JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH
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So GOD created man in His own Image, in the Image of GOD, created HE him, male and female created HE them.
Genesis 1:27
Matthew 16:13—19
Be Redeemed! 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, HE asked His disciples saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man AM? 14 And they said, Some, John the Baptist, some Elias and others Jeremias or one of the prophets. 15 HE saith unto them But whom say ye that I AM? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the Living GOD. 17 And Jesus answered blessed are thou Simon Barjona for flesh and blood hath not revealed unto thee but My Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee that thou art Peter and upon this Rock, I WILL build My Gathering, (My Assembling of people) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against HER. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Jesus Christ we see in Matthew 16:13, when speaking with His disciples asked them a question which HE Himself answered. Jesus asked, “Whom do men (people) say that I the Son of Man AM? Jesus plainly declared that HE, the Son of Man is the - I AM. Jesus nonetheless asked this of His disciples to see how closely they were walking, listening and interacting with others in the world and how closely they were focused on His Voice alone.
In verse 14, one after another, the disciples shared with Jesus, the little tidbits of gossip they had picked up in passing from those around them who were always questioning with them about their methods of operation. The disciples willing shared not only what they heard others say but to some extent what they believed in their own hearts. We see this because their responses to Jesus sprang up from their hearts on demand. They did not need any time to stop and recollect what they had been told because it was still fresh within them.
Verse 15 Strangely, when Jesus Christ asked His disciples who did they say that HE was, no one could give Him an answer. No one seemed to hear or believe Jesus’ witness that HE was, is and is to come, or that HE is the I AM of GOD. No one said anything. They did not even repeat back to Him, “ Master you just said that you are the Son of Man”. No one spoke up, even though Jesus had just moments ago given them this revelation. Could it be that His own followers were not really listening to the Words Jesus was speaking? Neither was anyone able to tell Jesus, “Master, I do not know what others say because I am totally devoted to listening to Your Voice only and I have no time to listening to critics and gossips comment”. But this moment of silence is when Jesus gives His disciples the opportunity to shine and speak out in His defense even by declaring their own testimony of the goodness of GOD that they had seen displayed on a continual basis as they walked with Christ throughout the year?. How many times had they seen people raised from the dead, healings, lepers cleansed, souls saved, demons cast out and the miraculous? How many times had they heard Jesus say the verses below to others:
John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of My Father, believe ME not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not ME, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in ME, and I in Him.
Could it be in Matthew 16:15 that the disciples of Jesus doubted him? Why did not one of them shout out, “MASTER, for all I have seen, I believe”? But no one, not one. No one affirmed Him because no one heard Him because they were not paying close attention to His Words. They were able to hear what the world had to say but not what the Spirit is saying.
That was their test and we face our own tests when it comes to boldly declaring what we know about Jesus, The I AM, the Son of the Living GOD. And the Word tells us if we remain faithful to say what Jesus gives us to say and to boldly declare what we receive from Him, then we are unprofitable servants like those we see in Luke 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
I wonder how long the silence among the disciples lasted when Jesus asked for their testimony of Him. Was it 30 seconds that seemed to linger for an eternity or were they each scratching their heads trying to put together a response in their flesh instead of just receiving the revelation that Jesus had just set forth?
Nonetheless, in Matthew 16:16, the voice of Simon Peter rings out breaking the silence with the declaration from GOD the Father of His Son. This declaration resounds as if the Father is telling the Son, “Even if no man supports you, I AM right here with you and I acknowledge you as My Son”. Can we not see the lovingkindness of the Father standing with His Son when no one else would? This type of ‘against all odds’ witness of Jesus Christ is exactly what is required from Believers now in the present age. This is also what Jesus was referring to in Mark 8:38.
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of ME and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when HE cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
Whoever includes them and us and you and me. Today is the day to make public your declaration of who Jesus CHRIST is to you. And the Truth is that others already know because they see your conversation by the way you live your life. The choices we make, the things we permit and allow to happen, and the times when we do not take a stand on GOD’s Word; all of these actions very loudly declare to those around us, our commitment to the Christ we say we follow. Because following Jesus is not about simply making a verbal confession but it is seen in the everyday practice of picking up and putting down our feet and walk through the joys, trials, temptations, traps, triumphs, pitfalls and successes of life.
Following Christ is more than knowing; it is showing and demonstrating our love to GOD the Father by faithfully obeying the Voice of His Son, Jesus. And if we should stray, we repent and seek Jesus Christ, the Righteous Advocate whom we have with the Father.
(1 John 1:9) Who, if we confess our sins, Jesus is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And as we go through life, choosing right and choosing wrong, we learn obedience when we learn Humility. When we are Humble we no longer consult Jesus for advice but for instruction. And we are wise when we submit to GOD, especially when we think our own way or the voice of man is better or smarter than the Voice of GOD. The blessing of Obedience are beyond measure and What a blessing to live in the hour where the promise of GOD mentioned in Genesis 4:22 is fulfilled by Jesus Christ the Righteous. Whereby now, we can also put forth our hand and take also of the tree of Life, Jesus, and eat and live forever.
In Matthew 16:16, GOD speaks through Peter and not only acknowledges His Son but also identifies Himself to Jesus’ disciples by His Name and Title “The Living GOD”. This is the GOD who is True Life and is not dead. This is the GOD who gives His children that abundant, beyond measure life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10b. Through Peter, GOD endorses His Son and shows the Love of the Father’s Heart and His desire for Fellowship with His children and His Family. GOD’s great desire has always been to walk and live with man and show them His Nature and His Glory and the Greatness of His Goodness just as He desired to do long ago in Deuteronomy 5:24
And ye said, Behold, the Lord our GOD hath shewed us His Glory and His Greatness, and we have heard His Voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that GOD doth talk with man, and he liveth.
Also as GOD through Peter declares that Jesus is the CHRISTOS, GOD is pointing to the uniqueness of this man Jesus as being The ONE and the only – THE CHRIST. And GOD’s revelation of who JESUS is, removes all doubt and ambiguity about Jesus’ ministry, purpose and function. GOD will have no second Christ. This is significant because in the time of great deception, others will appear claiming they too are the CHRIST and state many things “In the Name of Jesus”. But those of us who have a relationship with the Holy Spirit will rely on the Voice of GOD to reveal those who belong to CHRIST and those who do not. And in the days ahead, we will see that following the Voice of the Holy Spirit will be the only protection we have because the deception will so great, that if we use our own eyes to see, we will not as GOD sees and will be deceived.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Only GOD sees the heart and when we Pray and seek GOD and ask Him to lead us by His Holy Spirt, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the difference between the holy and the profane. And will cause us to discern between the unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23. And in Matthew 24, Jesus teaches more about relying on the Holy Spirit so that we do not fall into temptation and deception.
Matthew 24:1-5 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to him for to shew Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as HE sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in My Name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
In Matthew 24, while Jesus’ disciples seemed impressed with the place of worship, the building in which they met, Jesus taught that it was more important for them to recognize that all buildings and man-made structures will deteriorate and be torn down. Christ chooses to use each believer’s body as the temple where HE dwells. But the time of CHRIST’s coming; some will insist that the physical building holds the glory of GOD and not the Believer’s body. It is wise to remember that buildings can be bought and sold, redesigned, renovated and condemned. Building programs collect lots of funds and are administered, controlled and governed by boards and committees or by a powerful few. Many will desire to control the miraculous and the outpouring of GOD’s glory. But GOD is choosing to move among His people in various ways. The ever travelling, ever flowing gathering of Believers is not controlled by man or elected leadership, committees or corporate boards but is instead led and guided by the Holy Spirit who wars against the flesh which always wants to reign and control.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are GOD’s co-workers; you are GOD’s field, GOD’s building.
Unfortunately, there will be those who agree with GOD but do not submit to Him. Many will affirm that GOD still speaks to His people just like HE did on Mount Sinai when HE gave the 10 Commandments. These same people, however will not obey the Voice of GOD. They will submit to the concept of a Baby Jesus in the manger and bow to Him professing Jesus is Lord, but they refuse to be led by CHRIST and to submit to His Authority as LORD and KING.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
To affirm that Jesus is LORD and to not submit to Him as LORD is hypocrisy. And to this end, we must all pray for the Longsuffering Grace of GOD to prevail at least 1 more day so these and others in the Valley of Decision will make the Choice to Repent and live for GOD. This Pride of Life is part of the leaven of the Pharisees which is even now rising. Nonetheless, we see that ministries which are birthed by Holy Spirit and operate under the Lordship of Jesus CHRIST have certain things in common. Below, we list for you a few, but not all, of the traits that Spirit led ministries have:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law..
Sin is not the issue. The WORD of GOD tells us in 1 Peter that all flesh is grass
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1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.
Our Glorious Father has provided Repentance through the SON for all of us, each time we sin and fall short. Notwithstanding, there are those who love sin and choose to remain in sin even while they minister to you. Therefore, we must all the more pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show us so we can discern between the holy and profane. And in doing so, we will not be overwhelmed by people’s charisma, words, and anointing that we think we see. 3 John verse 11 tells us.
Beloved, Follow not that which is evil but that which is good. He that doeth good is of GOD but he that doeth evil hath not seen GOD.
Remember, even the fallen angels carried an anointing, so do not follow the anointing. Follow the Holy Spirit of GOD and you will not be deceived by the ungodly.
Ezekiel 28:14-19 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of GOD; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of GOD: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Goodness does not rest in man. All have sinned. It is part of being human. So since we know that people can fail, pray for everyone because we all need Forgiveness. And do not pledge your allegiance to follow any personality, or ministry but only the Ministry which came down from heaven, the Son of GOD, the I AM. And thankfully, GOD’s Standards of good and evil do not change and those who do what GOD says is good are the ones who belong to GOD; nonetheless they too are human, given to weakness; capable of sin. Therefore we must remember when dealing with ministers and ministries that only GOD is good. And at the same time, those who continue to depart from GOD’s Standard of Righteousness which is His Holy Word as revealed by Jesus and those who endorse a different standard of what they consider, ‘good, acceptable and tolerant behavior, these are those who do evil with no understanding of who the I AM is.
Matthew 7: 21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
In the coming days, you will see ministers who do not know Jesus Christ but who seemingly drive out devils, heal the sick and do mighty acts, signs and wonders. They are about to pop up everywhere. They are counterfeiting the true ministers of GOD.
