2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
The new creation family of God has spent more time being sin conscious, instead of righteousness consciousness. We've been constantly reminded of who we were, rather than who we now are in Christ Jesus. Because of this, we've never truly entered into what God, through Jesus, has created us to be. The world and man's carnal mind have focused so much on the sin, that we've failed to even see the new creation man. Satan has always tried keeping our focus off the new creation identity, leading us to believe it's for after we die and go to Heaven.
We've always heard sermons about "Going to Heaven someday," and how "This life of suffering will be worth it someday." The Church has been content with accepting this "as the way things are," and has never pressed into the newness of who we've now become, through Jesus. We've dedicated our entire Christian walk to trying not to sin and accepting whatever life has to offer us, this side of Heaven. Very few have come to the Truth of what the Father has done in and for us, in this earthly body. The return of the loss Adam faced in the Garden, has now been restored completely, through the Last Adam (Jesus).
Romans 6:11 (Amplified) tells us, "Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God (living in unbroken fellowship with Him) in Christ Jesus." We hardly ever see ourselves as being in "unbroken fellowship" with the Father. We've somehow believed that God was more aware of our failures, than He is of our efforts in "getting it right." Ever baby fails time and again, as they grow into maturity. Even as we, who were babies in Christ, will make mistakes and fail as we "grow from faith to faith."
Learning to walk in "unbroken fellowship" with the Father, requires understanding His Grace and Love for us, even as we grow. Many have stopped growing altogether and have decided that it must be God's will for us to never reach maturity in Him. Others are so consumed and distracted by the things of life, that they are content to simply "go to Heaven when they die." Man has decided what are the bare necessities for going to Heaven and only do the things they believe are required to get there.
We've been willing to take the word of others, about what God's will and grace are. We then, walk in their relationship, instead of forming our own "unbroken" relationship with the Father. I don't want a secondhand relationship with Him, but one that is intimate with Him. In Philippians 3:10 (Amplified) Paul says, "For my determined purpose is, that I may know Him (that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly); and that I may in that same way come to know the power out flowing from His resurrection (which is exerts over believers)."
Paul wasn't simply thinking about "going to Heaven when he died" or about meeting the minimal requirements for going to Heaven. Paul wanted to know what Jesus had done and he wished to know Jesus in a manner that only someone seeking Him, could know. As a new creation man, I want to know my Creator in an intimate relationship. I want to know my own Heavenly Father, in the way Jesus did. In Colossians 1:9-11(Amplified, we find a prayer that I not only receive as Paul prayed it, but one that I pray daily. Thus, he says, "For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, (your love and faith, goodness, power, wisdom) have not ceased to pray and make (special request for you) (asking) that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom (in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things. That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God (with fuller and deeper, and clear insight, acquaintance and recognition) (We pray) that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory (to exercise) every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy."
The Holy Spirit inspired to write the above prayer and it's for all who will receive of it, according to faith in the Father. I've found that there are many in the Body of Christ, who are thirsting after a closer knowledge about the Father and to know the Father Himself more deeply. Paul goes on in Colossians 1:22-23 (Amplified) saying, "Yet now has Christ (the Messiah) reconciled (you to God) in the Body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His (the Father's) Presence. (And this He will do) providing that you continue to stay with and in the faith (in Christ) well grounded and settled and steadfast, not shifting of moving away from the hope (which rests on and is inspired by) the glad tidings (the Gospel) which you heard and which has been preached (as being designed for and offered without restrictions) to every person under Heaven, and of which (Gospel) I, Paul, became a minister."
This revelation that Jesus gave to Paul, isn't in a Parable or any other Words Jesus preached during His earthly ministry. Jesus couldn't reveal the entire content of His finished work, to the people. The above mystery was still hidden from the world and the evil one, when Jesus was on earth. It was only after His ascension and completion of the new covenant through His Blood, that Jesus could reveal it to the world. Paul was the only recipient of this revelation and was commissioned to take this Gospel into all the world, both to the Jews and the Gentiles.
We can learn who and what the new creation people are, in the Epistles. There has been so much misunderstanding of the new creation, because men have failed to distinguish between what is said in the Gospels and the Epistles. The Synopsis (the Gospels) are actually Old Testament books, written to the Old Testament people. The new covenant was was ratified only after Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected. We are not under the Law, but are new creatures under grace. We're not dead men under sin and death, but are new creation people under the Law of the Spirit of Life, in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:26 (Amplified) tells us, "The Mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations (from angels and men), but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints)."
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Lesson 230 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
One of the greatest revelations for today's Church, might be understanding who we are as new creations. Many of us read God's Word, but fail to understand what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. The world and it's culture (that we all grew up in) has successfully blended religion with reality. Our reading the Word, doesn't mean that we understand or have revelation of it. Understanding who we truly are as new creations, means we understand we never existed before being born-again. If you did exist in the Presence of God's Spirit, then you're not a new creation, but one who was revamped.
You were actually crucified, died and buried with Jesus. This isn't speaking figuratively, but is an actual Truth in God's family. We seem to identify more with the old man, because of things we hear and constantly being reminded of. Even though you're still in your earthly body (or "house," as Paul calls it), the one who now lives in this house, isn't the same you, because you're a new creation. For the first time in your days on this planet, you are now alive in your spirit man and your spirit has born from death to life.
For many of us, the word "righteous," is a religious word that describes our behavior. Although behavior is part of being righteous, this isn't what being righteous is about. When Adam transgress in the Garden of Eden and was separated from God's Presence, he lost his right to stand in God's Presence. Since his sin was transmitted to all of mankind through him, "None were righteous, not one." B says,eing "ingrafted in Christ Jesus," and being a new creation through Him, has restored the legal right for us to come before God again.
All of our legal right in the Kingdom, ow come through our new creation man, in Christ Jesus. Man had no right to come into God's Presence and His Throne of Grace. Massive amounts of blood from lambs, goats and bulls covered man's trespasses in the old covenant, but never removed them. Very few people could enter the place where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The slightest mistake made during their entering this place, could bring death to that person. Now, the Blood of Jesus not only covers our sins, but it removes all stains of sin. Jesus's Blood not only allows us to come before God, but it actually brought us to God in Himself. Being ingrafted in Jesus, means that we enter in through Him, with Him and in Him. John 17 says, we have become "one with Him, just as He and the Father are One." Every time we enter into God's Presence, it's like Jesus Himself is doing so, because we are "one with Him."
Satan has done his best, to limit the Body of Christ to simple religious ideas, instead of revelation Truth. Mostly, we only think of ourselves as being spirit, when we die. The Church hasn't been taught about thinking as spirit people and developing as spirit people. We continue to see ourselves as fallen man and sinners, instead of new creation people who Jesus raised up with Himself at His resurrection.
We see the resurrection as a future event and not as something that happened when we were born-again. It's true that there will be a future resurrection of the body, but our spirit man was resurrected and made alive with Jesus already. This is why we are a new creation. The dead spirit (dead in trespass and sin) was made alive by the Holy Spirit and was resurrected from the dead as a new creation. We are brand new, like the Heavens and earth were "brand new," when God spoke them into existence.
Until God spoke the Heavens into existence, they didn't exist. The new creation didn't exist, until Jesus (Who is God's Word) spoke and was declared to be the Firstborn from the dead. This kind of being (the new creation) didn't exist in all creation, until then. We've spent more time involved with the carnal man and his weakness, rather than on the new man and his strength in the Father. Romans 5:17 (Amplified) says, "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive (God's) overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free Gift of righteousness (putting them into right standing with Himself) reign as kings in life, through the One Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
We've been taught and trained by our carnal thinking, to try controlling the flesh, by the flesh. Although there is some strength in our willpower to control our behavior, we haven't been taught to draw out of our new creation spirit for strength. Proverbs 20:27 (Amplified) says, "The spirit of man (that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God) is the Lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts."
As our new creation spirit is turned to the Holy Spirit, to seeking wisdom from God, it draws strength, wisdom, understand and power in unity with Christ Jesus. Our carnal minds begin surrendering to the Mind of Christ and our carnal behavior begins to submit to our new being. The fight is now one of faith, in our union with Christ, instead of our own strength, willpower and ritual. Proverbs 22:17-21 (Amplified) says, "Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to My knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind (believing them) your lips will be accustomed to (confessing) them. So that your trust (belief, reliance, support and confidence) may be in the Lord. I have made known these things to you today, even to you Have I not written to you (long ago) excellent things in counsels and knowledge To make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you."
The balance between exalting yourself and having God exalt you, is having humility in what God says about you and what you say about yourself. Walking in true humility does mean disagreeing with what God says about you and debasing yourself. If God says you're "righteous in Him,"then who are you to say that you're not righteous? If God says you're a new creation son or daughter, then who are you to say that you're just an old sinner, saved by grace? If God says you're "justified, consecrated and declared righteous," then who are we to say, "Jesus wasn't enough to make us clean and in right standing with God?" This is pride and false humility, of the flesh.
Jesus didn't think it was prideful or arrogant to declare that, "He and the Father are One." He wasn't being boastful, when He said He was the Son of God and that God was His Father. Jesus simply said what God said about Him. This is what upset the carnally minded religious people of Jesus' time. Jesus was bold in Who God said He was and they couldn't stand that.
In most of today's congregations, many people find it prideful and arrogant when we dare say what God says about us. The truth though, is it's arrogant and prideful to say you're not what God says about you. When we don't understand this simply Truth, we're actually declaring in the Face of God that, "Jesus wasn't enough to totally cleanse and redeem us" and that, "We need another sacrifice to do so," or "We'll finish the job on our own." We are to submit to righteousness and "sin not." We are to put on the new man and walk in Him. We need to understand all of what Jesus did for us.
We must trust in the Word and learn to walk in it, so that all the other things will cease, according to Galatians 5:16 (Amplified), which says, "But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the Holy Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit) then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)."
One of the greatest revelations for today's Church, might be understanding who we are as new creations. Many of us read God's Word, but fail to understand what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. The world and it's culture (that we all grew up in) has successfully blended religion with reality. Our reading the Word, doesn't mean that we understand or have revelation of it. Understanding who we truly are as new creations, means we understand we never existed before being born-again. If you did exist in the Presence of God's Spirit, then you're not a new creation, but one who was revamped.
You were actually crucified, died and buried with Jesus. This isn't speaking figuratively, but is an actual Truth in God's family. We seem to identify more with the old man, because of things we hear and constantly being reminded of. Even though you're still in your earthly body (or "house," as Paul calls it), the one who now lives in this house, isn't the same you, because you're a new creation. For the first time in your days on this planet, you are now alive in your spirit man and your spirit has born from death to life.
For many of us, the word "righteous," is a religious word that describes our behavior. Although behavior is part of being righteous, this isn't what being righteous is about. When Adam transgress in the Garden of Eden and was separated from God's Presence, he lost his right to stand in God's Presence. Since his sin was transmitted to all of mankind through him, "None were righteous, not one." B says,eing "ingrafted in Christ Jesus," and being a new creation through Him, has restored the legal right for us to come before God again.
All of our legal right in the Kingdom, ow come through our new creation man, in Christ Jesus. Man had no right to come into God's Presence and His Throne of Grace. Massive amounts of blood from lambs, goats and bulls covered man's trespasses in the old covenant, but never removed them. Very few people could enter the place where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The slightest mistake made during their entering this place, could bring death to that person. Now, the Blood of Jesus not only covers our sins, but it removes all stains of sin. Jesus's Blood not only allows us to come before God, but it actually brought us to God in Himself. Being ingrafted in Jesus, means that we enter in through Him, with Him and in Him. John 17 says, we have become "one with Him, just as He and the Father are One." Every time we enter into God's Presence, it's like Jesus Himself is doing so, because we are "one with Him."
Satan has done his best, to limit the Body of Christ to simple religious ideas, instead of revelation Truth. Mostly, we only think of ourselves as being spirit, when we die. The Church hasn't been taught about thinking as spirit people and developing as spirit people. We continue to see ourselves as fallen man and sinners, instead of new creation people who Jesus raised up with Himself at His resurrection.
We see the resurrection as a future event and not as something that happened when we were born-again. It's true that there will be a future resurrection of the body, but our spirit man was resurrected and made alive with Jesus already. This is why we are a new creation. The dead spirit (dead in trespass and sin) was made alive by the Holy Spirit and was resurrected from the dead as a new creation. We are brand new, like the Heavens and earth were "brand new," when God spoke them into existence.
Until God spoke the Heavens into existence, they didn't exist. The new creation didn't exist, until Jesus (Who is God's Word) spoke and was declared to be the Firstborn from the dead. This kind of being (the new creation) didn't exist in all creation, until then. We've spent more time involved with the carnal man and his weakness, rather than on the new man and his strength in the Father. Romans 5:17 (Amplified) says, "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive (God's) overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free Gift of righteousness (putting them into right standing with Himself) reign as kings in life, through the One Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
We've been taught and trained by our carnal thinking, to try controlling the flesh, by the flesh. Although there is some strength in our willpower to control our behavior, we haven't been taught to draw out of our new creation spirit for strength. Proverbs 20:27 (Amplified) says, "The spirit of man (that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God) is the Lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts."
As our new creation spirit is turned to the Holy Spirit, to seeking wisdom from God, it draws strength, wisdom, understand and power in unity with Christ Jesus. Our carnal minds begin surrendering to the Mind of Christ and our carnal behavior begins to submit to our new being. The fight is now one of faith, in our union with Christ, instead of our own strength, willpower and ritual. Proverbs 22:17-21 (Amplified) says, "Listen (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to My knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind (believing them) your lips will be accustomed to (confessing) them. So that your trust (belief, reliance, support and confidence) may be in the Lord. I have made known these things to you today, even to you Have I not written to you (long ago) excellent things in counsels and knowledge To make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you."
