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!!!
To adjust your eye, a lens, a TV, or similar item to produce a clearer image.
To fix or settle on one thing; to concentrate.
To focus one’s attention on a specific subject or question.
One of the main tactics that the enemy uses is to try and keep our focus on the wrong thing. He works hard at drawing our focus away from God and His Living Word.
Throughout Scripture we see people who had their Faith and Life focus on God and His Living Word. In order for their Faith to work they had to be Focused on Love, the Word, and Faith. Faith works by Love. Faith is applied to the Word. They corrected themselves, their emotions, and the way they responded to the circumstances of life based on God and His Word. Their life focus was their relationship with God.The same should be true of every Christian.
Psalm 25: 1 – 2 UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. (2a) O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. (Amplified Classic)
Psalm 27: 1 THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation–whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Amplified Classic)
What in your life do you focus on the most? What is Your Life Focus? What we focus on the most becomes who we are.
To be successful in any area of life we must be focused in that area. If we are not focused, we will not be successful.
We must decide where our focus should be. What we focus on goes farther than just being successful in this life. Our life focus will determine our destiny in this life and our eternity that follows.
God gave man the right to choose. He will back our choice. The choices we make determines our focus.
Romans 8: 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (NKJV)
Matthew 6: 33 – 34 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. (34) So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. (Amplified Classic)
Our Life Focus must be on God’s Living Word first of all.
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. (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 3: 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (NKJV)
As believers, it is essential that we know and understand God’s Love and Mercy. That we develop trust in His Love and Mercy. This is the message that God so deeply desires for the world to know. It is our message to a dark and hurting world.
If we are to have faith and confidence in God, we must trust in His mercy. We must Develop Faith in the Mercy of God. God is faithful to His mercy.
Deuteronomy 7: 9 Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (NKJV)
2nd Thessalonians 3: 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)
The entire Word of God emphasizes God’s Love, Mercy, and Goodness. We can trust in His Mercy. His Mercy endures forever.
Psalm 145: 9 The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. (NKJV)
Psalm 106: 1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 103: 8The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Psalm 25: 10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. (steps, ways, purposes)
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 (Amplified Classic)
In our personal walk with God, we will develop faith in His mercy by:
(1) Making the decision to live the life of the love of God. Set your Love upon Him.
(2) Putting the Word first place, not how you feel.
(3) Acting on the Word. Base your conduct on God’s Love and mercy, not on the condemnation of past mistakes and sins.
(4) Meditating God’s mercy. Do not dwell on your failures. Set your mind on God’s Love, mercy, and forgiveness.
NOTE: Satan cannot do anything to us apart from fear, any more than God can do something for us apart from faith.
1st John 5: 18b… he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. (NKJV)
Faith moves God because faith is in God. Fear moves Satan because fear is in Satan. Fear does not come from God. There is no fear in God for God Is Love. Fear comes from Satan for Satan is Fear.
1st John 4: 16… God is love (NKJV)
1st John 4: 18… There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (NKJV)
2nd Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
(Amplified Classic) [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Isaiah. 54: 14 – 15 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. (15) Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. (NKJV)
God Is Love, Light, and Faith.
Satan is Hate, Darkness, and Fear.
What is faith? What is fear? Faith is a Spiritual force. Fear is a Spiritual force. They are directly opposite each other. Both are governed by Spiritual Laws.Faith is governed and works by the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. Fear is governed and works by the Law of Sin and Death.
Romans 8: 1 – 2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6 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. (NKJV)
We are walking in a very dark world. It has always been dark in this World since the fall of Adam of Eve. But Darkness was not God’s plan for this world. God Is Light. Darkness was allowed to reign in the World where it was not supposed to reign. God placed Adam and Eve in Dominion over this World, not Satan and Darkness. Adam was supposed to take dominion over Satan and cast him out, but he did not. Instead of casting Satan out Adam yielded to Satan’s deception disobeying God. Adam, with the encouragement of Eve, ate fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, disobeying God, yielding to Satan’s deception. Ever since that moment darkness has been allowed to reign in this World.
But 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. John 3: 16 Amplified Classi
Praise the Lord – The True Light, Jesus, has come.
John 12: 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (NKJV)
John 8: 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (NKJV)
Because of the Blood of Jesus Christ, Satan and all the demons of hell put together cannot keep you from coming into the True Light Jesus Christ.