Revelation 13:13-14 And he [the beast] doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Revelation 16: 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs vomited up out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of GOD Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Whenever GOD moves on the earth, satan attempts to countermove to deceive as many as he can.
Exodus 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
Yet even for the people living in this time, there is Hope. Sincere Repentance from the heart wipes the slate clean as we bring to Jesus the fruits and proof of our Repentance, by correcting our errors and obeying from the heart Our Loving Father GOD.
Isaiah 1:16-19 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Yet, Back in Matthew 16:16 Jesus shows us that many agree with the Word of GOD with their lips, and will confess that Jesus is the I AM while at the same time promoting their ministries and their names by using the Name of Jesus. They will find a market for making money, by using the Name of Jesus and pretending to promote Jesus CHRIST.
Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of GOD, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Sadly, some use the Name of Jesus to gain access to an audience who will willingly give in to their demands and pressures to collect even more money from them, all in the Name of Jesus. Collecting monies for Building mortgages, feast days, Fashion Shows, Holy days, Convocations, conferences, ceremonies, weddings, funerals, Church anniversaries, membership fees, dues along with collecting tithes and offerings make some of these locations comparable to small business centers instead of Houses of Prayer.
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow them in their unrestrained immorality, and because of these false teachers the way of truth will be slandered.
For these, ministry is not about salvation, it is primarily a business transaction. But the Heart of CHRIST begs those who BELIEVE in Him to GIVE, and to Give it all, and to Give it all away”. And Jesus did not only say GIVE, HE displayed this giving on Calvary for the whole world to see. GOD’s innocent, Spotless Lamb became the Propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the whole world (1 John 4:10). And this same Lamb of GOD is the One who is able to take those who believe into the very presence of GOD in the throne room (Revelation 5:6) but all of this begins by receiving His invitation to “Come and Follow ME and My Way and My Kingdom and My Ways of doing Right and being Right by loving to please the Father more than living to please the world”. But Fear disguised as wisdom prevents many from using spiritual discernment when it comes to giving to Christ. Even though Jesus asks us to give Him our all, we often hesitate because we wonder “What’s in it for me?” or how can I live without money, if I give my all away? As we bring these questions to Jesus by praying in the Holy Spirit, Jesus will let us know that when we give into the kingdom of heaven, then Jesus opens up doors of blessing for us to receive the true riches which are beyond the mind of man.
Mark 12: 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Nonetheless, the day is approaching when people will either live by faith and rely on Jesus Christ to supply their needs for money, clothing, food, toiletries and the most basic of all needs or they will make an agreement with the false one to gain temporary things and lose their souls. These will condemn their own souls to hell just so they can receive a bowl of porridge. Be forewarned, now is the time to learn how to depend on GOD.
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
As Jesus rebuked the moneychangers and those who were making transactions, banking and selling things in the Temple of GOD, or the place where the believers gathered for prayer, HE is today examining and measuring His ministers against this same standard. You see this same Jesus has not changed. The heart of GOD is not pleased when we sell in our places of gathering. The Father would much rather see us release everything without cost to the Body and accept freewill offerings and tithes from those who would freely give. Food, books, recordings, clothes and other paraphernalia can be bought and sold online and away from the place of worship. And in many places it is the merchandising of Christ which blocks the Presence of GOD from appearing.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
GOD wants consecrated vessels who will carry His anointing and truly Honor His Presence by making sure the hungry for CHRIST are freely fed and that the doves are free to fly. Salvation is free. Healings are free. Prayer is free. Prophecy is free. Restoration is free. Jesus Christ paid the debt for each person because no person was able to pay. And the Master forgave all. Surely, we who have been given so much should at this time be the Forgivers and the Releasers and the Blessers GOD is calling for in the last days.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils freely - Ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 18:32-33 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
This stripping away of the worldly mindset is what GOD calls Best Practices. CHRIST expects His followers to be led by His Holy Spirit when giving offering to ministries. Therefore, we must pray first, asking the Holy Spirit where should we give His money, how much should we give and how long we are to provide financial support. This is GOD’s way for receiving finances in ministry: via the Holy Spirit’s leading and the Holy Spirit speaks to us 1 to 1. In the past, ministries shyed away from the Holy Spirit because they were not comfortable with what they could not control, but did not GOD speaking through the prophet Isaiah say that His Ways are not our ways? His ways are “un-natural” to us because they are higher than the ways of this world which seeks the gain of this world. Therefore we must learn the Ways of GOD and adjust our lives to please HIM. And if we love HIM, as we say we do, we will want to please HIM and we will change. But why would any of us raise an angry fist to GOD and say “Your way is not right, but my way is right” Why should we justify the selling of goods from the pulpit and in the places of worship? Our GOD as a Loving Father asks us to consider His Ways and change. And when we keep our agenda pure then the message of the Salvation of souls and the edification of the Body will bring the rewards and the blessing of manna.
Exodus 16:4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
As controversial as finances are, the true question is not about the administration of money but about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Have we been listening to Jesus or to the world and are our ministries governed by Jesus or by the world?
Luke 22:25-27 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I AM among you as HE that serveth.
According to CHRIST, if we are not getting our hands dirty, washing feet, ministering to the poor, visiting those in prison and jail and serving the least of these, then we are not qualified to be administrators, pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, prophets or for any other position. But this is the question: Is the Holy Spirit leading our ministry or are people leading the Holy Spirit?
Matthew 25:40 Then shall HE answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to ME.
John 13:13 Ye call ME Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I AM. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Jesus CHRIST expects those who follow Him to be led by Him and not by man. Jesus is jealous over His Body of believers as a man who is in love with His Bride. And the heart of Jesus is sadden when His Bride turns away from Him to follow others. Just as Eve turned away to listen to the council of another who convinced her that something more than the Voice of GOD was needed to make her successful. Loyalty was the central issue: not gay marriage, politics or ethnicity. Clearly, Eve was deceived, but what about us?
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord GOD had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath GOD said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? . . . 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For GOD doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Who is in charge of the Body of Christ? Who is in charge of the gathering? Who is in charge of The Church? Is Christ the Head of the Body or is it the Pastor, Apostle a governing board or jurisdictional leadership. What offices and titles does Jesus Christ recognize? Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
According to Jesus, we are all Brethren with each member of His Body being related to His Body through the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit of GOD. The concept of family surfaces again because Jesus’ love for His Bride is not fulfilled until His Bride commits herself to receiving Jesus and loves Jesus back by consecrating herself to His leadership and no one else. Love released must become Love received and RECIPROCATED in order for the Bride to move up into the Higher ways of GOD. This was hinted at in Genesis 3:16
Unto the woman, HE said…Thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee.
Jesus still wants to rule over His Bride and is waiting for her to have single-eye devotion to Him alone not only for worship but also for Leadership and Lordship. But the Believing Brides must willingly yield herself to the Holy Spirit and actively reject the leadership of man.
And when speaking of other types of relationships in the Family of GOD, Jesus lists the following titles/positions in Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.
In CHRIST, we are Family and connected to each other by the Cross. All of us in Christ, whether as His servant, mother, sister, brother, Bride, Body, Wife or Church, are family. Family time is important on any level but there are other relationships we are to hold as well. Beyond our vocation and our call to gather to worship, is our own individual pursuit of the Heart of CHRIST in Intimacy. Jesus yearns for a 1 on 1 intimate relationship in Prayer with each member of His Body. This means we must make the time to steal away to our secret place and set our faces like flints to pursue more of GOD.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, HE went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
The Word of GOD tells us that when we seek for more of GOD it is ok to separate from our spiritual family but not from our natural family to pursue GOD and ministry. GOD never intended for His minsters to abandon their families nor for families to bear the burden of having absent parents in the home because one parent is away in ministry and the other is left alone raising the children. GOD’s design has always been for husband and wife to be one and when one is called into ministry, the other is not left out. Mark 10:29
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Family is a reward from GOD just a good is for a man seeking a wife (Proverbs 18:22) Jesus’s devotion to His Followers can also be compared to a man’s love for His wife. Jesus willingly provides for her, defends her, adorns her, embellishes her, cleanses her, comforts her and enjoys her. In turn, the wife is enraptured by His great love and develops such a godly respect for husband until she would rather been seen as intolerant than to allow sin to creep into their garden and damage the fruit she has prepared for her husband. This fruit is the offering she brings to her Beloved during their 1-on-1 time of Intimacy in prayer. Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST is the Head of the Church and HE is the Savior of the Body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
The mutual love between the Man and His Wife is the foundation for their Becoming one. They are to both become so enamored with pleasing each other until they lose sight of their individual interests and both yield more and more to the interest of the other. And if Marriage is centered on Agreement then Love is centered on Pleasing. And the Bride who is devoted to Her Husband is the Bride who rejects the council of Flesh and is led by the Holy Spirit of GOD.
1 Corinthians 8:32-34 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
Accordingly, GOD expects those HE calls to live lives displaying holiness which is the power of GOD. A changed heart, a changed life, a changed mind is a living testimony of Salvation. This is the witness the world needs to see, so they too will cry out to GOD for help, deliverance and Redemption.
Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of GOD with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
And back in Matthew 16 looking at the second part of verse 17, we see that although most men knew about GOD but none but Jesus at this time knew GOD as “Our Father.” In such, Jesus fulfilled the Law by shining the Light of the Father’s Love on a generation who had only known about GOD dimly based on the Old Testament Law.
John 1:18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, HE hath declared Him.
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
In Matthew 16:17, we see Jesus revealing more than head knowledge of GOD in fact Jesus revealed the HEART of GOD, the Compassion of GOD and so much of the Love of GOD that was not fully depicted in the First Covenant, the Old Testament. Jesus introduced GOD as “Our Father: to the believers when HE gave us the standard for daily prayer which opens with “Our Father”. Nonetheless, the religious community had more identity with their father Abraham from the flesh than their Father GOD who is the GOD of the spirits of all flesh (Numbers 16:22).
John 8:39 They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Jesus is showing us that our spiritual relationship with GOD our Father is of a greater importance than our natural relationships with those we are related to in the flesh. While people expire and die, the LORD is One and does not die and HOLY is His Name.
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our GOD is one Lord:
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
These verses teach us that Connecting with the Father is our priority. GOD is a good Father and is waiting for us to turn to Him and bring Him our questions and desires and HE will answer us. Why consult others when we could be praying directly to GOD?