The balance between exalting yourself and having God exalt you, is having humility in what God says about you and what you say about yourself. Walking in true humility does mean disagreeing with what God says about you and debasing yourself. If God says you're "righteous in Him,"then who are you to say that you're not righteous? If God says you're a new creation son or daughter, then who are you to say that you're just an old sinner, saved by grace? If God says you're "justified, consecrated and declared righteous," then who are we to say, "Jesus wasn't enough to make us clean and in right standing with God?" This is pride and false humility, of the flesh.
Jesus didn't think it was prideful or arrogant to declare that, "He and the Father are One." He wasn't being boastful, when He said He was the Son of God and that God was His Father. Jesus simply said what God said about Him. This is what upset the carnally minded religious people of Jesus' time. Jesus was bold in Who God said He was and they couldn't stand that.
In most of today's congregations, many people find it prideful and arrogant when we dare say what God says about us. The truth though, is it's arrogant and prideful to say you're not what God says about you. When we don't understand this simply Truth, we're actually declaring in the Face of God that, "Jesus wasn't enough to totally cleanse and redeem us" and that, "We need another sacrifice to do so," or "We'll finish the job on our own." We are to submit to righteousness and "sin not." We are to put on the new man and walk in Him. We need to understand all of what Jesus did for us.
We must trust in the Word and learn to walk in it, so that all the other things will cease, according to Galatians 5:16 (Amplified), which says, "But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the Holy Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit) then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)."
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Lesson 229 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
God's Word tells us what Jesus' Sacrifice has done for us. We can read and comprehend the words we read, but only revelation from the Holy Spirit, can give us the Truth of the Mystery of the new creation man. Paul says something in Galatians 1:16 (Amplified) that without revelation, goes mostly unnoticed. Thus, he says, "To reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles."
For some reason, we seem to believe that Jesus is "within" us, but we act like we're still only flesh and blood people. Aside from changing our natural habits and abstaining from sins of the flesh, we see very little proof of the fact that He actually dwells "within" us. God did in reverse, what happened with Adam in the Garden. In the Garden, Adam died in the spirit (he disconnected from the Life and Spirit of God) and now only lived as a natural man. Jesus came Alive in the Spirit and now by Him, God has proclaimed that the natural, fleshly, sinful man was pronounced dead and once again, the spirit man is made alive to God.
Romans 6:3-6 (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 the 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)." Verse 6 gives us the revelation of what the previous Verses mean to us now in this life, saying, "We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that (our) body (which is the instrument) of sin might be made (ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin)."
We can more easily understand what Paul was saying in Romans 12:1-2 (Amplified), "I appeal to you therefore brethren, and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties) as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship." Verse 2 goes on, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age). (fashioned after and adapted to its external superficial customs); but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
Even though we read from the Word, that our new creation spirit man is made "perfect" in Christ Jesus, most of our time is spent keeping our now dead body-dead, instead of feeding our new man on the Word. We've fallen back into the customs of this age and spend more time with the dead man, instead of our new man who is now living in Christ. Galatians 5:16 (Amplified) says, "But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the Holy Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit): then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)."
If we received revelation of the Truth about what has done in us through Jesus, then we would bring the flesh (senses) into the light of the new creation man and how that is the only part of us that God considers "alive to Him." God already considers our bodies dead, but satan still tries keeping our focus and attention on that dead body and not our new nature and new creation man.
For millennia, we've been taught to be sin conscience, rather than "righteous" conscience. We're constantly reminded of the weaknesses of the flesh, more than the strength of God in our new creation lives. Galatians 5:24-26 (Amplified) goes on about the new man versus the conduct of the dead man and the senses, saying, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the Holy Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (if by the Holy Spirit we have our Life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit). Let us not become vain, glorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another."
Verse 26 is about the works of the dead man, the flesh and the sense and is not about the new creation man, who is after the spirit. The awesome things about the new creation man, is that even if no one else believes is, it will still work for those who believe. Romans 3:3-4 (Amplified) says, "What if some did not believe and were without faith? Does their lack of faith and their faithlessness nullify and make ineffective and void the faithfulness of God and His fidelity (to His Word)? By no means! Let God be found True though every human being is false and a liar, as it is written, that you may be justified and shown to be upright in what you say, and prevail when you are judged (by sinful men)."
Many have received a portion of the Truth and left the rest, but that doesn't make what they have not received, not True. For those who will walk in line with the Holy Spirit, "All things are possible to those who believe." Today, many teach that miracles, signs and wonders have "passed away," but that doesn't mean these things have passed away. We were called to walk out our witness in the power of the Holy Spirit, not by debates and the arguments of man's reasonings. If we are to reason, then let us do like the Lord has called us to do, in Isaiah 1:18-19 (Amplified) which says, "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool." Do you know what happens to "crimson sins" when they are placed in "crimson Blood?" They are no longer visible!!! Verse 19 goes on, "If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land." One can be obedient, while still having his will set against God in many areas of his life. If I'm not willing to take God's Word over the things I have learned (even though I'm obedient to the things I've learned), then I'm unwilling to go beyond my intellect and teachings to "eat the good of the land."
When God directed me to "Go to New York and start this ministry," I was obedient to go, but I murmured and complained about the weather, the people, and nearly everything that came up. When I confronted the Lord about why things weren't working (like I thought they should), because I was obedient to go, He simply answered, "You have moved in obedience, but your will has been set against Me from the start." God told me, "You have murmured and complained against Me and your heart is still in the place I have chosen you from."
It might seem strange that we cam be obedient and still not be willing. One would think that by moving, I proved my will through that obedience. But, God thought otherwise. There's an old saying, "You can make me say 'Uncle,' but you cannot make me mean it." As kids, we would wrestle and if we got pinned down, then we would say "Uncle." I might say, "Uncle," but in my heart, I hadn't given up. I was only held down by force and wanted to get up again. God doesn't want me "by force," but He wants me "by a willing heart."
Many want God to simply "force Himself upon us," and make us do what He wants us to do. God will not do this. Only when we are willing to yield to Him, can God use us in things He desires to do through us. John 6:17-18 (Amplified) says, "If any man desires to do His will (God's pleasure) he will know (have the needed illumination to recognize, and can tell for himself) whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking from myself and of my own accord and on my own authority). He who speaks on his own authority seeks to win honor for himself (he whose teachings originate with himself seeks his own glory) But he who seeks the glory and is eager for the honor of Him Who sent him, he is true and there is no unrighteousness or falsehood or deception in Him."
These scriptures are speaking about Jesus Himself, but the principle is True for every believer who is taught by the Holy Spirit. Paul says in Galatians 1:11-12 (Amplified), "For I want you to know brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made know by me is not man's gospel (a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard) For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it (but it came to me) through a (direct) revelation (given) by Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." Man's "gospel" has omitted many things, by man's teachings. The "Gospel" that was given to Paul, has not omitted anything that Jesus gave him by revelation. Only revelation can "reveal it" to us now and this revelation is available to all those who are "willing and obedient."
God's Word tells us what Jesus' Sacrifice has done for us. We can read and comprehend the words we read, but only revelation from the Holy Spirit, can give us the Truth of the Mystery of the new creation man. Paul says something in Galatians 1:16 (Amplified) that without revelation, goes mostly unnoticed. Thus, he says, "To reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles."
For some reason, we seem to believe that Jesus is "within" us, but we act like we're still only flesh and blood people. Aside from changing our natural habits and abstaining from sins of the flesh, we see very little proof of the fact that He actually dwells "within" us. God did in reverse, what happened with Adam in the Garden. In the Garden, Adam died in the spirit (he disconnected from the Life and Spirit of God) and now only lived as a natural man. Jesus came Alive in the Spirit and now by Him, God has proclaimed that the natural, fleshly, sinful man was pronounced dead and once again, the spirit man is made alive to God.
Romans 6:3-6 (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 the 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)." Verse 6 gives us the revelation of what the previous Verses mean to us now in this life, saying, "We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that (our) body (which is the instrument) of sin might be made (ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin)."
We can more easily understand what Paul was saying in Romans 12:1-2 (Amplified), "I appeal to you therefore brethren, and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties) as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship." Verse 2 goes on, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age). (fashioned after and adapted to its external superficial customs); but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you)."
Even though we read from the Word, that our new creation spirit man is made "perfect" in Christ Jesus, most of our time is spent keeping our now dead body-dead, instead of feeding our new man on the Word. We've fallen back into the customs of this age and spend more time with the dead man, instead of our new man who is now living in Christ. Galatians 5:16 (Amplified) says, "But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the Holy Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit): then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)."
If we received revelation of the Truth about what has done in us through Jesus, then we would bring the flesh (senses) into the light of the new creation man and how that is the only part of us that God considers "alive to Him." God already considers our bodies dead, but satan still tries keeping our focus and attention on that dead body and not our new nature and new creation man.
For millennia, we've been taught to be sin conscience, rather than "righteous" conscience. We're constantly reminded of the weaknesses of the flesh, more than the strength of God in our new creation lives. Galatians 5:24-26 (Amplified) goes on about the new man versus the conduct of the dead man and the senses, saying, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the Holy Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (if by the Holy Spirit we have our Life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit). Let us not become vain, glorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another."
Verse 26 is about the works of the dead man, the flesh and the sense and is not about the new creation man, who is after the spirit. The awesome things about the new creation man, is that even if no one else believes is, it will still work for those who believe. Romans 3:3-4 (Amplified) says, "What if some did not believe and were without faith? Does their lack of faith and their faithlessness nullify and make ineffective and void the faithfulness of God and His fidelity (to His Word)? By no means! Let God be found True though every human being is false and a liar, as it is written, that you may be justified and shown to be upright in what you say, and prevail when you are judged (by sinful men)."
Many have received a portion of the Truth and left the rest, but that doesn't make what they have not received, not True. For those who will walk in line with the Holy Spirit, "All things are possible to those who believe." Today, many teach that miracles, signs and wonders have "passed away," but that doesn't mean these things have passed away. We were called to walk out our witness in the power of the Holy Spirit, not by debates and the arguments of man's reasonings. If we are to reason, then let us do like the Lord has called us to do, in Isaiah 1:18-19 (Amplified) which says, "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool." Do you know what happens to "crimson sins" when they are placed in "crimson Blood?" They are no longer visible!!! Verse 19 goes on, "If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land." One can be obedient, while still having his will set against God in many areas of his life. If I'm not willing to take God's Word over the things I have learned (even though I'm obedient to the things I've learned), then I'm unwilling to go beyond my intellect and teachings to "eat the good of the land."
When God directed me to "Go to New York and start this ministry," I was obedient to go, but I murmured and complained about the weather, the people, and nearly everything that came up. When I confronted the Lord about why things weren't working (like I thought they should), because I was obedient to go, He simply answered, "You have moved in obedience, but your will has been set against Me from the start." God told me, "You have murmured and complained against Me and your heart is still in the place I have chosen you from."
It might seem strange that we cam be obedient and still not be willing. One would think that by moving, I proved my will through that obedience. But, God thought otherwise. There's an old saying, "You can make me say 'Uncle,' but you cannot make me mean it." As kids, we would wrestle and if we got pinned down, then we would say "Uncle." I might say, "Uncle," but in my heart, I hadn't given up. I was only held down by force and wanted to get up again. God doesn't want me "by force," but He wants me "by a willing heart."
Many want God to simply "force Himself upon us," and make us do what He wants us to do. God will not do this. Only when we are willing to yield to Him, can God use us in things He desires to do through us. John 6:17-18 (Amplified) says, "If any man desires to do His will (God's pleasure) he will know (have the needed illumination to recognize, and can tell for himself) whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking from myself and of my own accord and on my own authority). He who speaks on his own authority seeks to win honor for himself (he whose teachings originate with himself seeks his own glory) But he who seeks the glory and is eager for the honor of Him Who sent him, he is true and there is no unrighteousness or falsehood or deception in Him."
These scriptures are speaking about Jesus Himself, but the principle is True for every believer who is taught by the Holy Spirit. Paul says in Galatians 1:11-12 (Amplified), "For I want you to know brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made know by me is not man's gospel (a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard) For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it (but it came to me) through a (direct) revelation (given) by Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." Man's "gospel" has omitted many things, by man's teachings. The "Gospel" that was given to Paul, has not omitted anything that Jesus gave him by revelation. Only revelation can "reveal it" to us now and this revelation is available to all those who are "willing and obedient."
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Lesson 228 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
Having a distorted, religious understanding of what it means to be righteous, has resulted in what might be the greatest gulf between the Church and the Father. As "the redeemed of the Lord," we've been paid for and justified by the Father, through the Sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Isaiah 54:17 (Amplified) says, "But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced). This is the righteousness of the vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
This "righteousness" isn't some religious sounding word, we use to impress others with. This is a state of legal, spiritual Law that must be enforced by the courts and standards of God's Laws. God is "Just in what He does" and all the Laws He sets forth are "forever settled in Heaven." God cannot overlook the breaking of these Laws. I'm not speaking about the Law of Moses, but about the eternal Laws that govern Life and eternity.
When Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden, he did more than eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, like religion has led us to believe. Adam transgressed the Laws of God's court and his transgression became a spiritual disease, that was transferred through the spirit of every child born into the human race. This disease is called "sin" and separated God from His family, shutting the Life of God off to all of mankind, because of Adam's treasonous action.
This act of treason (sin) resulted in the separation between God and mankind. Adam was the father of all flesh and his act of treason not only resulted in his being cast out of the Garden, but resulted in mankind's losing the right to stand justly in God's Presence. Isaiah 54:17 (Amplified) again says, "This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced); This is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me; (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
1Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Now listen, all that are in Christ Jesus! And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden Truth (the mystic secret) of Godliness. He (God) was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the Holy Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, (and) taken up in glory." We can now see what the Prophet Isaiah may not have seen, even though he was the one through whom the Lord spoke. God said that our "right to stand before Him" as "clean, justified, in right standing again" would be "of Him." We, the new creation people, know that this awesome Truth was carried out in Jesus.
