Restoration Ministries

The Mercy of the Lord endures forever- Ps 107:1

  • About

“FINAL MYSTERIES” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 17, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Choice, Choose Life, End Times, God's Living Word, lifestyle, Mystery. Leave a comment

The book of Revelation contains four mentions of the word mystery. The first is the mystery of the seven stars. It is in Revelation 1:20  “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” KJV All Roman coins had seven stars that stood for the seven hills on which the city was built.  The fact that Jesus held them in His hand indicates what they really are, and that they are under His control.

Revelation 10:7  “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” KJV Chapter ten details a mighty angel holding a little scroll or book. Up until then, all the visions were clear and plain to John, the writer.  But this book was to be sealed and not written down by him. The angel instructed him to take the book and eat it. Revelation 10:8-11 “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey; And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” KJV. Evidently this book contained some additional hidden knowledge that upset John, although he received it with joy. Whatever it was, he understood that the mystery, the hidden wisdom of God, was finished, complete.

The final mystery is in Revelation 17:5  “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” KJV  Revelation 17:18  “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” KJV So that’s the secret known only to the initiated, that Babylon was the code word for Rome. All through chapter seventeen, the descriptions of what goes on there are listed. It’s all about the kings and the beast who will reign at different times, but they all end up in hell.

What does that have to do with our day? As mysterious as the revelation prophecies are for the people of the New Testament Church, especially those in danger of their very lives, are there lessons for us to learn? The ultimate power behind all the tribulation of that day was the devil, of course. He has never given up. He has never slowed down. He doesn’t take a day off or a vacation. The point of all that turmoil is to shake us up and wake us up to reality. Jesus told us there would be trouble in John 16:33. But then He said, “ . . . but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.(!)” KJV

Oh, victory in Jesus! Is the tribulation any great mystery? What keeps people from repenting and giving their lives to Jesus when we see just how bad it is going to be? There is only one answer and it is found in  2 Corinthians 4:3-4  “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” KJV The god of this world. The same god who will cause trouble all the way to the end when he is at last locked up in hell forever. Luke 10:2  “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” KJV Yes, Lord, we will go. Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 4 of 7”

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 17, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Holy Spirit, Love, Choice, Grace, Mercy, God's Living Word, The Gifts of God, Godliness. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/250228-gifts-from-the-fathers-heart-part-4.mp3

Download This Message –>> 250228 Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 4.mp3

The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. He never stops giving.

The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love.

The one and only reason that Jesus came into this world was because Man was separated from God.

We have already discussed 11 of the 25 gifts from the Father’s Heart that we have listed in this series.

He gave us the gift of Life itself – all creation.

He gave us the gift of choice.

He gave us the gift of Eternal Life

He gave us the gift of Reconciliation:

He gave us the Living Word of God

He gave us the gift of the Bread of Life

He gave us the gift of Sonship:

He gave us the gift of God’s Grace

He gave us the gift of Righteousness.

He gave us the gift of real freedom.

He gave us the gift of all things that pertain to life and Godliness.

2nd Peter 1: 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (NKJV) 

Romans 8: 32 He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? (Amp. C) 

He gave us the gift of the Keys of the Kingdom

Matthew 16: 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of Living Water

John. 4: 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to abide in us.

1st Corinthians 2: 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. (Amp. C)

John 14: 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. (Amp. C) 

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“MYSTERY OF GODLINESS” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 10, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Choice, Godliness, Grace, Jesus, lifestyle, Spiritually Minded, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment

1st Timothy 3:16  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” KJV St. Paul explained that the hidden understanding of godliness was undisputable. What he referred to as godliness is the description of what we believe is the complete knowledge of the story of Jesus in the plan of God.

The context is contained in the following verses in chapter 4, which delineate the many things to watch for: seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; lies in hypocrisy; profane and old wives’ fables. This entire letter from Paul to Timothy contains instructions to help this young minister care for his flock.

There was plenty of religious junk out there that could easily confuse new Christians. St. Paul says in Colossians 2:8 in the Amplified translation, “See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).”Amplified Classic. Plain nonsense. I like that. No mystery there.

