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)."
Romans 10:17 tells us that, "Faith comes by hearing" and we've been hearing the Gospel of salvation for two-thousand years now. We've placed our faith into the saving grace of God and have led many others to Jesus, over the years. We've mostly believed that through Jesus, we will go to Heaven when we leave this earth and then will spend eternity with Him. This is certainly true, but it isn't the "full Gospel" that represents God's Kingdom on earth.
Since this hasn't been preached or taught on very often, many have never heard or had faith to receive the full Gospel. Ephesians 2:6,10 (Amplified) says, "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint-seating with Him) in the Heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in (His) kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ."
Paul goes on in Verse 10 saying, "For we are God's (Own) handiwork (His workmanship) recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God pre-destined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to LIVE."
We have failed to see in God's Word how in this new creation, we've been "born again, anew" into what God planned beforehand for us (His family). The new creation people are "taking paths which God pre-destinated (planned beforehand, planned ahead of time) that we should walk in them living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live"
This is what God planned for His children ahead of time. What time did He plan this for us? Ahead of time. Before the foundation of world, before time was created, in the eternal Kingdom of God, He arranged all the Heavens and earth for His family. God created every living animal, the seas, trees and the Garden of Eden and then He placed man into this place that He had pre-arranged for his family.
In Christ Jesus, the new creation people have been restored back to God's original plan for His family, the plan He predestined and planned beforehand for us and we're taking paths which He prepared ahead of time. Genesis 1:26-27 (Amplified) tells us, "God said, Let Us (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) make mankind in Our Image, after Our Likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the (tame) beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in His Own Image, in the Image and Likeness of god He created him, male and female, He created them."
Genesis 2:7-8 (Amplified) continues, "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or Spirit of Life, and man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden (delight), and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted)."
The above scriptures tell us about all the things God planned beforehand for His family. These are the paths that He had prearranged ahead of time. This isn't a future even, but one that was in God's heart before He spoke light and matter into existence. You were the very reason that all these things exist. God never had a Plan B, but only Plan A and the new creation people are the exact image of His heart. This same authority and dominion has now been returned to His children, through Jesus. We've already been restored to the Kingdom authority that was given in Genesis, by Jesus and our joint-seating with Him in the Heavenlies. This God given authority and dominion was the plan He prearranged beforehand (before He created man). This was and is, the same plan that God had from the beginning.
Jesus is the Head of the Church, the Firstborn of many brethren and is (and was) the very Image of God's heart from the beginning. As the Last Adam, Jesus walked in the authority and dominion that God had predestined for His Own children to walk in, before the foundation of the world. We were always destine to be the new creation. Authority has been restored to mankind (the new creation man) by Jesus and His resurrection. In His earthly walk, Jesus did the things that man was to have walked in from before time. Our Last Adam, took back what the first Adam lost and restored it to the new man creation, to walk in once again.
The miracles and healings that Jesus performed, were the Kingdom Mandate that God gave to Adam in the beginning, "to have dominion over all the earth and everything that creeps on it." If the first Adam hadn't fallen into the lie of satan, then the ministry of Jesus wouldn't have been needed. All of the sickness and disease that Jesus dealt with, were not in the prearranged paths that man was to walk in. The Last Adam brought things back into God's will and what His will had always been before He created man and gave man dominion over the earth, in the beginning.
Jesus walked in the complete understanding of this predestined family of God. Jesus took what was man's God given authority and restored things satan perverted, back into God's will. When Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven," He was speaking of the new creation that was coming through Him. And, He was speaking about the restoration of the God given authority, to return earth to the Garden of Eden restoration.
It is true that we will not see the "fullness of the Kingdom," until God's Word is completed in the revelation of Jesus (the Book of Revelation), but we should be seeing the Kingdom being restored over all the earth, like it was through Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus told His followers that, "It is better for you that I go," because He couldn't restore the Kingdom to mankind until He went back to the Father. Through Jesus' sacrifice, death, and resurrection, He has "raised us up together with Him, and caused us to be seated together with Him (giving us joint seating with Him). Jesus restored the new creation back into the paths God prepared for us, before He ever created an earth for us to rule over.
Through Jesus, we are already restored into what God desired for His family, from the beginning. What good would it have been for God to create these things, without God's children to enjoy this planet? Who would enjoy the heart that gave all these things for us to walk in? God created all this for you to enjoy and after seeing that, "It was very good," He formed man. The destiny of His new creation is, to enjoy the place He has created for us.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Monday, March 13, 2017
Lesson 181 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)."
Jesus is the Head of the new creation and is to be the Example we follow in our new Life in the Spirit. He is our Pattern, of how we're to walk and live. He's not only our Pattern teaching us how to teach and preach the Good News, but how to demonstrate the power of God to the people. Paul writes about how we're to "transfigure" into Jesus' Image, in 2Corinthiasn 3:17-18 (Amplified) saying, "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom) And all of us, with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit."
Paul also says, in 1Corinthians 11:1 (Amplified), "Pattern yourselves after me (follow my example) as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)." He also writes, in 1Corinthians 4:15-16 (Amplified), "After all, though you should have ten thousand teachers (guides to direct you) in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel) So I urge and implore you, be imitators of me." Unlike many in today's Church, Paul certainly didn't consider imitating Jesus to be sacrilegious and he was sure enough in his walk with the Lord, that he even said "we were to imitate him, as he imitated Jesus."
As we read the writings of Paul, we discover how he set Jesus as his Example of how to walk in this new creation. Paul wrote in Romans 15:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "For (of course) I will not venture (presume) to speak thus of any work except that Christ has actually done through me (as an instrument in His Hands) to win obedience from the Gentiles by word and deed (Even as my preaching has been accompanied) with the power of signs and wonders, (and all of it) by the power of the Holy Spirit. (The result is) that starting in Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel (faithfully executing, accomplishing, carrying out to the full the Good News) of Christ (the Messiah) in its entirety."
Paul expounds on following Jesus' Example through his words and deeds in 1Corinthians 2:1-4 (Amplified) saying, "And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power, (a proof by the the Spirit and power of God operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them)."
Paul repeatedly urges us to "be like Jesus," like he strove to be like Him. Paul says we're not only to follow Jesus in words, but also in power. Paul's character, presentation and example before the people, presented Jesus in all His Glory, to the world. Paul didn't only look "into the Word as in a mirror," but the more he saw himself the way God made him to be, the more he looked like Jesus, according to 2Corinthians 3:14-16 (Amplified) which says, "In fact, their minds were grown hard and calloused (they had become dull and had lost the power of understanding) for until this present day, when the Old Testament (the old covenant) is being read, that same veil still lies (on their hearts) not being lifted (to reveal) that in Christ it is made void and done away. Yes, down to this (very) day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their minds and hearts. But whenever a person turns (in repentance) to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away."
In this new covenant, the new creation people (us) no longer see things "through a veil," but face-to-face like in a mirror. This glory is changing us or "transfiguring" us into His Christ's Very Image. Paul also tells us, in 1Corinthians 2:9-10 (Amplified), "But on the contrary, as the scriptures says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared (made ready and keeps ready) for those who love Him (who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed). Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Holy Spirit, For the Holy Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
Moses and the others in the old covenant, had a "veil" of flesh (carnal minds and dead spirits) that blinded them to the Truth, that is ours today in Christ. They couldn't look into the mirror of the Word and see and become transfigured into Christ's Image. This privilege is for the new creation people alone. Many though, in the new creation, have their eyes blinded to them and cannot see themselves like Jesus or Paul, because the Law is still being placed before their eyes. They cannot see themselves like Jesus or Paul and because of this, many have fallen prey to the enemy. They have become convinced that "it's God's will" they never rise to victory over their old man and carnal minds.
We've never "dared" to rise into Jesus' Image and become like He is, but Paul (who was given this revelation) never believed it was sacrilegious to commend others to "imitate me, as I imitate Jesus." The imitation Paul followed was "Jesus as He was and as He is," not only in his words and deeds towards the needy, broken, sick, crippled people. Jesus' Image is the One we need to see in this mirror of God's Word. We must see ourselves in His Likeness, in order to do God's work.
1Corinthians 2:16 (Amplified) tells us, "For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the Mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart." We see Jesus as He is, in the mirror of the Word and we are transfigured into that Image of Him and understanding of Him. Where you see Him, is where you serve Him. Let the Word and the Spirit, transfigure you "from one glory, to another glory, and from one faith to another faith in Him."
Jesus is the Head of the new creation and is to be the Example we follow in our new Life in the Spirit. He is our Pattern, of how we're to walk and live. He's not only our Pattern teaching us how to teach and preach the Good News, but how to demonstrate the power of God to the people. Paul writes about how we're to "transfigure" into Jesus' Image, in 2Corinthiasn 3:17-18 (Amplified) saying, "Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom) And all of us, with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit."
Paul also says, in 1Corinthians 11:1 (Amplified), "Pattern yourselves after me (follow my example) as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)." He also writes, in 1Corinthians 4:15-16 (Amplified), "After all, though you should have ten thousand teachers (guides to direct you) in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel) So I urge and implore you, be imitators of me." Unlike many in today's Church, Paul certainly didn't consider imitating Jesus to be sacrilegious and he was sure enough in his walk with the Lord, that he even said "we were to imitate him, as he imitated Jesus."
As we read the writings of Paul, we discover how he set Jesus as his Example of how to walk in this new creation. Paul wrote in Romans 15:18-19 (Amplified) saying, "For (of course) I will not venture (presume) to speak thus of any work except that Christ has actually done through me (as an instrument in His Hands) to win obedience from the Gentiles by word and deed (Even as my preaching has been accompanied) with the power of signs and wonders, (and all of it) by the power of the Holy Spirit. (The result is) that starting in Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel (faithfully executing, accomplishing, carrying out to the full the Good News) of Christ (the Messiah) in its entirety."
Paul expounds on following Jesus' Example through his words and deeds in 1Corinthians 2:1-4 (Amplified) saying, "And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power, (a proof by the the Spirit and power of God operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them)."
Paul repeatedly urges us to "be like Jesus," like he strove to be like Him. Paul says we're not only to follow Jesus in words, but also in power. Paul's character, presentation and example before the people, presented Jesus in all His Glory, to the world. Paul didn't only look "into the Word as in a mirror," but the more he saw himself the way God made him to be, the more he looked like Jesus, according to 2Corinthians 3:14-16 (Amplified) which says, "In fact, their minds were grown hard and calloused (they had become dull and had lost the power of understanding) for until this present day, when the Old Testament (the old covenant) is being read, that same veil still lies (on their hearts) not being lifted (to reveal) that in Christ it is made void and done away. Yes, down to this (very) day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their minds and hearts. But whenever a person turns (in repentance) to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away."
In this new covenant, the new creation people (us) no longer see things "through a veil," but face-to-face like in a mirror. This glory is changing us or "transfiguring" us into His Christ's Very Image. Paul also tells us, in 1Corinthians 2:9-10 (Amplified), "But on the contrary, as the scriptures says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared (made ready and keeps ready) for those who love Him (who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed). Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Holy Spirit, For the Holy Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God (the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny)."
Moses and the others in the old covenant, had a "veil" of flesh (carnal minds and dead spirits) that blinded them to the Truth, that is ours today in Christ. They couldn't look into the mirror of the Word and see and become transfigured into Christ's Image. This privilege is for the new creation people alone. Many though, in the new creation, have their eyes blinded to them and cannot see themselves like Jesus or Paul, because the Law is still being placed before their eyes. They cannot see themselves like Jesus or Paul and because of this, many have fallen prey to the enemy. They have become convinced that "it's God's will" they never rise to victory over their old man and carnal minds.
We've never "dared" to rise into Jesus' Image and become like He is, but Paul (who was given this revelation) never believed it was sacrilegious to commend others to "imitate me, as I imitate Jesus." The imitation Paul followed was "Jesus as He was and as He is," not only in his words and deeds towards the needy, broken, sick, crippled people. Jesus' Image is the One we need to see in this mirror of God's Word. We must see ourselves in His Likeness, in order to do God's work.
1Corinthians 2:16 (Amplified) tells us, "For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the Mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart." We see Jesus as He is, in the mirror of the Word and we are transfigured into that Image of Him and understanding of Him. Where you see Him, is where you serve Him. Let the Word and the Spirit, transfigure you "from one glory, to another glory, and from one faith to another faith in Him."
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Lesson 180 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) 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)."
1Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified) says, "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus. Whom God made our Wisdom from God (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty of sin)."
2Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified) says, "And all of us, as with unveiled face (because we) continued to behold the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit."
James 1:25 (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 an active doer (who obeys), he shall be blessed in his doing (this life of obedience)."
Previously, we learned about being "first class soldiers of Christ Jesus," in 2Timothy 2:3-7. Good, "first class soldiers" follow orders to carry them out, despite any hardship he or she endures. Most of the men I served with, maintained a certain pride in the outfit we served in and worked to be the best. Many of these soldiers, existed the army with commendations and honor for their excellent service. Our service to Christ Jesus should carry more weight and honor, than in this natural warfare we're in.
The above scriptures instruct us to see ourselves the way God sees us and not as religion or the world sees us. I observed many in the Army, who had been there for many years. These men acted in a manner that made us want to be like them. Their uniforms were tailored and sharp, their insignias and stripes were in perfect order and their appearance reflected their understanding of who they were in the Army.
As new creation people, we look to the Word of God "as a mirror." A mirror shows you as you are, not as you were. We've been taught that "we're still sinners" and not righteous for so long, that when we read the Word, we tend to see ourselves in that light. 2Corinthians 3:18 says that we're looking into a mirror and by seeing ourselves in the Light of our Redemption, we are "being transfigured into His Very Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, Who is Spirit." The Lord Himself is revealing our new creation identity to us, by His Spirit. Revelation (the revealing of who we have become in Christ) is so needed to the Body of Christ, especially in these Last Days.
The revelation of who we are and not who we were, will change us from glory to glory. Jesus says to the Heavenly Father in John 17:22 (Amplified) saying,"I have given to them (those who will believe and be saved) the glory and honor which You have given Me; that they may be one (even) as We are One." If we've been given the "glory and honor" that the Father gave Jesus, then we should search out 2Corinthians 3:18, as a command from the Master. We're to be changed or "transfigured" from "one glory to another glory" into His Very Own Image.
Only new creation people can be transfigured into His Image. We're to see ourselves by the Mirror of the Word, which reflects Jesus to us. When we "see" it from the Mirror, it becomes the Image that we are to see and begin to walk in. Initially, when entering the Army, we were simply a bunch of people, from around the U.S. and anyone observing us would think it was impossible for us to be a unit. As we began looking to our examples (our superiors), we began seeing ourselves like they were. After following and learning from them, we began to transfigure our own image, into what we beheld in them. This successfully turned us into soldiers. We must see ourselves in the Image that Jesus made us to be in Him, which is a new creation.