No matter who you are or where you are,
No matter what you have done or think you may have done,
No matter how far away from God you are or think you are,
No matter how deep in darkness you are or think you are,
You can still choose Jesus. You can move from darkness to the True Light.
God Himself gave all mankind the right to choose. God will not reject the one that comes to Him
John 6: 37 All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me]. (Amplified Classic)
Your debt no matter what it is or how great it is has already been paid in full by the Blood of Jesus. Come to the One Who Loves You. Come into the Light.
The Heart Cry of God to all mankind, past, present, and future is “Come to Me”.That heart cry from the depths of God’s Loving Heart has been a continuous heart cry for thousands of years and will continue until Jesus’ final return at the end of the age.
Can you hear that Heart Cry from God’s Heart?
Please Come unto ME!!
Do you hear God calling you by name?
Our Loving Heavenly Father deeply desires for all of us to come to Him in every area of life no matter how big or small the problem may be. He deeply desires to walk and fellowship with us.
Can you hear the heart Cry of God? Are you answering that Heart Cry?
Matthew 11: 28 – 30Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.](29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.(30) For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. (Amplified Classic)
We must above all guard our hearts in order for the Living Word to abide in our hearts. If the Living Seed of The Living Word does not abide in our hearts, it cannot bring forth Life.
We must decide how big our want to is. God has already made His decision and provided for a 100% harvest. He will back our decision. No decision is a decision.
Whatever is abiding will bring forth fruit for good or evil
Colossians 3: 1 – 2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (NKJV)
Colossians 3: 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (NKJV)
Colossians 3: 8 – 17 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (9) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, (11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (12) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.(14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (NKJV)
Colossians 3: 23 – 24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, (24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV)
We must be consistently constant attending to His Word and not become weary in well doing.
Whatever is abiding will bring forth fruit for good or evil
Luke 6: 43 – 45 For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit, neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (44) For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. (45) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (NKJV)
John 15: 7(Amplified Classic) If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
We are to abide in Him and His Word is to abide in us. Both are by our choice.
Our Love Walk and the Abiding Word are determining factors for fruit bearing
A major hindrance and possibly the #1 hindrance is our lack of walking the love walk because Faith works by Love.
Galatians 5: 6 (Amplified Bible) For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
(KJV) faith which worketh by love.
If we are not walking in love our faith will not work.
Without our faith the Word cannot be activated.
Without our faith the Word will be dormant and unable to bring forth life or fruit.
Just as God never changes God’s Nature or Ways do not change; neither does His Word. God’s Word has absolute integrity. His Word is His bond. His Word Is Absolute Truth
Not only is God Himself the source of The Living Word but The Living Word IS God Himself. God and His Word are One.
John 1: 1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (Amplified Classic)
All that God does is done by, in, and through His Word. Everything no matter what it is conforms to His Word.
John 1: 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. (Amplified Classic)
God’s Words are Containers of God’s Life
The Word of God is alive that is why God’s Words are containers of God’s Life, God’s Word is alive; therefore, it brings forth life.
John 6: 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. (NKJV)
Hebrews 4: 12 – 13 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)
If we are to live a consistent Christian Life, we must put on the new nature or new man.
In order to put on the new, we must take off the old.
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)
In order to put on the new nature or the new man we must renew our minds by the Living Word.
Colossians 3: 9b – 17 (NKJV) (9b) since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, (11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (12) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.(14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
John 1: 1 – 2 (Amplified)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.
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 (Amplified Classic) 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.
In today’s world we all are living in perilous times. No matter where we live or what our station in life may be there are difficult times present.
Many are crying out inside themselves for help. It may not be obvious to the people around them but inside there is a struggle going on and a cry for help. They feel alone and unloved.
Many feel that they are at the end of their road. They feel that there is no help or hope for them. They have been struggling with the same issues and problems for weeks months and years. They believe that they are facing a hopeless situation and that there is no hope for them.
It is sad to say that many truly born-again Christians feel the same way. They believe that they are in a hopeless situation. That there is no way out and no hope for them. They believe that they are alone with no hope.
I boldly declare to you today that there is hope. You are not alone. You are not hopeless.
You are not alone! There is a real Living Hope available to you.
