have never learned how to apply the Laws governing Heaven to this realm of life.
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."
There are spiritual laws that function all of the time. The Law of sin and death still functions on this earth at all times. The new creation man must know he is no longer under this Law, but under a new Law, which is the Law of Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. The new creation's new Law is operated by the Holy Spirit to lift the new creation above the old Law of sin and death. If we remain carnally minded and believe God's laws only apply to when we die and go to Heaven. This new Law doesn't operate in our lives, like is should, because we fail to apply it in our lives in this "real world."
Those who don't understand like they should, this isn't the "real world." The real world where Jesus is, has created this real world we now live in our fleshly body. The Creator is always Greater than the creation. When we learn how to function by the Higher Laws God has given us in Christ Jesus, then we can walk above the lower laws that previously governed us. Heaven has laws that operate above all else and we have simply never learned how to function in them in this realm.
Jesus came as an Example of how a new creation Man can walk here on earth, by operating in the Higher Laws of God. We've always been taught that Jesus could only do the things He did in His earthly ministry, because He was Jesus. But, this isn't true. We watched as mere not born-again men, walked in these laws by simply faith in what He told them to do. We see another view into the new creation man and how he is to be led now by his renewed mind and not by our carnal mind, in Romans 8:4-5 (Amplified) which says, "So that the righteousness and just requirements of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh, but in the ways of the Spirit (our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh [this doesn't mean sin, but simply fleshly things] but those who are according to the Spirit, and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit, set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit."
The above scripture tells us it's a choice whether we renew our minds and seek after spiritual things or we continue thinking of this as the real world and believe spiritual things are for "someday in Heaven." We are called to live in two different worlds simultaneously. We have a natural body to live and govern here and we have a new creation body body to govern heavenly laws in this earth. God never intended us to just live like we always have until we go to Heaven. He intended us to "bring Heaven" and the Laws that He governs by, into this earthly realm. This is why God left us in our natural bodies, when He created this new creation man. He gave dominion to man, when He created this natural realm and He still intends for man to rule it. He created this new creation man to live through Him and govern here, by Heaven's Law of rule. Now, through the new creation man, God has a new creation that can be filled with God Himself to have Heavenly rule through a natural body of a man, like He did with Jesus.
Jesus taught us to pray that God's "will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Jesus intended this new creation being that He was going to bring into existence, would do like He did and not His Own will, but the will of the Father. We've remained carnally minded and have believed that everything happening on earth was God's will. If this was true, then Jesus wouldn't have needed to heal, restore of change anything, but He would have left things like they were. Jesus did God's will, which was to restore this realm to the Heavenly Image God had intended before man's fall.
Obviously, the way things happen on earth aren't how Heaven functions. As new creation people, we are supposed to seek the things of the Spirit and not get side-tracked by the real world things. When we do this real world thing, we're being controlled and governed by the flesh and are under the lower law of sin and death, instead of the Higher Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus. We are in Him and the Law of Heaven is supposed to operate and govern us, as well as governing the lower law of sin and death that has held the world captivated, until now.
As new creation people, we're called to learn the Higher Las that govern all things and then apply them here. We're faced with a spiritual outlaw (satan) who refuses to turn loose, until someone forces him. He knows that what he's doing is unlawful according to spiritual laws, but until we enforce the laws, he will continue on like he has. We know that here on earth (at least in America), it's unlawful to manufacture and sell harmful drugs, but we still have criminals doing it. They will continue doing these things, until someone enforces the law and stops them. We can't blame the President for the flow of drugs into our country, he has determined that it's unlawful and has delegated authority to the Law Enforcement agencies to stop it. We cannot blame God for satan's unlawful actions here, because God delegated and gave us the authority to stop satan's unlawful works of sin and death that operate against Heaven's laws here. Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified) says, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the despotisms, against the power, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly (super-natural) sphere."
These forces can't be controlled by mere natural man, but by the new creation man God has set forth into this earth, by the new birth. God has made laws that satan refuses to obey. Unless God's people enforce those laws, then this is the real world. Only God's new creation people can act on these laws, because one must be born-again to be able to do so. For man to establish laws on this earth and expect satan to accept them, is foolishness. He will only obey the commands of laws, when they are enforce and only God's new creation people have the authority to enforce them.
There is so much more for this new creation, than just going to Heaven when we die. In order to bring Heaven to this earth, we must allow the Father to work because Jesus said, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me that does the work." The Same Father is now living in His new creation people, to do the same work the He did in Jesus and restore things to the Laws that govern Heaven. We are simply "tools and vessels," in the Hands of the Master. Tools left in the toolbox, don't do the mechanic much good while he is working. Tools that don't want to get dirty don't do much good for the Father either. We must be there, when He needs us to do the job.
I've had several persons approach me saying, "You never deal with the real problems of life, but you always teach about the spiritual life." The entire reason for my teachings about the new creation, is so we can be capable of applying the Truth of what God has done, to what so many refer to as "the real problems of life." so many Christians have taken the "real world" problems and exalted them above the real truth of this new creation.