The glory and honor that the Father gave Jesus, is the glory and honor we're to emulate in our lives. It is one of the many Gifts of God's Grace and it's only by that grace that we can achieve this goal. And, it's only by revelation that we can see ourselves walking in it. This is who we were created to be. We're not meant to be on the bottom, but on the top. We're the head and not the tail. This is the blessing we have received through Jesus Christ, according to Deuteronomy 28:1-15.
This is the revelation of the new creation, we are seeing in the Mirror of the Word and who we are now in Christ Jesus. Revelation isn't something that never existed there. It's the revealing of something that was already there, but was hidden or covered. If you unveiled a statue in the park, then the statue was already there, but it could only be seen after the cover or veil was removed from over it. This is exactly what the Word is saying in 2Corinthians 3:18. If we read it by the Holy Spirit, He will remove the veil. Thus, it says, "All of us, as with unveiled face (because we continued to behold) (in the Word of God) as in a Mirror, the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His Very Own Image."
Our faces become "unveiled" by our continuing to behold the glory of the Lord in the Word, as a Mirror. We will continue seeing ourselves the way the world would have us see ourselves, without the Holy Spirit's uncovering the Image of Jesus to us. It's only with revelation, that we will be able to see ourselves as He is. Then, we will be changed into what we see. Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 in Luke 4:16 (Amplified) saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me." Jesus went on to preach the "recovery of sight to the blind." He wasn't only referring to natural sight, but the sight to see again, spiritually. Once the eyes of our spirit are opened, we can "see" by revelation, the true description of the new creation man.
Jesus told His disciples in Mark 4:11 (Amplified), "To you has been entrusted the mystery of the Kingdom of God (that is the secret counsels of God which are hidden from the ungodly) but for those outside (of our circle), everything becomes a parable." Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that, "Having eyes you don't see." Jesus was talking about the things of God's Kingdom, which we can see with or be revealed to the eyes of our spirit.
Even though we might be reading God's Word, we can only see man's vision of the new creation, if we read it with "unveiled faces." Otherwise, we will be like the Scribes and Pharisees were. The new creation man is the "mystery" that the Holy Spirit reveals to your spirit, by opening your spiritual eyes. One might be born-again and still not have unveiled faces. If you don't allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, who God has created us to be.
Paul described the Word as being a mirror that reveals who we are, not who we once were. You are what God created you to be. You might never walk in the newness of your identity (even after being born-again), if you don't allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, who you really are. We still live under things in the Law or in tradition or in man's teachings, but we've already been made a new creation in God's Own Righteousness.
1Corinthians 1:30 (Amplified) says, "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus. Whom God made our Wisdom from God (revealed to us a knowledge of the Divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as) our righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God) and our consecration (making us pure and holy) and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty of sin)."
2Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified) says, "And all of us, as with unveiled face (because we) continued to behold the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit."
James 1:25 (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 an active doer (who obeys), he shall be blessed in his doing (this life of obedience)."
Previously, we learned about being "first class soldiers of Christ Jesus," in 2Timothy 2:3-7. Good, "first class soldiers" follow orders to carry them out, despite any hardship he or she endures. Most of the men I served with, maintained a certain pride in the outfit we served in and worked to be the best. Many of these soldiers, existed the army with commendations and honor for their excellent service. Our service to Christ Jesus should carry more weight and honor, than in this natural warfare we're in.
The above scriptures instruct us to see ourselves the way God sees us and not as religion or the world sees us. I observed many in the Army, who had been there for many years. These men acted in a manner that made us want to be like them. Their uniforms were tailored and sharp, their insignias and stripes were in perfect order and their appearance reflected their understanding of who they were in the Army.
As new creation people, we look to the Word of God "as a mirror." A mirror shows you as you are, not as you were. We've been taught that "we're still sinners" and not righteous for so long, that when we read the Word, we tend to see ourselves in that light. 2Corinthians 3:18 says that we're looking into a mirror and by seeing ourselves in the Light of our Redemption, we are "being transfigured into His Very Own Image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, Who is Spirit." The Lord Himself is revealing our new creation identity to us, by His Spirit. Revelation (the revealing of who we have become in Christ) is so needed to the Body of Christ, especially in these Last Days.
The revelation of who we are and not who we were, will change us from glory to glory. Jesus says to the Heavenly Father in John 17:22 (Amplified) saying,"I have given to them (those who will believe and be saved) the glory and honor which You have given Me; that they may be one (even) as We are One." If we've been given the "glory and honor" that the Father gave Jesus, then we should search out 2Corinthians 3:18, as a command from the Master. We're to be changed or "transfigured" from "one glory to another glory" into His Very Own Image.
Only new creation people can be transfigured into His Image. We're to see ourselves by the Mirror of the Word, which reflects Jesus to us. When we "see" it from the Mirror, it becomes the Image that we are to see and begin to walk in. Initially, when entering the Army, we were simply a bunch of people, from around the U.S. and anyone observing us would think it was impossible for us to be a unit. As we began looking to our examples (our superiors), we began seeing ourselves like they were. After following and learning from them, we began to transfigure our own image, into what we beheld in them. This successfully turned us into soldiers. We must see ourselves in the Image that Jesus made us to be in Him, which is a new creation.
The glory and honor that the Father gave Jesus, is the glory and honor we're to emulate in our lives. It is one of the many Gifts of God's Grace and it's only by that grace that we can achieve this goal. And, it's only by revelation that we can see ourselves walking in it. This is who we were created to be. We're not meant to be on the bottom, but on the top. We're the head and not the tail. This is the blessing we have received through Jesus Christ, according to Deuteronomy 28:1-15.
This is the revelation of the new creation, we are seeing in the Mirror of the Word and who we are now in Christ Jesus. Revelation isn't something that never existed there. It's the revealing of something that was already there, but was hidden or covered. If you unveiled a statue in the park, then the statue was already there, but it could only be seen after the cover or veil was removed from over it. This is exactly what the Word is saying in 2Corinthians 3:18. If we read it by the Holy Spirit, He will remove the veil. Thus, it says, "All of us, as with unveiled face (because we continued to behold) (in the Word of God) as in a Mirror, the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His Very Own Image."
Our faces become "unveiled" by our continuing to behold the glory of the Lord in the Word, as a Mirror. We will continue seeing ourselves the way the world would have us see ourselves, without the Holy Spirit's uncovering the Image of Jesus to us. It's only with revelation, that we will be able to see ourselves as He is. Then, we will be changed into what we see. Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 in Luke 4:16 (Amplified) saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me." Jesus went on to preach the "recovery of sight to the blind." He wasn't only referring to natural sight, but the sight to see again, spiritually. Once the eyes of our spirit are opened, we can "see" by revelation, the true description of the new creation man.
Jesus told His disciples in Mark 4:11 (Amplified), "To you has been entrusted the mystery of the Kingdom of God (that is the secret counsels of God which are hidden from the ungodly) but for those outside (of our circle), everything becomes a parable." Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that, "Having eyes you don't see." Jesus was talking about the things of God's Kingdom, which we can see with or be revealed to the eyes of our spirit.
Even though we might be reading God's Word, we can only see man's vision of the new creation, if we read it with "unveiled faces." Otherwise, we will be like the Scribes and Pharisees were. The new creation man is the "mystery" that the Holy Spirit reveals to your spirit, by opening your spiritual eyes. One might be born-again and still not have unveiled faces. If you don't allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, who God has created us to be.
Paul described the Word as being a mirror that reveals who we are, not who we once were. You are what God created you to be. You might never walk in the newness of your identity (even after being born-again), if you don't allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, who you really are. We still live under things in the Law or in tradition or in man's teachings, but we've already been made a new creation in God's Own Righteousness.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Lesson 179 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 us to the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him)."
We sometimes forget that God's Word (the Bible) is a Super-natural book. It's the only book on earth that is and has Life in it's Words. This isn't a book for the natural man to understand, but the super-natural new creation. Jesus said that, "The Words I speak are Spirit and they are Life," in John 6:63 (Amplified). Nothing about this book of God's Word is possible, without faith in what it says and without believing that, "All things are possible to him who believes."
Even the new birth or new creation is impossible, without faith in the Super-natural Word of God. Everything Jesus did and said in His earthly ministry were super-natural, along with everything He instructed us to do. Jesus gave the commandment to "Love one another, as He loved us," but this could only be done through the Super-natural work of God in us. We are called to do the impossible works, that can only be done by faith in Him and His ability in us.
Applying our faith in God and the things He's called us to do, makes little sense to the natural carnal mind of man. Prayer only works when we are actually believing when we pray, that our prayers will be answered. Otherwise, it's only wishing it could be done and there's no power in wishing. Faith is required for us to become saved, according to Romans 10:8-10 (Amplified) which says, "If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made."
Jesus said this about salvation in Mark 16:16 (Amplified), "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 Whom it sets forth) will be condemned."
This process of believing and receiving is the very same principal laid out throughout the entire Word of God. You can only receive, what you believe. This is the impossible, made possible, only through believing. This isn't believing what you can see, but in what you believe is possible. I couldn't see my salvation when I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had to believe that what God said, was true. This seemed impossible to me, but God delivered on His Word, just like He said He would. The salvation scripture seems to be easier to believe than other things in God's Word, because we don't need to see or be involved, only to believe. When it comes to other "impossible" things from God's Word, we allow our carnal minds to dictate to us, instead of our spirit and the Word.
We lead others to Jesus, by faith in the "impossible," because we have renewed our minds to believe this portion of the Word and because we can believe in our hearts that this has come to pass. We seldom see signs of salvation initially in these baby Christians, but we believe that we eventually will. The difficult thing about laying hands on the sick and believing, is that we can see the impossible task of a man's being able to heal a disease. Our carnal, unrenewed mind comes into play and chokes off our "believing in our heart."
God's Word is a book full of impossible tasks and deeds that can only be accessed by believing in our hearts that God is able to bring to pass, the things He said He would. Our not believing them, will hinder or even stop us from doing them, but this doesn't make God's Word any less than truth. Just because some do not believe, doesn't mean that salvation isn't for all who do believe. The manifestation of God's Word, is received by believing. Jesus never told us to do anything about the sick, only to lay hands on them in belief. Then, He said that "the Father in Him (or us) will do the work." He only requires us to believe.
The principal of the prayer of salvation is the same for any other prayer. If you will only believe when you pray about other things, like you did when you said the prayer of salvation, then it will work the same way. We've developed our believing the prayer of salvation and with full assurance, we lead other to Christ, by faith in God's Word. We need to develop our faith, in order to trust in the rest of God's Word with the same full assurance. We cannot "save" anyone, we are simply the instrument God uses to speak the Word of salvation to them. It's hard to be a salesman for a product you don't believe in, even in the world.
The very Same Jesus Who died and rose again for our remission of sin and death, is the Same Jesus Who bore the curse of the Law and our redemption. We've developed faith in this one portion of our redemption, because the rest seems to be impossible, even in this day and age. In John 6:28-29 (Amplified), the people asked Jesus some of the same questions we hear today, saying, "What are we to do, that we may (habitually) be working the works of God? (What are we to do to carry out what God requires?) Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you, believe in the One Whom He has sent (that you cleave to, trust in, rely on, and have faith in) His Messenger."
These are the very same requirements needed for salvation. They both require us to believe and have faith in Him. Prayer depends on having faith in what Jesus said about it...just like anything and everything else He said. It's not based on "how good you are," but belief in Him. The very Same Jesus said these things in John 14:12-13 (Amplified), "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father." Jesus concluded this in Verse 13, saying, "And I will do (I Myself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I Am) So that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son." Jesus said that "if anyone believes and asks it, then Jesus will do or grant it." This representation of Jesus in the world, "will glorify and extol the Father through the Son."
The problem hasn't been that "God no longer does these things" (like some would have you believe), but it's been our unbelief in the Super-natural works of God through His Word. The only thing that I can find in the Word, that will stop the Super-natural work of God, is unbelief. I'm aware this will grate the old religious spirit of pride in some Christians, but this is what the Word says. We must expand our faith beyond the prayer of salvation, into the works of this new creation being here on earth.
I'm sure that some who might read this, will have much to say, but please all the Holy Spirit to reveal the Word (which Jesus said is Spirit and Life) to you. Remember that the things Jesus commissioned us to do are not possible, but that all things are impossible without believing. We must broaden our belief in what He said. If the confession of our mouth and believing in our heart can create a new creation, then it can also do everything else He said it would do, for those who will believe. After all, He does the work.
We sometimes forget that God's Word (the Bible) is a Super-natural book. It's the only book on earth that is and has Life in it's Words. This isn't a book for the natural man to understand, but the super-natural new creation. Jesus said that, "The Words I speak are Spirit and they are Life," in John 6:63 (Amplified). Nothing about this book of God's Word is possible, without faith in what it says and without believing that, "All things are possible to him who believes."
Even the new birth or new creation is impossible, without faith in the Super-natural Word of God. Everything Jesus did and said in His earthly ministry were super-natural, along with everything He instructed us to do. Jesus gave the commandment to "Love one another, as He loved us," but this could only be done through the Super-natural work of God in us. We are called to do the impossible works, that can only be done by faith in Him and His ability in us.
Applying our faith in God and the things He's called us to do, makes little sense to the natural carnal mind of man. Prayer only works when we are actually believing when we pray, that our prayers will be answered. Otherwise, it's only wishing it could be done and there's no power in wishing. Faith is required for us to become saved, according to Romans 10:8-10 (Amplified) which says, "If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made."
Jesus said this about salvation in Mark 16:16 (Amplified), "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 Whom it sets forth) will be condemned."
This process of believing and receiving is the very same principal laid out throughout the entire Word of God. You can only receive, what you believe. This is the impossible, made possible, only through believing. This isn't believing what you can see, but in what you believe is possible. I couldn't see my salvation when I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had to believe that what God said, was true. This seemed impossible to me, but God delivered on His Word, just like He said He would. The salvation scripture seems to be easier to believe than other things in God's Word, because we don't need to see or be involved, only to believe. When it comes to other "impossible" things from God's Word, we allow our carnal minds to dictate to us, instead of our spirit and the Word.
We lead others to Jesus, by faith in the "impossible," because we have renewed our minds to believe this portion of the Word and because we can believe in our hearts that this has come to pass. We seldom see signs of salvation initially in these baby Christians, but we believe that we eventually will. The difficult thing about laying hands on the sick and believing, is that we can see the impossible task of a man's being able to heal a disease. Our carnal, unrenewed mind comes into play and chokes off our "believing in our heart."
God's Word is a book full of impossible tasks and deeds that can only be accessed by believing in our hearts that God is able to bring to pass, the things He said He would. Our not believing them, will hinder or even stop us from doing them, but this doesn't make God's Word any less than truth. Just because some do not believe, doesn't mean that salvation isn't for all who do believe. The manifestation of God's Word, is received by believing. Jesus never told us to do anything about the sick, only to lay hands on them in belief. Then, He said that "the Father in Him (or us) will do the work." He only requires us to believe.
