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 – 11But 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 – 6who 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)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
Psalm 23: 5 – 6You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. (6)Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. (Amp. C)
The previous verse 4 relates to walking through the valley of the shadow of death. There are enemies in the valley of the shadow of death. But as we discussed in our last message, right in the presence of our enemies we are being protected and comforted by our shepherd who is right there with us.
Right in the presence of our enemies, the Lord, Who is with us, has prepared a table for us.
He has also anointed our heads with oil. Our cup is running over. He has made abundant overflowing provision for us right in the presence of our enemies.
This table is a right now table. This is not the same table that is being prepared for us in Heaven. There are no enemies in Heaven.
Our Loving Heavenly Father, in all His Goodness, right in the very presence of our enemies, has prepared a table for us in the secret place of His Presence.
GOD IS GOOD!!! No matter who we are or what we have done God has laid up His Goodness for all who will come to Him and receive it. His Goodness is laid up for all of man past present and future.
Psalm 100: 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.(Amp. C)
Psalm 106: 1 PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! (Amp. C)
Psalm 107: 1 O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! (Amp. C)
Psalm 31: 19 – 21 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (20)You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. (21)Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! (NKJV)
The Goodness of God toward man is not based on our being afraid of God. The Goodness of God is based on who He Is. Love Himself.
We cannot receive anything from God by being afraid of Him. That was one of the mistakes that Israel made. They did not understand the Goodness or Love of God. They did not know that God Is Love.
We do not come to the table that God has set for man by being afraid of Him. That kind of fear will keep us out of the Secret Place and away from the Table of the Lord.
Dictionary
Fear n.
1. a. A very unpleasant or disturbing feeling caused by the presence or imminence of danger:
b. A state or condition marked by this feeling:
2. A feeling of disquiet or apprehension:
3. A reason for dread or apprehension:
4. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a deity.
v. feared, fear·ing, fears
1. To be afraid or frightened of:
2. To be uneasy or apprehensive about:
3. To consider probable; expect:
4. To revere or be in awe of (a deity, for example).
Reverence (rĕv′ər-əns)
1. A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love.
2. An act showing respect, especially a bow or curtsy.
Fear or being afraid of God will keep us out of the Secret Place and away from the Table of the Lord.
Reverence or reverential fear of God causes us to enter the Secret Place and partake of the Table that He has prepared for us.
Psalm 91: 1 HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].(Amp. C)
Psalm 103: 17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children (Amp. C)
Psalm 25: 9 – 10He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. (10)All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
(Verse 4)Psalm 23: 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. (Amp. C)
Psalm 118: 6The Lord is on my side; I will not fear, what can man do to me? (NKJV)
Isaiah 41: 10Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. (Amp. C)
Romans 8: 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (NKJV)
Hebrews 13: 5b – 6… He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (6) So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? (Amp. C)
We do not have to be afraid of Satan. He is already a defeated foe. He was 100% defeated by Jesus at the Cross.
Satan is limited to what is common to man or the natural or to what is common to man. We as Born-Again Children are not limit to this natural world.
1st Corinthians 10: 13For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. (Amp. C)
When entering into and dwelling in the Secret Place of God’s Rest the Lord Himself becomes our Shepherd.
John 10: 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (NKJV)
John 10: 14 – 18 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (15) As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (17) “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (18) No one takes 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 command I have received from My Father.” (NKJV)
John 10: 27 – 30My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (30) I and My Father are one.” (NKJV)
(Verse 2)Psalm 23: 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. (Amp. C)
When sheep are full, satisfied, and the shepherd is present watching over the sheep what do they do? They lie down. They do not move from that place until they see the shepherd move. The presence of the shepherd brings the sheep rest.
Psalm 4: 8In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. (Amp. C)
Proverbs 3: 21 – 26My son, let them not escape from your sight, but keep sound and godly Wisdom and discretion, (22)And they will be life to your inner self, and a gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self).(23)Then you will walk in your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble. (24)When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. (25)Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless], (26)For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
What we do during the times of troubles and storms of life will determine the amount of effect they have on us. It will also determine how long they last, when, and if we come out of them.
The troubles and storms of life seldom affect just us. What we do in these times of trouble and storms of life will also affect others around us.
Most people think that peace is an absence of conflict. That is one of the world’s definitions of peace. The real genuine peace of God will bring conflict. One of the biggest fights that we will ever have will be the fight with ourselves to walk in the peace of God.
All of us are looking for an anchor in life, something that is stable and reliable. We are looking for something that we can place our confidence in, something that will bring us rest and peace.
John 16: 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (Amp. C)
Matthew 6: 33 – 34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (34)Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6For 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. (NKJV)
Peace is a Fruit of the Spirit. It is already present in every Born-Again Believer. It must be believed, called upon, and exercised to be developed.