What we call "the real world" isn't something God has never thought of, because He has thought of everything. On the other hand, though,we have separated the real world from the plan of God. Can you even imagine God not knowing about the things occurring on earth? Or, that He has left us in a place where He is unable to reach us? The problem isn't that God doesn't care or cannot do anything to help us, but that we have never learned how to apply the Laws governing Heaven to this realm of life.
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."
There are spiritual laws that function all of the time. The Law of sin and death still functions on this earth at all times. The new creation man must know he is no longer under this Law, but under a new Law, which is the Law of Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. The new creation's new Law is operated by the Holy Spirit to lift the new creation above the old Law of sin and death. If we remain carnally minded and believe God's laws only apply to when we die and go to Heaven. This new Law doesn't operate in our lives, like is should, because we fail to apply it in our lives in this "real world."
Those who don't understand like they should, this isn't the "real world." The real world where Jesus is, has created this real world we now live in our fleshly body. The Creator is always Greater than the creation. When we learn how to function by the Higher Laws God has given us in Christ Jesus, then we can walk above the lower laws that previously governed us. Heaven has laws that operate above all else and we have simply never learned how to function in them in this realm.
Jesus came as an Example of how a new creation Man can walk here on earth, by operating in the Higher Laws of God. We've always been taught that Jesus could only do the things He did in His earthly ministry, because He was Jesus. But, this isn't true. We watched as mere not born-again men, walked in these laws by simply faith in what He told them to do. We see another view into the new creation man and how he is to be led now by his renewed mind and not by our carnal mind, in Romans 8:4-5 (Amplified) which says, "So that the righteousness and just requirements of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh, but in the ways of the Spirit (our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh [this doesn't mean sin, but simply fleshly things] but those who are according to the Spirit, and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit, set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit."
The above scripture tells us it's a choice whether we renew our minds and seek after spiritual things or we continue thinking of this as the real world and believe spiritual things are for "someday in Heaven." We are called to live in two different worlds simultaneously. We have a natural body to live and govern here and we have a new creation body body to govern heavenly laws in this earth. God never intended us to just live like we always have until we go to Heaven. He intended us to "bring Heaven" and the Laws that He governs by, into this earthly realm. This is why God left us in our natural bodies, when He created this new creation man. He gave dominion to man, when He created this natural realm and He still intends for man to rule it. He created this new creation man to live through Him and govern here, by Heaven's Law of rule. Now, through the new creation man, God has a new creation that can be filled with God Himself to have Heavenly rule through a natural body of a man, like He did with Jesus.
Jesus taught us to pray that God's "will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Jesus intended this new creation being that He was going to bring into existence, would do like He did and not His Own will, but the will of the Father. We've remained carnally minded and have believed that everything happening on earth was God's will. If this was true, then Jesus wouldn't have needed to heal, restore of change anything, but He would have left things like they were. Jesus did God's will, which was to restore this realm to the Heavenly Image God had intended before man's fall.
Obviously, the way things happen on earth aren't how Heaven functions. As new creation people, we are supposed to seek the things of the Spirit and not get side-tracked by the real world things. When we do this real world thing, we're being controlled and governed by the flesh and are under the lower law of sin and death, instead of the Higher Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus. We are in Him and the Law of Heaven is supposed to operate and govern us, as well as governing the lower law of sin and death that has held the world captivated, until now.
As new creation people, we're called to learn the Higher Las that govern all things and then apply them here. We're faced with a spiritual outlaw (satan) who refuses to turn loose, until someone forces him. He knows that what he's doing is unlawful according to spiritual laws, but until we enforce the laws, he will continue on like he has. We know that here on earth (at least in America), it's unlawful to manufacture and sell harmful drugs, but we still have criminals doing it. They will continue doing these things, until someone enforces the law and stops them. We can't blame the President for the flow of drugs into our country, he has determined that it's unlawful and has delegated authority to the Law Enforcement agencies to stop it. We cannot blame God for satan's unlawful actions here, because God delegated and gave us the authority to stop satan's unlawful works of sin and death that operate against Heaven's laws here. Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified) says, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the despotisms, against the power, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly (super-natural) sphere."
These forces can't be controlled by mere natural man, but by the new creation man God has set forth into this earth, by the new birth. God has made laws that satan refuses to obey. Unless God's people enforce those laws, then this is the real world. Only God's new creation people can act on these laws, because one must be born-again to be able to do so. For man to establish laws on this earth and expect satan to accept them, is foolishness. He will only obey the commands of laws, when they are enforce and only God's new creation people have the authority to enforce them.
There is so much more for this new creation, than just going to Heaven when we die. In order to bring Heaven to this earth, we must allow the Father to work because Jesus said, "It's not Me, but the Father in Me that does the work." The Same Father is now living in His new creation people, to do the same work the He did in Jesus and restore things to the Laws that govern Heaven. We are simply "tools and vessels," in the Hands of the Master. Tools left in the toolbox, don't do the mechanic much good while he is working. Tools that don't want to get dirty don't do much good for the Father either. We must be there, when He needs us to do the job.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Lesson 94 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away."
When our Heavenly Father created the flesh and blood body for the spirit to dwell in, He made a man in His Likeness and Image who could (and would) function in two realms simultaneously. Genesis 1:27 (Amplified) 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." In Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) God formed a body for the spirit man to dwell in and function in the natural realm of the earth. Thus, it says,"Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of spirit of life, and man became a living being."