The principal of the prayer of salvation is the same for any other prayer. If you will only believe when you pray about other things, like you did when you said the prayer of salvation, then it will work the same way. We've developed our believing the prayer of salvation and with full assurance, we lead other to Christ, by faith in God's Word. We need to develop our faith, in order to trust in the rest of God's Word with the same full assurance. We cannot "save" anyone, we are simply the instrument God uses to speak the Word of salvation to them. It's hard to be a salesman for a product you don't believe in, even in the world.
The very Same Jesus Who died and rose again for our remission of sin and death, is the Same Jesus Who bore the curse of the Law and our redemption. We've developed faith in this one portion of our redemption, because the rest seems to be impossible, even in this day and age. In John 6:28-29 (Amplified), the people asked Jesus some of the same questions we hear today, saying, "What are we to do, that we may (habitually) be working the works of God? (What are we to do to carry out what God requires?) Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you, believe in the One Whom He has sent (that you cleave to, trust in, rely on, and have faith in) His Messenger."
These are the very same requirements needed for salvation. They both require us to believe and have faith in Him. Prayer depends on having faith in what Jesus said about it...just like anything and everything else He said. It's not based on "how good you are," but belief in Him. The very Same Jesus said these things in John 14:12-13 (Amplified), "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father." Jesus concluded this in Verse 13, saying, "And I will do (I Myself will grant) whatever you ask in My Name (as presenting all that I Am) So that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son." Jesus said that "if anyone believes and asks it, then Jesus will do or grant it." This representation of Jesus in the world, "will glorify and extol the Father through the Son."
The problem hasn't been that "God no longer does these things" (like some would have you believe), but it's been our unbelief in the Super-natural works of God through His Word. The only thing that I can find in the Word, that will stop the Super-natural work of God, is unbelief. I'm aware this will grate the old religious spirit of pride in some Christians, but this is what the Word says. We must expand our faith beyond the prayer of salvation, into the works of this new creation being here on earth.
I'm sure that some who might read this, will have much to say, but please all the Holy Spirit to reveal the Word (which Jesus said is Spirit and Life) to you. Remember that the things Jesus commissioned us to do are not possible, but that all things are impossible without believing. We must broaden our belief in what He said. If the confession of our mouth and believing in our heart can create a new creation, then it can also do everything else He said it would do, for those who will believe. After all, He does the work.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Lesson 178 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)."
We Christians are an entirely new species that never existed on this planet before. We have Only One Example to look to and follow and we've placed Him into a category unto Himself. We've decided that the only reason miracles, healings and Super-natural things followed Jesus, is because He is the Son of God. Although this is true, Jesus didn't just do these things as the Son of God, but as the Son of man as well. Jesus was the first Man Who was filled with and empower with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The previous prophets of old, were only endued with this Spirit, when it came upon them.
After Jesus' resurrection from the dead and His ascension into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, to indwell the Body of Christ, the Church. We are the Body of Christ ("Christ" means the Anointed or Anointing), we're also filled with and born of the Same Father and Spirit. We're the sons and daughters of God and the sons and daughters of man. God gave man dominion from the first Adam to the Last Adam (Jesus) and man still has the dominating ability of God working in and through him, by God's Own Spirit.
God intended the first Adam to operate on earth, the way Jesus walked and operated in His earthly ministry. The reason we never saw other men operate the way Jesus did, is because there was no enemy man needed to take authority over, until after the fall of Adam. When Jesus came upon the earth, He reclaimed the power of dominion that was placed on mankind in the beginning. Jesus restored it back to the ones it was intended for.
Adam might have lived in the Garden of Eden for millions of years, before satan finally caused Adam to surrender to him. Adam had to surrender his authority and dominion over to satan, because the Word tells us that "the woman was deceived, the man was not." 1Timothy 2:14 (Amplified) says, "And it was not Adam who was deceived, but (the) woman who was deceived and deluded and fell into transgression." Adam tried becoming his own redeemer and gave over everything he had to redeem his wife, Eve. If Adam has gone to his Father, seeking God's Own wisdom, then things would have been different.
When Jesus came to earth as a Man, He didn't do what He did for Himself. Jesus was never under the ill-gotten authority of satan. He came to deliver mankind back into his rightful place as sons of God. Throughout the four Gospels and the Epistles, we read that man had dominion over the fallen angels and satan, through Jesus and His delegated authority in His Name. Jesus gave man the authority and dominion by the use of His Name, even before mankind was born-again. Luke 10:17 (Amplified) says, "The seventy returned with joy saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." Jesus instructed the seventy in Luke 10:8-9 (Amplified) saying, "Whenever you go into a town and they receive and accept and welcome you, eat what is set before you; And heal the sick in it and say to them, The Kingdom of God has come close to you."
This God-given authority and dominion was what the Father intended from the first man to the last man. God's intent and heart was that His Own family would have dominion over all things on earth. Even though Adam fell into transgression, the Father never changed His plan for His children. God redeemed mankind back into His original plan for them, through Jesus, He delivered man back unto Himself. The last part of this redemption will be that our flesh and bone body will be glorified. Everything else has been done, and done correctly, by Jesus and His perfect work. Satan tries clinging to his usurped authority, through the same means by which he gained it, by deception. We've been deceived by the enemy's lies for so long that, we now think this is how it was supposed to be. Jesus was never deceived (not for even a second) into thinking it "might be the Father tempting Him." He never believed that the Father wouldn't hear Him. Jesus walked under the old covenant and by doing so, walked under the Blessing of Abraham. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restored the dominion, authority and blessing to those with enough faith and courage to believe.
There are Laws of the Spirit and the Kingdom which we must operate, in order to have the dominion and authority work on our behalf. God is a Judge and Righteous God and His Word is forever settled. God cannot violate His Own Word, even for us. We've tried walking in our own understand and make the Word work for us. We must listen to the Voice of the Spirit and learn the rules or Laws that govern the new creation. Prayer was never intended to be Hit-or-Miss, but was meant to be God and man working together against the common enemy and restoring things back into order.
God's Kingdom is the most orderly place in all of His creation. The only reason things became out of place, is because He gave dominion to man, instead of dominating over it and mankind. God doesn't want to dominate His children, but He wishes to walk with them as family, in Love and companionship. God could have created us to be like puppets, that only moved when He pulled our strings. That though, would have made us His slaves and not His family.
Many wonder whether man has a free will, to do as he wishes. Some even believe that everything happening on earth, is the will of God. God's family, the new creation people, have an enemy who refuses to turn loose of his ill-gotten control of this planet. We must use the weapons of our warfare and take back dominion from this enemy. I don't have authority over other humans, but only over things in my own life. I have the God-given right (His right or righteousness) to take back what God has given me in this earth. I'm also commissioned to act as an ambassador from God's Kingdom and deliver this Word of deliverance to all who will listen. That Word is the Gospel Jesus preached in Luke 4:18-19. This Gospel hasn't changed, since He preached it and we are commissioned to continue preaching it into all the earth. Mark 16:15-16 (Amplified) says, "And He said to them, God 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 trust 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 Whom it sets forth) will be condemned."
The Gospel hasn't changed in it's intent or power, only those who preach it have changed. The Gospel that Jesus preached, is the same Gospel we were sent to preach and only the preachers have changed. If what Jesus preached would heal the sick, raise the dead, open blind eyes and cleanse the lepers, then it still will do those things today. He hasn't changed, only what we believed has changed. The Father commissioned us to be ambassadors from His Kingdom and do exactly the same things that Jesus did, as Spirit filled, born-again men and women and new creation children of the Living God and Father.
We Christians are an entirely new species that never existed on this planet before. We have Only One Example to look to and follow and we've placed Him into a category unto Himself. We've decided that the only reason miracles, healings and Super-natural things followed Jesus, is because He is the Son of God. Although this is true, Jesus didn't just do these things as the Son of God, but as the Son of man as well. Jesus was the first Man Who was filled with and empower with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The previous prophets of old, were only endued with this Spirit, when it came upon them.
After Jesus' resurrection from the dead and His ascension into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, to indwell the Body of Christ, the Church. We are the Body of Christ ("Christ" means the Anointed or Anointing), we're also filled with and born of the Same Father and Spirit. We're the sons and daughters of God and the sons and daughters of man. God gave man dominion from the first Adam to the Last Adam (Jesus) and man still has the dominating ability of God working in and through him, by God's Own Spirit.
God intended the first Adam to operate on earth, the way Jesus walked and operated in His earthly ministry. The reason we never saw other men operate the way Jesus did, is because there was no enemy man needed to take authority over, until after the fall of Adam. When Jesus came upon the earth, He reclaimed the power of dominion that was placed on mankind in the beginning. Jesus restored it back to the ones it was intended for.
Adam might have lived in the Garden of Eden for millions of years, before satan finally caused Adam to surrender to him. Adam had to surrender his authority and dominion over to satan, because the Word tells us that "the woman was deceived, the man was not." 1Timothy 2:14 (Amplified) says, "And it was not Adam who was deceived, but (the) woman who was deceived and deluded and fell into transgression." Adam tried becoming his own redeemer and gave over everything he had to redeem his wife, Eve. If Adam has gone to his Father, seeking God's Own wisdom, then things would have been different.
When Jesus came to earth as a Man, He didn't do what He did for Himself. Jesus was never under the ill-gotten authority of satan. He came to deliver mankind back into his rightful place as sons of God. Throughout the four Gospels and the Epistles, we read that man had dominion over the fallen angels and satan, through Jesus and His delegated authority in His Name. Jesus gave man the authority and dominion by the use of His Name, even before mankind was born-again. Luke 10:17 (Amplified) says, "The seventy returned with joy saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." Jesus instructed the seventy in Luke 10:8-9 (Amplified) saying, "Whenever you go into a town and they receive and accept and welcome you, eat what is set before you; And heal the sick in it and say to them, The Kingdom of God has come close to you."
This God-given authority and dominion was what the Father intended from the first man to the last man. God's intent and heart was that His Own family would have dominion over all things on earth. Even though Adam fell into transgression, the Father never changed His plan for His children. God redeemed mankind back into His original plan for them, through Jesus, He delivered man back unto Himself. The last part of this redemption will be that our flesh and bone body will be glorified. Everything else has been done, and done correctly, by Jesus and His perfect work. Satan tries clinging to his usurped authority, through the same means by which he gained it, by deception. We've been deceived by the enemy's lies for so long that, we now think this is how it was supposed to be. Jesus was never deceived (not for even a second) into thinking it "might be the Father tempting Him." He never believed that the Father wouldn't hear Him. Jesus walked under the old covenant and by doing so, walked under the Blessing of Abraham. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restored the dominion, authority and blessing to those with enough faith and courage to believe.
There are Laws of the Spirit and the Kingdom which we must operate, in order to have the dominion and authority work on our behalf. God is a Judge and Righteous God and His Word is forever settled. God cannot violate His Own Word, even for us. We've tried walking in our own understand and make the Word work for us. We must listen to the Voice of the Spirit and learn the rules or Laws that govern the new creation. Prayer was never intended to be Hit-or-Miss, but was meant to be God and man working together against the common enemy and restoring things back into order.
God's Kingdom is the most orderly place in all of His creation. The only reason things became out of place, is because He gave dominion to man, instead of dominating over it and mankind. God doesn't want to dominate His children, but He wishes to walk with them as family, in Love and companionship. God could have created us to be like puppets, that only moved when He pulled our strings. That though, would have made us His slaves and not His family.
Many wonder whether man has a free will, to do as he wishes. Some even believe that everything happening on earth, is the will of God. God's family, the new creation people, have an enemy who refuses to turn loose of his ill-gotten control of this planet. We must use the weapons of our warfare and take back dominion from this enemy. I don't have authority over other humans, but only over things in my own life. I have the God-given right (His right or righteousness) to take back what God has given me in this earth. I'm also commissioned to act as an ambassador from God's Kingdom and deliver this Word of deliverance to all who will listen. That Word is the Gospel Jesus preached in Luke 4:18-19. This Gospel hasn't changed, since He preached it and we are commissioned to continue preaching it into all the earth. Mark 16:15-16 (Amplified) says, "And He said to them, God 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 trust 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 Whom it sets forth) will be condemned."
The Gospel hasn't changed in it's intent or power, only those who preach it have changed. The Gospel that Jesus preached, is the same Gospel we were sent to preach and only the preachers have changed. If what Jesus preached would heal the sick, raise the dead, open blind eyes and cleanse the lepers, then it still will do those things today. He hasn't changed, only what we believed has changed. The Father commissioned us to be ambassadors from His Kingdom and do exactly the same things that Jesus did, as Spirit filled, born-again men and women and new creation children of the Living God and Father.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Lesson 177 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) is 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're unlike any other creature that has ever existed on this planet before. We cannot live by the laws that governed the old covenant people and we cannot live by the adopted rituals and traditions of other people. Because we've failed to see ourselves as what God created us to be, for the most part, we've not been very successful in our prayer life or in our new position in Christ Jesus.
Paul spoke to Timothy about something that hasn't previously resonated into our spiritual understanding in 2Timothy 2:3-7 (Amplified) saying, "Take (with me) your share of the hardships and sufferings (which you are called to endure) as a good (first class) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of (civilian) life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him. And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down It is the hardworking farmer (who labors to produce) who must be the first partaker of the fruits. Think over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application) for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything."
There are Heavenly and spiritual laws, that could only apply to this new creation people. In order to the new creation family to function like it's supposed to, we must function "lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down)." There are rules and laws laid down for us that never applied to previous people, before the new creation. We've struggled to make the Word work by the old rules or Laws, that were here previous to the family. Prayer has nearly become a sort of playing the lottery and we continue praying, hoping to hit it big.
We've acted more like beggars than sons of God, because we've not understood our rights and privileges in Jesus. Paul said that we must go by the rules to be crowned in this competitive new thing we are involved in as new creation family. You must compete by the rules of the game, in order to win (even the lottery). You never see any player tackled in a basketball game, because there are rules to operate in. You never find anyone trying to score a basket, in a baseball game. The rules of competing in these games, are different. In order to win, you must use the rules or laws that govern the game.
Ephesians 2:6-7 (Amplified) tells us, "He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the Heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in (His) kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus."
Paul continues in Ephesians 3:10 (Amplified) saying, "(The purpose is) that through the Church the (complicated, many-sided) wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the Heavenly sphere."
Through the new creation life we received in Christ Jesus, we've been given the Heavenly Laws (rules) of the Kingdom, to rule over the principalities and powers of the enemy. There are now different rules and Laws we operate in, from the Kingdom we rule from in Him. In order to stop satan in his overthrow of the Church, Paul said we "must compete lawfully according to the rules laid down." If we play this game unlawfully (outside the rules of the Kingdom), then we don't we like we should. The old saying is, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game that counts." I say, "If you play the game correctly, then you win."