We were "in Him," when Jesus died. We died with Him and were buried with Him. When Jesus was raised from the dead and declared to be in right standing (or had the right to stand before God again), we were raised and made in right standing with God, too. We were granted this same right to stand again in the Presence of God. When Jesus was justified, we were justified and when He was raised into the place with the Father, we were raised and seated together with Him.
Now, we see why God said, "This is the righteousness or vindication which they obtain from Me (that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord." When we deny our justification or right standing with the Father, we are denying the redemptive part of Jesus' Sacrifice. Remember, Jesus didn't have to do this for Himself, because He was already just, righteous and not in need of vindication. He did this so we could be just, righteous, and not needing vindication. Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified) says, "For we are God's (Own) handiwork (His workmanship) recreated in Christ Jesus (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them (living the good life which He pre-arranged and made ready for us to live)."
Jesus has brought us back from the dead (the result of Adam's transgression) and in Him, we are fully restored and accepted again in the Father's House. The plans the Father had for His family in the beginning were lost in Adam, but Jesus' Sacrifice has restored and implemented them. God didn't simply bring a family into the earth and then try to figure out what to do with them. He had "pre-arranged" and planned out and made ready a "good life" for us to live.
Whatever God's plan for His family was before Adam's fall, is now made available for the new creation family to walk and live again through Jesus Christ. The first persons who could understand Isaiah's prophecy about the new creation people, were Jesus and His very early disciples. It didn't take the enemy long, though, to try bringing things back under his control, through man-made religions and traditions. We witness the Super-natural Spirit of God living in His people, in the early Church. Satan knew he had no authority to control these new creation people, in the spirit realm. He needed to once again, make them operate in the life of the flesh (the sense realm). Satan is the "god of this world" and if he could bring the Church back into the world, then he could still control it, through deception.
Man-made ideas, laws, tradition, control, strife, division and even witchcraft, were introduced into the Church by the world, until the Church began losing it's salt and light. Instead of displaying the Gospel we began debating the Gospel. We tried coaxing the people in the Church, to "be good." When we understand who we really have become in Jesus, then the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ will again be transfigured for all the world to see. The world will once again see Jesus. We're almost there. We are growing in revelation and learning God's Wisdom for these last days. Soon the Glory of the Lord will shine out from His people, and everyone (from the least to the greatest) will know that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of the Father.
Having a distorted, religious understanding of what it means to be righteous, has resulted in what might be the greatest gulf between the Church and the Father. As "the redeemed of the Lord," we've been paid for and justified by the Father, through the Sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Isaiah 54:17 (Amplified) says, "But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced). This is the righteousness of the vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
This "righteousness" isn't some religious sounding word, we use to impress others with. This is a state of legal, spiritual Law that must be enforced by the courts and standards of God's Laws. God is "Just in what He does" and all the Laws He sets forth are "forever settled in Heaven." God cannot overlook the breaking of these Laws. I'm not speaking about the Law of Moses, but about the eternal Laws that govern Life and eternity.
When Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden, he did more than eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, like religion has led us to believe. Adam transgressed the Laws of God's court and his transgression became a spiritual disease, that was transferred through the spirit of every child born into the human race. This disease is called "sin" and separated God from His family, shutting the Life of God off to all of mankind, because of Adam's treasonous action.
This act of treason (sin) resulted in the separation between God and mankind. Adam was the father of all flesh and his act of treason not only resulted in his being cast out of the Garden, but resulted in mankind's losing the right to stand justly in God's Presence. Isaiah 54:17 (Amplified) again says, "This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced); This is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me; (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
1Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Now listen, all that are in Christ Jesus! And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden Truth (the mystic secret) of Godliness. He (God) was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the Holy Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, (and) taken up in glory." We can now see what the Prophet Isaiah may not have seen, even though he was the one through whom the Lord spoke. God said that our "right to stand before Him" as "clean, justified, in right standing again" would be "of Him." We, the new creation people, know that this awesome Truth was carried out in Jesus.
We were "in Him," when Jesus died. We died with Him and were buried with Him. When Jesus was raised from the dead and declared to be in right standing (or had the right to stand before God again), we were raised and made in right standing with God, too. We were granted this same right to stand again in the Presence of God. When Jesus was justified, we were justified and when He was raised into the place with the Father, we were raised and seated together with Him.
Now, we see why God said, "This is the righteousness or vindication which they obtain from Me (that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord." When we deny our justification or right standing with the Father, we are denying the redemptive part of Jesus' Sacrifice. Remember, Jesus didn't have to do this for Himself, because He was already just, righteous and not in need of vindication. He did this so we could be just, righteous, and not needing vindication. Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified) says, "For we are God's (Own) handiwork (His workmanship) recreated in Christ Jesus (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them (living the good life which He pre-arranged and made ready for us to live)."
Jesus has brought us back from the dead (the result of Adam's transgression) and in Him, we are fully restored and accepted again in the Father's House. The plans the Father had for His family in the beginning were lost in Adam, but Jesus' Sacrifice has restored and implemented them. God didn't simply bring a family into the earth and then try to figure out what to do with them. He had "pre-arranged" and planned out and made ready a "good life" for us to live.
Whatever God's plan for His family was before Adam's fall, is now made available for the new creation family to walk and live again through Jesus Christ. The first persons who could understand Isaiah's prophecy about the new creation people, were Jesus and His very early disciples. It didn't take the enemy long, though, to try bringing things back under his control, through man-made religions and traditions. We witness the Super-natural Spirit of God living in His people, in the early Church. Satan knew he had no authority to control these new creation people, in the spirit realm. He needed to once again, make them operate in the life of the flesh (the sense realm). Satan is the "god of this world" and if he could bring the Church back into the world, then he could still control it, through deception.
Man-made ideas, laws, tradition, control, strife, division and even witchcraft, were introduced into the Church by the world, until the Church began losing it's salt and light. Instead of displaying the Gospel we began debating the Gospel. We tried coaxing the people in the Church, to "be good." When we understand who we really have become in Jesus, then the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ will again be transfigured for all the world to see. The world will once again see Jesus. We're almost there. We are growing in revelation and learning God's Wisdom for these last days. Soon the Glory of the Lord will shine out from His people, and everyone (from the least to the greatest) will know that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of the Father.
Monday, June 5, 2017
Lesson 227 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ has reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
God's Word tells us about the things Jesus did for us and how He has paid the price for our salvation. We read these Truths, but view them as being for sometime in the future. God is the righteous Judge of all things and mankind's redemption had to be done legally in the courts of justice, nothing was left to chance. When reading the Gospels, we've failed to realize that Jesus didn't only pay the Price for us, but as the Body of Christ, He actually took us to the cross with Him.
Paul says that we are His Body, in Galatians 2:20 (Amplified), saying, "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."
The above scripture isn't an allegory or metaphor that we quote, but it's a legal right to be completely exonerated from the persons we once were and stand in the place as a new creation family member of God's House. Paul said, "It's no longer I who lives, but Christ Who lives in me." My life is His Life and although I died with Him on the cross, I live through faith in Him. The legal aspect of our redemption is our past. 2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Behold, old things are past away and all things have become new." The other side of our redemption is, taking our place in the family, by faith in Him, because we were crucified with Jesus and the penalty for our sins has been paid. Jesus was crucified in our place and we actually died with Him. When we understand the legal terms of our salvation and know that God accepted Jesus as our Substitute, as if it was actually you and me on the cross.
In order to walk in the vital understanding of our redemption, we must by faith, accept this Truth and live His Life through us now in this flesh and blood body. Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me," because he understood the Truth that he died with Jesus and now live the Life that was in the Resurrected Jesus. We've failed to see that "in Him," we have shared everything that Jesus has done and is. Galatians 2:20 (Amplified) says, "I was crucified with Him." Colossians 2:12 (Amplified) says, "We were buried with Him." 1Timothy 3:15 (Amplified) says, "We were justified with Him." Colossians 2:13 (Amplified) says, "We were made alive with Him." Ephesians 2:6 (Amplified( says, "He raised us up with Him and made us to sit with Him in the Heavenlies in Christ Jesus."
God didn't just place my sins upon Jesus, but He actually put me in Jesus. In God's mind, it was you and me on the cross, in the pit, and in the grave. It was you and me who were justified, declared righteous, and restored back to our place as the "redeemed of the Lord" and "sons and daughters" in God's family. We were identified with Him, in every aspect of His Sacrifice, from the cross to the resurrection. It was as if I went with Him to the cross, suffered the shame and guilt, died, was resurrected in victory and was justified.
We have identified with Jesus as the Substitute for our sins and His paying the price for our transgressions, but we've failed to to realize that the identity didn't stop there. It includes being made righteous and justified and raised already with Him and are seated with Him. We are already His Body. If the Head is seated at God's right hand, then the Body is also seated there in power, authority and in His Name. By faith, we've been granted the Power of Attorney to us His Name, as our own, as His Body.
Knowing the legal aspects without knowing the vital aspects, only creates a religious understanding, bringing man's idea of walking in our redemption. Knowing the vital aspects without understand the legal aspects of our redemption, brings strange things that magnify experience above the Word. Many have sought so-called "manifestations" of the Holy Spirit, which led them to a place of deception and error. Some remained on the "legal" side of redemption and established rules to govern man, which offered no deliverance to mankind. Going beyond the cross to the resurrection of Jesus, is a place where most of us have had differing understandings about God's Word.
We cannot only identify with Jesus on the cross as being our Substitute, without also identifying with His resurrection. If Jesus wasn't raised from death, then we weren't raised. If Jesus was raised, then we were and are raised "in Him" and "with Him." If we are truly in Him, then God's sees us like He sees Jesus, according to 1John 4:17 (Amplified) which says, "In this (union and communion with Him) Love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us; that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world."
The carnal mind is unable to comprehend this, because it must be spiritually discerned. The carnal mind cannot understand the things that only the Holy Spirit can reveal. Reading these things by only man's intellect and not the Spirit, has resulted in man's building many doctrines about becoming a Christian. If you've received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are already a Christian and a child of God. You don't need to try becoming what God has already birthed you to be. We need to grow up, in what God has already created us to be, new creations.
We have so many different ideas about what a Christian should be, and we've made it nearly impossible to be one. Different denominations have determined that you must do this or that to grow as Christians, but only the Holy Spirit and the Word can produce the maturing of God's children. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) tells us, "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."
Natural man has no idea of how we are to mature as Christians, because we are a Super-natural being, from the Spirit of God and His Word. As natural men, we've determined that we are to abstain from sin (which is very true), but we haven't been taught much about how to function as spirit beings, in righteousness and union with our Father. We've yet to understand that righteousness is more than conduct and that it is a Gift of Grace by our Father in Christ Jesus. When we understand that you "have been made" to be the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ, it will change your entire relationship with the Father. Being a Christian and continuing to confess you are not righteous, is telling God that, "Jesus is not enough to make you righteous." Telling God that "Jesus isn't enough for you to be righteous," seems like a defiant thing to say to God.
We have received His righteousness, when we received Him. It's not your righteousness that you depend on to bring you into God's Throne of Grace...it is His righteousness. We learn how to walk in who we were made to be as new creations, by the Word and the Holy Spirit. The world would mold you back into the image it has of God and His Church. Only the Holy Spirit, can reveal to you, who you really are.
We've determined holiness and righteousness, by denominational creeds and rituals natural man has placed upon us. This is paramount to bringing us back under the Law, which no person can walk in. We continue struggling to become what God has already made us to be, which is a new creation family. If we are a new creation, then there is no pattern in the natural creation to follow. We must follow our Example, Who is Jesus and the Revelation given by the Holy Spirit in His Word. This is why Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit, "He will lead and guide you into all Truth." He is the Only One Who knows who and what we are. Not everything we've learned over the years is incorrect, but we must heed Isaiah 1:18-19 and Isaiah 54:8-9 (Amplified) which says, "Let us come and reason together with the Lord," because "His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts."
God's Word tells us about the things Jesus did for us and how He has paid the price for our salvation. We read these Truths, but view them as being for sometime in the future. God is the righteous Judge of all things and mankind's redemption had to be done legally in the courts of justice, nothing was left to chance. When reading the Gospels, we've failed to realize that Jesus didn't only pay the Price for us, but as the Body of Christ, He actually took us to the cross with Him.
Paul says that we are His Body, in Galatians 2:20 (Amplified), saying, "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."
The above scripture isn't an allegory or metaphor that we quote, but it's a legal right to be completely exonerated from the persons we once were and stand in the place as a new creation family member of God's House. Paul said, "It's no longer I who lives, but Christ Who lives in me." My life is His Life and although I died with Him on the cross, I live through faith in Him. The legal aspect of our redemption is our past. 2Corinthians 5:17 (Amplified) says, "Behold, old things are past away and all things have become new." The other side of our redemption is, taking our place in the family, by faith in Him, because we were crucified with Jesus and the penalty for our sins has been paid. Jesus was crucified in our place and we actually died with Him. When we understand the legal terms of our salvation and know that God accepted Jesus as our Substitute, as if it was actually you and me on the cross.
In order to walk in the vital understanding of our redemption, we must by faith, accept this Truth and live His Life through us now in this flesh and blood body. Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me," because he understood the Truth that he died with Jesus and now live the Life that was in the Resurrected Jesus. We've failed to see that "in Him," we have shared everything that Jesus has done and is. Galatians 2:20 (Amplified) says, "I was crucified with Him." Colossians 2:12 (Amplified) says, "We were buried with Him." 1Timothy 3:15 (Amplified) says, "We were justified with Him." Colossians 2:13 (Amplified) says, "We were made alive with Him." Ephesians 2:6 (Amplified( says, "He raised us up with Him and made us to sit with Him in the Heavenlies in Christ Jesus."