God is not keeping us from walking in peace! We have to choose whether we walk in peace in our lives or fear and worry.
If we are going to walk in peace in this dark world, we must control our tongues.
Proverbs 18: 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue.And those who love it will eat its fruit. (NKJV)
Isaiah 26: 3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Amp. C)
If we are going to walk a life of peace in this dark world, we must be God’s Living Word minded and walk the Love Walk.
Ephesians 1: 4 – 6 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (NKJV)
Colossians 1: 12 – 14Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light. (13) [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. (Amp. C)
Ephesians 1: 7 – 10 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace(8) which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9)having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (NKJV)
Colossians 1: 20 And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross. (Amp. C)
Ephesians 1: 11 – 14 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
Love describes all that God IS. His very nature and all of His ways. All of God’s Ways are Love.
Love is the root, foundation, and entire reason for all that God has done, is doing, and ever will do.
Love covers all of time and eternity.
Love is the reason for all of creation that is in time and eternity.
Love is the reason that Jesus was sent.
Not only was it the Fathers Love that sent Jesus, but it was also Jesus’ own Love that sent Him. For they are One
John 10:30 I and the My Father are One. (NKJV)
Not only are God The Father, God The Son Jesus, and God The Holy Spirit absolutely One but God’s deep desire is that we are one. Not only one with each other but also One with God The Father, God The Son Jesus, and God The Holy Spirit.
John 17: 21 That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. (Amp. C)
Love is the reason for His entire life, death, burial, descent into Hell, and His resurrection from the Dead.
Love is the reason that He ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God The Father making intercession for us.
Love is the reason for the coming of the Holy Spirit and His abiding in us.
Love is the reason for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. He is a very special Love Gift from the Father Himself.
Love is the reason for, the root, the foundation, and the source of all of the Promises and
Commandments. All of the dos and don’ts
Love covers all of the covenants and the entire Bible.
The Bible is a Book of Love. A Love Covenant.
This wonderful book the Bible covers all of Time & Eternity,
Define deep. As it says in Colossians 2:1-3, “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”(KJV)
If anything is deep, it’s got to be all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Christ Jesus. In Second Corinthians 12:3-4, St. Paul tells us of his trip to heaven where he learned things so deep that he couldn’t even put them into words:“And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (KJV) He actually had that experience three times.
What did God tell him? Is it possible to find out? Even though he never specifically stated what he learned personally from the Lord, I believe we can get a clue from his letters. In many of them he speaks of what he is writing as a “mystery, hidden in God.” He uses the word “mystery” seventeen times: twice in Romans, twice in First Corinthians, six times in Ephesians, four times in Colossians, once in Second Thessalonians and twice in his first letter to Timothy. It is enough to tell us that he has revelation knowledge from God that we could never find out for ourselves.
The definition of the word “mystery” means “information known only to the initiated.” That means that yes, we can find out what each of these mysteries actually are, the “deep things of God.” We are the initiated. We are born again, baptized in water and the spirit, and belong to the Body of Christ. Mysteries are not things that we cannot know or learn. They are our personal information that the Lord, through St. Paul, is teaching us. In each of these seventeen instances, he explains completely what these mysteries are.
Of course, they can’t be known by the world. Like he says in First Corinthians 2:6-16:“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”(KJV) (All emphasis mine.)
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, . . . but we have the mind of Christ.” (KJV) Wow! Thank You, Holy Spirit of God, for teaching us the wisdom that only comes from You Yourself. Amen.
Colossians 1:16-17“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”(KJV)
“By Him all things consist.” If we ever imagine that we don’t know where God is, this is the perfect scripture. He is completely aware of the smallest detail of all creation, and that includes us. Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (KJV)
These scriptures are from the King James version. Other translations say that the WORD is “living and active,” “alive and full of power,” ”alive and active,” “full of life and power.” However we say it, God’s WORD is definitely a living substance, and powerful in its activity. How could it be otherwise, when it is His WORD that brought everything into existence?
One night years ago, after I had put the children to bed and was ready to sleep myself, the power went off. The whole town was dark. I stood looking out the window in my bedroom and I was able to see the stars so bright and clear. The Presence of God was very real at that moment.
As I meditated about the situation, I thought of our own sun which has all the power our earth needs. Looking at the stars, I thought of all the power they had. And some of those pinpoints of light were actually galaxies containing billions of stars themselves. And our God created all of them!
The power came on soon after, but I always think of that starry night. It reminds me of how powerful our holy God is, that it all exists because of His original WORD, and remains just as unalterable and consistent in Him to this day and forever! Like Psalm 119:16 says,“I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. “(KJV)
God has a deep desire for us to know Him and to know His Ways. He is not holding back.
He wants us to know Him.