Also, people have 3 dimensions: a spirit, which is housed in flesh called body with a soul on the inside. GOD wants us to live beyond our flesh and its desires and lusts and start addressing the needs of our eternal soul and spirit so we can experience Heaven now while alive on earth and also afterwards when our flesh body expires. The promise of experiencing heaven today is being fulfilled as GOD awakens everyone’s spirit toward Him during this Outpouring which was spoken by the prophet Joel 1:28.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus lets us know that HE is building His gathering of believers, on the Rock of Revelation that the Living GOD is “Our Father” and Jesus is the I AM, the Son of Man and the Son of the Living GOD and the MESSIAH, and thus the fullness of the GODHEAD Bodily (Colossians 2:9).
And even though Christ declares that HE will build up those who gather to Him, and maintain them and keep them strong, HE does not consider those who gather to Him to be members of a building project or organization. No, Jesus simply refers to His meetings with His people as ‘gatherings ‘ of those who gather together to seek Christ. These are the ones that Jesus calls out from the existing religious systems to Come and Follow Him. The called outs ones are later referred to by Christ as My Church but never as THE Church. Mostly Jesus refers to those who gather to Him as His Body whom HE loves and provides for as a husband loves for his wife.
The relationship of Intimacy that a Man desires from His wife is compared to CHRIST’s desire for His Bride. Christ desires 1-on-1 intimacy in Prayer and 1-on-1 fellowship in the Spirit as well as times of gatherings with other Believers. And this same Jesus is so pleased with us when we overcome the obstacles in our daily schedules and consistently meet with Him in our quiet secret place or closet and fellowship with Him 1 on 1. It is in this time of daily fellowship and communicating that Jesus speaks to our hearts, heals us, cleanses us, restores us, strengthens us, teaches us and reveals to us the plans and purposes of GOD for our lives. And when we seek the Lord for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we can not only pray in tongues, we can be empowered to witness for Christ boldly, we can be built up in our faith and we can be taught of GOD of things to come.
John 16:13 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and as we listen and obey His promptings, HE leads us away from temptation and deception and guides us further into the Truth of GOD’s Word. Also we receive a special endowment of the Holy Spirit called “Anointing” by which we can know all things. This Unction makes hidden things visible and enables us to clearly see so that we will not be deceived and led astray. And as believers gather together to Worship, we release our testimony of the good that GOD is doing in our lives. Worship includes Praise, Thanksgiving, Prayer and engaging the WORD just like we see in Acts 2 they people gathered for worship and fellowship.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Today’s Believer must remember that meeting with Jesus and encountering Him is the most important aspect of the Fellowship of the Spirit. The number of people assembled together and the size of the crowd is the not important. Jesus already told us that wherever 2 or more gather together in His Name that HE would be there in our midst. And when you are in CHRIST, Jesus plus you makes 2.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there AM I in the midst of them.
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
The gatherings or the assembly of believers is comprised of people gathering in fellowship and prayer and declaring what Christ is doing in their lives. They may meet in home cell groups, in workplace gatherings, at restaurants, hospitals or wherever the Spirit unites Believers to meet to declare the goodness of GOD. The location is unimportant. The Unity of the Spirit is what matters most (Ephesians 4:3). In CHRIST, one can ‘have church’ in any location at any time because The Spirit of the Lord moves upon the face of His Body just like the breath of GOD flows over the earth as we see in John 3:8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
So we see that She, the gathering of believers, was never meant to be contained by a religious system and confined within a religious structure. Instead, Believers follow the flow of the Holy Spirit and do the works of Christ wherever the Spirit leads them as did Philip in Acts 8:26-27.
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went. . .
Any place you gather with other believers is The correct place to worship GOD and any place you can get alone with Christ in private, that too becomes the correct place to worship in Spirit and in Truth.
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.
Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place . . .
With Christ, we do not have to build buildings to meet with GOD because GOD uses our bodies as His Temple and places His Spirit inside of us to dwell within us and lead us through this life from the inside out. And since we are led by His Holy Spirit, no person can assume control or leadership of the Body that belongs to Christ. Often times we may see the tendencies of the flesh which is our human nature as it tries to evaluate, analyze, organize, classify, recreate and even dictate what the Spirit of the Living GOD is doing or should be doing. But no one can navigate the waters of the Holy Spirit. The best we can do as believers is to jump into His flow and let His healing waters wash over our souls and change our lives from the inside out. This is what Galatians 5:17 teaches us:
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
The natural man resists the things of the Spirit because his natural mind does not comprehend beyond the visible. The natural man is comfortable with what he can see, touch, create, produce and things that he can understand without using faith in GOD. But the things of the Spirit, the language of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit and the operations of the Spirit all come down from the very Heart of our invisible Father GOD.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of GOD, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].
James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes
As the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesy (Rev 19:10) the prophetic aspect of ministry involves worshipping GOD in Spirit and in TRUTH (John 4:24). And The GOD graces believers with gifts to use to bless the world and to bring souls into His Kingdom. This Spiritual dynamic of the operations of gifts is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and should be valued as the True riches that come down from above and cannot be created within the earth.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of earthly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?
GOD owns it all. In His Hands are riches, pleasures forevermore, wealth, treasure, hidden treasure money and True Riches. And Jesus’ plan is for his Body to travel around the world worshipping, praising, Testifying to the goodness of GOD, and releasing the gifts of the Spirit in the earth. This way both the Body and the world will benefit and will be build up, nourished and sustained by the Finger of GOD and not by the systems of the world. GOD’s plan is for His Body to change the course of history by freely releasing His goodness in the earth which is more than enough to supply the world’s needs.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Through His Holy Spirit, GOD gives us everything we need for Life and godliness. And the greatest gift of all to be released in the earth is the Revelation of the Love of GOD. The explosive power that rests in GOD’s Heart is more than enough to energize this planet.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered, “You don’t understand because you don’t know what the Scriptures say. And you don’t know about the power of God.
The scriptures show us that GOD’s Love empowers His Kingdom. GOD’s power is the strongest military power, the greatest power for wealth, the power to perform miracles, the power of influence and the power of excellence, to power to create and to regenerate. GOD’s power will also empower the world to come as we see in Revelation 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord GOD Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of GOD did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 22:5 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord GOD giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The Power of the Love of GOD explodes through creative worship which is centered on Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy SPIRIT and not on ritualism and tradition. Romans 14:17. You see A-N-Y place where people gather to Jesus – that place is Church. The building, the physical location is not important to GOD; rather, it is the sanctifying Presence of Jesus that comes on your worship that makes you holy. And thus your body becomes part of Jesus’ Body and you become the Temple of the Just One like Jesus did.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify GOD in your body, and in your spirit, which are GOD's.
Each individual believer who gathers to Christ is considered to be His Church bought by His Blood and thereby His Own and no longer belonging to themselves and ruled by their own opinions and guided by their own mind and led by their own will but by Christ. And Jesus shows us this in John 2:9
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. And verse 21 tells us But HE spake of the temple of His Body
Similarly, we can liken the Construction of the Body of Christ to a building. Scripture gives us a description of how the whole body is fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16) Firstly we see that the Foundation of the building is laid by GOD Himself.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tried Stone, a Precious Corner Stone, a Sure Foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
As the Head stone is clearly Jesus so must the foundation of our thinking also be Jesus. Possessing the Kingdom of heaven does not mean holding onto it with our hands but rather releasing it from our hands into the earth. Following GOD’s blueprints makes us appear as fools for Christ’s sake. Therefore we must pray all the more asking GOD to remove the stumbling blocks of prior learning so His kingdom can come forth through us in His way and in His timing.
Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
This Stone cannot be avoided, either we deal with Him or HE deals with us. And we in turn can become like the Chief Cornerstone but not greater than HE. Therefore we celebrate when we are Rejected and Persecuted and Defamed and Reviled by the natural minded man. For this cause, we rejoice when we re vilified by the world because we know that the Power of Christ and the Spirit of glory is resting on us.
1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of GOD, and precious,
Knowing that we have such a sure foundation we should be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in every area of our lives. And Yes, by means of the Holy Spirit we can even dialogue with GOD. And we can come to know His Voice and distinguish His Sound from any other sound we may hear as in Genesis 3:8.
And they heard the voice of the Lord GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the Presence of the Lord GOD amongst the trees of the garden.
These are the days of Open Revelation where the Power and the Presence and the Glory of GOD is being displayed throughout the earth so that all people everywhere can learn about GOD. Our Father GOD does not want man to hide himself any longer from the Presence of GOD. And now more than ever, the gatherers should be busy declaring to all the wonderful Name of Jesus and telling everyone about the about the wonderful works of GOD. And we don’t struggle to be sent, instead we just go as the Holy Spirit sends us to point others to the Cross of Jesus and to rebuke darkness from the face of the earth. Acts 8:26-27
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he rose up and went . . .
Look at the obedience of Philip as he is being led by the Voice of GOD. What a Joy to hear the uncreated Voice of GOD and obey what HE tells you to do. As we follow the Voice of Jesus, we will learn as Christ’s disciples learned about the True Riches which GOD has in store for each one of us as we see in Matthew 23:18-22.
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of GOD, and by him that sitteth thereon.
In our pursuit of GOD and ministry, the least important thing is the gift of money. Jesus invites us to consider the higher things of GOD as HE tells us what they are in almost sequential order.
Exalting and esteeming the gift of money is one of the lowest levels to occupy. GOD has so many doors and floors for His people to explore and grow into all of which are more glorious than money. But we must Seek GOD now while HE may be found and we must study to seek out His Higher ways of living and thinking. And if we pursue GOD more than we pursue the passions and desire of our flesh, we will discover His Ways. HE is waiting for us to pursue Him more than we pursue the passions of men. The LORD tells us “My ways are not your ways”. In essence, GOD is saying – Since My ways are higher, you must climb, pursue, seek, diligent search for the Mind of GOD as GOD says in Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the Lord while HE may be found, call ye upon him while HE is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon. 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
GOD wants us to know that we can know His higher ways by His Holy Spirit. The Holy SPIRIT who is the Spirit of Truth comes to lead us and guide us into all righteous and bring us into the good and the higher ways of GOD.