God also made a "counterpart" for the male species of man, and Adam declared in Genesis 2:23 (Amplified), "This (creature) is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man." Both Adam and Eve were capable of living in two realms of life at the same time. Their spirits were made in God's Image and Likeness. Jesus said in John 4:24 (Amplified) that, "God is a Spirit (a Spiritual being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality)." Adam and Eve were spirit beings, who were given earthly bodies to dwell in, that were able to operate by their spirit while still operating in authority in the natural realm of the earth.
God gave this "God-man" dominion over the earthly realm, to govern by the spirit (which is to be subordinate to the very Spirit of God Himself). Man was never intended to be a rogue being, but was an offspring of God Himself and was supposed to be taught and raised into being kings and queens over the work of the Father's hands. Now man was able to bring forth children in his image and also the Image of God simultaneously. Man now had the best of both worlds.
The new creation being who has now come from the Resurrected Christ, has once more been placed into this realm and the dominion that was always the heart of the Father. Like Jesus, we were created to once again have dominion in both realms at one time. We were to rule the very elements of this earthly realm, while maintaining authority of spirit beings, according to Ephesians 6:10-18 (Amplified). Verse 10 is probably the most important one in this entire chapter, because it is the part that Adam failed in from the beginning. Thus, Paul says, "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him); draw your strength from Him (that strength which His boundless might provides)."
God would never put us in a place that was beyond His provision and strength to care for us. Adam made the mistake of trying to operate in his own authority, not realizing that all authority comes from the Lord. Aside from the delegated authority given by the Lord, there is no authority at all. The only authority satan operated in, was that which was given by God to Adam. The devil usurped Adam's authority for his own perverted use.
God had given man authority to rule and govern this earthly realm and it became legal for satan to use man's authority (even though it wasn't meant for him to use). As long as man had dominion, satan could deceive man into giving that dominion over to him and satan could now, by legal use, rule man by his own dominion. Man had been legally given dominion by God. God was left to devise a way to transfer the dominion and authority He gave to man (and man gave to satan), back to man legally.
In this new creation being, God, Who made man in His Image from the beginning, (however strange it may sound to the carnal thinking) had to be made in man's image, in order to restore balance to where it should be. To dethrone satan and put things back in order, God needed to take upon Himself the image and likeness of man.
We see a portrait of what we've been discussing, in Philippians 2:6-7 (Amplified), which says, "Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God (possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God) did not think this equality with God was a things to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself (of all privileges and rightful dignity) so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being."
To the religious mind and by human reasoning, the above scripture is beyond anything we've ever been taught, heard or learned. Thinking about man's being made in God's Image and then God being made in man's image to restore the authority and dominion He had initially given man, is difficult for the carnal mind to grasp. Now you can see how we are a new creation people, who have become one one with God like Jesus said in John 17:22 (Amplified), "I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one (even) as We are One."
When our Heavenly Father created the flesh and blood body for the spirit to dwell in, He made a man in His Likeness and Image who could (and would) function in two realms simultaneously. Genesis 1:27 (Amplified) 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." In Genesis 2:7 (Amplified) God formed a body for the spirit man to dwell in and function in the natural realm of the earth. Thus, it says,"Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of spirit of life, and man became a living being."
God also made a "counterpart" for the male species of man, and Adam declared in Genesis 2:23 (Amplified), "This (creature) is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man." Both Adam and Eve were capable of living in two realms of life at the same time. Their spirits were made in God's Image and Likeness. Jesus said in John 4:24 (Amplified) that, "God is a Spirit (a Spiritual being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality)." Adam and Eve were spirit beings, who were given earthly bodies to dwell in, that were able to operate by their spirit while still operating in authority in the natural realm of the earth.
God gave this "God-man" dominion over the earthly realm, to govern by the spirit (which is to be subordinate to the very Spirit of God Himself). Man was never intended to be a rogue being, but was an offspring of God Himself and was supposed to be taught and raised into being kings and queens over the work of the Father's hands. Now man was able to bring forth children in his image and also the Image of God simultaneously. Man now had the best of both worlds.
The new creation being who has now come from the Resurrected Christ, has once more been placed into this realm and the dominion that was always the heart of the Father. Like Jesus, we were created to once again have dominion in both realms at one time. We were to rule the very elements of this earthly realm, while maintaining authority of spirit beings, according to Ephesians 6:10-18 (Amplified). Verse 10 is probably the most important one in this entire chapter, because it is the part that Adam failed in from the beginning. Thus, Paul says, "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him); draw your strength from Him (that strength which His boundless might provides)."
God would never put us in a place that was beyond His provision and strength to care for us. Adam made the mistake of trying to operate in his own authority, not realizing that all authority comes from the Lord. Aside from the delegated authority given by the Lord, there is no authority at all. The only authority satan operated in, was that which was given by God to Adam. The devil usurped Adam's authority for his own perverted use.
God had given man authority to rule and govern this earthly realm and it became legal for satan to use man's authority (even though it wasn't meant for him to use). As long as man had dominion, satan could deceive man into giving that dominion over to him and satan could now, by legal use, rule man by his own dominion. Man had been legally given dominion by God. God was left to devise a way to transfer the dominion and authority He gave to man (and man gave to satan), back to man legally.