The original eye witnesses of Jesus’ life and ministry had to have the revelation of Him directly from the Spirit of God in order to understand what happened to Him and what they were to do about it. The gospels report many times that they didn’t understand Him at all and “were afraid to ask Him.”(Mark 9:32 KJV) Later on, in St. Peter’s second letter he says, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:16-21 KJV)

In his first letter, St. John says this: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;  (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (I John 1:1-5 KJV)

Thank You so much, Father, that You preserved these accounts for us from the original eye witnesses so we could have confidence in our faith in You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit Who keeps us in truth. Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 3 of 7”

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 10, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Freedom, Fruit of The Spirit, God's Living Word, Grace, Mercy, Righteousness, Sonship, Spiritually Minded, The Gifts of God. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/250214-gifts-from-the-fathers-heart-part-3.mp3

Download This Message –>> 250214 Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 3.MP3

The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. He never stops giving.

The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love.

The one and only reason that Jesus came into this world was because Man was separated from God.

He gave us the gift of Life itself – all creation.

He gave us the gift of choice.

He gave us the gift of Eternal Life

He gave us the gift of Reconciliation:

He gave us the Living Word of God

John 1: 1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NKJV) – (Amp. C – In the Beginning before all time)

John 1: 14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)

Hebrews 4: 12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of the Bread of Life

John 6: 47 – 48 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. (48) I am the bread of life. (NKJV)

John 6: 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of Sonship:

1st John 3: 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (NKJV) 

1st John 4: 9 – 10 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of God’s Grace

Ephesians 2: 8  For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; (Amp. C)

He gave us the gift of Righteousness.

Romans 5: 17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (Amp. C)  

He gave us the gift of real freedom.

Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)

Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (NKJV)

John 8: 32  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)  

Galatians 3: 13 – 14 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”), (14) that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NKJV)

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 3, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Choice, Choose Life, End Times, Grace, Revelation Knowledge, Salvation. Leave a comment

2nd Thessalonians 2:7  “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”  KJV As much as we want to understand what that mystery is, we are even more puzzled by the rest of that verse, “he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” Who can that be?

The first twelve verses of this chapter give details about what will happen in the end times. Verse three says, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”  That man of sin, the son of perdition, is the antichrist. So there is going to be a “great falling away” first. This is what the mystery of iniquity must be. Talking about that, Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-13, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” KJV

Looks like there is going to be real trouble. We think it’s bad now. What will happen when even the believers begin to give up? We want to be among those who endure to the end, who keep the faith, who don’t turn away from God. And we count on His grace and protection. So who is this “he who now letteth?” Other translations say “restraining,” “withholding,” “preventing.” And that this person will be removed from the scene so that the antichrist will be revealed.

I don’t say I have the answer. There are many commentaries available that make suggestions. The foot notes in your bible may also. The truth is, no one has come up with an adequate explanation of who or what it might be. Is it the Holy Spirit? Is He keeping this revelation from coming to pass? And will He be the One Who is removed so the antichrist can arise?

That’s kind of the way I look at it. People who believe in the “rapture,” the catching away of the Church, believe that when the Church is removed from the earth, the Holy Spirit will go with them and no longer function in the earth. But in First Corinthians 12:3b, St. Paul says, “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” KJV We believe that people will be saved during the tribulation, so the Holy Spirit cannot be totally absent.

So the mystery, the secret knowledge of iniquity is, it is going to get so bad, that people will accept a person as a leader and actually a miracle worker equal to Jesus Himself. Is he equal? Certainly not. But there will be enough people fooled by him, even Christians, who will submit to his rule. That is utterly terrifying to me. The only way to be safe is to stay so close to Jesus and His WORD that we will know the truth and see this person for what he is.

Thank God He sent plenty of prophecy throughout the New Testament to teach us what to look out for. Thank God for anointed teachers and preachers who hear from the Holy Spirit and stand up for righteousness. Thank You, Almighty God, that You are not some far away, unknowable God that keeps us guessing. Thank You for the vision and wisdom that is always available to us from Your WORD! Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“Gifts From the Father’s Heart Part 2 of 7”

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 3, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Creation, God's Living Word, Grace, Jesus, Love, Reconciliation, Salvation, The Gifts of God. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/250207-gifts-from-the-fathers-heart-part-2.mp3

Download This Message –>> 250207 Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 2.MP3

The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. He never stops giving.

The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love. He gave us Eternal Life

John 3: 16 – 17 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (17) For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (Amp. C)

He gave us the gift of Life itself – all creation.

John 1: 3 – 4 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. (4) In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. (Amp. C) 

Colossians 1: 15 – 17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of choice.