1 Corinthians 2:9 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. 10 But GOD hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD. 11 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. 12 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. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
And since we have the Mind of CHRIST, we should rely on the Holy Spirit for instruction in all things so we can live life as Overcomers in Christ. Believers should be so focused on exalting Jesus and releasing their gifts and praises until they are as content to worship Jesus in their own homes or and in crowded train stations or where life finds them. Luke 17:37
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. .And (Jesus) said unto them, Wheresoever the Body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
The Gatherings are all about following CHRIST, not denominations or fund-raisers or conferences and activities. These are not the priority. Because in any location, we can pray and share victories about our walk with Christ. This is the Word of our testimony, the declaration of the goodness of God that we release to the world even in the face of death.
Revelation 12: 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
And although we value the messengers who prophesy and preach, we do not exalt them. Instead we learn from their lives as we learn from other biblical examples like Gideon, Esther, Abraham, Mary, Martha, Peter, Isaiah, etc. These are all people just like us, who lived using their faith to overcome in a world that lies in darkness. Today Jesus expects the same from us. Christ wants those who seek Him to be Overcomers as they live out their Kingdom identity in the earth. Thus the gatherings focus on Seeking Jesus and not the honor, recognition, prestige and status that men give to each other. How can we operate in the glory of God if we are so busy seeking glory from one another?
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
All glory and all honor and all power belong to GOD, not man. And when man is his right place, only GOD’s name will be lifted up on high. The right place is where the Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us by showing us how to lift up Jesus’ name without touching the glory that belongs to GOD. The right place is the place of Humility. Humility places us on our knees in a most uncomfortable position, leaning over and bent down praying for someone else’s healing and deliverance. The only elevation in ministry is the Cross and becoming like little children. This is why praying in the Holy Spirit is essential because only HE can teach us all things. And when we bring our questions about GOD to GOD in prayer, His Holy Spirit of Truth will clear things us and lead us and guide us into all Truth. But we must learn to be consistent in prayer and longsuffering. And remember that through Fellowship with other Believers we can learn and be encouraged and grow.
Titus 2: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of GOD be not blasphemed.
And that is why the WORD advises us to Hebrews 10:25 To not Forsake, Abandon, desert, Forsake, Leave, or Divorce the Assembling of ourselves together. And because every believer is in essence married to Christ, we should not commit spiritual adultery. But most importantly, we should realize the importance of releasing the CHRISTOS, the gift of GOD whom we carry within. Since we know that the whole world lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19) we believers should be depositing CHRIST within our spiritual Family at the marketplace and within our natural family who live our homes and then to others we encounter in the workplace, community and broader society. Always remember that we are in a family relationship with others. In the Mind of Christ, there is no separation of laity and clergy but GOD gives the Priesthood to the Believers.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Matthew 16:19 Jesus teaches that whatever we stand against on earth (bind), heaven will come to our aide and stand with us as we bind, tare down and come against unGODliness. We are never alone when we Contend for the Faith. So do not be afraid to Stand up for GOD, even if it seems that you are the only one standing for Jesus in your household, your bloodline, your neighborhood, your community, municipality, City, state, nation or generation. STAND for Jesus! Believe the Word of GOD is true and Enforce the Truth by walking it out in your everyday life and by not giving in to the wiles and schemes and tricks of the enemy. Remember that People are not your enemies. People need your prayers and for you to shine for light of forgiveness. People need to be delivered from the pain, suffering, stress, anger, Rejection and a host of oppressive forces that bind their minds and souls. Pray for people but bind the spirits that are tormenting them. God is always watching how you deal with the trials and frustrations of life. GOD, your Father is always searching the earth to find someone who is actively standing on His Promises against much opposition. It is to these persons that GOD will show up in many different ways and not just deliver them, but allow them to spoil their oppressors and learn how to avoid future pits and traps so that they can share what they experienced with others. In doing so, the community of Believers can benefit and gain.
Also, whatever standard we loose on earth, and allow to run rampant and run free in our generation will not be Contended against by the angels in heaven. If we ourselves allow ungodly and destructive behavior and do not take a stand against them in prayer, what do we expect heaven to do? God made the earth and gave it to men and sent His son to show us how to live as gods and not die as men.
Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
John 10:34 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of
God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I AM the Son of God?
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Therefore we should boldy use the authority GOD placed in our hands when HE gave us the bible. GOD Himself will stand with you each time you stand for Him, in the same way that GOD stood with Jesus. Yet, so many Christian avoid making public comments about the sinfulness of homosexuality, abortion, adultery etc. for fear of offending flesh and those who they favor. But Jesus said, IF we will not stand on His Side now, during the battle, in times when people openly worship devils How can we expect Jesus to claim us as His own, after every battle is over and every victory is won and HE comes back to earth, with His angels and His glory ready to reward His faithful servants who stood for Him? Hurry and get your trophies today. Run to GOD in prayer asking Him where can HE position you for service.
Popularity, approval of men, traditions of men, peer pressure and receiving payoffs may guide many but when you see the Lamb of GOD, and you lay your eyes on His Glory, you will be so thankful that you did all that you could do for His kingdom with the little time that you had left. Make your lifetime count! Pray and Learn GOD’s Righteous Ways. Ask GOD to tell you about the plan HE has for your life. It is a good plan and it involves giving you hope for a good future.
GOD has rivers of Strength, Forgiveness and Mercy for you to jump into any time you like. And they are free! Just Turn to GOD and ask for forgiveness for compromising and then GO and sin no more. Today is your day to take a Stand for Jesus Christ and start revealing the I AM of GOD. And once you Bind and tie down anything in Jesus’ Name, never take it back! Hold your ground because all of heaven stands with you and will come along side you and take your righteous cause in their hands but you must never let go of the bag!
Overview
Ministry is releasing Jesus, in whatever fashion we can. It may be by using an alabaster box as an offering of sacrifice and thanksgiving, or by saying “GOD is good” to a co-worker or by coming out of your pocket and giving to help someone in need without expecting them to tell you Thank you. The example is Calvary. The sign is the CROSS. The innocent for the guilty; giving His all away so that someone else could be set free.
1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
As believers, we don’t have to prove we are Right all the time, do we? We don’t have to have the last word, every time, do we? As Believers, can we raise someone else up by lowering ourselves down and saying Yes, I was wrong and even though we were right? Jesus shows us with the Cross, that the SELF in us has to die. No one can put yours to death, but you.
We have to allow our “SELF” to be nailed to the tree, the place of cursing, so that the Kingdom came come in.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus laid out a path for us to follow. It is a path of Overcoming victory by going through tribulation. So instead of thinking That Jesus was the only one who had to deal with sin, suffer with constant criticism for doing good, be rejected and mistreated, look at the message His life was conveying. Jesus said You are successful when your life matches mine.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also…
This is the life Jesus CHRIST modeled for those who gather in His Name. Jesus is demonstrating how HE expects those who believe on HIM to live . . by dying daily to Our own will, our need to be Right, our need to be First, our need to be Honored, our need for public approval instead of seeking GOD’s approval only. Jesus also teaches that our home is not in this world or of this world so stop striving for identification with the world and instead live our lives to Please your Father GOD, who sees everything you do in public, in private and in secret. And your GOD who sees you will reward you especially when you stand for HIM.
1 Peter 2:19-25 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with GOD. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
We can adjust our thinking, now! Now, while the glorious Light of Christ shine before us. People generations ago would have rejoiced to see the amount of heavenly glory that has been released to this generation. How can we take the Kingdom for granted and expect that we will get away with not obeying after having seen so much Light. Earlier generations were shown much less of the Kingdom but they believed and Repented when Jonah appeared and preached. How much more accountable is this generation who has seen so much of the glory of GOD. Back then, it was all they could do to turn their heads upwards and pray to GOD. But today, so many people praying downward while the Light of Jesus Christ and all of heaven is shining forth clearly all around them. How shall we answer GOD when HE asks us “What did we do with what we knew?” In that day, what will we say before GOD?
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of GOD?
The timing of the LORD is at Hand for Repentance and Realignment. GOD is calling all of us to Conform ourselves to the image of Christ and yes, Heaven will stand with you when you stand for CHRIST but the times and seasons are passing swiftly. It is critical that Believers release Christ everywhere so this generation will have a witness of who Jesus the Son of the Living GOD is. So many across the globe have the freedom to discuss Christ openly and without concern of arrest or detention. But this is a season which will one day change. As GOD’s WORD tells us in John 11:9-10
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
Now is the time to work for CHRIST. Night is coming and according to Genesis 1:5 even though GOD did not created darkness, HE controls it and GOD names it. GOD calls the darkness, Night and Night is coming. Use this time you have from the LORD to do everything you can to demonstrate the Kingdom of heaven, and abstain from every appearance of evil. And be encouraged to GO for GOD against all odds as in 1 Peter 3:8-16
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord GOD in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Your conversation in Christ is your lifestyle and your lifestyle speaks louder than the WORDS of your mouth. So if others should speak evil of you, let your lifestyle answer them back. Live a life of holiness and devotion to GOD which some may not have ever seen before. Allow others room to learn and to grow and pray for their soul salvation and as Jesus did while HE was hanging on the tree, Forgiving each person their trespass because so many do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
Jesus Christ is coming so quickly and time will be up! What will HE find you doing at the hour of His return? Make sure that you a part of the gathering HE is doing in this hour. Become a part of the Body of Jesus Christ, the family of GOD and not just a member of a church. Get rid of the sin in your life and Smile, GOD is watching you!
Jesus says Behold, I come quickly and to reward My Own who are with ME, to give each person according as his work shall be.
I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
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Matthew 16:13—19
Be Redeemed! 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, HE asked His disciples saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man AM? 14 And they said, Some, John the Baptist, some Elias and others Jeremias or one of the prophets. 15 HE saith unto them But whom say ye that I AM? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the CHRIST, the Son of the Living GOD. 17 And Jesus answered blessed are thou Simon Barjona for flesh and blood hath not revealed unto thee but My Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee that thou art Peter and upon this Rock, I WILL build My Gathering, (My Assembling of people) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against HER. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shalt be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Jesus Christ we see in Matthew 16:13, when speaking with His disciples asked them a question which HE Himself answered. Jesus asked, “Whom do men (people) say that I the Son of Man AM? Jesus plainly declared that HE, the Son of Man is the - I AM. Jesus nonetheless asked this of His disciples to see how closely they were walking, listening and interacting with others in the world and how closely they were focused on His Voice alone.
In verse 14, one after another, the disciples shared with Jesus, the little tidbits of gossip they had picked up in passing from those around them who were always questioning with them about their methods of operation. The disciples willing shared not only what they heard others say but to some extent what they believed in their own hearts. We see this because their responses to Jesus sprang up from their hearts on demand. They did not need any time to stop and recollect what they had been told because it was still fresh within them.