We do not deny that the problems and trials exist but no matter how serious the problem is there is an answer.
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.] (Amplified Classic)
At one time before we were born-again, we were without hope. But once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are no longer without hope.
Ephesians 2: 12 – 13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:(13) But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (KJV)
If we know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we are not without hope and without God in this world. We are never alone!
Hebrews 13: 5b …for 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!] (Amplified Classic)
God has a deep desire to reveal His Ways to us. He reveals His Ways through His Word. As born-again believers the Holy Spirit Himself dwells in us. He reveals the Living Word of God to us. The Living Word of God reveals God’s Ways.
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. (Amplified Classic)
John 16: 13 – 15 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. (14) He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.(15) Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.(Amplified Classic)
The ways of the Lord are:
Love – Mercy – Grace – Loving kindness – Goodness – Faithfulness – Integrity – Long suffering – Full of Joy – Eternal without ceasing – Holy – Truth – Steadfast – Bring life – Righteous – Always right
As a born-again child of God His Ways are supposed to be our ways.
Hebrews 1: 3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high, (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 1: 15 – 20 [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. (Amplified Classic)
It is God’s Will to reveal His Ways to us through Jesus (The Living Word) by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is a copy of the Living Word of God. It reveals the very nature and character of God Himself, Who He Is and His Ways.
The Bible reveals who we are and what our ways should be. The Bible also reveals who satan is and his ways.
It is absolutely vital that we know the Ways of the Lord. All of God’s Ways are revealed in Jesus Christ. As we study God’s Living Word, and walk in Love, God’s Ways are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
It is God’s Will to reveal His Ways to us through Jesus (The Living Word) by the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2: 2 – 3 [For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). (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. (Amplified Classic)
It is God’s Will to reveal His Ways to us through Jesus (The Living Word) by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is a copy of the Living Word of God. It reveals the very nature and character of God Himself, Who He Is and His Ways.
The Bible reveals who we are and what our ways should be.
The Bible also reveals who Satan is and his ways.
It is absolutely vital that we know the Ways of the Lord. All of God’s Ways are revealed in Jesus Christ. As we study God’s Living Word, and walk in Love, God’s Ways are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2: 2 – 3 [For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). (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. (Amplified Classic)
God’s Ways are hidden in Christ Jesus but revealed to God’s children by the Holy Spirit as we set our love upon God and walk the love walk. It is the will of God and His deep desire to reveal Himself to His People.
We must learn how to love God so that we can love others and be more effective in the kingdom of God.
If God’s agape love is not working in our life, then the Kingdom of God will be limited in its ability to produce or manifest in our life.
Two of the greatest forces in life that effect everyone one of us are Love and selfishness. These two forces are involved in everything we do. They are involved in every decision that we make.
Everything we do and every decision that we make are related to one or the other of these two forces, Love or selfishness. One or the other is always present, but they cannot work together.
Mankind is born with a selfish nature. Selfishness is the reciprocal of love.
Agape love is not a human form of love. It is unconditional, limitless, selfless, and is not based on emotions. It tolerates anything. It is always others centered.
Hebrews 2: 14 – 15 (Amplified Classic) Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death–that is, the devil– (15) And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.
Hebrews 4: 15 – 16 (NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus was also tempted with selfishness. Jesus used the Word to defeat selfishness. He anchored His choice in the Word. We should do the same.
There are two laws govern life, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which is Love, and the law of sin and death, which is selfishness – the foundation of all sin.
Romans 8: 1 – 2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6 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. (NKJV)
In the way that God is Love, Satan is Fear and selfishness.
When selfishness is the foundation of your life, what you were once protected from when you walked in love, can then happen to you.
1st John 5: 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. (NKJV)
We must choose to live in the Law of Life in Christ Jesus. If we do not choose The Law of Life in Christ Jesus, then the Law of Sin and Death is in operation. One or the other.
Deuteronomy 30: 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, thatI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; (NKJV)
John 1: 14 – 16 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. (15) John testified about Him and cried out, This was He of Whom I said, He Who comes after me has priority over me, for He was before me. [He takes rank above me, for He existed before I did. He has advanced before me, because He is my Chief.] (16) For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 1: 15 – 20 [Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. (16) For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. (17) And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). (18) He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent]. (19) For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently. (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. (Amplified Classic)
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