Deuteronomy 30: 19 – 20 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; (20) that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” (NKJV) 

He gave us the gift of Reconciliation:

Colossians 1: 19 – 22 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,(20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (21) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled (22) in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight (NKJV)

2nd Corinthians 5: 17 – 21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (18) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NKJV)

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on July 24, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Christ in you, Glory, Holy Spirit, Hope, Inheritance, Jesus, Mystery, Overcoming, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment

Colossians 1:24-29  “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. “ KJV

These five verses are loaded with mysterious thoughts. How can he fill up what is behind (lacking) in the sufferings of Christ? Did Jesus miss something? Certainly not. I believe what St. Paul means is that he, himself, is proving that what Jesus suffered for all people for all time can be lived by a human being for the sake of the Church; that it is possible to live like Jesus did, to forestall erroneous thinking that Jesus only was able to do it because He was more than a man, He did it as God. Jesus, being fully and truly man, and fully and truly God, was able to live, die, and be raised again to eternal life. St. Paul is stressing this truth in order to combat heresies in the church that stated that Jesus was not really a flesh and blood human being, but some kind of Greek or Roman god or angel that was not subject to suffering in His flesh.

The powerful mystery, the secret of success, that Paul was preaching, warning and teaching people was that we are actually be capable of living, suffering, dying and being raised from the dead, which would make us perfect just like Jesus. We are not Jesus, of course, but we identify ourselves with Him in how we live and conduct ourselves. Impossible for ordinary unsaved, un-born-again people. But for us, the mystery is filled with the riches of the glory of Christ in us, the hope of glory.

The born-again believer is filled with the presence and the power of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. We have the hope, the expectation of glory. It motivates us to embrace the life that God our Father has planned for us. We are not our own. We are bought with a price! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20  “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” KJV

Colossians 2:9-10 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” KJV in Him. There it is again, that phrase that means that we have been born again and are no longer out there in the world without God and without hope. (Ephesians 2:11-13 KJV). It is the Holy Blessed Trinity that is in us that makes us complete in Him. What glorious riches! If we don’t “feel” that way, if the world doesn’t see us that way, whose fault can it be? They have to see us that way if we are going to have the nerve to tell them that the Godhead of the universe dwells in each of us. We are required to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: live in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10-14.KJV) Don’t forget the joyfulness!

Thank You, Lord, for this gracious mystery, the secret of victorious life in Christ. Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“Gifts From the Father’s Heart Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on July 24, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Choose Life, Gifts From God, God's Living Word, Grace, Jesus, Love, Mercy, Salvation. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/250124-gifts-from-the-fathers-heart-part-1.mp3

Download This Message –>> 250124 Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 1.MP3

Have you ever heard the statement “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

We have all heard that phrase at one time or another.

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season for all of Mankind or He should be.

But what about God’s angle of view?

From God’s angle of view Mankind, You and I are the reason for the season. You and I and all of Mankind past present and future are the entire reason that Jesus was born.

It took over 4,000 years for everything to be in perfect order for Jesus to be born. No wonder that all the angels and I firmly believe all of Heaven itself were celebrating that night.

Luke 2: 8 – 16 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. (10) Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: (14) “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (15) So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. (NKJV) 

The one and only reason that Jesus came into this world was because Man was separated from God.

John 3: 16 – 17 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (17) For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (Amp. C)

The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love.

The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. He never stops giving.

Ephesians 2: 4 – 5 But God–so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). (Amp. C)  

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on July 6, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: God's Living Word, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Love, Mystery, Spiritually Minded, Truth. Leave a comment

Ephesians 6:19  “And (pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” KJV This is the sixth place in the letter to the Ephesians that St. Paul speaks of a mystery, the mystery of the gospel. As I said before, the word “gospel” means the “good news” that a king has arrived and “mystery” means something that is secret, hidden knowledge, known only to the initiated. We can readily apply that to the world-changing entrance of the resurrected Jesus as He embarked on His eternal reign.

Ephesians 2:4-6  “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” KJV This is the hidden knowledge, that we reign with Him! In Him, with Him, by Him, through Him, phrases St. Paul uses over fifty times in this letter. This is who we, the initiated, are, but only if we are IN Christ Jesus.