In this new creation being, God, Who made man in His Image from the beginning, (however strange it may sound to the carnal thinking) had to be made in man's image, in order to restore balance to where it should be. To dethrone satan and put things back in order, God needed to take upon Himself the image and likeness of man.
We see a portrait of what we've been discussing, in Philippians 2:6-7 (Amplified), which says, "Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God (possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God) did not think this equality with God was a things to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself (of all privileges and rightful dignity) so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being."
To the religious mind and by human reasoning, the above scripture is beyond anything we've ever been taught, heard or learned. Thinking about man's being made in God's Image and then God being made in man's image to restore the authority and dominion He had initially given man, is difficult for the carnal mind to grasp. Now you can see how we are a new creation people, who have become one one with God like Jesus said in John 17:22 (Amplified), "I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one (even) as We are One."
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Lesson 93 The New Creation
Our faith hasn't really grown into much more than believing we'll go to heaven when we die. How many Christians truly believe that our God can still do mighty exploits here on earth? When asked that question, do we answer, "Well, maybe" or emphatically answer, "Yes!" Sometimes, we miss His exploits or dismiss them, because we failed to see God in them. We were willing to accept what the news media says, rather than a divine intervention in things. We must become aware of our God at work on behalf of mankind and not the destruction of mankind.
It's astounding how we've confused the things of God with the things of the enemy who came to "steal, kill and destroy." Sickness, disease, hard times and poverty have now become the normal for God's people. Tongues, healing, miracles and prosperity have somehow, now become the work of the devil. It's so alarming to hear this message preached in the congregations of God's Own family. The Word says that, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Faith in anything comes by hearing. It's a spiritual law and principle. There's an old saying about this that says, "They have told that lie so long, they have come to believe it." It's time to come back from the compromised message and believe the truth of God's Word again.
There is an awakening to God's Presence and the truth of God's Word happening, not only in our Land, but throughout the earth. The unsaved are become awake to God's Presence and the Church is undergoing revival. The word "revival" means to "revive the Church from its slumber and sleep and awaken from tradition to truth."
God said in 2Chronicles 7:14 (Amplified) that, "If My people would awake and pray and come back to Me, then I will hear their prayers and heal our land." If we cannot see the sickness that has crept into our land, then we are blind and will not see. America has become sick because of not observing God's Word and by allowing things to occur that we (the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ) should never have tolerated. We've allowed this sickness to permeate our whole land, either from our not knowing or not seeing or not recognizing it.
We must put our denomination differences aside and realize that we are one body. If one part of the body doesn't function properly, then the whole body is dysfunctional. Standing together in faith isn't that hard, if we'll all return to faith in God's Word. We've used His Word for individual strength, but now we must come together for corporate strength. The Church are the ones Jesus gave the authority to. We need to use that authority over the principalities and powers controlling our nation. We need to lift up the Name of Jesus over it all, once again.
Jesus gave His authority to the believer and without its being used like He instructed, nothing changes. There are currently laws concerning the making and selling of illegal drugs established in our country, but even though the law forbids it, if the law isn't enforced, then the illegal distribution continues. There are certain things occurring on earth that are against the laws of Heaven, but if the Church doesn't enforce these laws, then the enemy continues destroying those Jesus came to save.
The Church has become subject to laws that are unGodly, because we refuse to stand united in faith and prayer, to stop satan's maneuvering in our lives. Jesus gave us some guidelines on how to use the authority He gave us, in Matthew 18:19 (Amplified) saying, "Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in Heaven; and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in Heaven."
This was given for the future time, when the new creation people would be given this authority to hold as His representatives on earth. Jesus told us what things Heaven would and wouldn't permit to be just and acceptable on earth. There shouldn't be a great debate about some of the things that we have allowed to happen here. Can you imagine things being run and happening in Heaven, like they're being done here? I hear Christians say, "Whatever is being done, is God's will." Jesus, though, taught us to pray that, "God's will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven." Do we truly believe that what's currently transpiring on earth are the things occurring in Heaven? Who, then, is responsible for "Doing His will here on earth?" Jesus said that, "He came not to do his will, but the will of the Father." The way to have God's will done on earth like it is in Heaven, is to have somebody to His will here. Jesus said in John 6:38 (Amplified), "For I have come down from Heaven not to do My Own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me."
Jesus also said in John 14:12-13 (Amplified), "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and He will do even greater things than these because I go to the Father. And I will do (I Myself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I Am), so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son."
When we take Jesus at His Word and do the very things He did, then the Father is glorified ion the Son, through us. This isn't some work of the flesh to lift up man, but is the work of the Spirit to lift up Jesus. The "greater work" Jesus spoke about, is getting people born-again, through His resurrection. Jesus couldn't get anyone born-again until His death and resurrection. This was a privilege left for the Church, by the Holy Spirit.
No father worth his salt, brings children into this life without providing for them and raising and teaching them into adulthood (and sometimes beyond that). I've discovered that you never stop being a father. My kids are middle-aged adults, but I'm still their father. They still look to me for help and advice from time to time. I didn't orphan my children or leave them as babies. I raised them into adulthood, and enables them with the tools to remain at liberty.