Verse 15 Strangely, when Jesus Christ asked His disciples who did they say that HE was, no one could give Him an answer. No one seemed to hear or believe Jesus’ witness that HE was, is and is to come, or that HE is the I AM of GOD. No one said anything. They did not even repeat back to Him, “ Master you just said that you are the Son of Man”. No one spoke up, even though Jesus had just moments ago given them this revelation. Could it be that His own followers were not really listening to the Words Jesus was speaking? Neither was anyone able to tell Jesus, “Master, I do not know what others say because I am totally devoted to listening to Your Voice only and I have no time to listening to critics and gossips comment”. But this moment of silence is when Jesus gives His disciples the opportunity to shine and speak out in His defense even by declaring their own testimony of the goodness of GOD that they had seen displayed on a continual basis as they walked with Christ throughout the year?. How many times had they seen people raised from the dead, healings, lepers cleansed, souls saved, demons cast out and the miraculous? How many times had they heard Jesus say the verses below to others:
John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of My Father, believe ME not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not ME, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in ME, and I in Him.
Could it be in Matthew 16:15 that the disciples of Jesus doubted him? Why did not one of them shout out, “MASTER, for all I have seen, I believe”? But no one, not one. No one affirmed Him because no one heard Him because they were not paying close attention to His Words. They were able to hear what the world had to say but not what the Spirit is saying.
That was their test and we face our own tests when it comes to boldly declaring what we know about Jesus, The I AM, the Son of the Living GOD. And the Word tells us if we remain faithful to say what Jesus gives us to say and to boldly declare what we receive from Him, then we are unprofitable servants like those we see in Luke 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
I wonder how long the silence among the disciples lasted when Jesus asked for their testimony of Him. Was it 30 seconds that seemed to linger for an eternity or were they each scratching their heads trying to put together a response in their flesh instead of just receiving the revelation that Jesus had just set forth?
Nonetheless, in Matthew 16:16, the voice of Simon Peter rings out breaking the silence with the declaration from GOD the Father of His Son. This declaration resounds as if the Father is telling the Son, “Even if no man supports you, I AM right here with you and I acknowledge you as My Son”. Can we not see the lovingkindness of the Father standing with His Son when no one else would? This type of ‘against all odds’ witness of Jesus Christ is exactly what is required from Believers now in the present age. This is also what Jesus was referring to in Mark 8:38.
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of ME and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when HE cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
Whoever includes them and us and you and me. Today is the day to make public your declaration of who Jesus CHRIST is to you. And the Truth is that others already know because they see your conversation by the way you live your life. The choices we make, the things we permit and allow to happen, and the times when we do not take a stand on GOD’s Word; all of these actions very loudly declare to those around us, our commitment to the Christ we say we follow. Because following Jesus is not about simply making a verbal confession but it is seen in the everyday practice of picking up and putting down our feet and walk through the joys, trials, temptations, traps, triumphs, pitfalls and successes of life.
Following Christ is more than knowing; it is showing and demonstrating our love to GOD the Father by faithfully obeying the Voice of His Son, Jesus. And if we should stray, we repent and seek Jesus Christ, the Righteous Advocate whom we have with the Father.
(1 John 1:9) Who, if we confess our sins, Jesus is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And as we go through life, choosing right and choosing wrong, we learn obedience when we learn Humility. When we are Humble we no longer consult Jesus for advice but for instruction. And we are wise when we submit to GOD, especially when we think our own way or the voice of man is better or smarter than the Voice of GOD. The blessing of Obedience are beyond measure and What a blessing to live in the hour where the promise of GOD mentioned in Genesis 4:22 is fulfilled by Jesus Christ the Righteous. Whereby now, we can also put forth our hand and take also of the tree of Life, Jesus, and eat and live forever.
In Matthew 16:16, GOD speaks through Peter and not only acknowledges His Son but also identifies Himself to Jesus’ disciples by His Name and Title “The Living GOD”. This is the GOD who is True Life and is not dead. This is the GOD who gives His children that abundant, beyond measure life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10b. Through Peter, GOD endorses His Son and shows the Love of the Father’s Heart and His desire for Fellowship with His children and His Family. GOD’s great desire has always been to walk and live with man and show them His Nature and His Glory and the Greatness of His Goodness just as He desired to do long ago in Deuteronomy 5:24
And ye said, Behold, the Lord our GOD hath shewed us His Glory and His Greatness, and we have heard His Voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that GOD doth talk with man, and he liveth.
Also as GOD through Peter declares that Jesus is the CHRISTOS, GOD is pointing to the uniqueness of this man Jesus as being The ONE and the only – THE CHRIST. And GOD’s revelation of who JESUS is, removes all doubt and ambiguity about Jesus’ ministry, purpose and function. GOD will have no second Christ. This is significant because in the time of great deception, others will appear claiming they too are the CHRIST and state many things “In the Name of Jesus”. But those of us who have a relationship with the Holy Spirit will rely on the Voice of GOD to reveal those who belong to CHRIST and those who do not. And in the days ahead, we will see that following the Voice of the Holy Spirit will be the only protection we have because the deception will so great, that if we use our own eyes to see, we will not as GOD sees and will be deceived.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Only GOD sees the heart and when we Pray and seek GOD and ask Him to lead us by His Holy Spirt, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the difference between the holy and the profane. And will cause us to discern between the unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23. And in Matthew 24, Jesus teaches more about relying on the Holy Spirit so that we do not fall into temptation and deception.
Matthew 24:1-5 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and His disciples came to him for to shew Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as HE sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in My Name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
In Matthew 24, while Jesus’ disciples seemed impressed with the place of worship, the building in which they met, Jesus taught that it was more important for them to recognize that all buildings and man-made structures will deteriorate and be torn down. Christ chooses to use each believer’s body as the temple where HE dwells. But the time of CHRIST’s coming; some will insist that the physical building holds the glory of GOD and not the Believer’s body. It is wise to remember that buildings can be bought and sold, redesigned, renovated and condemned. Building programs collect lots of funds and are administered, controlled and governed by boards and committees or by a powerful few. Many will desire to control the miraculous and the outpouring of GOD’s glory. But GOD is choosing to move among His people in various ways. The ever travelling, ever flowing gathering of Believers is not controlled by man or elected leadership, committees or corporate boards but is instead led and guided by the Holy Spirit who wars against the flesh which always wants to reign and control.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are GOD’s co-workers; you are GOD’s field, GOD’s building.
Unfortunately, there will be those who agree with GOD but do not submit to Him. Many will affirm that GOD still speaks to His people just like HE did on Mount Sinai when HE gave the 10 Commandments. These same people, however will not obey the Voice of GOD. They will submit to the concept of a Baby Jesus in the manger and bow to Him professing Jesus is Lord, but they refuse to be led by CHRIST and to submit to His Authority as LORD and KING.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know GOD; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
To affirm that Jesus is LORD and to not submit to Him as LORD is hypocrisy. And to this end, we must all pray for the Longsuffering Grace of GOD to prevail at least 1 more day so these and others in the Valley of Decision will make the Choice to Repent and live for GOD. This Pride of Life is part of the leaven of the Pharisees which is even now rising. Nonetheless, we see that ministries which are birthed by Holy Spirit and operate under the Lordship of Jesus CHRIST have certain things in common. Below, we list for you a few, but not all, of the traits that Spirit led ministries have:
- They are hidden in Christ. (Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in GOD.)
- They are led by the Holy Spirit without human control. (Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and HE is the Saviour of the Body. )
- They are Freely given, and gives freely, without cost as the Blood of Jesus which still flows from the Cross. (Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.)
- They are authored by GOD. (Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.)
- They Declare and reveal the GODHEAD. (Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent)
- They believe in repeated Repentance for repeated sins. (1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)
- They give no glory, honor or recognition to the messenger but instead defer all of the glory and honor and power and credit to GOD (Isaiah 42:8 I AM the Lord: that is My Name: and My Glory will I not give to another, neither My Praise to graven images.)
- They Release the sanctifying Presence of the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 29:43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My Glory. )
- They lead not to condemnation but to Repentance as oft as a soul shall sin. (Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law..
Sin is not the issue. The WORD of GOD tells us in 1 Peter that all flesh is grass
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1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.
Our Glorious Father has provided Repentance through the SON for all of us, each time we sin and fall short. Notwithstanding, there are those who love sin and choose to remain in sin even while they minister to you. Therefore, we must all the more pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show us so we can discern between the holy and profane. And in doing so, we will not be overwhelmed by people’s charisma, words, and anointing that we think we see. 3 John verse 11 tells us.
Beloved, Follow not that which is evil but that which is good. He that doeth good is of GOD but he that doeth evil hath not seen GOD.
Remember, even the fallen angels carried an anointing, so do not follow the anointing. Follow the Holy Spirit of GOD and you will not be deceived by the ungodly.
Ezekiel 28:14-19 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of GOD; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of GOD: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Goodness does not rest in man. All have sinned. It is part of being human. So since we know that people can fail, pray for everyone because we all need Forgiveness. And do not pledge your allegiance to follow any personality, or ministry but only the Ministry which came down from heaven, the Son of GOD, the I AM. And thankfully, GOD’s Standards of good and evil do not change and those who do what GOD says is good are the ones who belong to GOD; nonetheless they too are human, given to weakness; capable of sin. Therefore we must remember when dealing with ministers and ministries that only GOD is good. And at the same time, those who continue to depart from GOD’s Standard of Righteousness which is His Holy Word as revealed by Jesus and those who endorse a different standard of what they consider, ‘good, acceptable and tolerant behavior, these are those who do evil with no understanding of who the I AM is.
Matthew 7: 21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
In the coming days, you will see ministers who do not know Jesus Christ but who seemingly drive out devils, heal the sick and do mighty acts, signs and wonders. They are about to pop up everywhere. They are counterfeiting the true ministers of GOD.
Revelation 13:13-14 And he [the beast] doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Revelation 16: 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs vomited up out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of GOD Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Whenever GOD moves on the earth, satan attempts to countermove to deceive as many as he can.
Exodus 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
Yet even for the people living in this time, there is Hope. Sincere Repentance from the heart wipes the slate clean as we bring to Jesus the fruits and proof of our Repentance, by correcting our errors and obeying from the heart Our Loving Father GOD.