I used to think that to be IN Christ Jesus meant to be IN church. How many people who call themselves Christians were just like me, not realizing what to be IN Him really meant. This is hidden knowledge, not just from the unsaved world of outsiders, , but from even godly Christian people. How many of us bumble along in life just trying to get along? Not realizing what it means to be victorious kings? How do we find out about this?

I’ll tell you how I found out. It was by studying the WORD for myself with the help of good Christian preachers and teachers. Oh, no, I’m not going to start recommending any of them. You have to find them for yourself. But, not to worry, the Holy Spirit is right there inside your spirit to help you. He loves to lead us and guide us to anyone who knows more truth than we do. He also knows just who we will listen to. Jesus said in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” KJV

Sheep, eh? Jesus knew just how dumb we can be. Just how much we need to be led by someone we can trust. One thing about sheep, they have no sense of direction. We hear news stories about a dog or a cat that got left behind at a campground and found its way back home even over hundreds of miles. That is something impossible for a sheep. They can’t find their way across the barnyard without help.

Thank God for our Good Shepherd! Thank God for the great mystery that tells us the “good news” of the gospel, that He goes before us and lets us reign with Him. That no matter how many times we fall or lose our way, He is right there to call to us and lead us back to our rightful place, seated with Him and in Him in heavenly places.

Of course, the world doesn’t get it. It’s too bad that many in the Church don’t get it either. We even say things like, if it’s a mystery, we just can’t understand it. All that means is that our ignorance is showing. We have a shepherd, the Good Shepherd. He knows how to lead us by His Spirit into all truth. (John 14:26.KJV)

Thank You, most gracious Shepherd, that You did not leave us orphans, but sent Your Comforter to lead us into all truth, and give us understanding of all mysteries. Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self Control Part 3”

Posted by mcoxbmi on July 6, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Confidence, Fruit of The Spirit, lifestyle, Overcoming, Self-Control, Spiritually Minded, Temperance, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/241122-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-pt-58-temperance-pt-3.mp3

Download This Message –>> 241122 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 58 – Temperance Pt 3.MP3

In order to walk a successful Christian Life, walking in the Ways of the Lord, we must have discipline in our lives. Allowing and exercising the Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control to work in our lives will bring Godly discipline to our lives.

Discipline is an important, but often neglected, part of the Christian life. Many broken friendships, and many harsh words come, as a result of not learning how to be temperate.

Too many Christians take the attitude that they cannot control their temper, their thoughts, their emotions, or their actions. This is simply not true.

They are allowing their emotions to control their lives. They are focusing on the wrong thing. They are being Carnally, Fleshly, Worldly Minded instead of being Spiritually Minded.

2nd Corinthians 10: 3 – 5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

(4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (NKJV)

Galatians 6: 7 – 9  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (9) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (NKJV)

Romans 8: 5 – 8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. (8) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (NKJV)

Romans 8: 13  For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (NKJV)

Temperance or Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit is the active effort we put forth to resist the temptation to go back to the ways of the world around us once we’ve been shown God’s spiritual way of life. It is demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit instead of committing the works of the flesh.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 25, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Faith, God's Living Word, Good News, Gospel, Jesus, Love, Mystery, The Kingdom of God. Leave a comment

Mark 4:10-14  “And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word.” KJV

Jesus taught the people in parables, stories using metaphors that they would be familiar with to help them understand. And yet, the mass of the people didn’t seem to get it. Thank God He did take the time to explain things to His disciples. It was obvious that they didn’t get it either. And we can see some of the reasons why. Jesus instructed them to preach the kingdom when He sent them out. Matthew 10:7  “And as ye go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”  KJV He also told people , “The kingdom of God (or heaven) was at hand.” (Matthew 3:2, 4:17, and many others.KJV)

The hard part was, the people of Israel dreamed of the day their real king would come. If the kingdom was here, where was the king? They even tried to make Jesus king in John 6:15,  “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” KJV

The gospels are full of Jesus’ parables about kings and kingdoms. But Jesus said in Luke 17:20-21  “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, ‘Lo here! or, lo there!’ for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.’” KJV The very word “gospel” means good news of the announcement of the arrival of a king.

