More and short teachings!  
Please feel free too use for yourself, your family and others.    


7/14/2015

THE CROSS NOT WATER BAPTISM

THE CROSS NOT WATER........

How many times have I heard a Pastor brag or say "we had so many baptisms this year" or "we are having class on what it means to be water baptized!" Instead of saying this person is IN Christ!, alive, a believer, baptized by the spirit, baptized in Christ! The pastor wants to boast in his fleshly accomplishments, which they the pastor performed or the person wants to say look "I was baptized, that proves I am saved, a Christian." Col.2:10-23
Divisions had started in the early church. Paul's ministry was to the gentiles and growing the revelation and fellowship of the mystery. The progressive ministry was changing again from the washings of outward cleansing to inward cleansing. Outward was Israel's program, inward, the Body of Christ! At one time it was necessary for salvation to be water baptized, BUT NOW, it is not. If it was Paul would have been in sin to say "I was not sent to baptize", but to preach the cross! The emphasis is not on water, or repentance from sin, but about faith! Faith in Christ, His works on the cross and His life in you! If you are a believer you have been baptized into Christ, Romans 6. Let us stop putting such emphasis on water, and put the emphasis where it belongs, the CROSS! and a changed man, from death to life!
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.


7/14/2015

SEPERATE SAUL!!!
SAUL, later called Paul was called to be the administrator of a "new ministry", the heavenly ministry, the mystery, which was hidden from the beginning. The dispensation of God's grace to the gentiles and the church called the Body of Christ!
Praise God for this ministry! In which we get our doctrine, position, work, destiny, and purpose!
Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.


7/13/2015   #6 HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY
HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY
CONTINUEING ON:
Our last post on this series was how Israel rejected the earthly and risen Messiah and that God raised a new voice, a new way, a new creation, through Paul. Acts 9 begins Paul's ministry, and while at first in Acts seems like the same is very different. Jesus spoke to Paul directly from heaven. Instructed Him differently. He was to go to the Gentiles, (see Acts 9:15, 18:6,22:21,Rom.11:13 15:16-18, Gal.2:7-9) and these are just some, not all the scriptures, that show us that Paul was sent and that His mission, authority and office was to the Gentiles. Israel was given and trusted with all the ordinances, law, temple, sacrifices, the Gentiles were not. Israel was promised a earthly King, Kingdom the Gentiles were not. We were without law Israel had the law! We were the worst, of men, Israel was considered the best of men ( while both and all are born sinners), they had law and order! Sanctified, set apart from the rest of the world. Priest, prophets, temple, washings (baptisms), diets, yet with all that earthly understanding and promise they still failed to receive Jesus! Peter and the 11 were to go to the circumcision. (Matthew 10 and 15, Acts 11:19, Gal. 2:7-9)
In Matthew 28:18-20,Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-53, All of these say go to all the world and baptize with water for repentance and start in Jerusalem. Acts 1:6 says that the Apostles were looking for a kingdom. Jesus was to return to set up the kingdom IF Israel believed He was the Messiah. They did not! Acts 2 begins with the Spirit coming and indwelling man for the first time, and then they went to the Jews , who were in Jerusalem, that were "from every nation under heaven". The world, the nations, the commandment given to the Apostles at the end of Matthew, Mark , Luke, and beginning in Jerusalem. Israel, Jews always got the first chance and they rejected Him. Prophecy must still be fulfilled. In Acts 11:19 we still see how they were preaching to the Jews only. In that same chapter Acts 11, Peter talks about His experience and that He was shown that God had come to the gentiles, but that was for Peter the 11, and the circumcised church, to know that salvation had now come to the Gentiles. But that was not their ministry. This dispensation (administration) to the UN-circumcised was given to Paul, for the Body of Christ!        


7/10/2015     #5 HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY
HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY
CONTINUEING, on in this small series. Last post, was how Christ came to Israel to fulfill prophecy and taught how to, live and pray according to that time. Matthew 6, is teaching not to seek attention, but to be sincere in faith, Yet they were still under law. No cross yet, no forgiveness yet. The book of Hebrews in chapter 9  teaches that if there is no blood shed, the testament is still in place and so the old testament is still in place here. Therefore no forgiveness, unless sought and atoned for. So asking for forgiveness and forgiving others is a must!
So then they crucify Jesus. Israel as a nation denies the earthly Messiah. No King and No Kingdom!
So Christ is sent to the cross, He died,  He was buried and He resurrected, blood was shed, remember Hebrews, 9! Blood shed met a changing of testament, of will. Now the 'New" testament is in affect! forgiveness is accomplished, through Christ and if Israel will receive the risen Messiah!  Israel's "NEW" covenant is in place. The nation, and the world would be saved. The King is Here, the Kingdom can be set up, and ALL they have to do is receive the "RISEN MESSIAH". We see the apostles, in Acts 2 receive the Holy Spirit, and preach to all the nations of the Jews. The cross is not preached but the cross is used to shame and bring guilt on Israel. They were to still water baptize for cleansing, as prophecy proclaimed as a nation of priest and for a identity purpose to say who they followed, no longer Moses but the Messiah. BUT Israel fails again! Acts 1-7, They do not receive the risen Messiah, and they stone Stephen Acts 7 and reject the apostles message.  
So God raises up a new voice, a new message, a different mission, to a different people, called "the Body of Christ". No longer through Israel, to reach the world, but rather God goes through the gentiles to reach Israel. (Romans 9-11),
That "new" voice is Paul! (Acts 9) That "new" message is Grace, that "new" people is any one, who by faith receives, that gift of grace!    