God didn't just place my sins upon Jesus, but He actually put me in Jesus. In God's mind, it was you and me on the cross, in the pit, and in the grave. It was you and me who were justified, declared righteous, and restored back to our place as the "redeemed of the Lord" and "sons and daughters" in God's family. We were identified with Him, in every aspect of His Sacrifice, from the cross to the resurrection. It was as if I went with Him to the cross, suffered the shame and guilt, died, was resurrected in victory and was justified.
We have identified with Jesus as the Substitute for our sins and His paying the price for our transgressions, but we've failed to to realize that the identity didn't stop there. It includes being made righteous and justified and raised already with Him and are seated with Him. We are already His Body. If the Head is seated at God's right hand, then the Body is also seated there in power, authority and in His Name. By faith, we've been granted the Power of Attorney to us His Name, as our own, as His Body.
Knowing the legal aspects without knowing the vital aspects, only creates a religious understanding, bringing man's idea of walking in our redemption. Knowing the vital aspects without understand the legal aspects of our redemption, brings strange things that magnify experience above the Word. Many have sought so-called "manifestations" of the Holy Spirit, which led them to a place of deception and error. Some remained on the "legal" side of redemption and established rules to govern man, which offered no deliverance to mankind. Going beyond the cross to the resurrection of Jesus, is a place where most of us have had differing understandings about God's Word.
We cannot only identify with Jesus on the cross as being our Substitute, without also identifying with His resurrection. If Jesus wasn't raised from death, then we weren't raised. If Jesus was raised, then we were and are raised "in Him" and "with Him." If we are truly in Him, then God's sees us like He sees Jesus, according to 1John 4:17 (Amplified) which says, "In this (union and communion with Him) Love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us; that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world."
The carnal mind is unable to comprehend this, because it must be spiritually discerned. The carnal mind cannot understand the things that only the Holy Spirit can reveal. Reading these things by only man's intellect and not the Spirit, has resulted in man's building many doctrines about becoming a Christian. If you've received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are already a Christian and a child of God. You don't need to try becoming what God has already birthed you to be. We need to grow up, in what God has already created us to be, new creations.
We have so many different ideas about what a Christian should be, and we've made it nearly impossible to be one. Different denominations have determined that you must do this or that to grow as Christians, but only the Holy Spirit and the Word can produce the maturing of God's children. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) tells us, "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."
Natural man has no idea of how we are to mature as Christians, because we are a Super-natural being, from the Spirit of God and His Word. As natural men, we've determined that we are to abstain from sin (which is very true), but we haven't been taught much about how to function as spirit beings, in righteousness and union with our Father. We've yet to understand that righteousness is more than conduct and that it is a Gift of Grace by our Father in Christ Jesus. When we understand that you "have been made" to be the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ, it will change your entire relationship with the Father. Being a Christian and continuing to confess you are not righteous, is telling God that, "Jesus is not enough to make you righteous." Telling God that "Jesus isn't enough for you to be righteous," seems like a defiant thing to say to God.
We have received His righteousness, when we received Him. It's not your righteousness that you depend on to bring you into God's Throne of Grace...it is His righteousness. We learn how to walk in who we were made to be as new creations, by the Word and the Holy Spirit. The world would mold you back into the image it has of God and His Church. Only the Holy Spirit, can reveal to you, who you really are.
We've determined holiness and righteousness, by denominational creeds and rituals natural man has placed upon us. This is paramount to bringing us back under the Law, which no person can walk in. We continue struggling to become what God has already made us to be, which is a new creation family. If we are a new creation, then there is no pattern in the natural creation to follow. We must follow our Example, Who is Jesus and the Revelation given by the Holy Spirit in His Word. This is why Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit, "He will lead and guide you into all Truth." He is the Only One Who knows who and what we are. Not everything we've learned over the years is incorrect, but we must heed Isaiah 1:18-19 and Isaiah 54:8-9 (Amplified) which says, "Let us come and reason together with the Lord," because "His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts."
Friday, June 2, 2017
Lesson 226 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into favor with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
It's difficult for us to learn anything new from the Gospel, because of the things we've been taught from tradition and culture. For centuries, we've focused on being sinners and have overlooked the Truth of the new creation. For centuries, we've tried paying for our sins, by our own ways. The carnal mind has held us captive to condemnation. It requires revelation from the Holy Spirit and the Word, to believe we are new creations.
The carnal mind remembers and recalls the old man, before knowing Jesus. The mind that is renewed by the Holy Spirit, reveals who we've been made to be in Christ Jesus. 2Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says, "For our sake He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him by His Goodness)."
This is the real you. You are now "approved, acceptable, and in right relationship (what we ought to be)" in Jesus. This is what God had in His heart from the beginning and what we ought to be. We couldn't become what we ought to be, on our own and needed the Redeemer to return us to what God intended. We are in His right standing and in His right relationship, because we are "in Him." We continue trying to deal with our sins, even though they have been done away with. We still try make recompense for who we were, instead of rejoicing in who we are now, in Christ Jesus. Jesus said in John 14:27 (Amplified), "Peace I leave with you; My Own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled)."
Our hearts will always be troubled, if we all the world to determine who we are. Jesus said, "Do not allow this." How do we "not allow" condemnation from coming into our hearts? Be believing in the new creation man, God has made us to be and what we "ought to be." This is what we ought to be---a people who believe in what God did through Jesus and who can now stand in right standing with Him, by our faith in Jesus Christ. We try to impress God by our own efforts, but this doesn't work for Him or for us.
When we try paying for our own sins and mistakes, it is merely trying to become in right standing with God, by man's own efforts. This is not only displeasing to Him, but it is truly unbelief. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
Self condemnation and guilt, are simply unbelief in what God to make us "who we ought to be" and unbelief in our Sin-Bearer. Jesus not only did away with our sin, but He also made us new creations and in right standing with the Father. You cannot have peace in your life, without receiving His peace. Guilt and condemnation are the world's peace and there is no power in it. The Holy Spirit will convict you of wrong doing, but He will never condemn you. If you are doing wrong, then change what you're doing and the world will have no way to take your peace.
If you are truly a new creation, then you have no past, otherwise you are not "new." We've been taught we're "just forgiven sinners," for so long. While it's true (to a point) that our sins were forgiven, we died with Him on the cross. Now our Savior's Blood has removed our sins and we've become new creations. If you could only believe and receive this Truth and knew beyond a doubt that you were in right standing or righteous in God's eyes, then would it make a difference how you prayed to and approached the Father? This is the peace that Jesus gave us, as our inheritance. This is what Jesus was referring to, when He said, "Don't let your heart be troubled" and "let it not be afraid." If you try walking in the world's peace, then your heart will always condemn you, according to 1John 3:19-21 (Amplified) which says, "By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and we can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and purify) our hearts in His Presence. Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusations make us feel guilty and condemn us (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives, and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him). And beloved, if our hearts (our consciences) do no accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God. And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and His injunctions, follow His plan for us) and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him."
Our not receiving His peace, might be the most important key of having unanswered prayers, for the new creation people. If we don't allow our hearts to be troubled or condemn us, then we can walk in this new creation and in unbroken fellowship with the Father. The world's peace will always remind us of who we were, while the Holy Spirit will only remind us of who we are. Nearly every Christians I meet, feels unworthy in the Presence of the Father. We were unworthy before accepting Jesus, but now God has made us what we ought to be in Him. We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Jesus. There is nothing unworthy about that.
The greatest work of faith, is using our faith in Him. It's God's faith we are now living in, because "the just shall live by faith." If God declared us "righteous," then we are we to say, "we're unrighteous?" Can the clay ask the Potter, "What are you doing?" God justifies you, so who can say you're not just? Perhaps, the greatest revelation for the new creation to receive is, that we are new creations and that "old things have passed away, Behold, all things have become new." We must trust Him for our right standing and righteousness. We must stop beating ourselves up, over the old man who was crucified with Christ, buried with Him and now raised into a new creation. You have become so pure, that God Himself can now live in you and walk in you.
Stop seeing yourself as you were and see yourself after the Spirit. James speaks about God's Word being a "mirror." A mirror only reflects who you are and not who you were. James 1:25-26 (Amplified) says, "But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the (law) of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but and active doer (who obeys) he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience)." Verse 26 continues speaking about "external duties of the old man (not that the things we do in this body, aren't important, but not for our liberty), saying, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren)."
We cannot continue thinking and saying that, "We're just worthless sinners" and expect to be cleansed by our external duties. If you're speaking contrary to God's righteousness, then you're deluding and deceiving your own heart. This brings the condemnation of the world and will destroy the peace that Jesus gives us. "Do not allow your heart to be troubled." YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT YOUR PEACE IN HIM.
It's difficult for us to learn anything new from the Gospel, because of the things we've been taught from tradition and culture. For centuries, we've focused on being sinners and have overlooked the Truth of the new creation. For centuries, we've tried paying for our sins, by our own ways. The carnal mind has held us captive to condemnation. It requires revelation from the Holy Spirit and the Word, to believe we are new creations.
The carnal mind remembers and recalls the old man, before knowing Jesus. The mind that is renewed by the Holy Spirit, reveals who we've been made to be in Christ Jesus. 2Corinthians 5:21 (Amplified) says, "For our sake He made Christ (virtually) to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become (endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of) the righteousness of God (what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him by His Goodness)."
This is the real you. You are now "approved, acceptable, and in right relationship (what we ought to be)" in Jesus. This is what God had in His heart from the beginning and what we ought to be. We couldn't become what we ought to be, on our own and needed the Redeemer to return us to what God intended. We are in His right standing and in His right relationship, because we are "in Him." We continue trying to deal with our sins, even though they have been done away with. We still try make recompense for who we were, instead of rejoicing in who we are now, in Christ Jesus. Jesus said in John 14:27 (Amplified), "Peace I leave with you; My Own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled)."
Our hearts will always be troubled, if we all the world to determine who we are. Jesus said, "Do not allow this." How do we "not allow" condemnation from coming into our hearts? Be believing in the new creation man, God has made us to be and what we "ought to be." This is what we ought to be---a people who believe in what God did through Jesus and who can now stand in right standing with Him, by our faith in Jesus Christ. We try to impress God by our own efforts, but this doesn't work for Him or for us.
When we try paying for our own sins and mistakes, it is merely trying to become in right standing with God, by man's own efforts. This is not only displeasing to Him, but it is truly unbelief. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
Self condemnation and guilt, are simply unbelief in what God to make us "who we ought to be" and unbelief in our Sin-Bearer. Jesus not only did away with our sin, but He also made us new creations and in right standing with the Father. You cannot have peace in your life, without receiving His peace. Guilt and condemnation are the world's peace and there is no power in it. The Holy Spirit will convict you of wrong doing, but He will never condemn you. If you are doing wrong, then change what you're doing and the world will have no way to take your peace.
If you are truly a new creation, then you have no past, otherwise you are not "new." We've been taught we're "just forgiven sinners," for so long. While it's true (to a point) that our sins were forgiven, we died with Him on the cross. Now our Savior's Blood has removed our sins and we've become new creations. If you could only believe and receive this Truth and knew beyond a doubt that you were in right standing or righteous in God's eyes, then would it make a difference how you prayed to and approached the Father? This is the peace that Jesus gave us, as our inheritance. This is what Jesus was referring to, when He said, "Don't let your heart be troubled" and "let it not be afraid." If you try walking in the world's peace, then your heart will always condemn you, according to 1John 3:19-21 (Amplified) which says, "By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and we can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and purify) our hearts in His Presence. Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self accusations make us feel guilty and condemn us (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives, and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him). And beloved, if our hearts (our consciences) do no accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God. And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we (watchfully) obey His orders (observe His suggestions and His injunctions, follow His plan for us) and (habitually) practice what is pleasing to Him."
Our not receiving His peace, might be the most important key of having unanswered prayers, for the new creation people. If we don't allow our hearts to be troubled or condemn us, then we can walk in this new creation and in unbroken fellowship with the Father. The world's peace will always remind us of who we were, while the Holy Spirit will only remind us of who we are. Nearly every Christians I meet, feels unworthy in the Presence of the Father. We were unworthy before accepting Jesus, but now God has made us what we ought to be in Him. We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Jesus. There is nothing unworthy about that.
The greatest work of faith, is using our faith in Him. It's God's faith we are now living in, because "the just shall live by faith." If God declared us "righteous," then we are we to say, "we're unrighteous?" Can the clay ask the Potter, "What are you doing?" God justifies you, so who can say you're not just? Perhaps, the greatest revelation for the new creation to receive is, that we are new creations and that "old things have passed away, Behold, all things have become new." We must trust Him for our right standing and righteousness. We must stop beating ourselves up, over the old man who was crucified with Christ, buried with Him and now raised into a new creation. You have become so pure, that God Himself can now live in you and walk in you.
Stop seeing yourself as you were and see yourself after the Spirit. James speaks about God's Word being a "mirror." A mirror only reflects who you are and not who you were. James 1:25-26 (Amplified) says, "But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the (law) of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but and active doer (who obeys) he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience)." Verse 26 continues speaking about "external duties of the old man (not that the things we do in this body, aren't important, but not for our liberty), saying, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren)."
We cannot continue thinking and saying that, "We're just worthless sinners" and expect to be cleansed by our external duties. If you're speaking contrary to God's righteousness, then you're deluding and deceiving your own heart. This brings the condemnation of the world and will destroy the peace that Jesus gives us. "Do not allow your heart to be troubled." YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT YOUR PEACE IN HIM.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Lesson 225 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
The Father designed the new creation people to be a "Super-natural" family, who would reveal God again into the midst of the earth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never intended to be a "religion," but a reality to the people. Jesus made a declaration in Acts 1:8 (Amplified) that both amazed and bewildered those He was speaking to, saying, "But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (the very bounds) of the earth."