We've been trying to "get Heaven to work for us," by using the rules or laws of the old covenant, instead of the new creation rules. In the army, I encountered hardships that went with my enlistment. Not everything in the army, was parades and leave time. We had rules and laws that we followed, that civilians didn't need or didn't know about. We followed and were required to know the chain of command, as well as other rules. We didn't get involved with civilians affairs, but there was a code of conduct that applied to the civilian world.
Every soldier was required to know the rules of functioning with a weapon, along with the hardships of warfare (even if we weren't in a combat zone). We had respect for our superiors and had to deal with orders from those in command. The old saying was, "The right way, the wrong way, and the army way." Civilians didn't always see the army way as the right way. This new creation life requires us to walk in some things, that will not look right to those who don't understand, because they are the army way or the way of the new creation.
We are an invading army, sent to change things wherever we go, and we're not supposed to adjust to the civilian life of those we were sent to liberate. We didn't go to war with Germany, in order to learn their way of doing things, but to change what was being done to the millions of people being slaughtered by the Third Reich. There were even laws of war that governed our army, which was called the Geneva Convention.
In the new creation army, the rules of prayer have changed and our authority has been granted by our Commander-in-Chief (Jesus), Who governs these rules. We haven't seen ourselves from the realm of the Heavenlies, but by the way the world has trained us too. We're not playing or serving by the proper laws that govern this warfare. The army that enlisted us provided everything we'd need to perform our duties. I never needed to purchase my own uniform or rifle, because these were given to me by those who enlisted me. My allegiances were to the army and my orders or rules of conduct came from this source.
Many in Vietnam didn't always understand why we were there, or what we were doing. When the soldiers returned home, many suffered hardships, because the civilians didn't always understand what our mission was and, because many soldiers continued living under the military's rules and laws of conduct. As "good first class soldiers of Jesus Christ," the new creation people too, will suffer criticisms and hardships, because not everyone will understand our orders and positions. Paul instructed Timothy in 2Timothy 2:7 (Amplified) saying, "Think over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application) for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything."
James 1:5 (Amplified) says, "If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask f the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given him." God isn't upset when we "ask Him" to show us the "rules" used, in order to compete lawfully in this new creation. Our Commander-in-Chief has granted us authority and access to new laws from His Throne Room, so that we can win. We've been using carnal weapons, instead of what the One Who has enlisted us has provided. We've been given a new way to conduct this warfare, that includes a new of prayer and authority that we haven't used until now.
Read 2Timothy 2 and ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Once we understand this, everything will change in our prayer lives and in our enlistments into this Heavenly Army, which is God's family. Our Family Crest is The Risen Christ. Amen.
As new creations, we're unlike any other creature that has ever existed on this planet before. We cannot live by the laws that governed the old covenant people and we cannot live by the adopted rituals and traditions of other people. Because we've failed to see ourselves as what God created us to be, for the most part, we've not been very successful in our prayer life or in our new position in Christ Jesus.
Paul spoke to Timothy about something that hasn't previously resonated into our spiritual understanding in 2Timothy 2:3-7 (Amplified) saying, "Take (with me) your share of the hardships and sufferings (which you are called to endure) as a good (first class) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of (civilian) life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him. And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down It is the hardworking farmer (who labors to produce) who must be the first partaker of the fruits. Think over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application) for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything."
There are Heavenly and spiritual laws, that could only apply to this new creation people. In order to the new creation family to function like it's supposed to, we must function "lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down)." There are rules and laws laid down for us that never applied to previous people, before the new creation. We've struggled to make the Word work by the old rules or Laws, that were here previous to the family. Prayer has nearly become a sort of playing the lottery and we continue praying, hoping to hit it big.
We've acted more like beggars than sons of God, because we've not understood our rights and privileges in Jesus. Paul said that we must go by the rules to be crowned in this competitive new thing we are involved in as new creation family. You must compete by the rules of the game, in order to win (even the lottery). You never see any player tackled in a basketball game, because there are rules to operate in. You never find anyone trying to score a basket, in a baseball game. The rules of competing in these games, are different. In order to win, you must use the rules or laws that govern the game.
Ephesians 2:6-7 (Amplified) tells us, "He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the Heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in (His) kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus."
Paul continues in Ephesians 3:10 (Amplified) saying, "(The purpose is) that through the Church the (complicated, many-sided) wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the Heavenly sphere."
Through the new creation life we received in Christ Jesus, we've been given the Heavenly Laws (rules) of the Kingdom, to rule over the principalities and powers of the enemy. There are now different rules and Laws we operate in, from the Kingdom we rule from in Him. In order to stop satan in his overthrow of the Church, Paul said we "must compete lawfully according to the rules laid down." If we play this game unlawfully (outside the rules of the Kingdom), then we don't we like we should. The old saying is, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game that counts." I say, "If you play the game correctly, then you win."
We've been trying to "get Heaven to work for us," by using the rules or laws of the old covenant, instead of the new creation rules. In the army, I encountered hardships that went with my enlistment. Not everything in the army, was parades and leave time. We had rules and laws that we followed, that civilians didn't need or didn't know about. We followed and were required to know the chain of command, as well as other rules. We didn't get involved with civilians affairs, but there was a code of conduct that applied to the civilian world.
Every soldier was required to know the rules of functioning with a weapon, along with the hardships of warfare (even if we weren't in a combat zone). We had respect for our superiors and had to deal with orders from those in command. The old saying was, "The right way, the wrong way, and the army way." Civilians didn't always see the army way as the right way. This new creation life requires us to walk in some things, that will not look right to those who don't understand, because they are the army way or the way of the new creation.
We are an invading army, sent to change things wherever we go, and we're not supposed to adjust to the civilian life of those we were sent to liberate. We didn't go to war with Germany, in order to learn their way of doing things, but to change what was being done to the millions of people being slaughtered by the Third Reich. There were even laws of war that governed our army, which was called the Geneva Convention.
In the new creation army, the rules of prayer have changed and our authority has been granted by our Commander-in-Chief (Jesus), Who governs these rules. We haven't seen ourselves from the realm of the Heavenlies, but by the way the world has trained us too. We're not playing or serving by the proper laws that govern this warfare. The army that enlisted us provided everything we'd need to perform our duties. I never needed to purchase my own uniform or rifle, because these were given to me by those who enlisted me. My allegiances were to the army and my orders or rules of conduct came from this source.
Many in Vietnam didn't always understand why we were there, or what we were doing. When the soldiers returned home, many suffered hardships, because the civilians didn't always understand what our mission was and, because many soldiers continued living under the military's rules and laws of conduct. As "good first class soldiers of Jesus Christ," the new creation people too, will suffer criticisms and hardships, because not everyone will understand our orders and positions. Paul instructed Timothy in 2Timothy 2:7 (Amplified) saying, "Think over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application) for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything."
James 1:5 (Amplified) says, "If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask f the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given him." God isn't upset when we "ask Him" to show us the "rules" used, in order to compete lawfully in this new creation. Our Commander-in-Chief has granted us authority and access to new laws from His Throne Room, so that we can win. We've been using carnal weapons, instead of what the One Who has enlisted us has provided. We've been given a new way to conduct this warfare, that includes a new of prayer and authority that we haven't used until now.
Read 2Timothy 2 and ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Once we understand this, everything will change in our prayer lives and in our enlistments into this Heavenly Army, which is God's family. Our Family Crest is The Risen Christ. Amen.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Lesson 176 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 or 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 creation people, we were created to live here on earth, but to live by the spirit. Adam was created a spirit, but was sustained by his spirit. His spirit was to receive the life and wisdom of the Father, to live here. The Father was to supply all that mankind need and to furnish it by the spirit realm and His Kingdom. All that Adam would ever need, came from the spirit realm where the Father resided, and was made manifest here in this natural realm.
Man was to believe and walk in God's Blessing (His Word), which would take care of His children. Our part was simply to trust in God's ability to provide what He said He would do. We've long since lost sight of what the Father has said, to take care of us while we remain on earth. When Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden, he lost his connection with the Father in his spirit and had to rely on his own natural man, in order to provide his own needs. God's instructions began to fade as time went by and Adam lost contact with God's Word and Blessing. His Word was to sustain us and all we were required to do, was believe it. Most children never need to worry about where they're going to sleep, live, what they will eat or wear while they're growing up, because they trust their parents to provide these things. We pray that all children would never need to worry about these things. This is supposed to be our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Everything we see and know in this natural realm, came from the Spirit.
The universe and everything in it, derived from the spirit realm, according to John 1:1-3 (Amplified) which says, "In the beginning (before all time) was the Word (Christ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even anything made that has come into being." This includes everything in and on this entire planet. Everything we see, feel, hear, touch and taste (the five senses), came from the heavens and the Spirit of God's Word.
This Spiritual creation hasn't changed since it began, but we have changed and become more like the first Adam, instead of the Last Adam. Jesus is our Last Adam and He depended on the Spirit to provide the natural in His earthly walk as a Man. Jesus is our Example and demonstrated how the new creation (we) are to live and function while on this earth, that the Word created. If we needed proof that the Spirit and the Word still work like God intended, then all we need do, is look at earth, which is still being held in place by the Word of God. If God's Word can hold our entire planet in place, then it can certainly sustain those of us living on it.
God spoke about His Blessing upon His people in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (Amplified). God said that He would bless us, just like He blessed Adam, and take care of our life and everything we needed to live this life. God's blessing included our children, finances, livestock and properties. All our children are required to do, was walk in His Word and believe Him.
I have personally taken God at His Promise for my children, livestock and all that His Blessing (His Word) for the new creation. The enemy has tried attacking and discouraging me throughout the years, but I am command in His Word to "Fight the Good fight of faith," in 1Timothy 6:12 (Amplified). I'm not commanded to fight nature, satan, or circumstances, only to hold my faith in what God has said. I've discovered that when I hold my faith on what God has said, then He always brings it to pass, on my behalf. If I lose a calf and don't lose my faith in God's Promise, then I find that the next calf gives birth to twins. God blesses the fruit of my cattle, just like He said He would.
In His Promise through Jesus, God says that "His Word is Truth" and "His Word is unchangeable. And, His Word tells me that, "We don't live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the Mouth of God." Paul told Timothy that to "rightly divide the Word, you must make the distinction who that Word is for." If you're still identifying with being a sinner, instead of the new creation, then you're not living by the Word of Truth for your life.
In order to believe God's Promises in your life, you must believe who are now in, Christ Jesus. In order to believe God is punishing you, you must first believe that what God's Word pertaining you, isn't truthful. This is pure unbelief and it will stop your faith, in its tracks. In order to believe God's Promises, you must believe that, "Old things are passed away, and all things have become new." You must believe that you've been made the righteousness (or are in right standing) with God in Christ Jesus. Although the Blessing is for you, you must believe you are the blessing. We cannot identify as a sinner and qualify for the Blessing. You must believe His Word, despite what others might say or what religion teaches.
The people in the Wilderness has a choice to believe God about the Promised Land or to believe the words of those who didn't believe God. They chose to believe a lie and thus, died in the Wilderness. The strange thing about this account in Numbers 13-14 is that when the people called for the stoning of someone, they chose to cry out against those who believed God, instead of calling for the stoning of those who called themselves "Grasshoppers."
Today, we hear the masses cry out against those who say, "In God, we are able to take the Land," instead of against those saying they're "Grasshoppers." As for me and my house, we choose to believe God, more than the Grasshoppers. I don't need to be bigger than the Giants. I only need to believe that my God is bigger than the Giant and He will deliver me by His strength and His Word. How did God every get to be smaller than a grasshopper in our lives? It's time to believe God and "take the Land," like He said to do.
As new creation people, we were created to live here on earth, but to live by the spirit. Adam was created a spirit, but was sustained by his spirit. His spirit was to receive the life and wisdom of the Father, to live here. The Father was to supply all that mankind need and to furnish it by the spirit realm and His Kingdom. All that Adam would ever need, came from the spirit realm where the Father resided, and was made manifest here in this natural realm.
Man was to believe and walk in God's Blessing (His Word), which would take care of His children. Our part was simply to trust in God's ability to provide what He said He would do. We've long since lost sight of what the Father has said, to take care of us while we remain on earth. When Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden, he lost his connection with the Father in his spirit and had to rely on his own natural man, in order to provide his own needs. God's instructions began to fade as time went by and Adam lost contact with God's Word and Blessing. His Word was to sustain us and all we were required to do, was believe it. Most children never need to worry about where they're going to sleep, live, what they will eat or wear while they're growing up, because they trust their parents to provide these things. We pray that all children would never need to worry about these things. This is supposed to be our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Everything we see and know in this natural realm, came from the Spirit.
The universe and everything in it, derived from the spirit realm, according to John 1:1-3 (Amplified) which says, "In the beginning (before all time) was the Word (Christ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even anything made that has come into being." This includes everything in and on this entire planet. Everything we see, feel, hear, touch and taste (the five senses), came from the heavens and the Spirit of God's Word.
This Spiritual creation hasn't changed since it began, but we have changed and become more like the first Adam, instead of the Last Adam. Jesus is our Last Adam and He depended on the Spirit to provide the natural in His earthly walk as a Man. Jesus is our Example and demonstrated how the new creation (we) are to live and function while on this earth, that the Word created. If we needed proof that the Spirit and the Word still work like God intended, then all we need do, is look at earth, which is still being held in place by the Word of God. If God's Word can hold our entire planet in place, then it can certainly sustain those of us living on it.
God spoke about His Blessing upon His people in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (Amplified). God said that He would bless us, just like He blessed Adam, and take care of our life and everything we needed to live this life. God's blessing included our children, finances, livestock and properties. All our children are required to do, was walk in His Word and believe Him.
I have personally taken God at His Promise for my children, livestock and all that His Blessing (His Word) for the new creation. The enemy has tried attacking and discouraging me throughout the years, but I am command in His Word to "Fight the Good fight of faith," in 1Timothy 6:12 (Amplified). I'm not commanded to fight nature, satan, or circumstances, only to hold my faith in what God has said. I've discovered that when I hold my faith on what God has said, then He always brings it to pass, on my behalf. If I lose a calf and don't lose my faith in God's Promise, then I find that the next calf gives birth to twins. God blesses the fruit of my cattle, just like He said He would.
In His Promise through Jesus, God says that "His Word is Truth" and "His Word is unchangeable. And, His Word tells me that, "We don't live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the Mouth of God." Paul told Timothy that to "rightly divide the Word, you must make the distinction who that Word is for." If you're still identifying with being a sinner, instead of the new creation, then you're not living by the Word of Truth for your life.