It was one of the hardest things the disciples themselves had to deal with. Matthew 20:20-21 “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.  And he said unto her, ‘What wilt thou?’ She saith unto him, ‘Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.’”KJV It was enough to make the other disciples angry and jealous. All the way to Jesus’ last day on earth after the resurrection, they still wanted to know, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6 KJV)

All through the New Testament we encounter the mystery of the kingdom. But we also get the inside information of what the mystery is. Oh, Lord, King of kings, thank You for constant revelation of the mystery of how to live in Your Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven! Amen. 

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self Control Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 24, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Confidence, Fruit of The Spirit, Holy Spirit, lifestyle, Overcoming, Peace, Spiritually Minded, Strengthened, Temperance. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/241115-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-pt-57-temperance-pt-2.mp3

Download This Message –>> 241115 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 57 – Temperance Pt 2.MP3

Where does Temperance or Self-Control come in? Everywhere, at all times, and under all circumstances.

Temperance or Self-Control involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, actions, and desires.

Almost every area of our lives involve thoughts in one way or another. We are always thinking a thought or we are receiving a thought that we think on. Our thoughts are involved in our words, actions, and desires both good and bad.

A majority of the problems that we face in our lives comes from our thoughts. We develop mind sets or strongholds allowing our emotions to dominate in our thought life.

The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control along with the other Fruits the Spirit strengthens us in our inner man so that we can take every thought captive setting our thoughts on being God’s Word minded instead of fleshly worldly minded.

Colossians 3: 1 – 3 IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. (Amp. C)

2nd Corinthians 10: 3 – 5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

(4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (NKJV)

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 15, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Faith, Fruit of The Spirit, lifestyle, Overcoming, Peace, Self-Control, Spiritually Minded, Temperance. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/241108-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-pt-56-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-temperance-pt-1.mp3

Download This Message –>> 241108 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 56 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Temperance Pt 1.MP3

Temperance or Self-Control is a Gift from God. One of the Fruits of the Presence of the Holy Spirit within the Believer.

Galatians 5: 22 – 23 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, (23) Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. (Amp. C)

The Fruit of the Spirit is born into us. It is part of our reborn nature. All of the Fruit of the Spirit are part of our makeup on the inside. Part of our Spiritual DNA.

The scripture teaches us to learn to live from the inside out. To let this New Man, the Reborn Spirit Man, on the inside dominate our life, our body, our words, our thought life and our actions.

The Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: 22 – 23 are directly involved in our ability to live from the inside out. The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control must be exercised and allowed to operate for us to be able to live our lives from the inside out.Temperance or Self-Control involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, and actions. It means being under control, cool, calm, balanced bringing of all of you, under the sovereign control of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16: 24 – 26 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (25) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (26) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (NKJV)

All of the Fruit of the Spirit function together. Each of the Fruits of the Spirit require the other Fruits in order to function probably. They are connected. When one of them is weak or inoperative it weakens or prevents the other Fruit from functioning.

The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control is tied directly to the function of the other Fruits.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 8, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Confidence, Fruit of The Spirit, Meekness, Mercy, Peace, Spiritually Minded, Strengthened, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/241025-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-pt-55-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-meekness-pt-2.mp3

Download This Message –>> 241025 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 55 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness P2 1.MP3

A prideful person is so self-centered that they will have a hard time with walking in the fruit of Meekness or Gentleness. They will have a hard time humbling themselves before God or man.

Meekness, Gentleness, and humility are closely related. They are direct opposites of pride and self-centeredness or selfishness.

Meekness displaces Pride. Pride comes before a fall.

Proverbs 16: 18 – 19   Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (NKJV)

James 4: 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (NKJV)

Psalm 147: 6 The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. (NKJV)

James 4: 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (AMP C)

Meekness opens the door for God’s blessings. Meekness will cause you to walk in the blessings of God.

Meekness will help you walk in the reverential fear of the Lord where there is no want.

Proverbs 22: 4 The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. (Amp. C)

It takes diligence to walk a Meek, Gentle, and Humble lifestyle.

You must aim at and be diligent for the Fruit of the Spirit to flow in and from your life.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“MYSTERY OF HIS WILL” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 1, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: God's Promises, God's Will, Grace, Mercy, Mystery, Revelation Knowledge. Leave a comment

Ephesians 1:9-10 “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” KJV Have you ever wondered what God’s will is? Here it is: complete unity of all existence at the end of time back to like it was in eternity from the beginning.

It takes some meditation to get to the bottom of a concept like this. As a “mystery,” it is God’s own hidden wisdom that He was revealing, first to St. Paul, and now to us. “All things.” “All things. . . in heaven and. . . on earth.” If the language means anything, it seems to include the entire universe of creation. Christ must be awfully big!