Isaiah 1:16-19 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Yet, Back in Matthew 16:16 Jesus shows us that many agree with the Word of GOD with their lips, and will confess that Jesus is the I AM while at the same time promoting their ministries and their names by using the Name of Jesus. They will find a market for making money, by using the Name of Jesus and pretending to promote Jesus CHRIST.
Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of GOD, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Sadly, some use the Name of Jesus to gain access to an audience who will willingly give in to their demands and pressures to collect even more money from them, all in the Name of Jesus. Collecting monies for Building mortgages, feast days, Fashion Shows, Holy days, Convocations, conferences, ceremonies, weddings, funerals, Church anniversaries, membership fees, dues along with collecting tithes and offerings make some of these locations comparable to small business centers instead of Houses of Prayer.
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow them in their unrestrained immorality, and because of these false teachers the way of truth will be slandered.
For these, ministry is not about salvation, it is primarily a business transaction. But the Heart of CHRIST begs those who BELIEVE in Him to GIVE, and to Give it all, and to Give it all away”. And Jesus did not only say GIVE, HE displayed this giving on Calvary for the whole world to see. GOD’s innocent, Spotless Lamb became the Propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the whole world (1 John 4:10). And this same Lamb of GOD is the One who is able to take those who believe into the very presence of GOD in the throne room (Revelation 5:6) but all of this begins by receiving His invitation to “Come and Follow ME and My Way and My Kingdom and My Ways of doing Right and being Right by loving to please the Father more than living to please the world”. But Fear disguised as wisdom prevents many from using spiritual discernment when it comes to giving to Christ. Even though Jesus asks us to give Him our all, we often hesitate because we wonder “What’s in it for me?” or how can I live without money, if I give my all away? As we bring these questions to Jesus by praying in the Holy Spirit, Jesus will let us know that when we give into the kingdom of heaven, then Jesus opens up doors of blessing for us to receive the true riches which are beyond the mind of man.
Mark 12: 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Nonetheless, the day is approaching when people will either live by faith and rely on Jesus Christ to supply their needs for money, clothing, food, toiletries and the most basic of all needs or they will make an agreement with the false one to gain temporary things and lose their souls. These will condemn their own souls to hell just so they can receive a bowl of porridge. Be forewarned, now is the time to learn how to depend on GOD.
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
As Jesus rebuked the moneychangers and those who were making transactions, banking and selling things in the Temple of GOD, or the place where the believers gathered for prayer, HE is today examining and measuring His ministers against this same standard. You see this same Jesus has not changed. The heart of GOD is not pleased when we sell in our places of gathering. The Father would much rather see us release everything without cost to the Body and accept freewill offerings and tithes from those who would freely give. Food, books, recordings, clothes and other paraphernalia can be bought and sold online and away from the place of worship. And in many places it is the merchandising of Christ which blocks the Presence of GOD from appearing.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
GOD wants consecrated vessels who will carry His anointing and truly Honor His Presence by making sure the hungry for CHRIST are freely fed and that the doves are free to fly. Salvation is free. Healings are free. Prayer is free. Prophecy is free. Restoration is free. Jesus Christ paid the debt for each person because no person was able to pay. And the Master forgave all. Surely, we who have been given so much should at this time be the Forgivers and the Releasers and the Blessers GOD is calling for in the last days.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils freely - Ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 18:32-33 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
This stripping away of the worldly mindset is what GOD calls Best Practices. CHRIST expects His followers to be led by His Holy Spirit when giving offering to ministries. Therefore, we must pray first, asking the Holy Spirit where should we give His money, how much should we give and how long we are to provide financial support. This is GOD’s way for receiving finances in ministry: via the Holy Spirit’s leading and the Holy Spirit speaks to us 1 to 1. In the past, ministries shyed away from the Holy Spirit because they were not comfortable with what they could not control, but did not GOD speaking through the prophet Isaiah say that His Ways are not our ways? His ways are “un-natural” to us because they are higher than the ways of this world which seeks the gain of this world. Therefore we must learn the Ways of GOD and adjust our lives to please HIM. And if we love HIM, as we say we do, we will want to please HIM and we will change. But why would any of us raise an angry fist to GOD and say “Your way is not right, but my way is right” Why should we justify the selling of goods from the pulpit and in the places of worship? Our GOD as a Loving Father asks us to consider His Ways and change. And when we keep our agenda pure then the message of the Salvation of souls and the edification of the Body will bring the rewards and the blessing of manna.
Exodus 16:4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
As controversial as finances are, the true question is not about the administration of money but about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Have we been listening to Jesus or to the world and are our ministries governed by Jesus or by the world?
Luke 22:25-27 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I AM among you as HE that serveth.
According to CHRIST, if we are not getting our hands dirty, washing feet, ministering to the poor, visiting those in prison and jail and serving the least of these, then we are not qualified to be administrators, pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, prophets or for any other position. But this is the question: Is the Holy Spirit leading our ministry or are people leading the Holy Spirit?
Matthew 25:40 Then shall HE answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to ME.
John 13:13 Ye call ME Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I AM. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Jesus CHRIST expects those who follow Him to be led by Him and not by man. Jesus is jealous over His Body of believers as a man who is in love with His Bride. And the heart of Jesus is sadden when His Bride turns away from Him to follow others. Just as Eve turned away to listen to the council of another who convinced her that something more than the Voice of GOD was needed to make her successful. Loyalty was the central issue: not gay marriage, politics or ethnicity. Clearly, Eve was deceived, but what about us?
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord GOD had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath GOD said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? . . . 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For GOD doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Who is in charge of the Body of Christ? Who is in charge of the gathering? Who is in charge of The Church? Is Christ the Head of the Body or is it the Pastor, Apostle a governing board or jurisdictional leadership. What offices and titles does Jesus Christ recognize? Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
According to Jesus, we are all Brethren with each member of His Body being related to His Body through the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit of GOD. The concept of family surfaces again because Jesus’ love for His Bride is not fulfilled until His Bride commits herself to receiving Jesus and loves Jesus back by consecrating herself to His leadership and no one else. Love released must become Love received and RECIPROCATED in order for the Bride to move up into the Higher ways of GOD. This was hinted at in Genesis 3:16
Unto the woman, HE said…Thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee.
Jesus still wants to rule over His Bride and is waiting for her to have single-eye devotion to Him alone not only for worship but also for Leadership and Lordship. But the Believing Brides must willingly yield herself to the Holy Spirit and actively reject the leadership of man.
And when speaking of other types of relationships in the Family of GOD, Jesus lists the following titles/positions in Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.
In CHRIST, we are Family and connected to each other by the Cross. All of us in Christ, whether as His servant, mother, sister, brother, Bride, Body, Wife or Church, are family. Family time is important on any level but there are other relationships we are to hold as well. Beyond our vocation and our call to gather to worship, is our own individual pursuit of the Heart of CHRIST in Intimacy. Jesus yearns for a 1 on 1 intimate relationship in Prayer with each member of His Body. This means we must make the time to steal away to our secret place and set our faces like flints to pursue more of GOD.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, HE went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
The Word of GOD tells us that when we seek for more of GOD it is ok to separate from our spiritual family but not from our natural family to pursue GOD and ministry. GOD never intended for His minsters to abandon their families nor for families to bear the burden of having absent parents in the home because one parent is away in ministry and the other is left alone raising the children. GOD’s design has always been for husband and wife to be one and when one is called into ministry, the other is not left out. Mark 10:29
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Family is a reward from GOD just a good is for a man seeking a wife (Proverbs 18:22) Jesus’s devotion to His Followers can also be compared to a man’s love for His wife. Jesus willingly provides for her, defends her, adorns her, embellishes her, cleanses her, comforts her and enjoys her. In turn, the wife is enraptured by His great love and develops such a godly respect for husband until she would rather been seen as intolerant than to allow sin to creep into their garden and damage the fruit she has prepared for her husband. This fruit is the offering she brings to her Beloved during their 1-on-1 time of Intimacy in prayer. Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST is the Head of the Church and HE is the Savior of the Body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
The mutual love between the Man and His Wife is the foundation for their Becoming one. They are to both become so enamored with pleasing each other until they lose sight of their individual interests and both yield more and more to the interest of the other. And if Marriage is centered on Agreement then Love is centered on Pleasing. And the Bride who is devoted to Her Husband is the Bride who rejects the council of Flesh and is led by the Holy Spirit of GOD.
1 Corinthians 8:32-34 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
Accordingly, GOD expects those HE calls to live lives displaying holiness which is the power of GOD. A changed heart, a changed life, a changed mind is a living testimony of Salvation. This is the witness the world needs to see, so they too will cry out to GOD for help, deliverance and Redemption.
Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of GOD with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
And back in Matthew 16 looking at the second part of verse 17, we see that although most men knew about GOD but none but Jesus at this time knew GOD as “Our Father.” In such, Jesus fulfilled the Law by shining the Light of the Father’s Love on a generation who had only known about GOD dimly based on the Old Testament Law.
John 1:18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, HE hath declared Him.
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
In Matthew 16:17, we see Jesus revealing more than head knowledge of GOD in fact Jesus revealed the HEART of GOD, the Compassion of GOD and so much of the Love of GOD that was not fully depicted in the First Covenant, the Old Testament. Jesus introduced GOD as “Our Father: to the believers when HE gave us the standard for daily prayer which opens with “Our Father”. Nonetheless, the religious community had more identity with their father Abraham from the flesh than their Father GOD who is the GOD of the spirits of all flesh (Numbers 16:22).
John 8:39 They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Jesus is showing us that our spiritual relationship with GOD our Father is of a greater importance than our natural relationships with those we are related to in the flesh. While people expire and die, the LORD is One and does not die and HOLY is His Name.
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our GOD is one Lord:
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
These verses teach us that Connecting with the Father is our priority. GOD is a good Father and is waiting for us to turn to Him and bring Him our questions and desires and HE will answer us. Why consult others when we could be praying directly to GOD?
Also, people have 3 dimensions: a spirit, which is housed in flesh called body with a soul on the inside. GOD wants us to live beyond our flesh and its desires and lusts and start addressing the needs of our eternal soul and spirit so we can experience Heaven now while alive on earth and also afterwards when our flesh body expires. The promise of experiencing heaven today is being fulfilled as GOD awakens everyone’s spirit toward Him during this Outpouring which was spoken by the prophet Joel 1:28.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus lets us know that HE is building His gathering of believers, on the Rock of Revelation that the Living GOD is “Our Father” and Jesus is the I AM, the Son of Man and the Son of the Living GOD and the MESSIAH, and thus the fullness of the GODHEAD Bodily (Colossians 2:9).