Our Heavenly Father never intended for His children to remain babies for the remainder of their time here on earth. As sons of God, we're expected to "train up" His children and bring them into maturity and into His Kingdom. This goes beyond teaching them to walk in the natural, but also in the super-natural. I enjoy my life here on earth with the things my Father has created and provided for me. I live in a rural area that is both peaceful and quiet, where I raise horses and beef cattle. I love what my Heavenly Father created for us here. I simultaneously, can walk in the Spirit with Him and do the things that please Him.
The Word admonishes us to, "Not love the things of the world," not the things of the earth. The world or the world system, is run by darkness, while "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." I can enjoy what God crated for me and change the things the enemy has perverted, at the same time. When I observe the earth's beauty (even under the curse), I can see the heart of a loving Father Who created this whole world for the enjoyment of His children. I partook of the blessing that has come on me through Christ Jesus and broke the curse from off the land God has given me. God has blessed me with enough hay to keep the horses and cattle well fed. The things that were cursed through Adam's fall, have been blessed by the power of the new creation, in Christ Jesus. Where there was only proof of the curse, there is now a Garden of Eden.
I was once told that because I'm in the ministry, I shouldn't have horses and cattle anymore. What a shame someone would think that way. My most precious times with my Heavenly Father are spent when I'm in the tractor, cutting and bailing the hay. The quiet and beauty of that time spent with Him, in the restored beauty of His creation, is prayer and worship that some never achieve. The balance of enjoying what God has given me here and the inheritance I received into His new creation, is a balance that Jesus and Adam shared. They both walked with God in the Spirit, while still having a natural body.
This is a great things about this new creation. I can have the glory of both worlds, living in both placed simultaneously, while walking naturally super-natural.
It's astounding how we've confused the things of God with the things of the enemy who came to "steal, kill and destroy." Sickness, disease, hard times and poverty have now become the normal for God's people. Tongues, healing, miracles and prosperity have somehow, now become the work of the devil. It's so alarming to hear this message preached in the congregations of God's Own family. The Word says that, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Faith in anything comes by hearing. It's a spiritual law and principle. There's an old saying about this that says, "They have told that lie so long, they have come to believe it." It's time to come back from the compromised message and believe the truth of God's Word again.
There is an awakening to God's Presence and the truth of God's Word happening, not only in our Land, but throughout the earth. The unsaved are become awake to God's Presence and the Church is undergoing revival. The word "revival" means to "revive the Church from its slumber and sleep and awaken from tradition to truth."
God said in 2Chronicles 7:14 (Amplified) that, "If My people would awake and pray and come back to Me, then I will hear their prayers and heal our land." If we cannot see the sickness that has crept into our land, then we are blind and will not see. America has become sick because of not observing God's Word and by allowing things to occur that we (the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ) should never have tolerated. We've allowed this sickness to permeate our whole land, either from our not knowing or not seeing or not recognizing it.
We must put our denomination differences aside and realize that we are one body. If one part of the body doesn't function properly, then the whole body is dysfunctional. Standing together in faith isn't that hard, if we'll all return to faith in God's Word. We've used His Word for individual strength, but now we must come together for corporate strength. The Church are the ones Jesus gave the authority to. We need to use that authority over the principalities and powers controlling our nation. We need to lift up the Name of Jesus over it all, once again.
Jesus gave His authority to the believer and without its being used like He instructed, nothing changes. There are currently laws concerning the making and selling of illegal drugs established in our country, but even though the law forbids it, if the law isn't enforced, then the illegal distribution continues. There are certain things occurring on earth that are against the laws of Heaven, but if the Church doesn't enforce these laws, then the enemy continues destroying those Jesus came to save.
The Church has become subject to laws that are unGodly, because we refuse to stand united in faith and prayer, to stop satan's maneuvering in our lives. Jesus gave us some guidelines on how to use the authority He gave us, in Matthew 18:19 (Amplified) saying, "Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in Heaven; and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in Heaven."
This was given for the future time, when the new creation people would be given this authority to hold as His representatives on earth. Jesus told us what things Heaven would and wouldn't permit to be just and acceptable on earth. There shouldn't be a great debate about some of the things that we have allowed to happen here. Can you imagine things being run and happening in Heaven, like they're being done here? I hear Christians say, "Whatever is being done, is God's will." Jesus, though, taught us to pray that, "God's will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven." Do we truly believe that what's currently transpiring on earth are the things occurring in Heaven? Who, then, is responsible for "Doing His will here on earth?" Jesus said that, "He came not to do his will, but the will of the Father." The way to have God's will done on earth like it is in Heaven, is to have somebody to His will here. Jesus said in John 6:38 (Amplified), "For I have come down from Heaven not to do My Own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me."
Jesus also said in John 14:12-13 (Amplified), "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and He will do even greater things than these because I go to the Father. And I will do (I Myself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I Am), so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son."
When we take Jesus at His Word and do the very things He did, then the Father is glorified ion the Son, through us. This isn't some work of the flesh to lift up man, but is the work of the Spirit to lift up Jesus. The "greater work" Jesus spoke about, is getting people born-again, through His resurrection. Jesus couldn't get anyone born-again until His death and resurrection. This was a privilege left for the Church, by the Holy Spirit.