I see it as a reflection of the Holy Trinity. Our God is One God in Three Persons. Each Person is completely unique, and yet They are completely One. There is no possible separation. In life on earth, all we see is separation. Science tells us that even the universe is flying apart in all directions.

Is it possible to be in complete unity without losing our individual identity? I believe that is God’s whole point. As each Person of the Holy Trinity has His unique identity, people will still be people, trees will still be trees, stars will still be stars when “all things” are gathered together in one in Christ.

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” KJV Other translations say that God will guide me with His eye upon me, but I like the King James. He will guide me with His eye. I believe that means He will show me what He sees. I need to see life as God sees it. That’s how He can teach me. It does me no good to live the way I see. That lifestyle would lead me to ultimate selfishness.

Once I asked the Lord to show me what He sees when I was studying the Genesis account of creation. Genesis 1:1-3  “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, ‘Let there be light:’ and there was light.” KJV  I always wondered where the darkness came from. He took me to a couple of scriptures that described what was going on in heaven before the darkness, in Ezekiel 28:11-19, and Isaiah 14:9-15.

In these scriptures Lucifer is identified as “the anointed cherub.” He was the leader of all the worship of heaven. But Ezekiel 28:15 says, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”KJV Iniquity was found in him. Iniquity is defined as perverseness, wickedness, and evil. In other words, darkness. Where did the darkness come from? It did not originate in God. It was the pride that Lucifer took in himself. He wanted to “ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High” in Isaiah 14:14. KJV In Ezekiel 28:17 God tells him, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” KJV

That darkness was why God could not tolerate Lucifer to remain in heaven. I asked the Lord what He did about it. What He told me changed my whole perspective about what happened next. Heaven was all light and beauty, peace and rejoicing. But then this darkness appeared in the heart of His dearest creation. Think about it. God had never encountered one of His created beings that didn’t love Him, that thought he could be higher that the Most High. The Lord showed me an oyster and asked me, “Where do pearls come from?”

Well, of course they come from oysters, but what causes them to form? Some little, tiny piece of sand or grit gets sucked into it as it feeds. It scratches and cuts the oyster’s flesh so painfully that the oyster must use the only substance it has, the calcium in its own shell to begin to coat the irritant until it is as smooth as the walls of its own house.

God showed me that that was what He had to do. He had to form a capsule around that dark entity and cast it out of heaven. He had to make a place for the devil and his angels. Jesus said in Luke 10:18, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” KJV

A creature that didn’t love his Creator? How do we feel when we encounter someone we love deeply who doesn’t return that love? It broke God’s heart. Looking out at that darkness, an offense to the God of love, He told me that He didn’t just say, “Let there be light.” That command was His brokenhearted scream, “Light, be!” He injected His very Self into that darkness! The Holy Spirit brought life to that WORD and creation/time began.

Someone once asked me, “Which do you think we will achieve first, light speed or time travel?” My answer was inspired by the foregoing revelation from God. Even science tells us they are the same thing. I told him that, and then I said, “God is light, and nobody can go faster than God!”

Oh, God of the brokenhearted, teach us how to love You more fully and completely, more reverently and gratefully, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of Meekness Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 1, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Confidence, Faith, Fruit of The Spirit, God's Living Word, lifestyle, Meekness, Overcoming, Spiritually Minded. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/241018-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-part-54-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-meekness-pt-1.mp3

Download This Message –>> 241018 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 54 – The Fruit of the Spirit Meekness Pt 1.MP3

Galatians 5: 22 – 26  But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, (23) Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. (AMP C)

Ephesians 4: 1 – 3 I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service, (2) Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. (3) Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (AMP C)

Meekness, Gentleness, and humility are closely related.

Philippians 2: 2 – 5 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)

Meekness to us sounds like someone who is weak with their head held down and will not look you in the eye.

But Bible Meekness, the Fruit of the Spirit Meekness refers to a person who is strong yet has the capacity to be gentle, loving and mild when dealing with others. It’s not a weakness but a power to be gentle.

A prideful or self-centered person will have a hard time with walking in the fruit of Meekness or Gentleness.

Meekness displaces Pride. Pride comes before a fall.