And even though Christ declares that HE will build up those who gather to Him, and maintain them and keep them strong, HE does not consider those who gather to Him to be members of a building project or organization. No, Jesus simply refers to His meetings with His people as ‘gatherings ‘ of those who gather together to seek Christ. These are the ones that Jesus calls out from the existing religious systems to Come and Follow Him. The called outs ones are later referred to by Christ as My Church but never as THE Church. Mostly Jesus refers to those who gather to Him as His Body whom HE loves and provides for as a husband loves for his wife.
The relationship of Intimacy that a Man desires from His wife is compared to CHRIST’s desire for His Bride. Christ desires 1-on-1 intimacy in Prayer and 1-on-1 fellowship in the Spirit as well as times of gatherings with other Believers. And this same Jesus is so pleased with us when we overcome the obstacles in our daily schedules and consistently meet with Him in our quiet secret place or closet and fellowship with Him 1 on 1. It is in this time of daily fellowship and communicating that Jesus speaks to our hearts, heals us, cleanses us, restores us, strengthens us, teaches us and reveals to us the plans and purposes of GOD for our lives. And when we seek the Lord for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we can not only pray in tongues, we can be empowered to witness for Christ boldly, we can be built up in our faith and we can be taught of GOD of things to come.
John 16:13 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and as we listen and obey His promptings, HE leads us away from temptation and deception and guides us further into the Truth of GOD’s Word. Also we receive a special endowment of the Holy Spirit called “Anointing” by which we can know all things. This Unction makes hidden things visible and enables us to clearly see so that we will not be deceived and led astray. And as believers gather together to Worship, we release our testimony of the good that GOD is doing in our lives. Worship includes Praise, Thanksgiving, Prayer and engaging the WORD just like we see in Acts 2 they people gathered for worship and fellowship.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Today’s Believer must remember that meeting with Jesus and encountering Him is the most important aspect of the Fellowship of the Spirit. The number of people assembled together and the size of the crowd is the not important. Jesus already told us that wherever 2 or more gather together in His Name that HE would be there in our midst. And when you are in CHRIST, Jesus plus you makes 2.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there AM I in the midst of them.
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
The gatherings or the assembly of believers is comprised of people gathering in fellowship and prayer and declaring what Christ is doing in their lives. They may meet in home cell groups, in workplace gatherings, at restaurants, hospitals or wherever the Spirit unites Believers to meet to declare the goodness of GOD. The location is unimportant. The Unity of the Spirit is what matters most (Ephesians 4:3). In CHRIST, one can ‘have church’ in any location at any time because The Spirit of the Lord moves upon the face of His Body just like the breath of GOD flows over the earth as we see in John 3:8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
So we see that She, the gathering of believers, was never meant to be contained by a religious system and confined within a religious structure. Instead, Believers follow the flow of the Holy Spirit and do the works of Christ wherever the Spirit leads them as did Philip in Acts 8:26-27.
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went. . .
Any place you gather with other believers is The correct place to worship GOD and any place you can get alone with Christ in private, that too becomes the correct place to worship in Spirit and in Truth.
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.
Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place . . .
With Christ, we do not have to build buildings to meet with GOD because GOD uses our bodies as His Temple and places His Spirit inside of us to dwell within us and lead us through this life from the inside out. And since we are led by His Holy Spirit, no person can assume control or leadership of the Body that belongs to Christ. Often times we may see the tendencies of the flesh which is our human nature as it tries to evaluate, analyze, organize, classify, recreate and even dictate what the Spirit of the Living GOD is doing or should be doing. But no one can navigate the waters of the Holy Spirit. The best we can do as believers is to jump into His flow and let His healing waters wash over our souls and change our lives from the inside out. This is what Galatians 5:17 teaches us:
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
The natural man resists the things of the Spirit because his natural mind does not comprehend beyond the visible. The natural man is comfortable with what he can see, touch, create, produce and things that he can understand without using faith in GOD. But the things of the Spirit, the language of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit and the operations of the Spirit all come down from the very Heart of our invisible Father GOD.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of GOD, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].
James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes
As the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesy (Rev 19:10) the prophetic aspect of ministry involves worshipping GOD in Spirit and in TRUTH (John 4:24). And The GOD graces believers with gifts to use to bless the world and to bring souls into His Kingdom. This Spiritual dynamic of the operations of gifts is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and should be valued as the True riches that come down from above and cannot be created within the earth.
Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of earthly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?
GOD owns it all. In His Hands are riches, pleasures forevermore, wealth, treasure, hidden treasure money and True Riches. And Jesus’ plan is for his Body to travel around the world worshipping, praising, Testifying to the goodness of GOD, and releasing the gifts of the Spirit in the earth. This way both the Body and the world will benefit and will be build up, nourished and sustained by the Finger of GOD and not by the systems of the world. GOD’s plan is for His Body to change the course of history by freely releasing His goodness in the earth which is more than enough to supply the world’s needs.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Through His Holy Spirit, GOD gives us everything we need for Life and godliness. And the greatest gift of all to be released in the earth is the Revelation of the Love of GOD. The explosive power that rests in GOD’s Heart is more than enough to energize this planet.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered, “You don’t understand because you don’t know what the Scriptures say. And you don’t know about the power of God.
The scriptures show us that GOD’s Love empowers His Kingdom. GOD’s power is the strongest military power, the greatest power for wealth, the power to perform miracles, the power of influence and the power of excellence, to power to create and to regenerate. GOD’s power will also empower the world to come as we see in Revelation 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord GOD Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of GOD did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 22:5 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord GOD giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The Power of the Love of GOD explodes through creative worship which is centered on Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy SPIRIT and not on ritualism and tradition. Romans 14:17. You see A-N-Y place where people gather to Jesus – that place is Church. The building, the physical location is not important to GOD; rather, it is the sanctifying Presence of Jesus that comes on your worship that makes you holy. And thus your body becomes part of Jesus’ Body and you become the Temple of the Just One like Jesus did.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify GOD in your body, and in your spirit, which are GOD's.
Each individual believer who gathers to Christ is considered to be His Church bought by His Blood and thereby His Own and no longer belonging to themselves and ruled by their own opinions and guided by their own mind and led by their own will but by Christ. And Jesus shows us this in John 2:9
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. And verse 21 tells us But HE spake of the temple of His Body
Similarly, we can liken the Construction of the Body of Christ to a building. Scripture gives us a description of how the whole body is fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16) Firstly we see that the Foundation of the building is laid by GOD Himself.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tried Stone, a Precious Corner Stone, a Sure Foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
As the Head stone is clearly Jesus so must the foundation of our thinking also be Jesus. Possessing the Kingdom of heaven does not mean holding onto it with our hands but rather releasing it from our hands into the earth. Following GOD’s blueprints makes us appear as fools for Christ’s sake. Therefore we must pray all the more asking GOD to remove the stumbling blocks of prior learning so His kingdom can come forth through us in His way and in His timing.
Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
This Stone cannot be avoided, either we deal with Him or HE deals with us. And we in turn can become like the Chief Cornerstone but not greater than HE. Therefore we celebrate when we are Rejected and Persecuted and Defamed and Reviled by the natural minded man. For this cause, we rejoice when we re vilified by the world because we know that the Power of Christ and the Spirit of glory is resting on us.
1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of GOD, and precious,
Knowing that we have such a sure foundation we should be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in every area of our lives. And Yes, by means of the Holy Spirit we can even dialogue with GOD. And we can come to know His Voice and distinguish His Sound from any other sound we may hear as in Genesis 3:8.
And they heard the voice of the Lord GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the Presence of the Lord GOD amongst the trees of the garden.
These are the days of Open Revelation where the Power and the Presence and the Glory of GOD is being displayed throughout the earth so that all people everywhere can learn about GOD. Our Father GOD does not want man to hide himself any longer from the Presence of GOD. And now more than ever, the gatherers should be busy declaring to all the wonderful Name of Jesus and telling everyone about the about the wonderful works of GOD. And we don’t struggle to be sent, instead we just go as the Holy Spirit sends us to point others to the Cross of Jesus and to rebuke darkness from the face of the earth. Acts 8:26-27
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he rose up and went . . .
Look at the obedience of Philip as he is being led by the Voice of GOD. What a Joy to hear the uncreated Voice of GOD and obey what HE tells you to do. As we follow the Voice of Jesus, we will learn as Christ’s disciples learned about the True Riches which GOD has in store for each one of us as we see in Matthew 23:18-22.
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of GOD, and by him that sitteth thereon.
In our pursuit of GOD and ministry, the least important thing is the gift of money. Jesus invites us to consider the higher things of GOD as HE tells us what they are in almost sequential order.
- The Altar of the heart is that which sanctifies the money for what comes from the heart determines the quality of the gift of money; not the amount. Do we give with loving hearts or do we give because we were pressured to give? Let us therefore be cheerful givers and give on purpose. (2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD loveth a cheerful giver.) Here Jesus is introducing a door of access into the Higher ways of GOD that awaits all believers who desire to pursue more of Christ. Jesus is teaching that there are some things in the kingdom of heaven that we must grab hold onto now, in this life so that we can have in the next. We purchase them by giving our all to CHRIST and what do any of us we really have beyond our soul, our loyalty, our will, our preferences and our choices. When we give Jesus the Right to Reign in our lives without reservation then we will find ourselves emptying our pockets and giving our last 2 mites, even all our living to Christ. But Praise GOD, HE has a way of providing for us and supplying our needs according to His riches in glory. This is played out for us in Mark 12:41-44 and even though verse 44 is the end of the chapter, it is not the end of the story.
- The Temple – The Body of believers, the gathering, those called out to follow Christ, His Wife and the importance of her gathering together. (Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.)
- The Very Presence of GOD, the Holy Spirit who dwells on the Mercy Seat. (Exodus 25:22 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.)
- The kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)
- And the Kingdom of GOD (Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of GOD is within you.)
- And the Throne room of GOD. (Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.)
- THE ONE who sits on the throne. (Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.)