In order to believe God's Promises in your life, you must believe who are now in, Christ Jesus. In order to believe God is punishing you, you must first believe that what God's Word pertaining you, isn't truthful. This is pure unbelief and it will stop your faith, in its tracks. In order to believe God's Promises, you must believe that, "Old things are passed away, and all things have become new." You must believe that you've been made the righteousness (or are in right standing) with God in Christ Jesus. Although the Blessing is for you, you must believe you are the blessing. We cannot identify as a sinner and qualify for the Blessing. You must believe His Word, despite what others might say or what religion teaches.
The people in the Wilderness has a choice to believe God about the Promised Land or to believe the words of those who didn't believe God. They chose to believe a lie and thus, died in the Wilderness. The strange thing about this account in Numbers 13-14 is that when the people called for the stoning of someone, they chose to cry out against those who believed God, instead of calling for the stoning of those who called themselves "Grasshoppers."
Today, we hear the masses cry out against those who say, "In God, we are able to take the Land," instead of against those saying they're "Grasshoppers." As for me and my house, we choose to believe God, more than the Grasshoppers. I don't need to be bigger than the Giants. I only need to believe that my God is bigger than the Giant and He will deliver me by His strength and His Word. How did God every get to be smaller than a grasshopper in our lives? It's time to believe God and "take the Land," like He said to do.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Lesson 175 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 enemy has tried very hard to teach the new creation man to identify with the world. Jesus said, though, in John 17:16 (Amplified) that, "They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world) (Just) as I am not of the world." Our identities are no longer White, Italian, Hispanic, African, Irish or any other nationality that we are given to check the box. Jesus said this about our identity in John 17:21 (Amplified), "That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me."
It's difficult for the Church to become one with God on the earth, when we continue identifying with the world. Our identity and life in is Christ Jesus and we're all made one in Him. Even as Christians, we identify with our natural race and color, more than the glory we've been ingrafted into with Jesus. We all have the same Father and were all born of the Same Seed. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) says, "You have been regenerated (born again) not from a mortal origin (seed,sperm) but from One that is Immortal, by the Ever Living and Lasting Word of God." This is who we are and where we're from. We are all now one, as He is One in the Father.
When the Lord sent me to Chaumont, New York, I saw a place that was like my Promise Land in God. It didn't look very prosperous, but the Lord said that, "Where My Word is preached, prosperity follows." As we preached the Word and claimed our inheritance, the are began prospering. I was stationed at Camp Drum, where the permanent cadre was made up of 100 soldiers and it was primarily used to train reserve troops, during the summer. Now, it has become Fort Drum and the permanent cadre is about 30,000 troops and workers.
The surrounding land had laid fallow and wasn't being used, but now it's become valuable for building homes and quarters for the incoming people. Shopping malls have sprung up and housing is continually being built, but we've nearly failed to see it as a "work of God." Many times the Church looks for the spectacular and misses the Super-natural things that God does. The spectacular is great, but the Super-natural sometimes comes very quietly. Many churches have been established in this area and the Word of God is being freely preached.
In the Promised Land, the Israelite spies found giants who had held it for many years, but the Lord moved the giants and made way for His people. We sometimes miss what happened in Exodus, when Joshua and Caleb led the people into the Promised Land. After taking the Land, the people forgot who they were and didn't remember how the Land became theirs and went back to life as usual. Eventually, they returned to worshiping other gods and returned to bondage, because they began to identify with the world again.
When the people ca e out of Egypt, they came out by spectacular miracles from God. The plagues fell of their enemies, the Red Sea parted, and the Egyptian army was destroyed through the power of God. But, the people began to forget the Super-natural hand of God that delivered them from 400 years of slavery, according to Psalms 103:37 (Amplified) which says, "He brought them forth also with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among their tribes." God also fed and gave water to over two-million people, for 40 years in the Wilderness. Deuteronomy 29:5-6 (Amplified) says, "I have led you forty years in the Wilderness; your clothes have not worn out upon you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. You have not eaten (grain) bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you might recognize and know (your dependence on Him Who is saying) I am the Lord your God."
These Super-natural things might not have been spectacular, but they were the continued things of God, that we are aware of in our daily lives and that we are grateful for. During the hustles and bustles of daily living, we sometimes forget what God is continuously doing. We look for the spectacular things that our eyes and carnal minds can see and comprehend. God is always working on our behalf, but we sometimes begin identifying again with the world, instead of Who He has made us to be. We begin murmuring, just like those in the Wilderness did.
For forty years, God supplied bread from Heaven for the people, water needed for two-million people and their livestock, and He saw to it that their clothes and sandals never wore out, but they didn't praise Him for His Super-natural provision. They cried out for the spectacular instead. They forgot who they were and began identifying with the world once again. While I was explaining these things once, someone said to me, "I know Jesus died for me, but what has He done for me lately?" We forget who we are and then we forget Who He is.
It doesn't matter what color we are, because we are all "one in Him." We lose our identity in the new creation, when we identify more with our color or race. Our body is only a house for the new creation man to live in while we're still on earth and it is not you any longer. When beginning to build up this are for the new influx of people, they built new housing units in many different places. These housing projects all looked the same, having been given only different colors. The color of the house only identified the house, and not those who lived in them. Those living in them were mostly identified as soldier of one Army and they all had the same calling. We never addressed the house, only the people who lived in them. When the people arrived at Fort Drum for duty, they were all the same and no one asked, "What color is your house?"
Our identity in Christ Jesus determines who we truly are. I don't judge men by color, but by character. I don't select fellowship because of color, but because of who the people are. There are many white persons that I don't fellowship with, because I wish to fellowship with other Christians and color doesn't come up. I don't fellowship with them because they look like me, but because they believe in Jesus, like me. We're instructed to select our fellowship with wisdom, in Proverbs 13:20 (Amplified) which says, "He who walks (as a companion) with wise men is wise, but he who associates with (self-confident) fools is (a fool himself and shall smart for it)."
My personal fellowship is with others who know the Lord and we spend most of our time together, speaking about Him and learning more about Him from one another. I witness to the world, but I identify with the new creation. We need to stop identifying with the world's ideas about the Church and remember it's our job to make them like Jesus, instead of making us like them. You cannot hangout with the world, without one of you changing. Either they will become like you or you will become like them, otherwise you have very little in common.
You are not something "religious," but you are a new creation, who was sent by the Father, to be a light for the world to see and be drawn too. The more we look like the world, the less light the world will see in us. Jesus ministered to the sinner, but He did so to change them, not to change Himself. If we take note of the daily things God is continually doing in our lives, then we always have joy and praise Him for the work He's doing in and through us. We cannot always look for the spectacular, but must watch for and be thankful for, the continued Super-natural things God is doing in our lives. We shouldn't take these things for granted.
The enemy has tried very hard to teach the new creation man to identify with the world. Jesus said, though, in John 17:16 (Amplified) that, "They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world) (Just) as I am not of the world." Our identities are no longer White, Italian, Hispanic, African, Irish or any other nationality that we are given to check the box. Jesus said this about our identity in John 17:21 (Amplified), "That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me."
It's difficult for the Church to become one with God on the earth, when we continue identifying with the world. Our identity and life in is Christ Jesus and we're all made one in Him. Even as Christians, we identify with our natural race and color, more than the glory we've been ingrafted into with Jesus. We all have the same Father and were all born of the Same Seed. 1Peter 1:23 (Amplified) says, "You have been regenerated (born again) not from a mortal origin (seed,sperm) but from One that is Immortal, by the Ever Living and Lasting Word of God." This is who we are and where we're from. We are all now one, as He is One in the Father.
When the Lord sent me to Chaumont, New York, I saw a place that was like my Promise Land in God. It didn't look very prosperous, but the Lord said that, "Where My Word is preached, prosperity follows." As we preached the Word and claimed our inheritance, the are began prospering. I was stationed at Camp Drum, where the permanent cadre was made up of 100 soldiers and it was primarily used to train reserve troops, during the summer. Now, it has become Fort Drum and the permanent cadre is about 30,000 troops and workers.
The surrounding land had laid fallow and wasn't being used, but now it's become valuable for building homes and quarters for the incoming people. Shopping malls have sprung up and housing is continually being built, but we've nearly failed to see it as a "work of God." Many times the Church looks for the spectacular and misses the Super-natural things that God does. The spectacular is great, but the Super-natural sometimes comes very quietly. Many churches have been established in this area and the Word of God is being freely preached.
In the Promised Land, the Israelite spies found giants who had held it for many years, but the Lord moved the giants and made way for His people. We sometimes miss what happened in Exodus, when Joshua and Caleb led the people into the Promised Land. After taking the Land, the people forgot who they were and didn't remember how the Land became theirs and went back to life as usual. Eventually, they returned to worshiping other gods and returned to bondage, because they began to identify with the world again.
When the people ca e out of Egypt, they came out by spectacular miracles from God. The plagues fell of their enemies, the Red Sea parted, and the Egyptian army was destroyed through the power of God. But, the people began to forget the Super-natural hand of God that delivered them from 400 years of slavery, according to Psalms 103:37 (Amplified) which says, "He brought them forth also with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among their tribes." God also fed and gave water to over two-million people, for 40 years in the Wilderness. Deuteronomy 29:5-6 (Amplified) says, "I have led you forty years in the Wilderness; your clothes have not worn out upon you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. You have not eaten (grain) bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you might recognize and know (your dependence on Him Who is saying) I am the Lord your God."
These Super-natural things might not have been spectacular, but they were the continued things of God, that we are aware of in our daily lives and that we are grateful for. During the hustles and bustles of daily living, we sometimes forget what God is continuously doing. We look for the spectacular things that our eyes and carnal minds can see and comprehend. God is always working on our behalf, but we sometimes begin identifying again with the world, instead of Who He has made us to be. We begin murmuring, just like those in the Wilderness did.
For forty years, God supplied bread from Heaven for the people, water needed for two-million people and their livestock, and He saw to it that their clothes and sandals never wore out, but they didn't praise Him for His Super-natural provision. They cried out for the spectacular instead. They forgot who they were and began identifying with the world once again. While I was explaining these things once, someone said to me, "I know Jesus died for me, but what has He done for me lately?" We forget who we are and then we forget Who He is.
It doesn't matter what color we are, because we are all "one in Him." We lose our identity in the new creation, when we identify more with our color or race. Our body is only a house for the new creation man to live in while we're still on earth and it is not you any longer. When beginning to build up this are for the new influx of people, they built new housing units in many different places. These housing projects all looked the same, having been given only different colors. The color of the house only identified the house, and not those who lived in them. Those living in them were mostly identified as soldier of one Army and they all had the same calling. We never addressed the house, only the people who lived in them. When the people arrived at Fort Drum for duty, they were all the same and no one asked, "What color is your house?"
Our identity in Christ Jesus determines who we truly are. I don't judge men by color, but by character. I don't select fellowship because of color, but because of who the people are. There are many white persons that I don't fellowship with, because I wish to fellowship with other Christians and color doesn't come up. I don't fellowship with them because they look like me, but because they believe in Jesus, like me. We're instructed to select our fellowship with wisdom, in Proverbs 13:20 (Amplified) which says, "He who walks (as a companion) with wise men is wise, but he who associates with (self-confident) fools is (a fool himself and shall smart for it)."
My personal fellowship is with others who know the Lord and we spend most of our time together, speaking about Him and learning more about Him from one another. I witness to the world, but I identify with the new creation. We need to stop identifying with the world's ideas about the Church and remember it's our job to make them like Jesus, instead of making us like them. You cannot hangout with the world, without one of you changing. Either they will become like you or you will become like them, otherwise you have very little in common.
You are not something "religious," but you are a new creation, who was sent by the Father, to be a light for the world to see and be drawn too. The more we look like the world, the less light the world will see in us. Jesus ministered to the sinner, but He did so to change them, not to change Himself. If we take note of the daily things God is continually doing in our lives, then we always have joy and praise Him for the work He's doing in and through us. We cannot always look for the spectacular, but must watch for and be thankful for, the continued Super-natural things God is doing in our lives. We shouldn't take these things for granted.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Lesson 174 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)."
Everything in this new creation family and covenant, is based on our faith in redemption and the finished work of Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, John writes in 1John 5:4 (Amplified), "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world even our faith."
Our faith is the "God kind of faith" which is in Christ Jesus and is everything needed to overcome the world. As new creation family, we are required to believe in what Jesus has done for us, by faith, and no longer believe in our works. Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) says, "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; for he who keeps the Law (of God, which includes that of man)-blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he." Since we are no longer under the Law, but now under grace, we're required to have faith in grace provided by Jesus.
This grace still depends on faith, in order to receive what this grace has provided and that is "what overcomes the world, even our faith." If we have no revelation of this redemption, then we're still perishing (on the human part of our covenant). Our life (spiritual life of the new birth) is still sealed by our faith in the new birth, but our natural life is still subject to the lies of the enemy.
For example: If some (as it is preached) still believe for themselves that they're still not righteous before God, then their lack of faith in God's righteous makes them a target for condemnation and the guilt of the old man, even though it's a lie. Jesus said in John 6:63 (Amplified) that, "It is the Spirit Who gives Life (He is the Life-Giver) the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (Truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and Life."
The faith that overcomes the world, is the faith we put into the Truth of God's Word and not the flesh. The flesh refuses to accept the Word as Truth and still tries bringing about its own righteousness by works. Paul said in Romans 3:24 (Amplified), "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His Grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus."
A revelation or vision of redemption, will free us from laboring and working to provide our own righteousness, instead of accepting His righteousness by faith. This faith will hold us against the deceit of the world and free us from condemnation. Many even in today's Church, still oppose this "righteousness by faith" and hold fast to the old covenant that proclaims "As it is written, None is righteous, Just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one," Romans 3:10 (Amplified). Paul was speaking of those under the Law and those outside of the Law too, saying, "None are righteous." Our righteousness isn't based on the Law of our on good works, but on faith in His righteousness. Our faith in His righteous is received by faith and will overcome the world and its condemnation.
Our justification and the entire plan of salvation, rests on our faith in Christ Jesus. The new creation people have everything mankind needs to be righteous in God's eyes and to receive all that grace has provided for him. All are received by "the faith that overcomes the world." The world is carnal and has no faith in God or what He has done our man's behalf. Without the vision or revelation of redemption, even the Church (the new creation people) remain in the deceit of the world by a carnal mind.
If we still think as the world (with a carnal mind), then we cannot overcome that portion of our lives, without faith in God's grace for redemption. This vision comes by hearing, according to Romans 10:17 (Amplified) which says, "So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the message that came from the lips) of Christ (the Messiah Himself)." The faith that overcomes the world, doesn't come by seeing, but by hearing. As we hear it, we believe it and our faith (in what Truth we hear) will establish it. By this, we overcome the world.