Proverbs 29: 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. (NKJV)

Proverbs 16: 18 – 19   Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (NKJV)

A prideful person is so self-centered that they have a hard time humbling themselves before God or man.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“MYSTERY OF UNITY” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 25, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Choice, Fellowship, lifestyle, Love, Mercy, Overcoming, Spiritually Minded, Unity. Leave a comment

The word “mystery” is used in the New Testament twenty-two times, seventeen times in St. Paul’s letters alone. Each time it is explained, especially in St. Paul’s writings, so is a mystery really something that we can’t understand? One of the definitions of the word is “information known only to the initiated.” It’s like the secret password or knock, unknown to outsiders.

We, the born-again children of God in Christ Jesus, are the insiders! Every mystery can be known by us. In Mark 4:11, Jesus said, “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” KJV The mystery He was talking about here was that the seed sown is the WORD of God. He describes what happens to it. A lot of times we are puzzled about why people don’t pick up on the good news of the Gospel. So He explains what can interfere with people’s understanding and acceptance of it.

The entire first two chapters of First Corinthians tells of the hidden wisdom of God that is made known to us. 1 Corinthians 2:7  “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” KJV Then he says in 1 Corinthians 2:16  “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”  KJV How cool is that?

Six times in the six chapters of the letter to the Ephesians St. Paul instructs us in the mysteries of God’s plan for mankind. The hardest one of all that caused the most trouble for him is found in Ephesians 3:1-6  “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” KJV

St. Paul got his information directly from God Himself by the Holy Spirit. Unity of Jews and Gentiles went against all the history and culture of the chosen people. They were supposed to avoid all contact with them. Such unity could only be known through revelation. In the book of Acts chapter 10, St. Peter had a vision. 10:28  “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”KJV

What a great wonder and glory to God that He gives us such a direct line into His heart of love! It takes revelation from God Himself to break in on our hard headed determination to be separated from one another. St. Paul said in Galatians 3:26-29, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ; there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” KJV

Male nor female? Really? Wow. God takes unity seriously. Heavenly Father, teach us by Your WORD and Your revelation that such a mystery can be known and put into practice by us Your Church. Our unity is the only way the world will know and recognize that You have sent Your Son: John 17:21  “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” KJV Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“Jesus – Our Faithful High Priest”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 25, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Faithful, Faithfulness, Fruit of The Spirit, Intercessor, Jesus, lifestyle, Spiritually Minded, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/240830-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-part-53-jesus-our-faithful-high-priest.mp3

Download This Message –>> 240830 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 53 – Jesus – Our Faithful High Priest.MP3

Jesus laid down His Life for us because He was Faithful.

Hebrews 3: 1 – 2 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, (2) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. (NKJV)

John 8: 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.“ (NKJV)

Hebrews 2: 17 – 18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (NKJV)

Romans 5: 8 – 11 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (NKJV)

Jesus Our High Priest Who Is seated at the right hand of the Father God is continually making intercession for us.

1st Timothy 2: 4 – 6  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (NKJV)

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“CHARITY – Agape Love”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 15, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: Choice, Fruit of The Spirit, Grace, lifestyle, Love, Mercy, Spiritually Minded, Strengthened. Leave a comment

2 Peter 1:7b  “. . . and to brotherly kindness charity.” KJV Charity. Here is the Greek word that describes the highest form of love, agape. It is the kind of love that is God Himself. Translated as “love” in all other bibles, the King James uses the word “charity.” Because charity is most understood as a selfless gift, the KJV used another Greek word, “charis.” Charis means “gift,” and “grace.” Charity is a gift that does not expect a return. No strings attached.

Whenever the word “grace” is used, the Amplified translation also adds, “unmerited favor,” a gift that can’t be earned. It is the last brick to go into our wall:

Charity

brotherly kindness brotherly kindness

godliness godliness godliness

patience patience patience patience

Self-control self-control self-control self-control self-control

Knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge

Virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue

Faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith

Without all the previous bricks, agape/love has nothing to stand on. But with them, agape/love is the most reasonable and natural result. Do we need a new definition of love? Jesus Himself said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” KJV The first letter of St. John also says, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren”(I John 3:16 KJV).  Is that what we are learning about the selfless, no-strings-attached, no-return-expected kind of love?