7/8/2015 #3 HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY.
HEAVEN AND EARTH MINISTRY
CONTINUEING on from the last post on Heaven and earth. We are up to the point where Jesus, is born and has come that Israel, may have their King and kingdom. The Word, God, life and light, truth and grace would come through Jesus. Remember we said in last post that nothing has changed in the books Matthew - John. Israel is still under law, ordinances, temple worship, sacrifices, works, blessing and cursing.
John the Baptist was born, the last "old covenant"  prophet pointed Israel to Christ and was to water baptize with a baptism of repentance. They were to look for the Messiah, Jesus and He would Baptize eventually with spirit and fire.
Jesus did many miracles , signs and wonders are apart of Israel's, past and proof of who He was. He came ONLY at this time to Israel. Let see Matthew 10:5,  "go only to the lost sheep of Israel" not gentiles, and Mathew 15:24 "I was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". Jesus was to fulfil ALL prophecy first. Israel always had the first chance and choice. This is so important, because we gentiles, in The Body of Christ,  tend to put our selves here with them and we are not! Prophecy must be fulfilled first, to Israel Jesus said.
Now again I repeat Israel was under the law of Moses, and Jesus operated with in those boundaries but with the intent of the law, not just the letter of the law. In Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus Is teaching how to act with a pure heart, a genuine faith and conscience for that time. That is to not show off your charitable giving, or praying where everyone can see them, or say the same things over and over, so that they may be heard for their many words! Stop seeking attention, in other words before God and man! Stop thinking that they can bring salvation by their works, with out a sincere faith and conscience. He then teaches them how to pray for that time!
He says to ask for forgiveness of sins, in verse 12-15. Now up to this time, sacrifices and confession to a priest was made for sins. To even mention God, or talk to God, our Father was a big deal, and even to this day a big deal for a Jew. He then says "...if you do not forgive, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN..."   blessing and cursing, works,conditional, contingent, forgiveness!


7/3/2015#2 HEAVEN AND EARTH!
HEAVEN AND EARTH!  
ISRAEL GOD'S EARTHLY MINISTRY!
In the last post in this small series, in Genesis.1,  I talked about the creation of heaven and earth, and mans creation.Created in Gods image, and to be holy, (LEV.19:2 and EPH. 1:4 ) and that post ended with Gen. 3, the fall. (SEE TEACHING ON GEN. 3 ON WEBSITE) Sin now enters the earthly realm and the beginning of the earthy ministry has begun.
Now we see the beginning of this ministry through, Adam, Noah, then Abraham. He gave Abraham, the promise and a covenant. A covenant is a alliance and pledge, between to beings. By blood and or eating together, with signs and wonders, blessing and cursing's, a performance, works base agreement. This is between God and man, or even better now Abraham. It is by blood, hence circumcision, and by eating, we see the dietary laws, and communion with food and dining together as one. He would set up the nation of Israel through Abraham and sons, and eventually led by Moses.
Up till the birth of Israel, all men would have been considered gentile's, but God chose to make a distinction with Israel. They would be called Israel, Jews, and at times Hebrew's, and the rest of the world gentiles. They would have a King, Kingdom, land, prophets and priest. In fact they were to be a nation of priest and lead the other nations to God. They would have laws, sacrifices, ordinances, a tabernacle and temple. They would need these laws to condemn them so they would fear God and be faithful to Him! But they would fail and be unfaithful They would be exiled, and the temple destroyed, and rebuilt.
They would need a Messiah, to set up a everlasting King and Kingdom. Without a king there is no kingdom. So it was prophesied that they would have this Messiah, King, and Kingdom, and lead the gentile nations of the world, to worship GOD!
Beginning in Matthew, nothing has changed for Israel, all the old covenant is in force!  The law, temple, ordinances are still in place!
They are under Rome's authority, but from the beginning of Matthew,as well as Mark ,Luke, John and Acts Israel is still under Jewish law!  