No father worth his salt, brings children into this life without providing for them and raising and teaching them into adulthood (and sometimes beyond that). I've discovered that you never stop being a father. My kids are middle-aged adults, but I'm still their father. They still look to me for help and advice from time to time. I didn't orphan my children or leave them as babies. I raised them into adulthood, and enables them with the tools to remain at liberty.
Our Heavenly Father never intended for His children to remain babies for the remainder of their time here on earth. As sons of God, we're expected to "train up" His children and bring them into maturity and into His Kingdom. This goes beyond teaching them to walk in the natural, but also in the super-natural. I enjoy my life here on earth with the things my Father has created and provided for me. I live in a rural area that is both peaceful and quiet, where I raise horses and beef cattle. I love what my Heavenly Father created for us here. I simultaneously, can walk in the Spirit with Him and do the things that please Him.
The Word admonishes us to, "Not love the things of the world," not the things of the earth. The world or the world system, is run by darkness, while "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." I can enjoy what God crated for me and change the things the enemy has perverted, at the same time. When I observe the earth's beauty (even under the curse), I can see the heart of a loving Father Who created this whole world for the enjoyment of His children. I partook of the blessing that has come on me through Christ Jesus and broke the curse from off the land God has given me. God has blessed me with enough hay to keep the horses and cattle well fed. The things that were cursed through Adam's fall, have been blessed by the power of the new creation, in Christ Jesus. Where there was only proof of the curse, there is now a Garden of Eden.
I was once told that because I'm in the ministry, I shouldn't have horses and cattle anymore. What a shame someone would think that way. My most precious times with my Heavenly Father are spent when I'm in the tractor, cutting and bailing the hay. The quiet and beauty of that time spent with Him, in the restored beauty of His creation, is prayer and worship that some never achieve. The balance of enjoying what God has given me here and the inheritance I received into His new creation, is a balance that Jesus and Adam shared. They both walked with God in the Spirit, while still having a natural body.
This is a great things about this new creation. I can have the glory of both worlds, living in both placed simultaneously, while walking naturally super-natural.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Lesson 92 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 away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
Our natural body still mostly controls our new creation body. We continue living by Law, rather than by grace. We listen more to the unrenewed mind, rather than the mind of Christ. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God," but we've primarily been taught only a small portion of the Truth of the Gospel. Our faith cannot rise above our hearing.
We all acknowledge the sins of the flesh are wrong, even under grace. But, we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to guide us into the place where our spiritual actually dominates our natural body. In Numbers 13, we see people respond by faith in what they've heard and it kept them in the Promised Land for more than forty years. Only ten of the preachers telling the Israelites that, "We cannot take the Land" had ever even seen it. The others placed faith in what they heard from those saying, "We cannot take the Land." Joshua and Caleb agreed with what the Lord had told them, while the majority placed their faith in, "We cannot take the Land."
Because we've only preached certain things from the Word about the new creation, the faith of the people has never risen above what they've heard. Most of our preaching has been more about what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future. We've failed to preach much about what God can and will do in the here and now. When we hear the "Now Word of faith," then our faith in the true and Living God can do what He is ready to do now.
Romans 1:17 (Amplified) says, "For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith (disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith) As it is written, the man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith."
Our faith is a living thing through the Word of God, that should grow from day to day,as we come to understand who we are now in the Gospel. Paul said that, "In the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed by faith." When faith understands righteousness, faith will grow into the life of faith, that reaches into the realm of understanding. Until we begin to understand (by hearings and studying) what God has done for us in the Gospel, we can't actually walk in it by faith.
Even after reading from 2Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) that, "Christ was made to be sin with our sin, so that we, in and through Him, might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God," we still just quote from Romans 3:10 (Amplified) which says, "As it is written. None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." We didn't have the understanding that now, through Jesus, God has made us to be righteous with His righteousness. And, because not much has been preached on it, we operated more in Romans 10:3 (Amplified), "For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes (which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed) and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of our own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God's righteousness."
This might be the greatest starting point of what Paul was saying in Romans 1:17 (Amplified), "Until we, by faith, can understand righteousness by grace, our faith cannot rise into the place of understanding living by faith." Those of us who have been saved and born-again, are already living by faith, according to Galatians 2:20 (Amplified) which says, "I have been crucified with Christ (in Him I have shared His crucifixion) it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on, and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
So, whether or not we understand it, we (the new creation people) are already living by faith. We sometimes have a difficult time putting our faith in this, because it hasn't been preached much. e continue trying to establish our own righteousness, instead of going "from faith to faith." We find our faith "stuck" in one place, as we try to grow into Him.
Many of us were taught that we will be new creations, after we arrive in Heaven to spend eternity with Him. And, this prevents our taking our rightful place here on earth. Growing up into faith with our Father, is simply believing what He says, more than what our senses and others say about us. Hebrews 5:14 (Amplified) tells us, "But solid food is for full grown men, For those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to distinguish evil and contrary either to divine or human law."