God by the Holy Spirit is continuously revealing Himself to us as we study the Living Word, Pray, and walk the Love Walk.
We must position ourselves for God to be able to reveal Himself to us.
In order to know God and Walk in His Ways we must please the Lord.
In order to please the Lord, we must be people of Faith. Faith works by Love.
Hebrews 11: 6But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)
The people listed in Hebrews Chapter 11 all pleased God. They were people of Faith.
Paul was a man of Faith. He had a deep desire to please God and to Know Him.
Philippians 3: 7 – 10 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake. (8) Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),(9) And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. (10)[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] (Amp. C)
God the Father gave His Son Jesus a human body.(Hebrews 10: 5)
God Himself sits on a throne with Jesus at His right hand.(Ephesians 1: 23)
God the Father is described as having a face(Exodus 33:11), eyes(Psalm 32: 8b;
Psalm 34: 15), ears(Psalm 116: 2), a mouth(Deuteronomy 8: 3), hands(Psalm 8:6), arms(Psalm 44:3), fingers(Psalm 8: 3), and back parts(Exodus 33: 23); and feet, if He has a footstool(Isaiah 66: 1).
God created everything by speaking His Word.
Genesis 1: 1 – 25lists the order of creation.
God has the ability to create life and gave us that ability. He used the Word to activate them.
He had dominion over the works of his hands, which were created through his word. And he gave that dominion to mankind.
Then he turned all creation over to us for our use while we established that dominion.
Because of the Fall, satan stole our dominion. At the Resurrection, Jesus, the second Adam, recovered and restored the dominion to the Body of Christ; not to all men, but to the born again who are in Christ Jesus.
God made His covenant by speaking His Word. The power of our own words is identical to the power in the Words of God.
Man made in the image of God is a SPIRIT.
John 4: 24God is SPIRIT , and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Luke 23: 46And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.
Man has a SOUL.
Psalm 103: 1A Psalm Of David. Bless the LORD, O my SOUL; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Psalm 116: 7Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
He lives in the BODY.
Psalm 139: 15 – 16My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
Genesis 2: 25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
The SPIRIT is our connection with heaven and our BODY is our connection with the earth. Our SOUL is the animation of the two together. The word SOUL is “anima” in Latin. In Greek, “psuche” or “psyche.” In all translations the word SOUL means the life or life force.
1st Thessalonians 5: 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4: 12For 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.
To know Him: To go beyond just knowing about God. To go beyond just friendship. But to have a deep intimate, personal relationship with God. To know His Ways or Character. As Jesus prayed in John 17 that we may be One.
John 17: 21That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me. (Amp. C)
In order to be able to walk in the Ways of The Lord we must know the Lord. We can know about God and The Ways of The Lord and not walk in His Ways.
God Himself has a deep desire for us to know Him and to reveal His Ways to us. He reveals His Ways through His Word.
In order for us to truly know God and walk in His Ways we must first be Born-Again.
God Himself took the first step for Mankind to be able to know Him in His Fulness.
I cannot really know someone unless they want to know me too.
John 3: 16 – 17For 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)
1st John 2: 2 – 6And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.(3) Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. (4) He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. (6) He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (NKJV)
God’s Word is Alive. God Himself Is Life. Since God and His Word are One then God’s Word Is Life. Absolute Life.
Hebrews 4: 12 – 13 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (13) And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. (Amplified Classic)
God Himself has given us the right to choose His life by choosing His Word.
Deuteronomy 30: 14 – 20 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it. (15) See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil. (16) [If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess. (17) But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, (18) I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess. (19) I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live (20) And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days,(Amplified Classic)
John 1: 1 – 2 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (2) He was present originally with God. (3) All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. (AMP C)
Not only is God Himself the source of The Living Word but The Living Word IS God Himself. God and His Word are One. You cannot separate God from His Word.
Hebrews 11: 3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. (AMP C)
Colossians 2: 3 In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden. (AMP C)
Colossians 2: 9 – 10 For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. (10) And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. (AMP C)
John 1: 1 – 2 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (2) He was present originally with God. (Amp C)
Not only is God Himself the source of The Living Word but The Living Word IS God Himself. God and His Word are One.
You cannot separate God from His Word. Just as you cannot separate God from His Word you cannot separate man and his word, good or bad.
Matthew 12: 35 – 37 The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. (36) But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. (37)For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.(Amp C)
God’s Word is Alive. God Himself Is Life. Since God and His Word are One then God’s Word Is Life. Absolute Life.
We all face problems, troubles, and mountains in our lives from time to time. Some are larger than others. Some last longer than others. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we will not have trouble in this life. No one is immune. Problems, trials, and trouble are just part of life in this fallen world.
If we focus on the circumstances, the problems, and the troubles more than the Word, the circumstances that we are facing will conqueror us and come to pass.