7/3/2015ROMANS 15:14-18 ADAQUATE TO MINISTER! SPIRIT-WORD-PAULINE PATTERN
Because of CHRIST
The church, the Body of Christ, is more then adequate to minister to people. With truth, from the word, power through the spirit, and the Pauline pattern of grace shown to us!
Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

7/2/2015EPHESIANS 4 WHEN DOES A THIEF STOP BEING A THIEF?
Teaching this Sunday, Ephesians 4:14-32
When does a thief stop being a thief? Are you a thief? Most people would say when he stops stealing, But prisons are full of people who can not steal, but are still thief's.
Do you covet, with wanting attention, acceptance, appreciation. Perhaps your attitude, time, actions, possessions. Often times people think, and talk only about themselves. Life revolves around them. Take ,Take, Take!
A thief stops being a thief when he gives! A giving heart and attitude! Which one do you have?

7/2/2015#1 HEAVEN AND EARTH SERIES!
HEAVEN AND EARTH
Gen 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
He divided the heavens and earth, and He created man in His image (OUR image)!
Gen 1:26  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Man was the image of God, spirit!  For God is SPIRIT.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
AND HOLY meaning set apart and sacred, as God was.
Exodus  22: And ye shall be holy men unto me: .....
Lev 20:7   Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
Man was the image of God  and was told to take dominion over the earth. God gave Adam responsibility and authority.
Gen 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Then comes Gen. 3, and the fall, sin enters and man dies spiritually. (see teaching's on Gen. 3, in 5 R series on website).
The earthly ministry has now begun!
Most of the bible from here on is about the earthly ministry, through the nation of Israel.
Romans  9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Gentiles
Ephesians  2:12  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

7/2/2015#4 HEAVEN AND EARTH SERIES!
PETER, PROPHECY, KNOWN  "SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN"
It was prophesied, Israel's Messiah would come and set up the kingdom, as king, for the earthly ministry.
It was also prophesied that the gentile nations would follow, Israel, and Israel as a nation of priest was leading the way.
Now prophecy is that which was known since the world began, Act 3:21 ... which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since theworld began.
Now Jesus said that ALL prophecy must be fulfilled, to fulfill righteousness and prove who he was, as the son of God, the Messiah. So He was baptized, (as a priest, at 30years of age),  rejected and killed on the cross, prophecy fulfilled, and proven.
After the cross, Peter and the little flock were to bring Israel to shame for what they did, that Israel would repent to the risen Messiah, and set up the kingdom. Without their king there is no kingdom!
KINGDOM  AND SHAME
Act 1:6  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. ...
Acts 3:18 But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
1Co 1:23  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 2:8   Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory
Gal 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

7/1/2015THE CROSS!
THE CROSS!
Paul said I was sent to preach the cross. The cross is the symbol of Christ, His death ,burial, resurrection. It gives life unto those who believe. To the world hope! Preach the cross church!!
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of ...God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

6/29/20151 TIMOTHY 2:8-15 WHAT A MINISTRY WOMEN HAVE!
WHAT A GREAT MINISTRY WOMEN HAVE!
continuing in 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Here in 1 Tim. 2:8-15, Paul is not saying that you are a door mat, as many women feel! No!, He is saying what a great ministry you have. By submitting, serving, and  modesty, you minister to your family, and teach your children how to come under authority. The role of a Godly women is perhaps, the most important in the family. To come under a God that the children do not see, and submit to a man, who sins, whom they can see! Teach faith, in Christ, love, holiness, and self- control! WOW! WHAT A MINISTRY!!!
1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

6/29/2015Ephesians 2:10-22 NO LONGER LOST BUT FOUND!
continuing in EPHESIANS 2:10-22
In "Time Past" we GENTILES were, aliens, strangers, with no covenants and no hope, lost. How sad for us!
"BUT NOW", THE WALL OF LAW IS DOWN! GRACE HAS COME!  WE ARE IN THAT HOPE! WE ARE NEAR, RECONCILED, SAINTS, CITIZENS IN CHRIST, AND IN GODS HOUSEHOLD!!!  AMEN! THANK HIM! PRAISE HIM!
Eph. 2:10   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

6/29/2015ROMANS 2:9-3:23 GOD HAS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS!
continuing in Romans 2:9-29 and 3:23
JEW, GENTILE, GOD HAS NO REPECT OF PERSONS,
BOTH FAIL, BOTH SIN, BOTH GUILTY!
    Rom 2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God.
    23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
In light of the verses, I am always surprised when people still say to me, that obedience to the law, brings salvation and comes before faith. We are all guilty, and these verses clearly outline that no one can keep the law! Even those under the law could not! We
are all under sin, and in need of a savior! In need of the cross!
Rom 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
Rom 3:1-23 KJV - 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: 14 Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

6/28/2015CHRIST IS OUR PEACE
CHRIST IS OUR PEACE!
Christ did more then just bring peace, between God and man. He is peace. When we worry, have doubts and fears. Wanting approval, Fear rejection, punishment, death, sickness. Christ is peace. He has accepted, when others rejected. He has given life, when our bodies die. There is no condemnation, when others punish. His grace is sufficient when sick.
EPH.  2:14  For he is our peace,....
Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
2Th 3:16  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

6/27/2015EPHESIANS REST-WALK-STAND
EPHESIANS:
REST-WALK-STAND
I think this is how the book of Ephesians reads. The first 3 chapters are resting IN Christ. Who we are in Him, and what He has done for us. Chapters 4-5, shows us our walk. Many Christians and church's teach walk before rest. People stumble because they do not understand their rest and identity in Christ. They do not mature in the simple message of the cross. Then chapter 6, Stand! So many of us do not make a stand, because we do not understand, rest and walk. So when we do need to make a stand, we don't. Learn to REST-WALK-STAND IN CHRIST! REPEAT! RENEW! REJOICE!