When God called it a "vision of redemption," He gave revelation, which is a picture or vision of this plan, that you can actually see by your spirit. First comes the Word, then comes the faith, then comes the vision or revelation that causes us to see ourselves the way we are in Him. Without this vision, we continue walking in carnality and the world still holds an upper-hand over us in this world. Romans 3:3-4 (Amplified) says, "What if some did not believer 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 show to be upright in what you say, and prevail when you are judged by (sinful men)."
The entire new creation is a product of faith in the finished work of Jesus. Without our faith being in Him, we simply do not overcome. Our level of faith in Him, has been eroded over the years, to the point that it's difficult for us to hear the Word preached in many circles. Without the Word being preached, we don't hear and without hearing, we have no faith and we don't overcome that part of the world and it's carnal way of thinking. We don't hear much preaching about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in many of today's churches. And, because it's not being preached, faith in it isn't being put into place, so that we receive this miraculous Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Mark 16:20 (Amplified), "And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the Message, by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied (it) Amen (So be it)." When the Word is preached, vision comes, the Lord confirms it by the signs and miracles that faith hears and accepts. This faith, overcomes the world. Even if you don't receive anything other than just being born-again, then you've already overcome the world and Heaven is your Home. But, the overcoming strategies of the enemy, are still a major part of our "outward perishing," while we are still here on earth.
Everything in this new creation family and covenant, is based on our faith in redemption and the finished work of Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, John writes in 1John 5:4 (Amplified), "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world even our faith."
Our faith is the "God kind of faith" which is in Christ Jesus and is everything needed to overcome the world. As new creation family, we are required to believe in what Jesus has done for us, by faith, and no longer believe in our works. Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) says, "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; for he who keeps the Law (of God, which includes that of man)-blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he." Since we are no longer under the Law, but now under grace, we're required to have faith in grace provided by Jesus.
This grace still depends on faith, in order to receive what this grace has provided and that is "what overcomes the world, even our faith." If we have no revelation of this redemption, then we're still perishing (on the human part of our covenant). Our life (spiritual life of the new birth) is still sealed by our faith in the new birth, but our natural life is still subject to the lies of the enemy.
For example: If some (as it is preached) still believe for themselves that they're still not righteous before God, then their lack of faith in God's righteous makes them a target for condemnation and the guilt of the old man, even though it's a lie. Jesus said in John 6:63 (Amplified) that, "It is the Spirit Who gives Life (He is the Life-Giver) the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The Words (Truths) that I have been speaking to you are Spirit and Life."
The faith that overcomes the world, is the faith we put into the Truth of God's Word and not the flesh. The flesh refuses to accept the Word as Truth and still tries bringing about its own righteousness by works. Paul said in Romans 3:24 (Amplified), "(All) are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His Grace (His unmerited favor and mercy) through the redemption which is (provided) in Christ Jesus."
A revelation or vision of redemption, will free us from laboring and working to provide our own righteousness, instead of accepting His righteousness by faith. This faith will hold us against the deceit of the world and free us from condemnation. Many even in today's Church, still oppose this "righteousness by faith" and hold fast to the old covenant that proclaims "As it is written, None is righteous, Just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one," Romans 3:10 (Amplified). Paul was speaking of those under the Law and those outside of the Law too, saying, "None are righteous." Our righteousness isn't based on the Law of our on good works, but on faith in His righteousness. Our faith in His righteous is received by faith and will overcome the world and its condemnation.
Our justification and the entire plan of salvation, rests on our faith in Christ Jesus. The new creation people have everything mankind needs to be righteous in God's eyes and to receive all that grace has provided for him. All are received by "the faith that overcomes the world." The world is carnal and has no faith in God or what He has done our man's behalf. Without the vision or revelation of redemption, even the Church (the new creation people) remain in the deceit of the world by a carnal mind.
If we still think as the world (with a carnal mind), then we cannot overcome that portion of our lives, without faith in God's grace for redemption. This vision comes by hearing, according to Romans 10:17 (Amplified) which says, "So faith comes by hearing (what is told) and what is heard comes by the preaching (of the message that came from the lips) of Christ (the Messiah Himself)." The faith that overcomes the world, doesn't come by seeing, but by hearing. As we hear it, we believe it and our faith (in what Truth we hear) will establish it. By this, we overcome the world.
When God called it a "vision of redemption," He gave revelation, which is a picture or vision of this plan, that you can actually see by your spirit. First comes the Word, then comes the faith, then comes the vision or revelation that causes us to see ourselves the way we are in Him. Without this vision, we continue walking in carnality and the world still holds an upper-hand over us in this world. Romans 3:3-4 (Amplified) says, "What if some did not believer 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 show to be upright in what you say, and prevail when you are judged by (sinful men)."
The entire new creation is a product of faith in the finished work of Jesus. Without our faith being in Him, we simply do not overcome. Our level of faith in Him, has been eroded over the years, to the point that it's difficult for us to hear the Word preached in many circles. Without the Word being preached, we don't hear and without hearing, we have no faith and we don't overcome that part of the world and it's carnal way of thinking. We don't hear much preaching about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in many of today's churches. And, because it's not being preached, faith in it isn't being put into place, so that we receive this miraculous Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Mark 16:20 (Amplified), "And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the Message, by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied (it) Amen (So be it)." When the Word is preached, vision comes, the Lord confirms it by the signs and miracles that faith hears and accepts. This faith, overcomes the world. Even if you don't receive anything other than just being born-again, then you've already overcome the world and Heaven is your Home. But, the overcoming strategies of the enemy, are still a major part of our "outward perishing," while we are still here on earth.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Lesson 173 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)."
Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) says, "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."
In the above scripture, God says that "Where there is no vision or redemptive revelation of God, the people perish." It seems like every time we get a vision or redemptive revelation from God, we deny it and remain with tradition. Whenever man comes up with something new, others arose to oppose it. Every new invention mankind every made, others arose in strong opposition to it. When the first trains were introduced, many were afraid to ride at such high speeds (which were only 30mph), but thankfully, the rails didn't stop because of opposition. We now enjoy the fruits of their vision and high speed rails travel at 200 mph in some parts of the world.
Everything begins with a vision, both in the world and the Church. Men could envision sky scrapers and worked to bring their visions to fruition. Many bridges like the San Francisco bridge were believed to be impossible things at one time, but today's people laugh to think of such a scenario.
Mankind was created to dominate the earth and everything in it. Man has accomplished many things that were thought to be impossible at one time. Jesus said that "Nothing would be impossible to him who believes." His statement doesn't only apply to the Church. Salvation and the things of the new birth though, are not included in this statement, because both require faith in Christ Jesus. Mankind was created to believe and have dominion.
Every person on earth, has the God given ability to believe. Many believe in the wrong things and have created havoc in the world, while many believe only in what they can see (after it's built). Many others believe that it "won't work," even after seeing it. Some people would rather live only in what they know and never step into something new (revelation). They put their heads in the sand, like an ostrich, and act like it doesn't exist.
In these Last Days, the Lord has added to the revelation of redemption to the Church, but many refuse to see the vision. It's God's plan that has always lived in His hearts for us, but even during Jesus' earthly ministry, the people clung to tradition over revelation. For many years now, some believers have seen beyond tradition and have met opposition by the mainstream, so they laid a blueprint for someone else to follow. Some have passed on the vision and blueprint via books, CD's DVD's and blogs, but others have refused to accept the vision (even though "the people perish without lack of vision."
The things we've learned about Jesus, over the years, concerning salvation are true things. We've believed in salvation and grace for many, many years, but the vision doesn't stop there. The vision has led to some receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues, but many others still reject these things. This extended revelation is something that will continue into all eternity.
I don't believe that we will ever understand everything that God knows, while we are still here. I also believe that God continually encourages us to walk deeper with Him. When He revealed His plan for the confession of our mouths, to speak only His Words and to stop speaking the language of the enemy, many opposed this part of the vision of redemption (and some still do).
Revelation or the vision of God's will for man, has nearly been dismissed in the Church (except for the message of salvation). Christianity was birthed nearly two thousand years ago, and there's still a division in the Church about what God's will is. Some believe that it's God's will to teach His children with calamity and sickness. Some believe we are still under the Law and try walking under it. Others believe that grace covers everything and they can continue living in opposition to God's Word and that everything they do is okay with God. It seems like every time God brings new revelation to the Church, the majority rejects it and remain in tradition. Is it any wonder that He said, "Without this vision of redemption, His people perish?"
The things God has been revealing to us in this vision, have been set aside for tradition. Tradition won't get you healed. Only the vision or image that brings faith in His redemptive work, will bring healing. Tradition may have a place in Christianity, but it's not the full vision of redemption. Sadly, many won't receive that redemptive reality until they go Home, after this life. The true vision of redemption is already a finished work in Christ Jesus. We are now, the redeemed of the Lord!
We have been purchased (redeemed, bought back) by the Blood of Jesus, according to 1Corinthians 6:20 (Amplified) which says, "You were bought with a Price (purchased with a Preciousness and paid for, made His Own) so then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." We read about the people whose imaginations, led to their trying to build a tower to Heaven. The image or vision of the Church, needs to include what the Father is doing now and not only what He is going to do in the future. Our vision of His redemptive ability, should include healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and casting demons out of the Church and the world. Jesus delegated power of dominion and authority to the Church, for us to use here, not in Heaven. All of these things were included in the redemption of Jesus and His resurrection.
Why would Jesus instruct us to "Go forth and preach the Gospel, lay hands on the sick, speak with new tongues and cast out demons" in Mark 16, if these things weren't intended for us today? We have lost the vision that came from the Word and the Spirit and have held onto tradition instead. Every invention (both in the natural for the world and Super-natural for the Church) mankind has put forth, came first from imagination and vision. We use the images given or seen by others, to preach and teach the Word throughout the world. People can watch TV, search the web or be taught God's Word by iphone everywhere, everyday. All these things began with a vision or imagination.
I've heard someone say that he didn't seen why preachers needed airplanes in their ministry, in order to preach the Gospel. His feeling was that if Jesus used a donkey and walked everywhere He went, then we only need these things too. My answer to him was, "Jesus never crossed the Pacific Oceans in His earthly ministry." And, I said, "Jesus instructed us to go into all the earth." This requires vision and imagination, in order to accomplish. How big do you see God? If your vision of Him and His plan of redemption is small, then Jesus Words in John 14:12 aren't for you, because He said, "Greater things than these will you do."
We are to lift up our vision and allow it to come into us, so we can see God's plan of redemption, through His eyes and not just in tradition. We must take His Word from Sunday morning assemblies and come out equipped for the streets. We're no longer satisfied to say we believe, but we will prove that God still lives today. The first time you raise someone out of a wheelchair in Walmart, you will have an audience who will listen and wish to meet the God Who heals. Let God give the vision of redemption to you and then simply walk it out in your life. We weren't only purchased, but everything God created for His family was also purchased by the very same Sacrifice of Jesus.
Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) says, "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."
In the above scripture, God says that "Where there is no vision or redemptive revelation of God, the people perish." It seems like every time we get a vision or redemptive revelation from God, we deny it and remain with tradition. Whenever man comes up with something new, others arose to oppose it. Every new invention mankind every made, others arose in strong opposition to it. When the first trains were introduced, many were afraid to ride at such high speeds (which were only 30mph), but thankfully, the rails didn't stop because of opposition. We now enjoy the fruits of their vision and high speed rails travel at 200 mph in some parts of the world.
Everything begins with a vision, both in the world and the Church. Men could envision sky scrapers and worked to bring their visions to fruition. Many bridges like the San Francisco bridge were believed to be impossible things at one time, but today's people laugh to think of such a scenario.
Mankind was created to dominate the earth and everything in it. Man has accomplished many things that were thought to be impossible at one time. Jesus said that "Nothing would be impossible to him who believes." His statement doesn't only apply to the Church. Salvation and the things of the new birth though, are not included in this statement, because both require faith in Christ Jesus. Mankind was created to believe and have dominion.
Every person on earth, has the God given ability to believe. Many believe in the wrong things and have created havoc in the world, while many believe only in what they can see (after it's built). Many others believe that it "won't work," even after seeing it. Some people would rather live only in what they know and never step into something new (revelation). They put their heads in the sand, like an ostrich, and act like it doesn't exist.
In these Last Days, the Lord has added to the revelation of redemption to the Church, but many refuse to see the vision. It's God's plan that has always lived in His hearts for us, but even during Jesus' earthly ministry, the people clung to tradition over revelation. For many years now, some believers have seen beyond tradition and have met opposition by the mainstream, so they laid a blueprint for someone else to follow. Some have passed on the vision and blueprint via books, CD's DVD's and blogs, but others have refused to accept the vision (even though "the people perish without lack of vision."
The things we've learned about Jesus, over the years, concerning salvation are true things. We've believed in salvation and grace for many, many years, but the vision doesn't stop there. The vision has led to some receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues, but many others still reject these things. This extended revelation is something that will continue into all eternity.
I don't believe that we will ever understand everything that God knows, while we are still here. I also believe that God continually encourages us to walk deeper with Him. When He revealed His plan for the confession of our mouths, to speak only His Words and to stop speaking the language of the enemy, many opposed this part of the vision of redemption (and some still do).
Revelation or the vision of God's will for man, has nearly been dismissed in the Church (except for the message of salvation). Christianity was birthed nearly two thousand years ago, and there's still a division in the Church about what God's will is. Some believe that it's God's will to teach His children with calamity and sickness. Some believe we are still under the Law and try walking under it. Others believe that grace covers everything and they can continue living in opposition to God's Word and that everything they do is okay with God. It seems like every time God brings new revelation to the Church, the majority rejects it and remain in tradition. Is it any wonder that He said, "Without this vision of redemption, His people perish?"
The things God has been revealing to us in this vision, have been set aside for tradition. Tradition won't get you healed. Only the vision or image that brings faith in His redemptive work, will bring healing. Tradition may have a place in Christianity, but it's not the full vision of redemption. Sadly, many won't receive that redemptive reality until they go Home, after this life. The true vision of redemption is already a finished work in Christ Jesus. We are now, the redeemed of the Lord!
We have been purchased (redeemed, bought back) by the Blood of Jesus, according to 1Corinthians 6:20 (Amplified) which says, "You were bought with a Price (purchased with a Preciousness and paid for, made His Own) so then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." We read about the people whose imaginations, led to their trying to build a tower to Heaven. The image or vision of the Church, needs to include what the Father is doing now and not only what He is going to do in the future. Our vision of His redemptive ability, should include healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and casting demons out of the Church and the world. Jesus delegated power of dominion and authority to the Church, for us to use here, not in Heaven. All of these things were included in the redemption of Jesus and His resurrection.
Why would Jesus instruct us to "Go forth and preach the Gospel, lay hands on the sick, speak with new tongues and cast out demons" in Mark 16, if these things weren't intended for us today? We have lost the vision that came from the Word and the Spirit and have held onto tradition instead. Every invention (both in the natural for the world and Super-natural for the Church) mankind has put forth, came first from imagination and vision. We use the images given or seen by others, to preach and teach the Word throughout the world. People can watch TV, search the web or be taught God's Word by iphone everywhere, everyday. All these things began with a vision or imagination.