If we focus on and believe in the Word more than the circumstances, the Word will come to pass. The choice is ours.
Jesus said we would have tribulation in this world.
John 16: 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
Jesus said to be of good cheer. In other words, do not focus on the tribulations and problems but focus on the answer to them. Focus on what the Word says. Focus and act on that, not the problems, trials, and troubles. Let the Word determine how you respond.
When we are going through problems, trials, and trouble in this life we need to know and be persuaded that we are in Christ Jesus, That God Himself is for me, and that He has already made me more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8: 31 – 32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?(32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?(NKJV)
Romans 8: 37 – 39Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.(38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, (39) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)
1st Corinthians 15: 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
In Christ Jesus – We Are More Than Conquerors!
2nd Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV)
We are no longer separated or disconnected from God. We are now Sons and Daughters of God. We are in Christ.
1st John 3: 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! (NKJV)
Galatians 3: 26 – 28For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.(27) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
2nd Corinthians 5: 17 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. (NKJV)
Ephesians 4: 22 – 24 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; (23) And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], (24) And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 4: 25 Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another. (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 4: 26 – 27 When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. (27) Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. (Amplified Classic)
James 1: 19 – 20 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. (20) For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. (Amplified Classic)
When you take offence allowing anger to operate, and you do not deal with it, it will lead to hatred, which will turn into bitterness.
Ephesians 4: 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Amplified Classic)
2nd Corinthians 5: 17 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
Now that we are Born-Again and made Righteous or put in Right Standing with God, we have a part to play in the renewing of our minds or the Putting on of the New Man.
Ephesians 4: 22 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; (Amplified Classic)
Put off and discard. It stands to reason that if we are to put on something new, we must first take off the old.
Ephesians 4: 23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], (Amplified Classic)
Romans 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
Ephesians 4: 24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 3: 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.(Amplified Classic)
We are all on a journey in our lives even if we never go anywhere. We are moving from one experience to another continuously. Each of us has a path in life to walk out. Only we can decide where that pathway takes us. We are on God’s path or Satan’s, one or the other. Both have definite destinations. You and I are the deciding factor.
God has made a bridge by way of the Cross for each of us if we chose to take it while there is still time to choose. All roads and all paths lead to the Cross.
No matter whether we believe in God or not all of us will encounter the Cross and the One who hung on it and paid our debt. Everyone will face the cross!
Everyone will face the fact that Jesus died for them.
Hebrews 2: 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (NKJV)
Everyone will face the fact that their freedom from Satan and damnation was purchased by the blood of Jesus.
2nd Corinthians 5: 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (NKJV)
1st John 2: 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (NKJV)
Everyone will face the great love of the Father and Jesus. Not everyone will enter in, but all will know. Every Knee will Bow.
Romans 14: 7 – 12 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. (8) For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (10) But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written: “AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD.” (12) So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (NKJV)
Some will bow their knees because of their great love for the Lord and as sons and daughter of God. Their hearts full of joy as they bow in reference to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
They choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior bowing their knee willingly of their own free will during their allotted time in the Earth. They and are now reaping the Glory and Joy of their New Life in Jesus.
Others will bow because they have to. They will have to bow as defeated subjected enemies of God. They will see their God Satan bow before the Lord. They will see him thrown into the pit and will have to follow him because they served him instead of making Jesus their Lord and Savior during their allotted time in the Earth. They choose darkness rather than light.
The real key questions to your eternity are, how committed are you and to whom? The jail door is unlocked and open, but you must walk thru the door to your Freedom.
Two things we must know. God loves you and me unconditionally. God hates sin not the sinner. He loves the sinner and paid the sinners debt on the cross so that the sinner could go free if they desired to do so.
If you are asking why the Cross? The answer is YOU and me.
We all, no matter who we are, have a path or road in life to walk out. We are all on the journey of life. Only we can decide where that pathway takes us. We are on God’s path or Satan path, one or the other. There are only two actual paths or roads in this life. Both have defiant destinations. They both meet at Cross.
All roads and all paths lead to the Cross but there are two separate destinations at the cross. One to eternal life with our Loving Heavenly Father. The other to an eternal hell separated forever from the Loving Heavenly Father. Our Choice and only our choice.
You and I, and only you and I, determine which path or road we are on and our destination.
You and I are the determining factor.
God has made a way for us if we choose to take it while there is still time. He has provided a bridge for us by way of the Cross to eternal life with God.
No matter whether you believe in God or not, all will encounter the Cross and the One who hung on it and paid our debt. He literally paid a debt He did not owe.
Everyone will face the Cross. All Roads Lead to the Cross.
Jesus IS Absolute Lord!!!
Whether you believe it or not He IS still Absolute Lord!!!
Restoration Ministries 