6/26/2015FEED HIS BODY
If Jesus was walking down the road, and was hungry, would you give Him some bread? Would you complain? Let us give encouraging, edifying, words and works, to the church, as if serving Jesus a meal, after all it is His body!
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

6/26/2015PRESERVED IN CHRIST
PRESERVED IN CHRIST!
Do you ever feel insecure about your relationships. Spouse, kids, family, friends? Insecurity is about relationships.
Our relationship with Christ is preserved for eternity. To be preserved, means to be kept in the same state, same relationship, forever. Therefore we do not need to worry over our relationship with Christ, nor look to others for that need of security! Just as a mason jar is used for preserving fruit, and vegetables, and thoroughly cleansed inside. So are we by the Spirit, and sealed in that relationship. Let us renew our minds, loved ones.
1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

6/25/2015COMPLETE IN CHRIST!
COMPLETE IN CHRIST!
Believer in Christ. Do you ever think or feel inferior? We all do at some point in life. Let us not look at the world's standards, or even our own. Let us look at the perfect standard! Christ!
We are complete, perfect, whole, full, IN CHRIST
No need to think and feel inferior, for we are complete In Him. May we be transformed, with this understanding. Renew your mind, loved ones.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

6/23/2015FREEDOM IN CHRIST!
FREEDOM IN CHRIST!
Real or imaginary, we all feel guilt. While we all sin and are guilty, and guilt brings bondage! Christ cross, death, took that guilt. No longer to live in bondage to sin, and guilt but live in the freedom, Christ has given us. No longer live in the cycle of performance, to be good enough. The cross is sufficient for freedom! Renew your mind, loved ones!
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty (freedom) wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage

6/23/2015ACCEPTED ROMANS 15:7
Through the ministry of Paul, we find the our position, IN CHRIST!Therefore, because of Christ
We are totally received, and accepted IN CHRIST!
Rom 15:7 ... as Christ also received (accepted) us to the glory of God.

6/23/2015Prophecy,Paul, Position
Prophecy had to be fulfilled first. Jesus earthly ministry to Israel, for His earthly kingdom, and it is still not finished. But Now, His Heavenly ministry through Paul to the Body of Christ, for His heavenly kingdom! AMEN!
Mat 4: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaias the prophet, saying, ... 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 10: 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, sayi...ng, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Act 28:25-28 KJV - 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Ghost by Isaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 2:10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worked good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

6/22/2015Romans 1:18-32
continuing in Romans 1:18-32
RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED, RIGHTEOUSNESS REJECTED!
God has revealed His righteousness to mankind, and mankind rejected it. Exchanging the truth for a lie. How sad! Not only those who do sin, but approve of them that do!!!
Do we see that today in the world, in the church!
...
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

6/22/2015GOD IS LOVE
GOD IS LOVE
1 JOHN 4:8 ...GOD IS LOVE.
Since God is love, we know His character and motivation! Which when we receive brings about security. Love is now, fear is future!
Saints renew your mind in God's love!
"Because of Christ, I am deeply loved."...
1John 4:18 There is no fear in love (GOD); but perfect love (GOD) casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect (MATURE) in love (GOD).

6/22/2015IN ADAM
IN ADAM
Are you In Adam? do you know someone that is?
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; ...

6/22/2015GIVING AND RECEIVING
BUYING AND SELLING IS THE WORLD'S SYSTEM,
GIVING AND RECEIVING IS GOD'S SYSTEM

6/22/2015EPHSIANS 2:4-9
continuing in Ephesians 2:4-9
God's great love, shown by grace, received by faith!
Let us never forget it! That grace is a gift given, by God, and accessed by faith. Even when we were dead, in sin,
HE LOVED!
Eph. 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved; 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made us sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

6/20/2015GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE EPH. 3:8-12
GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE,
ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH CHRIST!
By God's eternal purpose, accomplished through Christ, we now have boldness and confidence, walking by faith and in the fellowship of the mystery. The heavenly vision, One God, One Lord, One Spirit, One body, One faith, One baptism, One hope.
Oh! let us keep our minds on that
HEAVNELY VISION! ...
HEAVENELYCALLING!
HEAVNELY PURPOSE!
Eph. 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