Then, Jesus' Words were revealed in Acts 2:43 (Amplified), which says, "And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers)." The "signs and wonders" were to continue throughout the very "bounds of the earth." These weren't only for the starting of the Church, but to identify the Church (the new creation) until the time when Jesus would return for His Body.
Many believe that these signs and wonders have "passed away," and were for only starting the Church. But, as the Body of Christ, we are to continue these things and reveal the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Through the centuries, we've been told repeatedly that these signs and wonders have ceased. Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, Today (yes) and forever (to the ages)." So, according to the Word, this Promise and Jesus' instructions from Acts 1:8, are still the same as they always have been.
When we fail to demonstrate God's Presence in the earth, the eyes of the world see us as "just another religion." What sets Christianity apart from all other people, is that God Himself was to made manifest to the world, through His people. No other group of people on this planet, could do the things our God was manifesting through the new creation. Even those in the old covenant who followed Jesus' instructions, manifested God's Presence to the people.
We've majored on preaching how Jesus loved us so much that He died on the cross for our sins, but Jesus demonstrated His Love by being "moved by compassion" and delivering the multitudes from even their physical torments, sickness, and disease. His Love went far beyond what we're preaching today.
Although it's true concerning Jesus' redemptive work on the cross and He did this on our behalf, Jesus didn't just leave us to endure the same things that plague mankind, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, relieved us of even the natural works of sin. The signs and wonders were "proof" of His Love, being demonstrated for all the world to see. Jesus' Love went beyond just being forgiven and it reached into the Super-natural realm, according to Acts 10:38 (Amplified) which says, "How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by (the power of) the devil, for God was with Him."
The Very Same God is now with us, to do the same works that Jesus did. This demonstration of His Love, is something that His Body (the Church) brings to the world. Jesus said in John 17:22 -23 (Amplified), "I have given them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one (even) as We are One. I in them, and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and (definitely) recognize that You have sent Me, and that You have Loved them (even) as You have Loved Me." This Love was to be demonstrated by the Father working through us and is to be something the world can see, through His Body. The world would know that we were sent by the Father and that He loved them.
In a very short period of time, the early Church brought more converts to Christianity, than we've managed to make with all the things we have at our disposal, to do so. Even with radio, satellites, and the internet, we haven't moved the people as much as the early Church did, with their demonstration of God's power. We've accomplished bringing Christianity to the world by natural means, but this isn't what Jesus had in mind, when He sent the Holy Spirit to empower the Church.
We are challenged to "get back to basics," in Romans 1:17 (Amplified) which 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 supposed to grow "from faith to faith." His Love is supposed to be manifested for the unbeliever, by our faith, through signs and wonders. We see God's Love being manifested in 1John 4:16-17 (Amplified), which says, "And we know (understand, recognize, and are conscious of, by observation and by experience and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the Love God cherishes for us; God is Love, and he who dwells and continues in Love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. In this (union and communication with Him) Love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us; that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world." This manifestation of God's Love, has long since been neglected to be revealed to the world. If we found them sick, then we left them sick. If we found them addicted, then we left them addicted and left them to the world's means of ending that addiction. The Love we're to display to the world, is to loose the people from not only sin, but from the effects of sin in their lives.
We see the effects of misunderstanding God's Love, when many in today's Church still fear God's anger and judgment, in 1John 4:18 (Amplified) which says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist) but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (and is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection). We Love Him, because He first Loved us."
We have so misunderstood God's Love and have reduced it to our own natural way of love. God's Love extends to every realm and area of our lives. God's Love extends from the redemptive work of removing sin to the very effects of sin, to those who will believe. This is the Gospel that Jesus preached and demonstrated. This is also the Gospel that He instructed His disciples to preach and demonstrate to the world, in Mark 16:15-20 (Amplified), "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the Good News (the Gospel) to every creature (of the whole human race). He who believes (who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth) and is baptized will be saved from the penalty of eternal death, but he who does not believe (who does not adhere to, and trust in, and rely on the Gospel and Him it sets forth) will be condemned. And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe. In My Nae they will drive out demons, they will speak in new languages (tongues) They will pick up serpents, and (even) if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them, and they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well." Verses 19-20 go on, "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)."
Do we understand God's Love this way?
The Father designed the new creation people to be a "Super-natural" family, who would reveal God again into the midst of the earth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never intended to be a "religion," but a reality to the people. Jesus made a declaration in Acts 1:8 (Amplified) that both amazed and bewildered those He was speaking to, saying, "But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (the very bounds) of the earth."
Then, Jesus' Words were revealed in Acts 2:43 (Amplified), which says, "And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers)." The "signs and wonders" were to continue throughout the very "bounds of the earth." These weren't only for the starting of the Church, but to identify the Church (the new creation) until the time when Jesus would return for His Body.
Many believe that these signs and wonders have "passed away," and were for only starting the Church. But, as the Body of Christ, we are to continue these things and reveal the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. Through the centuries, we've been told repeatedly that these signs and wonders have ceased. Hebrews 13:8 (Amplified) says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, Today (yes) and forever (to the ages)." So, according to the Word, this Promise and Jesus' instructions from Acts 1:8, are still the same as they always have been.
When we fail to demonstrate God's Presence in the earth, the eyes of the world see us as "just another religion." What sets Christianity apart from all other people, is that God Himself was to made manifest to the world, through His people. No other group of people on this planet, could do the things our God was manifesting through the new creation. Even those in the old covenant who followed Jesus' instructions, manifested God's Presence to the people.
We've majored on preaching how Jesus loved us so much that He died on the cross for our sins, but Jesus demonstrated His Love by being "moved by compassion" and delivering the multitudes from even their physical torments, sickness, and disease. His Love went far beyond what we're preaching today.
Although it's true concerning Jesus' redemptive work on the cross and He did this on our behalf, Jesus didn't just leave us to endure the same things that plague mankind, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, relieved us of even the natural works of sin. The signs and wonders were "proof" of His Love, being demonstrated for all the world to see. Jesus' Love went beyond just being forgiven and it reached into the Super-natural realm, according to Acts 10:38 (Amplified) which says, "How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by (the power of) the devil, for God was with Him."
The Very Same God is now with us, to do the same works that Jesus did. This demonstration of His Love, is something that His Body (the Church) brings to the world. Jesus said in John 17:22 -23 (Amplified), "I have given them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one (even) as We are One. I in them, and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and (definitely) recognize that You have sent Me, and that You have Loved them (even) as You have Loved Me." This Love was to be demonstrated by the Father working through us and is to be something the world can see, through His Body. The world would know that we were sent by the Father and that He loved them.
In a very short period of time, the early Church brought more converts to Christianity, than we've managed to make with all the things we have at our disposal, to do so. Even with radio, satellites, and the internet, we haven't moved the people as much as the early Church did, with their demonstration of God's power. We've accomplished bringing Christianity to the world by natural means, but this isn't what Jesus had in mind, when He sent the Holy Spirit to empower the Church.
We are challenged to "get back to basics," in Romans 1:17 (Amplified) which 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 supposed to grow "from faith to faith." His Love is supposed to be manifested for the unbeliever, by our faith, through signs and wonders. We see God's Love being manifested in 1John 4:16-17 (Amplified), which says, "And we know (understand, recognize, and are conscious of, by observation and by experience and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the Love God cherishes for us; God is Love, and he who dwells and continues in Love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. In this (union and communication with Him) Love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us; that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (with assurance and boldness to face Him) because as He is, so are we in this world." This manifestation of God's Love, has long since been neglected to be revealed to the world. If we found them sick, then we left them sick. If we found them addicted, then we left them addicted and left them to the world's means of ending that addiction. The Love we're to display to the world, is to loose the people from not only sin, but from the effects of sin in their lives.
We see the effects of misunderstanding God's Love, when many in today's Church still fear God's anger and judgment, in 1John 4:18 (Amplified) which says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist) but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (and is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection). We Love Him, because He first Loved us."
We have so misunderstood God's Love and have reduced it to our own natural way of love. God's Love extends to every realm and area of our lives. God's Love extends from the redemptive work of removing sin to the very effects of sin, to those who will believe. This is the Gospel that Jesus preached and demonstrated. This is also the Gospel that He instructed His disciples to preach and demonstrate to the world, in Mark 16:15-20 (Amplified), "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the Good News (the Gospel) to every creature (of the whole human race). He who believes (who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth) and is baptized will be saved from the penalty of eternal death, but he who does not believe (who does not adhere to, and trust in, and rely on the Gospel and Him it sets forth) will be condemned. And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe. In My Nae they will drive out demons, they will speak in new languages (tongues) They will pick up serpents, and (even) if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them, and they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well." Verses 19-20 go on, "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)."
Do we understand God's Love this way?
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Friday, May 26, 2017
Lesson 224 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
To understand the new creation being, we must go to God's Word and discover who we've been made to be in Him. The Church has mainly functioned the way previous generations taught, but while some of these teachings still hold to the Truth, many do not. We've operated in traditions and religious orders those before us held too, but these things don't allow the new creation to function like God intended.
The new creation have government and Spiritual Laws that govern it, coming from the Kingdom of God we now belong to. These Spiritual Laws govern our new life in Him, and operate on a different level than the spiritual laws governing earth, since Adam's fall. Proverbs 16:25 (Amplified) tells us, "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death."
I don't believe that anyone who is now born-again, isn't trying to walk with God like they should and truly desire to. I don believer however, that we're walking in a way that seems right to us. Most of what we know comes from things taught through the years, by man. Some of these things are correct, while other things aren't. We've held to traditions, instead of the Truth of who we've become in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit says in Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified), "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man)-blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he."
Many believe this "redemption" comes only after we leave earth, in death. God's "vision of redemption" includes the time we are here as ambassadors for His Kingdom. We've never really exercised our new creation redemption on earth. This redemption is not for ourselves only, but for us to use and gain back what was stolen from us and bring the unsaved world back into covenant with the Redeemer. So many of the brethren, who have been redeemed from the curse through Jesus, have no idea of what this redemption entails.
We are to take the knowledge that things have been restored to us through Jesus, to the world in Truth and favor. Jesus preached this message, everywhere He went. His message to the world was, "The acceptable year of the Lord" was now here, through Him. Isaiah 61:2 (Amplified) says, "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (the year of His favor)." Jesus completed the unfinished scripture and closed the scroll after speaking. Everyone present during the meeting (and every meeting to come) knew that the "acceptable year of the Lord" was the Year of Jubilee. This year of Jubilee meant that everything that had been lost or taken from someone, was to be restored.
The Gentiles had no idea of what this "acceptable year of the Lord" was about. We only understood what we'd learned from the previous generations. This doesn't disqualify what He preached as being Truth, just because we don't understand it. The things Jesus spoke weren't only "True" for those who heard Him preach it, but also for the Gentiles who would believe in Him, in the future, us. Many us us have lost relationship with our children or parents, because of past things. Jesus was saying to all of us, "Trust Me and walk in the Light of My Redemptive power, then this vision will come to pass in your lives." We've never had a clear vision of that redemption, because of a "lack of knowledge." We've walked in the way that seemed "right" to us, but this didn't restore things that had been lost to us. The way that seemed "right," still led to death.
Too many of our children were as good as dead to us, by the curse that still holds them and us. Without understanding the power of Blessing that was now on us, we've accepted things that are, believing they couldn't be changed. We've tried making our children attend church and to be better persons (which was the way that seemed "right"), but these things haven't worked. Instead of bringing liberty to our children, we've bound them with the laws and traditions of men, which caused them to rebel against God.
Jesus came to set men free, while religion binds them. The message that we can fellowship with the Creator of the Universe, should be the most exciting news anyone could ever hear. We've held to things that seemed right and have portrayed God as never being pleased with mankind, no matter how hard we might try. Many gave us and quit trying, believing God could never be pleased with them anyway.
We've mostly tried to please God by our own ways, because we learned this from previous generations. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
We haven't stressed that faith in what God says in His Word, is Truth for our lives today. We've made excuses for why His Word doesn't work, instead of stressing that His Word is Truth and still does work today. This is the way that seems "right" to men, but the results aren't always Life to those who hear and do them. Many view God's Word as "The history of what God used to do," instead of what God still does today. We read about the things God did in the past and how He moved with His people, but forget that He is "The Same yesterday, today, and forever." God hasn't changed, we have. We must dare to step out in faith and believe that "HE IS" and that "HE IS still the Rewarder of those who seek Him out."
It doesn't matter what someone else does or believes. We must be like Abraham, who believed God when in the natural, there was no possibility the things God told him to do, could be possible. We must remember that, "With God, all things are possible and that all things are possible to he who believes."
To understand the new creation being, we must go to God's Word and discover who we've been made to be in Him. The Church has mainly functioned the way previous generations taught, but while some of these teachings still hold to the Truth, many do not. We've operated in traditions and religious orders those before us held too, but these things don't allow the new creation to function like God intended.
The new creation have government and Spiritual Laws that govern it, coming from the Kingdom of God we now belong to. These Spiritual Laws govern our new life in Him, and operate on a different level than the spiritual laws governing earth, since Adam's fall. Proverbs 16:25 (Amplified) tells us, "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death."
I don't believe that anyone who is now born-again, isn't trying to walk with God like they should and truly desire to. I don believer however, that we're walking in a way that seems right to us. Most of what we know comes from things taught through the years, by man. Some of these things are correct, while other things aren't. We've held to traditions, instead of the Truth of who we've become in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit says in Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified), "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man)-blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he."