Charity doesn’t just mean sending used clothes and money to poor children on the other side of the world. We’ve got to use our faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness and brotherly kindness to find out what real agape/love is. That can only come from studying and becoming familiar with the WORD. The living WORD of God. We just can’t find it in the world. There are lots of loving people out there. But are they loving with the true, perfect, laying-down-their-lives kind of love? The God kind?

In order to learn what agape/love really is, we need to study how God Himself showed us His love. It started in the beginning, ‘way back in Genesis. When there was nothing but darkness, God, Who is light, injected Himself into it. All creation followed. By the time He finished the Garden of Eden, everything was perfect for the people who were on their way. Alas, when our first parents disobeyed Him, that state of perfection ended. But God was ready right there with the Answer, the One Who was to come.

Jesus didn’t come to pass a law. He didn’t hold a meeting to establish a new policy. HE DIED. That was God’s Answer, TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE. Unbeknownst to Satan, God knew that Jesus would rise again!

1 Corinthians 2:7-8  “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” KJV 

That’s what laying down our lives gets us: RESURRECTION! Maybe not in this life, but we can live in that resurrection life of agape/love with the grace of God as our back-up. Who knew? Certainly not the devil. It was a MYSTERY. The dictionary definition of mystery is “information known only to the initiated.” That’s us! Being born again is our initiation into the resurrection life of Jesus! That’s what the book of Romans is all about.

Thank You, Oh Most Gracious Heavenly Father, that You showed us how to lay down our lives just the way Jesus Your Beloved Son did. He said in John 10:18: “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” KJV Amen.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

“The Fruit of Faithfulness Part 3”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 15, 2026
Posted in: Audio Messages. Tagged: Choice, Confidence, Faithfulness, Fruit of The Spirit, Integrity, lifestyle, Overcoming, Patience, Spiritually Minded, Trusting In The Lord. Leave a comment
https://hebrews412.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/240809-walking-in-the-ways-of-the-lord-pt-52.-the-fruit-of-faithfulness-pt-3.mp3

Download This Message –>> 240809 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 52. – The Fruit of Faithfulness Pt 3.MP3

It is abnormal for a Born-Again Christian to be unfaithful.

A Faithful person is also a person of honor. They can be depended upon. They are steadfast and consistent. They are faithful, honorable, trustworthy, and can be depended upon even when doing a job that they do not like or want to do.

Matthew 21: 28 – 31 What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard.(29) And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went.(30) Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go.(31) Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you. (NKJV)

Being Faithful is to be trustworthy and dependable. A faithful person will be a person who is faithful to their word.

A faithful person is a loyal person. A faithful person can be trusted. They can be trusted even when you can’t see them.

The Faithful Servant

Matthew 24: 45 – 47 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? (46) Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. (47) Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. (NKJV)

Daniel and Joseph are examples of the blessings of the Lord on a wise and faithful servant.

The Unfaithful Servant

Matthew 24: 48 – 51 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’(49) and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, (50) the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, (51) and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (NKJV)

We are to be faithful all the days of our life even unto death.

Revelation 2: 10  Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

 

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
Like Loading...

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
  • Restoration Ministries

    P.O. Box 96
    St. James, MO 65559
    restorationministries@charter.net
  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Categories

    • A Study in the Living Word
    • An In-Depth Study on Love
    • Audio Messages
    • Text Messages & Devotionals
  • Recent Posts

    • “FINAL MYSTERIES” – Charlene Cox
    • “Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 4 of 7”
    • “MYSTERY OF GODLINESS” – Charlene Cox
    • “Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 3 of 7”
    • “THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY” – Charlene Cox
  • Archives

    • August 2026
    • July 2026
    • June 2026
    • May 2026
    • April 2026
    • March 2026
    • February 2026
    • January 2026
    • December 2025
    • November 2025
    • October 2025
    • September 2025
    • August 2025
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023
    • June 2023
    • May 2023
    • April 2023
    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • November 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • October 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
    • October 2015
    • September 2015
    • August 2015
    • July 2015
    • June 2015
    • May 2015
    • January 2014
  • Web Page Links

    • Bible Gateway – Free Online Bible
    • Harvest Worship Center Rolla MO
    • International House of Prayer Kansas City MO International House of Prayer Kansas City MO.
  • Meta

    • Create account
    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.com
Blog at WordPress.com.
Restoration Ministries
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Restoration Ministries
    • Join 149 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Restoration Ministries
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
Loading Comments...
%d