6/18/2015ABC
AMBASSADOR'S, APPROVED,ACCEPTED, ADORED
BELOVED BEAUTIFUL BELIEVER BE BOLD!
CHRIST CROSS, CHURCH, CHILD, CHARECTOR, CONQUERS..
DEAREST DISCIPLE, DEEPLY DESIRED, DEVOTED, and DECLARED!
ETERNAL ELECT, EXALT, EDIFY, ENDURE!
FAITHFULL FOLLOWERS, FOREVER FORGIVEN, FOREVER  FREE
GENTLE GRACE GIVEN, GLORIFIES GOD!
HOLY HEIRS HEAR HIS HEART!
IMAGINE IMMANUEL:INDESCRIBIBLE, INEXPRESSABLE, INVISIBLE ,INCORRUPTIBLE, IMMORTAL IMAGE,   INWARD!
JUST JESUS,  JUSTIFIES, JOYFULLY  
KINGDOM KEYS, KNOW KING
LISTEN! ,LORD LEADING, LIFE, LOVE, LIBERTY,
MERCIFUL MESSIAH, MAKES MEN MIGHTY!
NATION NEEDS NEW NATURE!
OFTEN OBEIDIENCE, OPENS OPPORTUNITY!
PHILOSOPHY PERVERTS PERFECT PEACE!
QUICKLY QUENCH QUARRELSOMENESS
RECONCILED, REDEEMED, RIGHTEOUS, RECEIVE, RENEW, REJOICE!
STAND, SAVED SERVANTS,   SPEAK, SPIRITUAL SONS,   SHINE, STRONG SOULS
TODAY, THINK, THANKFULNESS!
UNDERSTANDING UNITY, UNITES US!
VISION VICTORY, VALUED VESSEL!
WISE WARRIOR WALK WORTHY!  
XERXES, XYLO , XENO translation: the King's, wooden cross, for strangers ( gentiles, referred to this )
ZESTFUL ZEAL ZONE!

6/18/2015DON'T BE JUST A ROAD SIGN!
DON'T BE JUST A ROAD SIGN!
Many Christians only want to talk and point to the right theology in scripture, and that is needed, but it can lead to a independent heart if that is all they do. The living out of that theology is more important.
Transparency, honesty ,sharing , listening, thoughts, feelings, dreams, attitudes, giving as well as receiving, love, acceptance, forgiveness, sympathy, empathy, submission, authority, leading, ministry, teaching, training, correcting,........Not just pointing but doing!

6/18/2015ARE YOU FORGIVEN?
ARE YOU FORGIVEN?
...WALK BY FAITH....Believers let us stop asking for what we already have, and THANK HIM FOR WHAT HE HAS ALREADY DONE!
Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

6/18/2015MILK OR MEAT!
MILK OR MEAT!
I like meat, but as children we all had milk! In order to eat meat we need to mature.
In order to be mature believers, we need to be skilled in righteousness. In order to do that we need to know the word!
I want to encourage you to read the word, know the word, love the word!
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

6/18/2015MILK OR MEAT!
MILK OR MEAT!
As I said in last post, to be mature we need to read, know and love the word.
A another part of growth is to be trained. Just like a parent gives instruction to a immature child, they must also train, correct and rebuke a child. We get this through the Body. Discipleship! Find someone to disciple you, or you disciple someone else!
2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

6/18/2015
6/15/2015ROMANS 1:15-17 PREACH, POWER, PURPOSE
continuing in Romans Rom. 1:15-17
PREACH,POWER, PURPOSE!
Paul says in vs.15 ," As much as is in me" I am ready to preach. Preach means to proclaim. Paul proclaimed Jesus. His death, His burial, His resurrection, His life, His cross, His Gospel!
Why? Because it is the POWER OF GOD! The power of God for what purpose? The purpose to bring salvation to man. The salvation of life IN CHRIST! How? By FAITH! We have a Purpose too. To Preach, Proclaim, with Power the CROSS OF CHRI...ST!
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith

6/15/2015EPHESIANS 2:1-3
continuing in EPHESIANS        Eph. 2:1-3    
DEAD MAN WALKING
You talk about miracles. WOW! We are born dead in sin, walking, talking, and dead. Spiritually dead, slaves to our flesh, slaves to the world, slaves to Satan. Disobedient children! By nature children of wrath! Lust, lust, lust!
BUT NOW! He has made us ALIVE!!! ALIVE I SAY!! A NEW NATURE, A NEW CREATION, A NEW SPIRIT, HIS VERY LIFE!! IN US!!!! AND WE IN HIM!! WOW!
Everyone wants to see a miracle, if your a believer, just look in the mirror.  
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

6/15/2015SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY
SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY    
---- BODY----
I have shared how we are a Spirit and how the spirit has salvation, assurance of salvation, secure in salvation and sealed, accepted, seated, and how Jesus is totally committed to us.
We have a soul, and the problem we have is in the soul, the mind- will- emotions. Now we see that the way we think, believe, understand, choose, and react, affects our bodies. The mind thinks, believes,---the will choses-----the emotions feel. Our bodies reacts. Have you ever sat in a movie theater/home and watch a scary movie. You emotions begin to react, even though you know it is not real. this is how we sometimes operate in life. Even believers who know the truth. The bible says to ...walk by faith not by sight... well sight, is in the body, along with hearing smelling, tasting, touching....The body is affected.    
A statistic, from the medical community says that 80% of the people that come in for something physical, that it is caused from a mental and emotional stress or place in their lives. Now I am not saying that all these are caused from our soul, in every person, but many are.