- Consuming and being consumed by the Living GOD. (Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.) Psalms 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Exalting and esteeming the gift of money is one of the lowest levels to occupy. GOD has so many doors and floors for His people to explore and grow into all of which are more glorious than money. But we must Seek GOD now while HE may be found and we must study to seek out His Higher ways of living and thinking. And if we pursue GOD more than we pursue the passions and desire of our flesh, we will discover His Ways. HE is waiting for us to pursue Him more than we pursue the passions of men. The LORD tells us “My ways are not your ways”. In essence, GOD is saying – Since My ways are higher, you must climb, pursue, seek, diligent search for the Mind of GOD as GOD says in Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the Lord while HE may be found, call ye upon him while HE is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon. 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
GOD wants us to know that we can know His higher ways by His Holy Spirit. The Holy SPIRIT who is the Spirit of Truth comes to lead us and guide us into all righteous and bring us into the good and the higher ways of GOD.
1 Corinthians 2:9 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. 10 But GOD hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD. 11 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. 12 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. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
And since we have the Mind of CHRIST, we should rely on the Holy Spirit for instruction in all things so we can live life as Overcomers in Christ. Believers should be so focused on exalting Jesus and releasing their gifts and praises until they are as content to worship Jesus in their own homes or and in crowded train stations or where life finds them. Luke 17:37
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. .And (Jesus) said unto them, Wheresoever the Body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
The Gatherings are all about following CHRIST, not denominations or fund-raisers or conferences and activities. These are not the priority. Because in any location, we can pray and share victories about our walk with Christ. This is the Word of our testimony, the declaration of the goodness of God that we release to the world even in the face of death.
Revelation 12: 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
And although we value the messengers who prophesy and preach, we do not exalt them. Instead we learn from their lives as we learn from other biblical examples like Gideon, Esther, Abraham, Mary, Martha, Peter, Isaiah, etc. These are all people just like us, who lived using their faith to overcome in a world that lies in darkness. Today Jesus expects the same from us. Christ wants those who seek Him to be Overcomers as they live out their Kingdom identity in the earth. Thus the gatherings focus on Seeking Jesus and not the honor, recognition, prestige and status that men give to each other. How can we operate in the glory of God if we are so busy seeking glory from one another?
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
All glory and all honor and all power belong to GOD, not man. And when man is his right place, only GOD’s name will be lifted up on high. The right place is where the Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us by showing us how to lift up Jesus’ name without touching the glory that belongs to GOD. The right place is the place of Humility. Humility places us on our knees in a most uncomfortable position, leaning over and bent down praying for someone else’s healing and deliverance. The only elevation in ministry is the Cross and becoming like little children. This is why praying in the Holy Spirit is essential because only HE can teach us all things. And when we bring our questions about GOD to GOD in prayer, His Holy Spirit of Truth will clear things us and lead us and guide us into all Truth. But we must learn to be consistent in prayer and longsuffering. And remember that through Fellowship with other Believers we can learn and be encouraged and grow.
Titus 2: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of GOD be not blasphemed.
And that is why the WORD advises us to Hebrews 10:25 To not Forsake, Abandon, desert, Forsake, Leave, or Divorce the Assembling of ourselves together. And because every believer is in essence married to Christ, we should not commit spiritual adultery. But most importantly, we should realize the importance of releasing the CHRISTOS, the gift of GOD whom we carry within. Since we know that the whole world lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19) we believers should be depositing CHRIST within our spiritual Family at the marketplace and within our natural family who live our homes and then to others we encounter in the workplace, community and broader society. Always remember that we are in a family relationship with others. In the Mind of Christ, there is no separation of laity and clergy but GOD gives the Priesthood to the Believers.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Matthew 16:19 Jesus teaches that whatever we stand against on earth (bind), heaven will come to our aide and stand with us as we bind, tare down and come against unGODliness. We are never alone when we Contend for the Faith. So do not be afraid to Stand up for GOD, even if it seems that you are the only one standing for Jesus in your household, your bloodline, your neighborhood, your community, municipality, City, state, nation or generation. STAND for Jesus! Believe the Word of GOD is true and Enforce the Truth by walking it out in your everyday life and by not giving in to the wiles and schemes and tricks of the enemy. Remember that People are not your enemies. People need your prayers and for you to shine for light of forgiveness. People need to be delivered from the pain, suffering, stress, anger, Rejection and a host of oppressive forces that bind their minds and souls. Pray for people but bind the spirits that are tormenting them. God is always watching how you deal with the trials and frustrations of life. GOD, your Father is always searching the earth to find someone who is actively standing on His Promises against much opposition. It is to these persons that GOD will show up in many different ways and not just deliver them, but allow them to spoil their oppressors and learn how to avoid future pits and traps so that they can share what they experienced with others. In doing so, the community of Believers can benefit and gain.
Also, whatever standard we loose on earth, and allow to run rampant and run free in our generation will not be Contended against by the angels in heaven. If we ourselves allow ungodly and destructive behavior and do not take a stand against them in prayer, what do we expect heaven to do? God made the earth and gave it to men and sent His son to show us how to live as gods and not die as men.
Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
John 10:34 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of
God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I AM the Son of God?
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Therefore we should boldy use the authority GOD placed in our hands when HE gave us the bible. GOD Himself will stand with you each time you stand for Him, in the same way that GOD stood with Jesus. Yet, so many Christian avoid making public comments about the sinfulness of homosexuality, abortion, adultery etc. for fear of offending flesh and those who they favor. But Jesus said, IF we will not stand on His Side now, during the battle, in times when people openly worship devils How can we expect Jesus to claim us as His own, after every battle is over and every victory is won and HE comes back to earth, with His angels and His glory ready to reward His faithful servants who stood for Him? Hurry and get your trophies today. Run to GOD in prayer asking Him where can HE position you for service.
Popularity, approval of men, traditions of men, peer pressure and receiving payoffs may guide many but when you see the Lamb of GOD, and you lay your eyes on His Glory, you will be so thankful that you did all that you could do for His kingdom with the little time that you had left. Make your lifetime count! Pray and Learn GOD’s Righteous Ways. Ask GOD to tell you about the plan HE has for your life. It is a good plan and it involves giving you hope for a good future.
GOD has rivers of Strength, Forgiveness and Mercy for you to jump into any time you like. And they are free! Just Turn to GOD and ask for forgiveness for compromising and then GO and sin no more. Today is your day to take a Stand for Jesus Christ and start revealing the I AM of GOD. And once you Bind and tie down anything in Jesus’ Name, never take it back! Hold your ground because all of heaven stands with you and will come along side you and take your righteous cause in their hands but you must never let go of the bag!
Overview
Ministry is releasing Jesus, in whatever fashion we can. It may be by using an alabaster box as an offering of sacrifice and thanksgiving, or by saying “GOD is good” to a co-worker or by coming out of your pocket and giving to help someone in need without expecting them to tell you Thank you. The example is Calvary. The sign is the CROSS. The innocent for the guilty; giving His all away so that someone else could be set free.
1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
As believers, we don’t have to prove we are Right all the time, do we? We don’t have to have the last word, every time, do we? As Believers, can we raise someone else up by lowering ourselves down and saying Yes, I was wrong and even though we were right? Jesus shows us with the Cross, that the SELF in us has to die. No one can put yours to death, but you.
We have to allow our “SELF” to be nailed to the tree, the place of cursing, so that the Kingdom came come in.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus laid out a path for us to follow. It is a path of Overcoming victory by going through tribulation. So instead of thinking That Jesus was the only one who had to deal with sin, suffer with constant criticism for doing good, be rejected and mistreated, look at the message His life was conveying. Jesus said You are successful when your life matches mine.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also…
This is the life Jesus CHRIST modeled for those who gather in His Name. Jesus is demonstrating how HE expects those who believe on HIM to live . . by dying daily to Our own will, our need to be Right, our need to be First, our need to be Honored, our need for public approval instead of seeking GOD’s approval only. Jesus also teaches that our home is not in this world or of this world so stop striving for identification with the world and instead live our lives to Please your Father GOD, who sees everything you do in public, in private and in secret. And your GOD who sees you will reward you especially when you stand for HIM.
1 Peter 2:19-25 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward GOD endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with GOD. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
We can adjust our thinking, now! Now, while the glorious Light of Christ shine before us. People generations ago would have rejoiced to see the amount of heavenly glory that has been released to this generation. How can we take the Kingdom for granted and expect that we will get away with not obeying after having seen so much Light. Earlier generations were shown much less of the Kingdom but they believed and Repented when Jonah appeared and preached. How much more accountable is this generation who has seen so much of the glory of GOD. Back then, it was all they could do to turn their heads upwards and pray to GOD. But today, so many people praying downward while the Light of Jesus Christ and all of heaven is shining forth clearly all around them. How shall we answer GOD when HE asks us “What did we do with what we knew?” In that day, what will we say before GOD?
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of GOD?
The timing of the LORD is at Hand for Repentance and Realignment. GOD is calling all of us to Conform ourselves to the image of Christ and yes, Heaven will stand with you when you stand for CHRIST but the times and seasons are passing swiftly. It is critical that Believers release Christ everywhere so this generation will have a witness of who Jesus the Son of the Living GOD is. So many across the globe have the freedom to discuss Christ openly and without concern of arrest or detention. But this is a season which will one day change. As GOD’s WORD tells us in John 11:9-10
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
Now is the time to work for CHRIST. Night is coming and according to Genesis 1:5 even though GOD did not created darkness, HE controls it and GOD names it. GOD calls the darkness, Night and Night is coming. Use this time you have from the LORD to do everything you can to demonstrate the Kingdom of heaven, and abstain from every appearance of evil. And be encouraged to GO for GOD against all odds as in 1 Peter 3:8-16
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord GOD in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Your conversation in Christ is your lifestyle and your lifestyle speaks louder than the WORDS of your mouth. So if others should speak evil of you, let your lifestyle answer them back. Live a life of holiness and devotion to GOD which some may not have ever seen before. Allow others room to learn and to grow and pray for their soul salvation and as Jesus did while HE was hanging on the tree, Forgiving each person their trespass because so many do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
Jesus Christ is coming so quickly and time will be up! What will HE find you doing at the hour of His return? Make sure that you a part of the gathering HE is doing in this hour. Become a part of the Body of Jesus Christ, the family of GOD and not just a member of a church. Get rid of the sin in your life and Smile, GOD is watching you!
Jesus says Behold, I come quickly and to reward My Own who are with ME, to give each person according as his work shall be.
I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
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