We continue being swayed by the world's idea of what "morally good and evil and what is divine or human law." What man thinks about divine law and what God thinks about divine law is spiritually discerned. In the eyes and thoughts of the world, all things are acceptable. Because we haven't "trained by practice" what the Word says, we find ourselves being drawn into the world's way of thinking. This is establishing our own righteousness in the Word of God. We are called to not only do differently, but to think differently.
Our natural body still mostly controls our new creation body. We continue living by Law, rather than by grace. We listen more to the unrenewed mind, rather than the mind of Christ. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God," but we've primarily been taught only a small portion of the Truth of the Gospel. Our faith cannot rise above our hearing.
We all acknowledge the sins of the flesh are wrong, even under grace. But, we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to guide us into the place where our spiritual actually dominates our natural body. In Numbers 13, we see people respond by faith in what they've heard and it kept them in the Promised Land for more than forty years. Only ten of the preachers telling the Israelites that, "We cannot take the Land" had ever even seen it. The others placed faith in what they heard from those saying, "We cannot take the Land." Joshua and Caleb agreed with what the Lord had told them, while the majority placed their faith in, "We cannot take the Land."
Because we've only preached certain things from the Word about the new creation, the faith of the people has never risen above what they've heard. Most of our preaching has been more about what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future. We've failed to preach much about what God can and will do in the here and now. When we hear the "Now Word of faith," then our faith in the true and Living God can do what He is ready to do now.
Romans 1:17 (Amplified) says, "For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith (disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith) As it is written, the man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith."
Our faith is a living thing through the Word of God, that should grow from day to day,as we come to understand who we are now in the Gospel. Paul said that, "In the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed by faith." When faith understands righteousness, faith will grow into the life of faith, that reaches into the realm of understanding. Until we begin to understand (by hearings and studying) what God has done for us in the Gospel, we can't actually walk in it by faith.
Even after reading from 2Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) that, "Christ was made to be sin with our sin, so that we, in and through Him, might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God," we still just quote from Romans 3:10 (Amplified) which says, "As it is written. None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no not one." We didn't have the understanding that now, through Jesus, God has made us to be righteous with His righteousness. And, because not much has been preached on it, we operated more in Romans 10:3 (Amplified), "For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes (which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed) and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of our own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God's righteousness."
This might be the greatest starting point of what Paul was saying in Romans 1:17 (Amplified), "Until we, by faith, can understand righteousness by grace, our faith cannot rise into the place of understanding living by faith." Those of us who have been saved and born-again, are already living by faith, according to Galatians 2:20 (Amplified) which says, "I have been crucified with Christ (in Him I have shared His crucifixion) it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on, and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
So, whether or not we understand it, we (the new creation people) are already living by faith. We sometimes have a difficult time putting our faith in this, because it hasn't been preached much. e continue trying to establish our own righteousness, instead of going "from faith to faith." We find our faith "stuck" in one place, as we try to grow into Him.
Many of us were taught that we will be new creations, after we arrive in Heaven to spend eternity with Him. And, this prevents our taking our rightful place here on earth. Growing up into faith with our Father, is simply believing what He says, more than what our senses and others say about us. Hebrews 5:14 (Amplified) tells us, "But solid food is for full grown men, For those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to distinguish evil and contrary either to divine or human law."
We continue being swayed by the world's idea of what "morally good and evil and what is divine or human law." What man thinks about divine law and what God thinks about divine law is spiritually discerned. In the eyes and thoughts of the world, all things are acceptable. Because we haven't "trained by practice" what the Word says, we find ourselves being drawn into the world's way of thinking. This is establishing our own righteousness in the Word of God. We are called to not only do differently, but to think differently.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Lesson 91 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, any person who is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) is passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
We became a new creation, the moment we were born-again. This doesn't mean that things won't be different when we leave this body, but it does mean that the spirit man who lives in this body, is alive unto God now and can (and should) walk in a different realm than we have been walking in. To what degree we are to walk, seems to vary from person to person. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:31,33 (Amplified) to, "Seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all of these things (what we are to eat, what we are going to drink and what we are going to wear Vs. 31) taken together will be given you besides."
Jesus indicated that God wants to meet our natural needs, as well as our spiritual needs. We've never learned how to obtain this kind of relationship with the Father. God's way of doing and being right, means that the Kingdom has another way of functioning that we've never reached into. Obviously, God's way of being right (His righteousness) is a gift of grace given when we receive Jesus as our righteousness. Romans 3:24 (Amplified) says, "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus." In order to seek His righteousness, we must by faith, believe that Jesus is our righteousness. If we believe what Jesus told instructed in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first of all His righteousness," then we will by faith, cease trying to obtain our own righteousness by works.
His way of doing and being right, is something we've not understood. Religion says that, "In order to do His way of being right, we must simply change our way of living and stop allowing sin to operated in our natural body." It's very true, that we should bring our natural body into subjection to the Word and the new creation spirit, but is this all there is to "doing and being right?"
In the life of Jesus and those we read about in the Word, we see how they didn't just stop at simply not sinning anymore. His way of doing right, extended into reaching the masses of people who had things which didn't comply with His Kingdom. His way in the Kingdom, also deals with the natural position of mankind, as well as their spiritual lives. Seeking first of all His way of doing and being right, means bringing them closer to God's Kingdom, through our works of the Spirit in this new creation.