6/13/2015SAVED SAINT, SEALED, SEATED, SECURE IN CHRIST
Are you a Christian? Then you are a,
SAVED SAINT, SEALED ,SEATED, AND SECURE in Christ.
SAVED-    Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
SAINT-     Ephesians  1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
SEALED-   Ephesians  1:13-14  In Him you also [trusted], after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
SEATED -   Ephesians  2:6  and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
SECURED-  1 Jo 5:13  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.
Give Him Thanks "Saints"

6/13/2015THE MISSION OF MAKING MUTUAL, MATURE MEMBERS OF THE BODY
continue in Romans Romans 1:7-14
the MISSION, MAKING MUTUAL, MATURE MEMBERS!
Paul always says in his letters grace and peace. There is NO peace without grace. Then he goes on to say he wanted to see and share with them some spiritual gift. That gift was to establish them. Grow them to maturity. So that they are not blown around with every wind of doctrine that comes around. That they would not be caught up with signs and wonders, but mature in the faith.
Not by sight..., but by faith, in the work of the cross. In Jesus, and Jesus alone. This mutual, mature faith, in the fellowship of the mystery of Christ. (Eph. 3:9)
Rom 1:7-14 KJV - 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise

6/11/2015SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY THE PROBLEM
SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY
SPIRIT-SOUL--------THE PROBLEM
OUR SPIRIT IS:SAVED, SEALED, SEATED,WE HAVE ASSURANCE, SECURITY AND ACCEPTANCE IN THAT SALVATION,
and GOD, JESUS AND HOLY SPIRIT IS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO US.
BUT, we do not always operate out of that, do we. Then what is the problem?
OUR SOUL!  OUR MIND -WILL-EMOTIONS. We all think and feel at sometime,1. Inferior, 2. Insecure, 3. Inadequate, 4.guilty (real and sometimes imaginary) 5. Worry, doubts, fears.
We  become frustrated, angry, hostile with people, work, spouse,  family, friends, our dog., blaming them for our emotional well being...... all this because our soul is not in unity with what is true in our spirit. It works in and out of our Soul, (mind, will, emotions). We become depressed, anxious, our thoughts go into fantasies, paranoia, obsessive thoughts. Over and over!  You may say, to your self ,"is this the victorious, abundant, Christian life Jesus was talking about". Can you see your yourself in this picture?   All of us are here at sometime or another.      

6/8/2015LAW, LOVE, LIBERTY STUDY OF 1TIMOTHY
continuing in Timothy:     Timothy 1:4-11
LAW, LOVE, LIBERTY
The law condemns, and shows us our need for a Savior.
Because all are born in sin. BUT, when we come to know that love, that great love from God. That love that Jesus died for us. That love that He rose for us. That love!
When we receive that love by a sincere faith, a pure heart, and a good conscience, we in turn, give that love to others, with a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith, and living in the freedom given to us.
1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

6/8/2015SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY SPIRIT ALONE
continuing
SPIRIT-SOUL- BODY
The last post showed, man receiving God's gift of salvation by faith,and showed how the spirit of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit enters man through the spirit, with the data of the scriptures. (see all diagrams in photos).  Now let us look at just the spirit, part. There are so many scriptures pertaining to the spirit, I could not list them all in this small post. but you will get the point.
We have salvation, assurance of that salvation, security in that salvation, acceptance and sealed in that salvation, and God is totally committed to us. We are one in God, Jesus, Spirit. He lives in us, and we are in Christ. Sealed, seated, sanctified. Adopted, accepted, approved, Birthed, blessed, belonging too the God of god's and Lord of lord's. Complete, chosen,children of God. We are desired, delivered, and destined with our father. Our spirit is exchanged, eternal,and enjoyed by Him. He is our spiritual Father, faithful and favor's us. We are whole, holy, heirs, with every spiritual blessing in the heaven's. This was all done in the spirit, realm.  
some more scripture beside diagram. Rom.8:9-17,39, Rom.10:8-13, 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16,6:17-20, 2 Cor.1:22, Eph.1:13-14....