Many believe this "redemption" comes only after we leave earth, in death. God's "vision of redemption" includes the time we are here as ambassadors for His Kingdom. We've never really exercised our new creation redemption on earth. This redemption is not for ourselves only, but for us to use and gain back what was stolen from us and bring the unsaved world back into covenant with the Redeemer. So many of the brethren, who have been redeemed from the curse through Jesus, have no idea of what this redemption entails.
We are to take the knowledge that things have been restored to us through Jesus, to the world in Truth and favor. Jesus preached this message, everywhere He went. His message to the world was, "The acceptable year of the Lord" was now here, through Him. Isaiah 61:2 (Amplified) says, "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (the year of His favor)." Jesus completed the unfinished scripture and closed the scroll after speaking. Everyone present during the meeting (and every meeting to come) knew that the "acceptable year of the Lord" was the Year of Jubilee. This year of Jubilee meant that everything that had been lost or taken from someone, was to be restored.
The Gentiles had no idea of what this "acceptable year of the Lord" was about. We only understood what we'd learned from the previous generations. This doesn't disqualify what He preached as being Truth, just because we don't understand it. The things Jesus spoke weren't only "True" for those who heard Him preach it, but also for the Gentiles who would believe in Him, in the future, us. Many us us have lost relationship with our children or parents, because of past things. Jesus was saying to all of us, "Trust Me and walk in the Light of My Redemptive power, then this vision will come to pass in your lives." We've never had a clear vision of that redemption, because of a "lack of knowledge." We've walked in the way that seemed "right" to us, but this didn't restore things that had been lost to us. The way that seemed "right," still led to death.
Too many of our children were as good as dead to us, by the curse that still holds them and us. Without understanding the power of Blessing that was now on us, we've accepted things that are, believing they couldn't be changed. We've tried making our children attend church and to be better persons (which was the way that seemed "right"), but these things haven't worked. Instead of bringing liberty to our children, we've bound them with the laws and traditions of men, which caused them to rebel against God.
Jesus came to set men free, while religion binds them. The message that we can fellowship with the Creator of the Universe, should be the most exciting news anyone could ever hear. We've held to things that seemed right and have portrayed God as never being pleased with mankind, no matter how hard we might try. Many gave us and quit trying, believing God could never be pleased with them anyway.
We've mostly tried to please God by our own ways, because we learned this from previous generations. Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified) says, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."
We haven't stressed that faith in what God says in His Word, is Truth for our lives today. We've made excuses for why His Word doesn't work, instead of stressing that His Word is Truth and still does work today. This is the way that seems "right" to men, but the results aren't always Life to those who hear and do them. Many view God's Word as "The history of what God used to do," instead of what God still does today. We read about the things God did in the past and how He moved with His people, but forget that He is "The Same yesterday, today, and forever." God hasn't changed, we have. We must dare to step out in faith and believe that "HE IS" and that "HE IS still the Rewarder of those who seek Him out."
It doesn't matter what someone else does or believes. We must be like Abraham, who believed God when in the natural, there was no possibility the things God told him to do, could be possible. We must remember that, "With God, all things are possible and that all things are possible to he who believes."
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Lesson 223 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) tells us, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
We find the Holy Spirit looking to the cross and resurrection and speaking both to and about the new creation people of God. As Isaiah speaks forth God's Word, it is sown into the earth and cannot be removed. This is who and what we (the Church) are to know and understand now, about our relationship with our Father. This should be what distinguishes what the world has told us about God and what He has said about Himself.
Thus Isaiah 54:13-15 (Amplified) says, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will); and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order) You shall be far from oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Behold, They may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
Somehow, we (the new creation) have believed and been taught, that the strife and oppression which comes on us, is from the Father (just like in the old covenant). God Himself says this is not true, in the above scripture. Verses 16-17 go on, "God indeed created satan (the destroyer who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purposes, and I have created the devastor to destroy (God has taken responsibility for satan and what he has done to mankind) But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal servant of the Lord is reproduced); this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
Although God created satan and he is loosed upon this earth (in whatever way he tries bringing guilt, condemnation, or strife upon God's children), God says, "It is not from Me." As new creation family, we aren't subject to what the old covenant people were subject too. The Church has been in the dark and has failed to make this distinction, for many years. We've erroneously believed that all our problems comes from God, in order to teach us something. I'm sure we can learn from trials and hardships, but this isn't how the Father teaches His family.
Jesus tells us how the Father will teach His children, in John 10:10 (Amplified). Jesus clearly distinguishes the difference between satan and God, saying, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy; I come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." We just read Isaiah 54:15 about the things that kill, steal and destroy and God says about these things, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me."
Let's distinguish the differences in our lives first of all, between the Father and "the thief." The "thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy," and not to teach, correct and enhance the Church. Jesus tells us how the Father will teach and correct His new creation family, in John 16:13-15 (Amplified) saying, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-Giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth) For He will not speak His Own Message (on His Own authority) but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the Message that has been given to Him) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future). He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine, and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He (the Spirit) will take the things that are Mine, and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you."
This is one of the most dynamic ways that the Father teaches, corrects, guides and matures His family. Ephesians 4:11-12 (Amplified) says, "And His Gifts were varied, (He Himself appointed and gave men to us) some to be apostles (special messengers) some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders) some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries) some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers."
2Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Every scriptures is God breathed (given by His Inspiration) and is 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)."
These three methods of teaching His "spiritual" children, are all by and through the Spirit and God's Word. In order to know and yield to God's will, we must know the Word of God, not man's interpretation of the Word, but the Holy Spirit's interpretation of it. After all, was it not the Holy Spirit and the Word, Who created us? Why then, would it not be the Holy Spirit and the Word, Who mature and train us up in righteousness?
If the thief can cause us to believe that all strife, confusion, trials and hardships befalling us, come from God, then we will not hear the Voice of God's Word to walk like He created us to walk. Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11 (Amplified) saying, "And when He comes (speaking of the Holy Spirit) He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and righteousness ( uprightness of heart and right standing with God and about judgment. About sin, because they do not believe in Me (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me). About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer. About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world (satan) is judged and condemned and sentence is already passed upon him."
We have sadly, never become the astute students of God's Word and the Spirit, like God intended us to be. We've followed the world's interpretation of God's Word, instead of listening to and learning the Truth of what the Father is saying to us. We've received religion over reality and have based our faith and trust in man's traditions, instead of the Truth from the Holy Spirit. Even satan couldn't keep the truth of the new birth confined, but he has managed to keep the Church carnal in most areas of our lives. We've based our teachings on sense knowledge and tradition, instead of on Spirit and revelation. We've allowed the Super-natural Presence of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual operations, to be stolen from us, leaving us functioning in the carnal. It's a waste of time, trying to defeat satan in the carnal realm and with carnal weapons.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified), "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the despotisms, against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly (Super-natural) sphere."
1Corinthians 10:3-4 (Amplified) says, "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood) but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds." The Church must once again, learn who we are in the Lord, as new creation people. We must learn to use the ability that was granted us through our union with Jesus and learn to walk in the Spirit, by the Word. We must take our place as God's family, in this earth.
We find the Holy Spirit looking to the cross and resurrection and speaking both to and about the new creation people of God. As Isaiah speaks forth God's Word, it is sown into the earth and cannot be removed. This is who and what we (the Church) are to know and understand now, about our relationship with our Father. This should be what distinguishes what the world has told us about God and what He has said about Himself.
Thus Isaiah 54:13-15 (Amplified) says, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will); and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order) You shall be far from oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Behold, They may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
Somehow, we (the new creation) have believed and been taught, that the strife and oppression which comes on us, is from the Father (just like in the old covenant). God Himself says this is not true, in the above scripture. Verses 16-17 go on, "God indeed created satan (the destroyer who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purposes, and I have created the devastor to destroy (God has taken responsibility for satan and what he has done to mankind) But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the ideal servant of the Lord is reproduced); this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification) says the Lord."
Although God created satan and he is loosed upon this earth (in whatever way he tries bringing guilt, condemnation, or strife upon God's children), God says, "It is not from Me." As new creation family, we aren't subject to what the old covenant people were subject too. The Church has been in the dark and has failed to make this distinction, for many years. We've erroneously believed that all our problems comes from God, in order to teach us something. I'm sure we can learn from trials and hardships, but this isn't how the Father teaches His family.
Jesus tells us how the Father will teach His children, in John 10:10 (Amplified). Jesus clearly distinguishes the difference between satan and God, saying, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy; I come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." We just read Isaiah 54:15 about the things that kill, steal and destroy and God says about these things, "Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me."
Let's distinguish the differences in our lives first of all, between the Father and "the thief." The "thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy," and not to teach, correct and enhance the Church. Jesus tells us how the Father will teach and correct His new creation family, in John 16:13-15 (Amplified) saying, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-Giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth) For He will not speak His Own Message (on His Own authority) but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the Message that has been given to Him) and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future). He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine, and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He (the Spirit) will take the things that are Mine, and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you."
This is one of the most dynamic ways that the Father teaches, corrects, guides and matures His family. Ephesians 4:11-12 (Amplified) says, "And His Gifts were varied, (He Himself appointed and gave men to us) some to be apostles (special messengers) some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders) some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries) some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers."
2Timothy 3:16 (Amplified) says, "Every scriptures is God breathed (given by His Inspiration) and is 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)."
These three methods of teaching His "spiritual" children, are all by and through the Spirit and God's Word. In order to know and yield to God's will, we must know the Word of God, not man's interpretation of the Word, but the Holy Spirit's interpretation of it. After all, was it not the Holy Spirit and the Word, Who created us? Why then, would it not be the Holy Spirit and the Word, Who mature and train us up in righteousness?
If the thief can cause us to believe that all strife, confusion, trials and hardships befalling us, come from God, then we will not hear the Voice of God's Word to walk like He created us to walk. Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11 (Amplified) saying, "And when He comes (speaking of the Holy Spirit) He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and righteousness ( uprightness of heart and right standing with God and about judgment. About sin, because they do not believe in Me (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me). About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer. About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world (satan) is judged and condemned and sentence is already passed upon him."
We have sadly, never become the astute students of God's Word and the Spirit, like God intended us to be. We've followed the world's interpretation of God's Word, instead of listening to and learning the Truth of what the Father is saying to us. We've received religion over reality and have based our faith and trust in man's traditions, instead of the Truth from the Holy Spirit. Even satan couldn't keep the truth of the new birth confined, but he has managed to keep the Church carnal in most areas of our lives. We've based our teachings on sense knowledge and tradition, instead of on Spirit and revelation. We've allowed the Super-natural Presence of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual operations, to be stolen from us, leaving us functioning in the carnal. It's a waste of time, trying to defeat satan in the carnal realm and with carnal weapons.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified), "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the despotisms, against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly (Super-natural) sphere."
1Corinthians 10:3-4 (Amplified) says, "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood) but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds." The Church must once again, learn who we are in the Lord, as new creation people. We must learn to use the ability that was granted us through our union with Jesus and learn to walk in the Spirit, by the Word. We must take our place as God's family, in this earth.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Lesson 222 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
The identity of the Church (the Body of Christ) has been a mystery from the beginning, even to the Church itself. The world has fostered an image of the Church, that they can see and identify. The Church started out being something that is far different than what it is today. The Super-natural flow of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Father, aren't displayed the way they were in the beginning.
As the world's culture began seeping into the Church and controlling the flow of the Holy Spirit, changing everything. We were no longer moving in God, but were contained by the world's regulations and confines. Satan couldn't stop the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, but he began bringing the world's culture into our definition of being Christians. The world didn't "mind" us being here, just as long as our behavior could be controlled by their confines.
The Father and the Head of the Church (Jesus) were to be in charge of the Church, so satan needed to stop this ability to flow with the Holy Spirit. The Church were governed by the world given laws, instead of the God-given Laws. God has always had laws of morality and government in the earth, though most governments thought it was their own idea. We find the pattern for God's authority on the earth, in Romans 13:1-4 (Amplified) which says, "Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God (by His permission, His sanction) and those that exist do so by God's appointment Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authority resists what God has appointed and arranged (in Divine order). And those who resists will bring down judgment upon themselves (receiving the penalty due them) For civil authorities are not a terror to (people of) good conduct, but to (those of) bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and condemnation. For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong (you should dread him and) be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer."
The civil laws placed on the land, weren't for the new creation who was walking in the Commandment of Love, because he is to be a blessing to the land and walk with God. These civil laws were created to contain the ungodly or natural man who didn't know God. What the world has done with these laws or rules of satan, have also contained the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church was given the authority by Jesus, to hold these civil laws to a Godly standard. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18 (Amplified), "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."
If the above scripture is true (and you know it is), then the Church (the new creation) were to responsible for even the civil, God-given laws of the land. When the laws of the land are ungodly, then the Church has been invaded by the world's culture and is left accepting its ungodly rule. The civil laws of the land, were to place God's rule in the lives of even the unsaved. The Church is supposed to live our lives by God's Word and His Spirit and to walk in Love. We're to bring His Love into rule over the nations. Psalm 2:8 (Amplified) tells us, "Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as your possessions."
The above scripture is speaking about the coming Messiah and about those who are to be joint heirs with Him. As the Body of Christ, we have received through Jesus, the son ship rights and privileges of His inheritance. Romans 8:17 (Amplified) says, "And if we are (His) children, then we are (His) heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him); only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory."
This "suffering" isn't what the world teaches, but it was the rejection Jesus suffered by those who were outside the family. Just because we're Christians, doesn't mean we are exempt from the wiles of the devil. Satan's goal is to contain the Church, by carnality, worldly thinking and rule, in order to make us impotent in the works of the Spirit. The attacks against Jesus (His suffering) were made in order to stop the working of the Father, through Him.