We were created in Jesus, in order to bring about God's will here on earth again. Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." In order for God to express His will here on earth, He needs for His new creation to operate in the Laws that govern Heaven, to function again on earth, through His very Presence in His new creation.
This isn't a condemnation to those who are simply "living right," here on earth, but to challenge us to reach farther into Who our Father has created us to be, how to operate in His Kingdom instead of the kingdom of darkness that we'd previously been raised in. What we have been doing isn't wrong, it's just short of "His way of doing and being right." He has so much more for us to operate in, we haven't seen yet, because we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to teach us His ways.
The Church has reached the age of maturity, where God will raise up such leaders as Moses, Joshua, Jesus, Paul and those who stepped out of the ordinary into the super-natural Kingdom of God. This is for us today.
"Seeking and doing the things of His Kingdom" also means that everything that was out-of-order in the Kingdom, was to be restored to God's original plan for man. Jesus stood in the Synagogue, reading from Isaiah 61:1-2, in Luke 4:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "The Spirit of the Lord (is) upon Me, because He has anointed Me (the Anointed One, the Messiah) to preach the Good News (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed (who are trodden down, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity) To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord (the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound)."
His way of doing and being right, is for the time when righteousness was restored again to mankind. His way of doing right, was for the new creation people, to restore His way back to the earth. Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:8-9 (Amplified), "Whenever you go into a town and they receive and accept and welcome you, eat what is set before you, and heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God has come close to you.'" Is this His way of doing and being right, in the Kingdom?
If it were different, then Jesus would have done it differently. Is this then, as it was then "For us to seek first of all His way of doing and being right?" Is this what brings us close to the Kingdom of God by our works of the Spirit in this new creation?
We became a new creation, the moment we were born-again. This doesn't mean that things won't be different when we leave this body, but it does mean that the spirit man who lives in this body, is alive unto God now and can (and should) walk in a different realm than we have been walking in. To what degree we are to walk, seems to vary from person to person. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:31,33 (Amplified) to, "Seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all of these things (what we are to eat, what we are going to drink and what we are going to wear Vs. 31) taken together will be given you besides."
Jesus indicated that God wants to meet our natural needs, as well as our spiritual needs. We've never learned how to obtain this kind of relationship with the Father. God's way of doing and being right, means that the Kingdom has another way of functioning that we've never reached into. Obviously, God's way of being right (His righteousness) is a gift of grace given when we receive Jesus as our righteousness. Romans 3:24 (Amplified) says, "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus." In order to seek His righteousness, we must by faith, believe that Jesus is our righteousness. If we believe what Jesus told instructed in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first of all His righteousness," then we will by faith, cease trying to obtain our own righteousness by works.
His way of doing and being right, is something we've not understood. Religion says that, "In order to do His way of being right, we must simply change our way of living and stop allowing sin to operated in our natural body." It's very true, that we should bring our natural body into subjection to the Word and the new creation spirit, but is this all there is to "doing and being right?"
In the life of Jesus and those we read about in the Word, we see how they didn't just stop at simply not sinning anymore. His way of doing right, extended into reaching the masses of people who had things which didn't comply with His Kingdom. His way in the Kingdom, also deals with the natural position of mankind, as well as their spiritual lives. Seeking first of all His way of doing and being right, means bringing them closer to God's Kingdom, through our works of the Spirit in this new creation.
We were created in Jesus, in order to bring about God's will here on earth again. Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." In order for God to express His will here on earth, He needs for His new creation to operate in the Laws that govern Heaven, to function again on earth, through His very Presence in His new creation.
This isn't a condemnation to those who are simply "living right," here on earth, but to challenge us to reach farther into Who our Father has created us to be, how to operate in His Kingdom instead of the kingdom of darkness that we'd previously been raised in. What we have been doing isn't wrong, it's just short of "His way of doing and being right." He has so much more for us to operate in, we haven't seen yet, because we haven't allowed the Holy Spirit to teach us His ways.
The Church has reached the age of maturity, where God will raise up such leaders as Moses, Joshua, Jesus, Paul and those who stepped out of the ordinary into the super-natural Kingdom of God. This is for us today.
"Seeking and doing the things of His Kingdom" also means that everything that was out-of-order in the Kingdom, was to be restored to God's original plan for man. Jesus stood in the Synagogue, reading from Isaiah 61:1-2, in Luke 4:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "The Spirit of the Lord (is) upon Me, because He has anointed Me (the Anointed One, the Messiah) to preach the Good News (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed (who are trodden down, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity) To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord (the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound)."
His way of doing and being right, is for the time when righteousness was restored again to mankind. His way of doing right, was for the new creation people, to restore His way back to the earth. Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:8-9 (Amplified), "Whenever you go into a town and they receive and accept and welcome you, eat what is set before you, and heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God has come close to you.'" Is this His way of doing and being right, in the Kingdom?
If it were different, then Jesus would have done it differently. Is this then, as it was then "For us to seek first of all His way of doing and being right?" Is this what brings us close to the Kingdom of God by our works of the Spirit in this new creation?
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