6/6/2015SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY BELIEVER
SPIRIT- SOUL- BODY
BELIEVER
As in the last post, man has a spirit, soul , body, surrounded by the physical and psychological world data. This data affects our soul and body, in our actions ,attitudes and goals. Remember our spirit is dead....,
BUT when we come to know the gospel, Jesus death, burial and resurrection, the work at the cross, we then have the spirit of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and spiritual data from the scriptures enters our spirit. AND WE ARE ALIVE IN SPIRIT. It influences our actions, attitudes and goals, from the opposite side, our spirit side.
The data from the world, still there and influences our body and soul.
But we are alive IN CHRIST!
EPHESIANS  2: 1   And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ... 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ... 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

6/5/2015
6/5/2015 SAVED, SERVANTS, SAINTS!
SAVED, SERVANTS, SAINTS!
Rom 1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures, 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: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

6/5/2015SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY
SPIRIT-SOUL-BODY
A UNBELIEVER
While man has a spirit, man's sin separates us from God! Our Soul,(mind -will-emotions) and body continue to be surrounded by the physical and psychological data of the world. Our actions, attitudes, goals, come from our soul and body. Yet our spirit is dead.
   Gen 3:4   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.
   Isa 59:2.... But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
   Rom 5:14  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

6/5/2015
6/4/2015Spirit-Soul-Body
Spirit-Soul-Body
We are spirit, we have a soul, and we are in a body.
Spirit- relates to God and is spiritually aware, spiritually sensitive, spiritually understanding and spiritually motivated.
Soul-  relates to our mind -will-emotions, our thinking, choosing, and feelings.
Body- relates to our physical world though our 5 senses sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell.
   1Th. 5:23    And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  Hebrews  4:12    For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

6/3/2015Identity gives meaning and purpose
IDENTITY GIVES MEANING AND PURPOSE
A CHILD OF GOD, THATS WHO YOU ARE!
A believer, in the Body of Christ, has a "NEW" Identity, and that identity tells you ,who you are, and gives meaning and purpose.
No longer, lost, No longer searching, not belonging,  but belonging to THE GOD of creation.
You are Child that is made NEW AND ALIVE by the Spirit. Holy, and blameless before God by faith in Jesus Christ and His works at the cross.    
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

6/2/2015Do you know the 5 R
Do you know the 5 R's?
1. Repent -toward God and  faith toward Christ.
2. Renew- you must be a new creation first, then continue to renew your mind with truth.
3. Rest - is a by product of renewing, producing peace, and contentment.
4. Reconcile -believers are already reconciled to God, this is in human relationships, extend    
   and seek forgiveness.
5. Reach- share the gospel of grace, by faith, in Christ death , burial, resurrection, with others.
If you will remember these and follow with a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith, you will mature, minister, help and add to the members of the Body of Christ.
6/1/2015Salvation by Faith in Christ death, burial, resurrection.
SALVATION   Mar 1:27   .... What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?......
Throughout the history of man, God has always given away of salvation. Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist,  
All included faith,    
" But Now"  
Eph. 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
5/31/2015What repentance requires
What Repentance requires.
A sorrow, which produces, honesty, humbleness and a heavenly character.
     Ps. 119:59  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
     Phil. 4:8   Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
    Col 3:12    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
     2Co 7:8   For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
5/30/2015Maturity comes through Repentance
Maturity comes through repentance.
Meaning that through continual, change of mind from self, flesh, natural, to God, spirit, and resting by faith in the work of the cross, do we begin to mature and grow.
Repentance, Renewing, Resting, IN CHRIST!
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
5/29/2015A BELIEVER IN CHRIST
If you are a believer IN Christ, you are Gods child, His son and daughter. Therefore You are deeply loved, totally accepted, and completely forgiven.
Thank Him today and always. Be completely content In His Love.

5/29/2015GEN. 3:1-4 DECEIVED
Gen 3:1-4.......And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Church let us not be deceived into thinking we can live one second without God.
For He is life, and gives life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us thank Him and praise Him.

5/29/2015GEN. 3:5 DEATH AND LIFE
DEATH AND LIFE
Gen 3:5 .... and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Unbeliever, alone, not belonging, searching, trying to live without God, worshiping self, independent lifestyle, DEATH
1Co 1:9 ... by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
BELIEVER, BELONGING, FOUND,SUBMITTED IN CHRIST, DEPENDENT LIFESTYLE ON CHRIST, LIFE

5/29/2015GEN. 3 LUST
LUST
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise,...
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, ...
WE all lust. We lust for love, and fear rejection. We lust for security, acceptance, money, power, pleasure......
OH! MY! THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR LOVE AND KINDNESS!!
Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobe...dient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

5/29/2015REJECTION
REJECTION!
Do you ever think or feel unloved, disrespected, dishonored, hurt, manipulated, taken advantage of, rejected........As in my other post the subject I have tried to get across is from Gen. 3, and that is when we act like we are God, without God,(even though as a believer we have the spirit we can act fleshly) then we sin. When we sin we reject others, and God. All of us have been rejected, even Christ. All sin rejects but not all rejection is sin.
In Christ you are deeply loved, totally accepted, and completely forgiven.
EPH. 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
ROM.15:7 Wherefore receive(accept) ye one another, as Christ also received (accepted) us to the glory of God.
EPH. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