The attacks from the religious order to the civil authorities, were the greatest suffering that Jesus endured. The Church has fallen into this same form of containment, even to the displaying of the cross and the celebration of Jesus' birth, Christmas. We can't display the nativity, without having side-by-side and equal displays of other religions, including atheistic displays. We've been schooled in being politically correct and are made to remove Christ from public places. We must say, "Happy holidays," instead of Merry Christmas. The Easter bunny and Santa now have been made on the same par as the True Reason for the Season, Jesus.
Throughout the centuries, we've been invaded by the world's culture and reasonings, to the point where the Church has been reduced to social clubs in many venues. The world's sins are now issues or diseases, so that no one has to take responsibility for their actions. The thought and teachings of Jesus have been watered down by the world's culture, and we're racists if we say that "Jesus is the Only Way to the Father." All of these things sound loving and accepting to the world's ears and sadly, to the ears of many in the Church.
We were never "of the world," but only "in the world." Our purpose here in not to co-exist in harmony, but to bring God's Presence into a world that doesn't know Him. We're not supposed to be just another religion, but we're to bring Life into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Only the Super-natural release of the Holy Spirit, can change a world that is controlled by spirit forces. The Church's enemy is still an outlaw spirit who opposes God and His family. The Church has come to the place of trying to deal with spiritual forces, by natural things and that isn't enough.
I'm not speaking of rebellion, but of revival. I'm not speaking about governments, but the spirits that govern. We don't wrestle with flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces, according to Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified) which says, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the depotisms, against the powers, against the (master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly Sphere (Super-natural realm)."
We must listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit and deal with the new world culture that is creeping into the Church, with the power of the Holy Spirit. The enemy is no less subtle now, than when he approached Eve in the Garden. He has set up strategies to contain the Church, that are not easily seen, only by the Spirit. In these Last Days, we must become more aware of the Holy Spirit's leading and the Spiritual application of God's Word. Our power lies in Wisdom from the Holy Spirit, through God's Word. This isn't the time to become carnal thinking, but to get "Wisdom and with all our getting, get understanding," like Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) says.
The Church must understand the True meaning of Love. The "love" the world wants us to display, isn't the Love the Father declares we should display. His Love was to separate those out from the world, bringing them into His family. Today's culture accepts all people into the family, but Jesus said we're to be born into the family. One is by the Spirit, while the other comes from the culture. The world's idea of love, is not discriminating. God doesn't care about race, color, male, female, tall, short, rich or poor, or anything else. He cares about bringing salvation to all who will receive Jesus and enter into the family by His Spirit. You must be born-again, not by some god, but by the One True and Living God.
The identity of the Church (the Body of Christ) has been a mystery from the beginning, even to the Church itself. The world has fostered an image of the Church, that they can see and identify. The Church started out being something that is far different than what it is today. The Super-natural flow of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Father, aren't displayed the way they were in the beginning.
As the world's culture began seeping into the Church and controlling the flow of the Holy Spirit, changing everything. We were no longer moving in God, but were contained by the world's regulations and confines. Satan couldn't stop the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, but he began bringing the world's culture into our definition of being Christians. The world didn't "mind" us being here, just as long as our behavior could be controlled by their confines.
The Father and the Head of the Church (Jesus) were to be in charge of the Church, so satan needed to stop this ability to flow with the Holy Spirit. The Church were governed by the world given laws, instead of the God-given Laws. God has always had laws of morality and government in the earth, though most governments thought it was their own idea. We find the pattern for God's authority on the earth, in Romans 13:1-4 (Amplified) which says, "Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God (by His permission, His sanction) and those that exist do so by God's appointment Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authority resists what God has appointed and arranged (in Divine order). And those who resists will bring down judgment upon themselves (receiving the penalty due them) For civil authorities are not a terror to (people of) good conduct, but to (those of) bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and condemnation. For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong (you should dread him and) be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer."
The civil laws placed on the land, weren't for the new creation who was walking in the Commandment of Love, because he is to be a blessing to the land and walk with God. These civil laws were created to contain the ungodly or natural man who didn't know God. What the world has done with these laws or rules of satan, have also contained the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church was given the authority by Jesus, to hold these civil laws to a Godly standard. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18 (Amplified), "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."
If the above scripture is true (and you know it is), then the Church (the new creation) were to responsible for even the civil, God-given laws of the land. When the laws of the land are ungodly, then the Church has been invaded by the world's culture and is left accepting its ungodly rule. The civil laws of the land, were to place God's rule in the lives of even the unsaved. The Church is supposed to live our lives by God's Word and His Spirit and to walk in Love. We're to bring His Love into rule over the nations. Psalm 2:8 (Amplified) tells us, "Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as your possessions."
The above scripture is speaking about the coming Messiah and about those who are to be joint heirs with Him. As the Body of Christ, we have received through Jesus, the son ship rights and privileges of His inheritance. Romans 8:17 (Amplified) says, "And if we are (His) children, then we are (His) heirs also; heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him); only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory."
This "suffering" isn't what the world teaches, but it was the rejection Jesus suffered by those who were outside the family. Just because we're Christians, doesn't mean we are exempt from the wiles of the devil. Satan's goal is to contain the Church, by carnality, worldly thinking and rule, in order to make us impotent in the works of the Spirit. The attacks against Jesus (His suffering) were made in order to stop the working of the Father, through Him.
The attacks from the religious order to the civil authorities, were the greatest suffering that Jesus endured. The Church has fallen into this same form of containment, even to the displaying of the cross and the celebration of Jesus' birth, Christmas. We can't display the nativity, without having side-by-side and equal displays of other religions, including atheistic displays. We've been schooled in being politically correct and are made to remove Christ from public places. We must say, "Happy holidays," instead of Merry Christmas. The Easter bunny and Santa now have been made on the same par as the True Reason for the Season, Jesus.
Throughout the centuries, we've been invaded by the world's culture and reasonings, to the point where the Church has been reduced to social clubs in many venues. The world's sins are now issues or diseases, so that no one has to take responsibility for their actions. The thought and teachings of Jesus have been watered down by the world's culture, and we're racists if we say that "Jesus is the Only Way to the Father." All of these things sound loving and accepting to the world's ears and sadly, to the ears of many in the Church.
We were never "of the world," but only "in the world." Our purpose here in not to co-exist in harmony, but to bring God's Presence into a world that doesn't know Him. We're not supposed to be just another religion, but we're to bring Life into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Only the Super-natural release of the Holy Spirit, can change a world that is controlled by spirit forces. The Church's enemy is still an outlaw spirit who opposes God and His family. The Church has come to the place of trying to deal with spiritual forces, by natural things and that isn't enough.
I'm not speaking of rebellion, but of revival. I'm not speaking about governments, but the spirits that govern. We don't wrestle with flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces, according to Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified) which says, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents) but against the depotisms, against the powers, against the (master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the Heavenly Sphere (Super-natural realm)."
We must listen to the Voice of the Holy Spirit and deal with the new world culture that is creeping into the Church, with the power of the Holy Spirit. The enemy is no less subtle now, than when he approached Eve in the Garden. He has set up strategies to contain the Church, that are not easily seen, only by the Spirit. In these Last Days, we must become more aware of the Holy Spirit's leading and the Spiritual application of God's Word. Our power lies in Wisdom from the Holy Spirit, through God's Word. This isn't the time to become carnal thinking, but to get "Wisdom and with all our getting, get understanding," like Proverbs 4:7 (Amplified) says.
The Church must understand the True meaning of Love. The "love" the world wants us to display, isn't the Love the Father declares we should display. His Love was to separate those out from the world, bringing them into His family. Today's culture accepts all people into the family, but Jesus said we're to be born into the family. One is by the Spirit, while the other comes from the culture. The world's idea of love, is not discriminating. God doesn't care about race, color, male, female, tall, short, rich or poor, or anything else. He cares about bringing salvation to all who will receive Jesus and enter into the family by His Spirit. You must be born-again, not by some god, but by the One True and Living God.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Lesson 221 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
As new creations, we must being seeing ourselves in the light of what the Father has done through Jesus. We've mostly seen ourselves in the light of the old covenant and expected God to deal with us, the way He dealt with the old covenant people. This has resulted in our seeing God as only God and not as Father. The Father Jesus represented, was not the God that Israel understood. They observed Him under the Law, doing works (rituals and sacrifices) to avoid God's wrath and being punished by Him.
We have the Same God in the new covenant, but now He is our Father. Through Jesus, He has brought mankind's sin under the Love of His Sacrifice and He Himself has paid the entire required penalty of justice, in order the redeem us from that. We've been trying to pay the penalty that Jesus paid in full, by our invented actions and abilities. We've been raised in a culture and teaching, that hasn't been altogether what the Father says about the new creation.
Many of us continue looking for God to punish us for each mistake we make. Some believe that any sickness or hardship that comes upon them, was brought on them by God, for their trespasses. They have accepted these things, believing God placed them upon them, because He loves them.
Those under the old covenant weren't new creations, but were carnal unsaved men who didn't have a spiritual relationship with the Father. They had a covenant with God, but not a new birth into His family. Because they were only flesh, God had to deal with them from the outside-in, instead of from the inside-out. He had to deal with men who were spiritually dead in trespass and sin, because they had no spiritual Life of God living in their spirits. Jesus declared this to them in John 10:10 (Amplified) saying, "I come that you may have and enjoy Life, to the full, in abundance, till it overflows."
The people Jesus was speaking to, probably said, "We are already alive." In the sense of speaking, eating, building homes and families, and doing other such things, they were "alive." Jesus was speaking about the Life of God, which would be restored to man, after His Sacrifice was completed. No one then understood the implication of Jesus' Words, because is was something that would only be revealed after His resurrection.
The Law or the old covenant, were about to come to a close as they knew it and a broad, new covenant was about to be made. This new covenant was made between Jesus and the Father. Man didn't make this new covenant and couldn't break it through weakness of the flesh. By faith in the Final and Perfect Sacrifice (Jesus), we are under the new covenant between the Father and the Son, which was one covenant in God. We've not only entered into covenant, but family with God. Our covenant isn't based on our own merits, but only on Jesus. The new creation family is secure by the obedience of Jesus and not on us.
Some take this to mean that they can "do anything they want and still be saved." The family relationship is based on Love, not fear. We love Him, because He first Loved us, according to 1John 4:10 (Amplified) which says, "In this Love; not that we loved God, but that He Loved us and sent His Son to be the Propitiation (the Atoning Sacrifice) for our sins." When we understand the Love the Father has for us, we can be confident and can share His Own Love that was shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 (Amplified) says, "Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's Love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us."
The only way we can respond to this Love, is by His Own Love. The old covenant people couldn't actually "love" God in this way, but as new creation people, we have been given His Own Love by which to Love Him with, completely.
1John 3;9-10 (Amplified) explains how some believe that "grace and salvation are blank checks to live anyway we wish and still be saved." Thus, it says, "No one born (begotten) of God (deliberately, knowingly, and habitually) practices sin, for God's nature abides in him (His principle of Life; the Divine Sperm remains permanently within him) and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children; no one who does not practice righteousness (who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought and action) is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ)."
Only God can determine who is truly born-again and is a new creation family member, because this is a spiritual birth and cannot be seen with the naked eye. The results of our complying with God's Word and the Holy Spirit, can be seen, but the Truth is only known in the individual's heart. Paul says in Galatians 5:6 (Amplified), "For (if we are) in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through Love."
Many such outward rituals as circumcision and uncircumcision, are still in effect, but have no meaning without the understanding and Life that comes only by God Who is actually Love, living within us. Understanding how great God's Love for us is, gives us boldness and confidence to ask, "Whatsoever you will, and believe we receive." When we don't know or understand God's Love for us, we draw back through guilt and condemnation, which contaminates our faith with conscience and carnality.
Far too many Christians have accepted disease and the death of their loved one, thinking it was the Father's will for them, because they had sinned. This might sound solid to the religious mind and person, but those who know the True Love and the Word, know this isn't Truth. Isaiah 54:13-15 (Amplified) tells us, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will), and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness in conformity with God's will and order) you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or depression, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. BEHOLD! they may gather together and stir up strife, BUT IT IS NOT FROM ME. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
When you understand God's Love for you, you will understand that God's will for you life are "peace and righteousness and shelter from oppression and depression." When you understand God's will for you, then His peace will keep you and bring you into victory, through His Love. If we don't understand His Love, in these areas of our lives, then our faith will accept whatever comes our way (good and bad) believing it's God's will for us. Verse 15 tells us that, "these things might come against us, BUT IT DOESN'T COME FROM HIM!!!"
As new creations, we must being seeing ourselves in the light of what the Father has done through Jesus. We've mostly seen ourselves in the light of the old covenant and expected God to deal with us, the way He dealt with the old covenant people. This has resulted in our seeing God as only God and not as Father. The Father Jesus represented, was not the God that Israel understood. They observed Him under the Law, doing works (rituals and sacrifices) to avoid God's wrath and being punished by Him.
We have the Same God in the new covenant, but now He is our Father. Through Jesus, He has brought mankind's sin under the Love of His Sacrifice and He Himself has paid the entire required penalty of justice, in order the redeem us from that. We've been trying to pay the penalty that Jesus paid in full, by our invented actions and abilities. We've been raised in a culture and teaching, that hasn't been altogether what the Father says about the new creation.
Many of us continue looking for God to punish us for each mistake we make. Some believe that any sickness or hardship that comes upon them, was brought on them by God, for their trespasses. They have accepted these things, believing God placed them upon them, because He loves them.
Those under the old covenant weren't new creations, but were carnal unsaved men who didn't have a spiritual relationship with the Father. They had a covenant with God, but not a new birth into His family. Because they were only flesh, God had to deal with them from the outside-in, instead of from the inside-out. He had to deal with men who were spiritually dead in trespass and sin, because they had no spiritual Life of God living in their spirits. Jesus declared this to them in John 10:10 (Amplified) saying, "I come that you may have and enjoy Life, to the full, in abundance, till it overflows."