I've heard someone say that he didn't seen why preachers needed airplanes in their ministry, in order to preach the Gospel. His feeling was that if Jesus used a donkey and walked everywhere He went, then we only need these things too. My answer to him was, "Jesus never crossed the Pacific Oceans in His earthly ministry." And, I said, "Jesus instructed us to go into all the earth." This requires vision and imagination, in order to accomplish. How big do you see God? If your vision of Him and His plan of redemption is small, then Jesus Words in John 14:12 aren't for you, because He said, "Greater things than these will you do."
We are to lift up our vision and allow it to come into us, so we can see God's plan of redemption, through His eyes and not just in tradition. We must take His Word from Sunday morning assemblies and come out equipped for the streets. We're no longer satisfied to say we believe, but we will prove that God still lives today. The first time you raise someone out of a wheelchair in Walmart, you will have an audience who will listen and wish to meet the God Who heals. Let God give the vision of redemption to you and then simply walk it out in your life. We weren't only purchased, but everything God created for His family was also purchased by the very same Sacrifice of Jesus.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Lesson 172 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 new creation citizen of God's Kingdom is a people who has never existed before, in all of creation. We've been here from the time of Jesus' resurrection and will continue throughout eternity. We cannot identify with any other species of being that has ever graced this planet before, because we are a new creation. And, because we've never seen ourselves the way the Father sees us, we still try identifying with previous generations.
It wasn't too long ago, that horses were the main mode of travel. We've gone from horseback to rockets in a relatively short period of time. We've gone from being a primitive people to this technological age we've living in now. Things that most people recognize as "everyday things" didn't exist only a short number of years ago. Even electricity is relatively a new discovery, as far as the universe is concerned, but it's hard for us to imagine living without the convenience it provides.
This isn't only true for most Americans, but for much of the planet. Air travel has now become our main source of traveling and we can cross the planet in just a few short hours. Those born into new generations have never lived without the things many of us lived without once. I remember my family waiting for the ice trucks that brought ice for our ice boxes, because we didn't have refrigerators. We got our first colored television in the 1970's and it was a huge piece of furniture. We called these "the good old days," but I don't know why. It's much better today, with all the modern conveniences we have.
The world system is advancing into a new invention with each passing day, while the Church seems to still be riding horses. The world isn't afraid to create and advance into a new place of learning, but the Church refuses to enter into those things that God has prepared for those who love Him. I'm not talking about the power and grace of salvation. This is a Truth that will endure forever. I am talking about entering into the wisdom of God and His Kingdom.
The people in Genesis 11:6 (Amplified) were building a tower that would reach Heaven. These weren't covenant people and their hearts weren't right in trying to build this tower. However, God said something about this people, that we should begin to understand. In Verse 6 God said this about their endeavor, "Behold! They are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them."
In Numbers 13:33 (Amplified) God tells the Israelites to go into Cannan and take the Land that He had given them. Joshua and Caleb came back and told the people that the Land was just like God said and that they were "able to take the Land." Consider that only twelve men had even seen the Land God promised. The leaders of the tribes came back with the report those twelve spies had given and conveyed their image of the Land to nearly two-thousand people in the wilderness. We see the image that they unveiled to the people in Verse 33 which says, "There we saw the Nephilim (or giants), the sons of Anak, who come from the giants; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
Keep in mind that only twelve men had ever seen the Land and these two-million people only had their word to go on. Two men, Joshua and Caleb, saw things from God's viewpoint, while the others made their own machinations from their testimony. They cried and murmured against God, even though Joshua and Caleb brought back proof of the good Land, because their own imaginations held them back in fear. This was the same imaginations that God said about the people building the tower in Genesis 11:6. He said that, "What they have imagined now nothings will be impossible to them." The same imaginations that were building the Tower to Heaven was being used in the same way. Now, what they had imagined though, held the Israelites from going into the Promised Land.
Imagination isn't an evil things, only when it is used wrongly. Without having imagination, man wouldn't have pressed on to invent the things we take for granted today. Someone imagined a better means of providing light other than lanterns, and invented electricity. This changed the world forever. Someone imagined traveling by air and invented the airplane. Now, that's the accepted means of transportation across the world. Someone imagined a horseless carriage and today, millions of people ride in automobiles daily. These inventors began with an image or picture they could see in their minds and hearts.
Some in the Wilderness only saw or imagined "grasshoppers and giants." Caleb and Joshua saw the Promise and goodness of God. Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) tells us, "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; but he who keeps the Law (of God) or the Word of God which included that of man) blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he." We've been reluctant to imagine or see the vision God has for His family. We've imagined grasshoppers and giants, instead of pursuing the vision we should have imagined. The enemy has been successfully putting forth people (like the 10 out of 12 spies) who will keep God's people imagining they are like grasshoppers in the eyes of giants, instead of new creation people.
We can imagine ourselves "when we get to the Promised Land," when God has already given us the Land. Hebrews 4:6 (Amplified) says, "Seeing then that the promise remains over (from past times) for some to enter that rest, and that those who formerly were given the good news about it and the opportunity, failed to appropriate it and did not enter because of disobedience."
We've been trained to see ourselves in the image of "victims" instead of victors. Our grasshopper image has kept the Church in the horse and buggy era, while the world's image has taken on new heights. The Church is the new creation and has the Mind of Christ to create and change things, so why are we still in the infant stages of Christianity after nearly two-thousand years since it's beginning? Are we allowing the grasshopper image that others put onto us, to prevent our seeing ourselves as overcomers? Do we see ourselves in "the Image of God" or do we see ourselves as grasshoppers and food for the giants?
It's time for the Church to retake the vision of the redemptive work of Jesus and do like Joshua and Caleb did. It's time we take the Promised Land and enter into it. The image we have of ourselves, isn't what God has said about us. The word of ten spies, gave two million people an image of themselves as being grasshoppers in the eyes of giants. Two million people cried in fear and never entered into the Promised Land, because of their imaginations. They had never even seen the Land for themselves. Do you see yourself like God's Word says you are? Don't pattern yourself after another people, who refused to step into the creative work of God like they did. You will never rise above your confession as to who you are. We must say what God says about us and take the land and inherit God's Promise and His rest.
The new creation citizen of God's Kingdom is a people who has never existed before, in all of creation. We've been here from the time of Jesus' resurrection and will continue throughout eternity. We cannot identify with any other species of being that has ever graced this planet before, because we are a new creation. And, because we've never seen ourselves the way the Father sees us, we still try identifying with previous generations.
It wasn't too long ago, that horses were the main mode of travel. We've gone from horseback to rockets in a relatively short period of time. We've gone from being a primitive people to this technological age we've living in now. Things that most people recognize as "everyday things" didn't exist only a short number of years ago. Even electricity is relatively a new discovery, as far as the universe is concerned, but it's hard for us to imagine living without the convenience it provides.
This isn't only true for most Americans, but for much of the planet. Air travel has now become our main source of traveling and we can cross the planet in just a few short hours. Those born into new generations have never lived without the things many of us lived without once. I remember my family waiting for the ice trucks that brought ice for our ice boxes, because we didn't have refrigerators. We got our first colored television in the 1970's and it was a huge piece of furniture. We called these "the good old days," but I don't know why. It's much better today, with all the modern conveniences we have.
The world system is advancing into a new invention with each passing day, while the Church seems to still be riding horses. The world isn't afraid to create and advance into a new place of learning, but the Church refuses to enter into those things that God has prepared for those who love Him. I'm not talking about the power and grace of salvation. This is a Truth that will endure forever. I am talking about entering into the wisdom of God and His Kingdom.
The people in Genesis 11:6 (Amplified) were building a tower that would reach Heaven. These weren't covenant people and their hearts weren't right in trying to build this tower. However, God said something about this people, that we should begin to understand. In Verse 6 God said this about their endeavor, "Behold! They are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them."
In Numbers 13:33 (Amplified) God tells the Israelites to go into Cannan and take the Land that He had given them. Joshua and Caleb came back and told the people that the Land was just like God said and that they were "able to take the Land." Consider that only twelve men had even seen the Land God promised. The leaders of the tribes came back with the report those twelve spies had given and conveyed their image of the Land to nearly two-thousand people in the wilderness. We see the image that they unveiled to the people in Verse 33 which says, "There we saw the Nephilim (or giants), the sons of Anak, who come from the giants; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
Keep in mind that only twelve men had ever seen the Land and these two-million people only had their word to go on. Two men, Joshua and Caleb, saw things from God's viewpoint, while the others made their own machinations from their testimony. They cried and murmured against God, even though Joshua and Caleb brought back proof of the good Land, because their own imaginations held them back in fear. This was the same imaginations that God said about the people building the tower in Genesis 11:6. He said that, "What they have imagined now nothings will be impossible to them." The same imaginations that were building the Tower to Heaven was being used in the same way. Now, what they had imagined though, held the Israelites from going into the Promised Land.
Imagination isn't an evil things, only when it is used wrongly. Without having imagination, man wouldn't have pressed on to invent the things we take for granted today. Someone imagined a better means of providing light other than lanterns, and invented electricity. This changed the world forever. Someone imagined traveling by air and invented the airplane. Now, that's the accepted means of transportation across the world. Someone imagined a horseless carriage and today, millions of people ride in automobiles daily. These inventors began with an image or picture they could see in their minds and hearts.
Some in the Wilderness only saw or imagined "grasshoppers and giants." Caleb and Joshua saw the Promise and goodness of God. Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified) tells us, "Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God) the people perish; but he who keeps the Law (of God) or the Word of God which included that of man) blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he." We've been reluctant to imagine or see the vision God has for His family. We've imagined grasshoppers and giants, instead of pursuing the vision we should have imagined. The enemy has been successfully putting forth people (like the 10 out of 12 spies) who will keep God's people imagining they are like grasshoppers in the eyes of giants, instead of new creation people.
We can imagine ourselves "when we get to the Promised Land," when God has already given us the Land. Hebrews 4:6 (Amplified) says, "Seeing then that the promise remains over (from past times) for some to enter that rest, and that those who formerly were given the good news about it and the opportunity, failed to appropriate it and did not enter because of disobedience."
We've been trained to see ourselves in the image of "victims" instead of victors. Our grasshopper image has kept the Church in the horse and buggy era, while the world's image has taken on new heights. The Church is the new creation and has the Mind of Christ to create and change things, so why are we still in the infant stages of Christianity after nearly two-thousand years since it's beginning? Are we allowing the grasshopper image that others put onto us, to prevent our seeing ourselves as overcomers? Do we see ourselves in "the Image of God" or do we see ourselves as grasshoppers and food for the giants?
It's time for the Church to retake the vision of the redemptive work of Jesus and do like Joshua and Caleb did. It's time we take the Promised Land and enter into it. The image we have of ourselves, isn't what God has said about us. The word of ten spies, gave two million people an image of themselves as being grasshoppers in the eyes of giants. Two million people cried in fear and never entered into the Promised Land, because of their imaginations. They had never even seen the Land for themselves. Do you see yourself like God's Word says you are? Don't pattern yourself after another people, who refused to step into the creative work of God like they did. You will never rise above your confession as to who you are. We must say what God says about us and take the land and inherit God's Promise and His rest.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Lesson 171 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)."
We have been made alive again unto the Father, by our union with Jesus, in this new creation man. The Spirit of God is now not only alive to us, but is alive within us in our new creation. The Spirit-filled man never existed before, in all of creation. Now, we are alive again in the Spirit and are actually one with God Himself. This union isn't merely a saved man, but has now been made a son or daughter of God. And, this Awesome God is now our Father.
The entire relationship with God has now changed completely, because we're no longer a people who is petitioning God for our needs. We are God's family depending on our Heavenly Father to provide for us. This relationship isn't any different than it was for Jesus, when He was here in His earthly body. Jesus never had a need that His Father failed to provide, according to John 17:18,22 (Amplified) where Jesus said, "Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." He goes on in Verse 22, "I have given them the glory and honor which You have given Me, That they may be one (even) as We are One."
Jesus' statement in the above scriptures, have changed the entire universe for those who will dare believe what Jesus was saying. Jesus declared that "Everything the Father sent Him to do, was now being transferred to the new creation man." God never intended us to become the sacrifice for man, but we were the results of Jesus' Sacrifice to the world. Our responsibility wasn't to die on the cross, but to live in the results of the cross for the world.
The Father sent Jesus to "Be the Light of the world" and He has now said we are "the light of the world." The Father sent Jesus (the Word) to heal and deliver and now those of us who are born of the Word, are to heal and deliver others from the darkness. All that we are and were meant to be, was to start and end in the spirit. The new creation man was to be a spirit that wouldn't just rule our flesh, but would exhibit the same ability to rule over sickness and bondage that rules the flesh of others.
As our new creation man begins learning who we are, our spirit (by and through the Holy Spirit now living within us) is to take complete dominion over our flesh and then walk like Jesus Himself walked. Jesus' carnal nature never overrode His Spirit. We sometimes forget that Jesus was a flesh and blood Man, Who was simply led by the Spirit of God. Jesus overcame the things of the world, by the same thing He gave us, so that we could overcome them too. When we discuss the "Faith Movement," we usually think of those people as being "strange people," who were outside the traditional Church.
Jesus overcame every obstacle in His earthly ministry, by faith in what the Father said. 1John 5:4 (Amplified) says, "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith." It's our faith in God and His Word that "conquers the world." Some have faith that, "God puts sickness on them" or faith that "God uses bad things to teach us something," but their faith in these things doesn't conquer the world. We can transfer our faith into many different thins and have no victory in our lives.
Many times we put our faith in God, into things we've been erroneously taught or into things that we've been taught that don't line up with God's Word. If we put our faith in God, into the wrong things, then God is simply not going to fulfill these things. If we don't understand what His purpose and plan for us it, then we put our faith into traditions and rituals that God will not acknowledge at all. We've learned many things that we thought were God, but were traditions of man and not God.
Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:23-25 (Amplified) and said that the Word of God was the Seed sown into our hearts. Thus, He said, "If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the truth you hear) will be the measure (of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you-and more (besides) will be given to you who hear. For to him who has (ears to hear) will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away (by force)."
If we "hear" the wrong things and put our faith in them, then the enemy will strip us of our true faith and use our "wrong hearing" against us. We will consequently become discontent in our lack of success in walking in the Word and quit trying to do so. Throughout the years, satan has undermined the Truth of God's Word in the ears of God's people. We've been taught many things that are contrary to God's Word and His purpose for His children. We've been taught such things as "these things have passed away," "are not for us today," "were only for the early Church" and many other things that are contrary to His Word. If we hear these things and apply our faith towards them, then our faith is void of power to produce on our behalf. This is why Jesus warned us to, "Be careful what you are hearing."