The people Jesus was speaking to, probably said, "We are already alive." In the sense of speaking, eating, building homes and families, and doing other such things, they were "alive." Jesus was speaking about the Life of God, which would be restored to man, after His Sacrifice was completed. No one then understood the implication of Jesus' Words, because is was something that would only be revealed after His resurrection.
The Law or the old covenant, were about to come to a close as they knew it and a broad, new covenant was about to be made. This new covenant was made between Jesus and the Father. Man didn't make this new covenant and couldn't break it through weakness of the flesh. By faith in the Final and Perfect Sacrifice (Jesus), we are under the new covenant between the Father and the Son, which was one covenant in God. We've not only entered into covenant, but family with God. Our covenant isn't based on our own merits, but only on Jesus. The new creation family is secure by the obedience of Jesus and not on us.
Some take this to mean that they can "do anything they want and still be saved." The family relationship is based on Love, not fear. We love Him, because He first Loved us, according to 1John 4:10 (Amplified) which says, "In this Love; not that we loved God, but that He Loved us and sent His Son to be the Propitiation (the Atoning Sacrifice) for our sins." When we understand the Love the Father has for us, we can be confident and can share His Own Love that was shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 (Amplified) says, "Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's Love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us."
The only way we can respond to this Love, is by His Own Love. The old covenant people couldn't actually "love" God in this way, but as new creation people, we have been given His Own Love by which to Love Him with, completely.
1John 3;9-10 (Amplified) explains how some believe that "grace and salvation are blank checks to live anyway we wish and still be saved." Thus, it says, "No one born (begotten) of God (deliberately, knowingly, and habitually) practices sin, for God's nature abides in him (His principle of Life; the Divine Sperm remains permanently within him) and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children; no one who does not practice righteousness (who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought and action) is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ)."
Only God can determine who is truly born-again and is a new creation family member, because this is a spiritual birth and cannot be seen with the naked eye. The results of our complying with God's Word and the Holy Spirit, can be seen, but the Truth is only known in the individual's heart. Paul says in Galatians 5:6 (Amplified), "For (if we are) in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through Love."
Many such outward rituals as circumcision and uncircumcision, are still in effect, but have no meaning without the understanding and Life that comes only by God Who is actually Love, living within us. Understanding how great God's Love for us is, gives us boldness and confidence to ask, "Whatsoever you will, and believe we receive." When we don't know or understand God's Love for us, we draw back through guilt and condemnation, which contaminates our faith with conscience and carnality.
Far too many Christians have accepted disease and the death of their loved one, thinking it was the Father's will for them, because they had sinned. This might sound solid to the religious mind and person, but those who know the True Love and the Word, know this isn't Truth. Isaiah 54:13-15 (Amplified) tells us, "And all your (spiritual) children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will), and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children. You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness in conformity with God's will and order) you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or depression, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. BEHOLD! they may gather together and stir up strife, BUT IT IS NOT FROM ME. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you."
When you understand God's Love for you, you will understand that God's will for you life are "peace and righteousness and shelter from oppression and depression." When you understand God's will for you, then His peace will keep you and bring you into victory, through His Love. If we don't understand His Love, in these areas of our lives, then our faith will accept whatever comes our way (good and bad) believing it's God's will for us. Verse 15 tells us that, "these things might come against us, BUT IT DOESN'T COME FROM HIM!!!"
Friday, May 19, 2017
Lesson 220 The New Creation
2Corinthians 5:17-18 (Amplified) says, "Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed. Behold, the fresh and new has come. But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
In this new creation family, our entire relationship and everything in it, is based on our faith in the Love of the One Who gave us Life. We've done the very thing Paul said about the Church of Galatia and have allowed ourselves to be placed back under the Law. When we refuse to believe what God has done for us by faith, we try establishing our own righteousness by works. This has undermined our faith in what Jesus has done to bring us back into family with God.
The faith movement has been happening in the Church for some time now, but some of the preaching has been wrong or at least wrongly heard. Faith isn't some sort of magic that is conjured up like witchcraft. Faith is simple trust in the Love of the One Who has given us His Own Life. Many believe they're walking in faith, while they're debating whether or not God really means what He says. These people aren't walking in faith, but are "double-minded," like James says in James 1:8.
There are so many varying messages given in today's Church, that it creates confusion for many new Christians and they're left not knowing which message they should place their faith in. Many Christians conclude that everything happening in the world is God's will and don't pray about those things, saying instead, "Thy will be done." Don't get me wrong! God's will is being done in certain things and His will, will prove out at the end of all things. For your own life and walk with God, though, this might not be so.
It is carnal thinking, when we allow ourselves to believe that sickness, early death of loved ones, drug addiction (along with other such conditions), are the Father's will for His children. In a letter to the Church in Galatia, Paul rebuked the early members for going back to the carnal ways of serving the Lord. Thus, in Galatians 5:5-6 (Amplified) he says, "For we (not relying on the Law but) through the (Holy Spirit) help, by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God (our conformity to His will in purpose thought and action) causes us to hope For (if we are) in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through Love."
Many think that if we're not walking in Love, then our faith isn't working well either. This is true to some extent, but this isn't really what this scripture is about. If Paul was talking about our Love towards others, then he wouldn't have mentioned circumcision or noncircumcision, because this has nothing to do with our Love walk with others. He was speaking about our lack of understanding God's Love for us. The people Paul spoke too, were trying to show love by Law and not understanding Grace for themselves. They were still trying to be "in favor" with God, by Law. Faith that is working by Love, is our faith in His Love for us. This Love does away with circumcision or even uncircumcision. We are Blessed and accepted, when we (by faith in God's Love for us) accept His Word in this blessing and hope.
When we accept God's Love by faith, when we understand His Love by faith, when we stop trying to prove our Love for Him and accept His Love for us, then our faith will work like it should. God had to give us His Love, long before we could really Love Him at all, according to Romans 5:5 (Amplified) which says, "Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's Love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us."
We had to be baptized into the Love of God (in and by the Holy Spirit), in order the know how to return our love and worship to Him. Without understanding this and putting faith in His Love for us, we continue trying to to merit His favor and Blessing, by our own works. When we do this, even with good intentions, we're still under the works of the flesh and not really faith in His Love for us.
Throughout the years, religion and tradition have strongly taught works, instead of faith. Every person has his own faith, but it's also a Gift of God. We've been taught that God's Blessing and favor are still obtained by our works, instead of what He has done. This isn't faith that works by Love, but is religion that works by our own flesh. I'm not suggesting that we're not to walk upright before God, but I'm saying that your right standing before Him, isn't based on you. It's based on the Right standing of Jesus, on our behalf. It was and is His Love, that made us righteous before Him. And, it's faith that works by our understanding this Love,that makes our faith in Him work.
You can't really have faith that God will hear and answer your prayer and petitions, if they're based on your works instead of faith in His Work of Love, that made you righteous. The righteousness that has been given to us, isn't our righteousness, but His righteousness by Love.
When we approach Him by righteousness (His Gift of Love to us) instead of religion (our efforts at being righteous), when we approach God in Love (His Love for Him and by Him) instead of by Law (our own idea of Love, by faith in our works), then our faith is made perfect in Love. 1John 4:18 (Amplified) says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist), but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and (So) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection)."
Many new creation people, continue in "fear," expecting God to withhold the things of the family, if we don't follow the Law. We still have "dread of things to come," because we know we're still making mistakes. We know we aren't doing everything just right and make mistakes. I'm not implying we shouldn't strive to govern ourselves by and through the Word and the Holy Spirit, but we must put faith in God's Love (not our works). Our faith will work by understanding His Love for us.
Many of us, still expect and look for the punishment for our failures, instead of expecting and looking for Grace, by His Love. This has held people from having faith that works by Love, for centuries. 1John 3:19-21 (Amplified) tells us, "By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His Presence. Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self-accusations make us feel guilty and condemn us. (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him). And beloved, if our hearts (consciences) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
This is faith that works by Love. When we understand God's Love for us, our faith in Him will keep working, because we're not relying in faith in our own ability. No one who is truly saved, is trying to sin under Grace. Thinking that Jesus came to allow us to sin win without consequence, is a worldly and demonic teaching. 1John 1:9 (Amplified) says, "But, IF we sin, we have Jesus Who is our Intercessor." Put your faith in the Truth that you are righteous, because of His Love and not your own actions. We're maturing and making fewer mistakes in our walk with God. His Love covers every mistake and God continues hearing us, by our faith in His Love.
In this new creation family, our entire relationship and everything in it, is based on our faith in the Love of the One Who gave us Life. We've done the very thing Paul said about the Church of Galatia and have allowed ourselves to be placed back under the Law. When we refuse to believe what God has done for us by faith, we try establishing our own righteousness by works. This has undermined our faith in what Jesus has done to bring us back into family with God.
The faith movement has been happening in the Church for some time now, but some of the preaching has been wrong or at least wrongly heard. Faith isn't some sort of magic that is conjured up like witchcraft. Faith is simple trust in the Love of the One Who has given us His Own Life. Many believe they're walking in faith, while they're debating whether or not God really means what He says. These people aren't walking in faith, but are "double-minded," like James says in James 1:8.
There are so many varying messages given in today's Church, that it creates confusion for many new Christians and they're left not knowing which message they should place their faith in. Many Christians conclude that everything happening in the world is God's will and don't pray about those things, saying instead, "Thy will be done." Don't get me wrong! God's will is being done in certain things and His will, will prove out at the end of all things. For your own life and walk with God, though, this might not be so.
It is carnal thinking, when we allow ourselves to believe that sickness, early death of loved ones, drug addiction (along with other such conditions), are the Father's will for His children. In a letter to the Church in Galatia, Paul rebuked the early members for going back to the carnal ways of serving the Lord. Thus, in Galatians 5:5-6 (Amplified) he says, "For we (not relying on the Law but) through the (Holy Spirit) help, by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God (our conformity to His will in purpose thought and action) causes us to hope For (if we are) in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through Love."
Many think that if we're not walking in Love, then our faith isn't working well either. This is true to some extent, but this isn't really what this scripture is about. If Paul was talking about our Love towards others, then he wouldn't have mentioned circumcision or noncircumcision, because this has nothing to do with our Love walk with others. He was speaking about our lack of understanding God's Love for us. The people Paul spoke too, were trying to show love by Law and not understanding Grace for themselves. They were still trying to be "in favor" with God, by Law. Faith that is working by Love, is our faith in His Love for us. This Love does away with circumcision or even uncircumcision. We are Blessed and accepted, when we (by faith in God's Love for us) accept His Word in this blessing and hope.
When we accept God's Love by faith, when we understand His Love by faith, when we stop trying to prove our Love for Him and accept His Love for us, then our faith will work like it should. God had to give us His Love, long before we could really Love Him at all, according to Romans 5:5 (Amplified) which says, "Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's Love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us."
We had to be baptized into the Love of God (in and by the Holy Spirit), in order the know how to return our love and worship to Him. Without understanding this and putting faith in His Love for us, we continue trying to to merit His favor and Blessing, by our own works. When we do this, even with good intentions, we're still under the works of the flesh and not really faith in His Love for us.
Throughout the years, religion and tradition have strongly taught works, instead of faith. Every person has his own faith, but it's also a Gift of God. We've been taught that God's Blessing and favor are still obtained by our works, instead of what He has done. This isn't faith that works by Love, but is religion that works by our own flesh. I'm not suggesting that we're not to walk upright before God, but I'm saying that your right standing before Him, isn't based on you. It's based on the Right standing of Jesus, on our behalf. It was and is His Love, that made us righteous before Him. And, it's faith that works by our understanding this Love,that makes our faith in Him work.
You can't really have faith that God will hear and answer your prayer and petitions, if they're based on your works instead of faith in His Work of Love, that made you righteous. The righteousness that has been given to us, isn't our righteousness, but His righteousness by Love.
When we approach Him by righteousness (His Gift of Love to us) instead of religion (our efforts at being righteous), when we approach God in Love (His Love for Him and by Him) instead of by Law (our own idea of Love, by faith in our works), then our faith is made perfect in Love. 1John 4:18 (Amplified) says, "There is no fear in Love (dread does not exist), but full grown (complete, perfect) Love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and (So) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of Love (is not yet grown into Love's complete perfection)."
Many new creation people, continue in "fear," expecting God to withhold the things of the family, if we don't follow the Law. We still have "dread of things to come," because we know we're still making mistakes. We know we aren't doing everything just right and make mistakes. I'm not implying we shouldn't strive to govern ourselves by and through the Word and the Holy Spirit, but we must put faith in God's Love (not our works). Our faith will work by understanding His Love for us.
Many of us, still expect and look for the punishment for our failures, instead of expecting and looking for Grace, by His Love. This has held people from having faith that works by Love, for centuries. 1John 3:19-21 (Amplified) tells us, "By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His Presence. Whenever our hearts in (tormenting) self-accusations make us feel guilty and condemn us. (For we are in God's hands) For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts) and He knows (perceives and understands) everything (nothing is hidden from Him). And beloved, if our hearts (consciences) do not accuse us (if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us) we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God."
This is faith that works by Love. When we understand God's Love for us, our faith in Him will keep working, because we're not relying in faith in our own ability. No one who is truly saved, is trying to sin under Grace. Thinking that Jesus came to allow us to sin win without consequence, is a worldly and demonic teaching. 1John 1:9 (Amplified) says, "But, IF we sin, we have Jesus Who is our Intercessor." Put your faith in the Truth that you are righteous, because of His Love and not your own actions. We're maturing and making fewer mistakes in our walk with God. His Love covers every mistake and God continues hearing us, by our faith in His Love.
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