Not everything that is called "the Gospel," is THE GOSPEL. Even during Paul's ministry, there were already people preaching "another gospel" and even another Jesus. Satan began at once, to undermine the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel and the Truth of it, were the downfall of satan's dominion and he tried immediately to discredit it. Satan knew that if the Truth ever penetrated the heart of God's people like it did with the first few who believed, then his kingdom was doomed.
The handful of early Church believers, so stunned the world that they said this in Acts 17:5-6 (Amplified), "But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to Jealousy, and getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the market place, they gather together a mob, set the town in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring (Paul and Silas) out to the people, But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also."
When was the last time you heard about believers who "turned the world upside down" with the power and Presence of the Lord or the Name of Jesus?
We have been made alive again unto the Father, by our union with Jesus, in this new creation man. The Spirit of God is now not only alive to us, but is alive within us in our new creation. The Spirit-filled man never existed before, in all of creation. Now, we are alive again in the Spirit and are actually one with God Himself. This union isn't merely a saved man, but has now been made a son or daughter of God. And, this Awesome God is now our Father.
The entire relationship with God has now changed completely, because we're no longer a people who is petitioning God for our needs. We are God's family depending on our Heavenly Father to provide for us. This relationship isn't any different than it was for Jesus, when He was here in His earthly body. Jesus never had a need that His Father failed to provide, according to John 17:18,22 (Amplified) where Jesus said, "Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." He goes on in Verse 22, "I have given them the glory and honor which You have given Me, That they may be one (even) as We are One."
Jesus' statement in the above scriptures, have changed the entire universe for those who will dare believe what Jesus was saying. Jesus declared that "Everything the Father sent Him to do, was now being transferred to the new creation man." God never intended us to become the sacrifice for man, but we were the results of Jesus' Sacrifice to the world. Our responsibility wasn't to die on the cross, but to live in the results of the cross for the world.
The Father sent Jesus to "Be the Light of the world" and He has now said we are "the light of the world." The Father sent Jesus (the Word) to heal and deliver and now those of us who are born of the Word, are to heal and deliver others from the darkness. All that we are and were meant to be, was to start and end in the spirit. The new creation man was to be a spirit that wouldn't just rule our flesh, but would exhibit the same ability to rule over sickness and bondage that rules the flesh of others.
As our new creation man begins learning who we are, our spirit (by and through the Holy Spirit now living within us) is to take complete dominion over our flesh and then walk like Jesus Himself walked. Jesus' carnal nature never overrode His Spirit. We sometimes forget that Jesus was a flesh and blood Man, Who was simply led by the Spirit of God. Jesus overcame the things of the world, by the same thing He gave us, so that we could overcome them too. When we discuss the "Faith Movement," we usually think of those people as being "strange people," who were outside the traditional Church.
Jesus overcame every obstacle in His earthly ministry, by faith in what the Father said. 1John 5:4 (Amplified) says, "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith." It's our faith in God and His Word that "conquers the world." Some have faith that, "God puts sickness on them" or faith that "God uses bad things to teach us something," but their faith in these things doesn't conquer the world. We can transfer our faith into many different thins and have no victory in our lives.
Many times we put our faith in God, into things we've been erroneously taught or into things that we've been taught that don't line up with God's Word. If we put our faith in God, into the wrong things, then God is simply not going to fulfill these things. If we don't understand what His purpose and plan for us it, then we put our faith into traditions and rituals that God will not acknowledge at all. We've learned many things that we thought were God, but were traditions of man and not God.
Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:23-25 (Amplified) and said that the Word of God was the Seed sown into our hearts. Thus, He said, "If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the truth you hear) will be the measure (of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you-and more (besides) will be given to you who hear. For to him who has (ears to hear) will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away (by force)."
If we "hear" the wrong things and put our faith in them, then the enemy will strip us of our true faith and use our "wrong hearing" against us. We will consequently become discontent in our lack of success in walking in the Word and quit trying to do so. Throughout the years, satan has undermined the Truth of God's Word in the ears of God's people. We've been taught many things that are contrary to God's Word and His purpose for His children. We've been taught such things as "these things have passed away," "are not for us today," "were only for the early Church" and many other things that are contrary to His Word. If we hear these things and apply our faith towards them, then our faith is void of power to produce on our behalf. This is why Jesus warned us to, "Be careful what you are hearing."
Not everything that is called "the Gospel," is THE GOSPEL. Even during Paul's ministry, there were already people preaching "another gospel" and even another Jesus. Satan began at once, to undermine the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel and the Truth of it, were the downfall of satan's dominion and he tried immediately to discredit it. Satan knew that if the Truth ever penetrated the heart of God's people like it did with the first few who believed, then his kingdom was doomed.
The handful of early Church believers, so stunned the world that they said this in Acts 17:5-6 (Amplified), "But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to Jealousy, and getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the market place, they gather together a mob, set the town in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring (Paul and Silas) out to the people, But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also."
When was the last time you heard about believers who "turned the world upside down" with the power and Presence of the Lord or the Name of Jesus?
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Lesson 170 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 Himself)."
Most of us attended twelve years of school, before graduating. Many of us believe that this is all the education required for a successful life, but some desire to gain a fuller education. We don't use everything we learned throughout our twelve years of learning, but no day goes by without our using something we learned at school. It might be something as trivial as counting our change or reading a restaurant menu, but these are a pertinent part of our daily life.
We have so many, many things of God to learn about the new creation life, our Heavenly Father and His way of doing things. Many believers only wish to gain knowledge of those things that are necessary for daily living, just like some in the world. Many of us have received Jesus, began living a more prosperous life and then began to be comfortable in our walk, just like some in the world. It seems like many have become content with just being saved and going to Heaven when we die. That's enough for them.
I find that there is need for continued learning, even after living more than seven decades on earth. My generation was brought up without computers, cell phones, Facebook, apps, or many of the things that younger people consider a common part of today's life. Man can get by without some of these things, but many would suffer separation anxiety if they had to live without these things. Some of these modern marvels separate us from personal interactions.
I have always found that purposely seeking out the wisdom of God, has opened many doors to the Kingdom, that I would never have known if I had stopped at just being saved. I don't look at a checklist every morning that leads me through the Word, just like I don't look at a checklist to walk daily in this realm. However, I do use the things the Holy Spirit shows me, at any point, during my daily life here. There are only two ways of dealing with anything in life. We either go the way of the Word or we go the way of the world.
Every situation that arises in our everyday life, will be dealt with either of these two ways. If we continue dealing with these situations like we did before being born-again, then we will get the same results we had before being born-again. Someone said that, "Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over, and expecting different results." If the things that didn't work before, are the things we keep doing after being saved, then why do we think things will change?
The door to God's wisdom has been opened to "whosoever will." There is no place where the Lord has determined we should not come to know Him better. There are many ways we can come to know Him better, but all of them are by the Spirit. We don't and never will know Him by the flesh and our natural senses, because GOD IS A SPIRIT. When we were born-again, our spirit was made like unto Him and that's how we know Him.
I recently shared with the congregation, one of the most important things I have adopted in my own life, after being born-again. It's really a very simply thing, but it's of the upmost importance. After being saved, we bought the entire Bible on CD and played the Word nightly. The last thing I heard before going to sleep, was the Word of God that was being directly fed into my spirit. This brought peace to my body, so my flesh could actually rest, it brought rest and strength to my spirit and it brings health and healing to my flesh. Proverbs 4:22 (Amplified) says that, "God's Words are Life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh."
When I wake up in the morning, my mind is clear, my flesh is rested and my awareness of the Lord is sharper than when I went to bed. I've also discovered that I know the Word from the inside and not just from memory. As I sleep, the Lord is able to reveal Himself to me, in ways that the noise and confusion of the world doesn't always let me hear. Some might say this is foolish thinking, but hearing the Word while sleeping, has been a great source of strength and revelation in my life.
There's nothing that says you must do this to be saved, but it is essential to my spiritual growth. I've never been a Christian who's content with just being saved. I've always wanted to know the One Who created all things. Hearing the Word during the night, is like having my Heavenly Father reading me a bedtime story. The Word feeds straight into my spirit, without my mind interfering with the process. This has become a way for Truth and Life to enter my spirit.
I previously blogged about "How far is too far, with our walk with God?" Some might say, listening to the Bible every night, is too far, but it is a great way to learn the Word and build up your faith in God's Word. This isn't a religious chore or a duty we must perform for the Lord but it's a way to know Him better, because "Faith comes by hearing" according to Romans 10:17. Hearing God's Word throughout the night while I sleep, builds my faith in God's Word when I'm awake.
In Joshua 1:8 (Amplified) God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law (or God's Word) shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success." If this would work for Joshua, then it will also work for us, especially now that we are a new creation.
It's not always easy to find the time, stop everything you're doing and then reading God's Word Satan will make sure that a million things will come up. Jesus said in Mark 4:18-19 (Amplified), "And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasures and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness and passionate desires for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word and it becomes fruitless."
Notice how the things that arise aren't always sinful things, but are everyday things of life in this realm. It can be something so simple as attending your child's softball games, going camping or many other things that steal time with the Word. These are things we enjoy in life, but they are often distractions from spending time in the Word. Listening to the Word while I sleep, allows me to enjoy these things and still meditate on God's Word. I can still do all the things like being a husband, father, friend and grandfather while I'm awake, while not neglecting time for the Word.
You might ask, "Am I still a good Christian, even if I don't do this?" Yes, you're still a good Christian. It only means that you don't do this. I want to know the Father and the secret things of His heart, so I use my sleep time as hearing time. Since my spirit never sleeps and my body does, I can strengthen my spirit and my body simultaneously. My soul (my mind, my will and my emotions) is also restored, according to Psalm 23:3 (Amplified) which says, "He restores my soul."
This little tidbit might aid in your attempt to have more time in God's Word. You can buy the entire Bible online for about $60.00 and in many different translations and languages. Try it and see for yourself.
Most of us attended twelve years of school, before graduating. Many of us believe that this is all the education required for a successful life, but some desire to gain a fuller education. We don't use everything we learned throughout our twelve years of learning, but no day goes by without our using something we learned at school. It might be something as trivial as counting our change or reading a restaurant menu, but these are a pertinent part of our daily life.
We have so many, many things of God to learn about the new creation life, our Heavenly Father and His way of doing things. Many believers only wish to gain knowledge of those things that are necessary for daily living, just like some in the world. Many of us have received Jesus, began living a more prosperous life and then began to be comfortable in our walk, just like some in the world. It seems like many have become content with just being saved and going to Heaven when we die. That's enough for them.
I find that there is need for continued learning, even after living more than seven decades on earth. My generation was brought up without computers, cell phones, Facebook, apps, or many of the things that younger people consider a common part of today's life. Man can get by without some of these things, but many would suffer separation anxiety if they had to live without these things. Some of these modern marvels separate us from personal interactions.
I have always found that purposely seeking out the wisdom of God, has opened many doors to the Kingdom, that I would never have known if I had stopped at just being saved. I don't look at a checklist every morning that leads me through the Word, just like I don't look at a checklist to walk daily in this realm. However, I do use the things the Holy Spirit shows me, at any point, during my daily life here. There are only two ways of dealing with anything in life. We either go the way of the Word or we go the way of the world.
Every situation that arises in our everyday life, will be dealt with either of these two ways. If we continue dealing with these situations like we did before being born-again, then we will get the same results we had before being born-again. Someone said that, "Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over, and expecting different results." If the things that didn't work before, are the things we keep doing after being saved, then why do we think things will change?
The door to God's wisdom has been opened to "whosoever will." There is no place where the Lord has determined we should not come to know Him better. There are many ways we can come to know Him better, but all of them are by the Spirit. We don't and never will know Him by the flesh and our natural senses, because GOD IS A SPIRIT. When we were born-again, our spirit was made like unto Him and that's how we know Him.
I recently shared with the congregation, one of the most important things I have adopted in my own life, after being born-again. It's really a very simply thing, but it's of the upmost importance. After being saved, we bought the entire Bible on CD and played the Word nightly. The last thing I heard before going to sleep, was the Word of God that was being directly fed into my spirit. This brought peace to my body, so my flesh could actually rest, it brought rest and strength to my spirit and it brings health and healing to my flesh. Proverbs 4:22 (Amplified) says that, "God's Words are Life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh."
When I wake up in the morning, my mind is clear, my flesh is rested and my awareness of the Lord is sharper than when I went to bed. I've also discovered that I know the Word from the inside and not just from memory. As I sleep, the Lord is able to reveal Himself to me, in ways that the noise and confusion of the world doesn't always let me hear. Some might say this is foolish thinking, but hearing the Word while sleeping, has been a great source of strength and revelation in my life.
There's nothing that says you must do this to be saved, but it is essential to my spiritual growth. I've never been a Christian who's content with just being saved. I've always wanted to know the One Who created all things. Hearing the Word during the night, is like having my Heavenly Father reading me a bedtime story. The Word feeds straight into my spirit, without my mind interfering with the process. This has become a way for Truth and Life to enter my spirit.
I previously blogged about "How far is too far, with our walk with God?" Some might say, listening to the Bible every night, is too far, but it is a great way to learn the Word and build up your faith in God's Word. This isn't a religious chore or a duty we must perform for the Lord but it's a way to know Him better, because "Faith comes by hearing" according to Romans 10:17. Hearing God's Word throughout the night while I sleep, builds my faith in God's Word when I'm awake.
In Joshua 1:8 (Amplified) God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law (or God's Word) shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success." If this would work for Joshua, then it will also work for us, especially now that we are a new creation.
It's not always easy to find the time, stop everything you're doing and then reading God's Word Satan will make sure that a million things will come up. Jesus said in Mark 4:18-19 (Amplified), "And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasures and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness and passionate desires for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word and it becomes fruitless."
Notice how the things that arise aren't always sinful things, but are everyday things of life in this realm. It can be something so simple as attending your child's softball games, going camping or many other things that steal time with the Word. These are things we enjoy in life, but they are often distractions from spending time in the Word. Listening to the Word while I sleep, allows me to enjoy these things and still meditate on God's Word. I can still do all the things like being a husband, father, friend and grandfather while I'm awake, while not neglecting time for the Word.
You might ask, "Am I still a good Christian, even if I don't do this?" Yes, you're still a good Christian. It only means that you don't do this. I want to know the Father and the secret things of His heart, so I use my sleep time as hearing time. Since my spirit never sleeps and my body does, I can strengthen my spirit and my body simultaneously. My soul (my mind, my will and my emotions) is also restored, according to Psalm 23:3 (Amplified) which says, "He restores my soul."
This little tidbit might aid in your attempt to have more time in God's Word. You can buy the entire Bible online for about $60.00 and in many different translations and languages. Try it and see for yourself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)