5/29/2015DO YOU LIVE IN THE REJECTION CYCLE?
DO YOU LIVE IN THE REJECTION CYCLE?
THINK OR FEEL HURT, UNLOVED,DISRESPECTED, DISHONORED,AND SELF PITY!
Gen 25:29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob s...aid, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
OR ANGRY, BITTER, AND REJECTING OTHERS, BOTH FOCUSED ON SELF!
BOTH ARE SIN! BOTH SIN TOWARD OTHERS, AND BOTH REJECT OTHERS.
Gen 27: 1-41......41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
FOR YOU ARE DEEPLY LOVED, TOTALY ACCEPTED,COMPLETLY FORGIVEN, IN CHRIST!.
5/29/2015INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
Internal/External
If everything in life was perfect. Externally all positive,Your marriage, job, health, location, money, children, church, friends, looks, things you own, leisure, everything good and positive, But without Christ it would still be the greatest negative.
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consist not in the abundance of the things which he possess.
Phil. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but los...s for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
To search for acceptance externally, by "doing" and working harder, even in church activities, can be even worse, If self is still on the thrown internally.
Only when we internally are in Christ, "being" do we have Life. God made us "human beings", not "Human doings". Therefore we are "being" lost without Christ or "being" found in Christ, life. Which are you?
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
2Ti 1:1 ... according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
Col 3: 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, ...
5/29/2015REPENTANCE
Repentance
While it is not a popular word. It means to have a change of mind. We are to repent, have a change of mind from self-righteousness to Gods righteousness.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, eve...n in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
EPH. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
The gift of grace, accessed by faith.
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Oh My! what grace He gave, and we have, thank Him for it, today!

5/29/2015GEN. 3 SHAME
Shame
If you are a believer in Christ you are made NEW! You are a new creation. Regeneration has happen. Titus 3:4-7 and 2 Cor. 5:17.
So don't walk in shame of your past. Shame is focused on self.
Instead thank and praise God, through Christ, and His works, at the cross.
5/29/2015GEN. 3 PRIDE
PRIDE:
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boaste...rs, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Lust and Pride go hand and hand, both to covet, both self centered.
Let us be Humble, not with false humility, but genuine.
YES! BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, HIS KINDNESS AND LOVE
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5/29/2015GEN.3 BLAME
Blame
Gen 3:12 ... And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Adam not only blamed Eve, but God.
It is easy to blame others and not take responsibility, for our own sin. Let us be sensitive to our own sin and even more sensitive to God's GRACE through the cross of Christ.

5/29/2015GEN. 3 OVERVIEW AND SIN
Putting GEN. 3, all together from all my post, I see: That I can be deceived, into trying to be a god, without God! Lust and pride flow from this, and the emotions from this sin is shame ,guilt, and fear.Then I blame others for my mental, emotional, and physical being. Lord am I the only one who does this? OH! MY! What a world I live in when this is the norm.
OH! What HOPE, what LOVE, what POWER, to give LIFE, to the DEAD!
Rom 5:5-8 KJV - 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; beca...use the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

5/29/2015GEN.3 GUILT
GUILT
Guilt is something we ALL must deal with as humans. We are all guilty of sin, guilty before God. All sin is against God, and deserves some sort of payment. Some sort of punishment.
Praise God He sent His son, Jesus for that punishment. Thank God for the Cross, Thank God for His justice, Thank God for making us Justified and righteous, by faith IN Christ  and before Him.
Don't hang on to guilt, or the feelings of  guilt. Because of justification you do not need to fear failure.
Just Thank God!

5/29/2015GEN. 3 FEAR
FEAR
I shared before on shame and guilt, now I want to share on fear. We all have fear, we are born in fear, Romans 8:15. In Gen.3, Adam sinned, we inherited that sin. Shame ,Guilt ,Fear are the emotions we have when we sin. When we are self focused. Protecting ourselves at all cost! We lust for love, and fear rejection, and failure, then blame others for our hurt and failings. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS JUSTIFCATION! If justified then no longer held guilty. Righteous IN Christ, Reconciled to God! If THE GOD of the universe wants to be with us and sent His son to die for us. Romans 8:31, I will not walk in fear of rejection from others, but love them as God through Christ loved me. IN GRACE!

5/29/2015GEN.3 PLAYING GOD
Playing God;
Setting standards, demanding obedience and judging self and others.
Gen 3:3 ...But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat:
Life is lived in the small things, the everyday things. When we act like we are a god, we often will set standa...rds and laws, that are not GODS standards. Take Eve for example. She said in Gen. 3:3, that God said not to touch the fruit, but God just said in Gen. 2:16, do not eat of it. He never said do not touch. We can do this to ourselves. Have you ever said "I am so stupid, ugly, dumb....... and this list goes on. Or called someone else that" stupid, ugly, dumb, idiot..."
Have you ever argued with someone? Family, spouse, co workers? "why did you not clean those dishes, and take out the trash!"(said in a mad tone!) We can do this in all 7 areas of life. Even in the spiritual area, doctrine IS important, but lets not shrink it down to our standards. Sometimes the standard may be Godly, but we demand, and judge. While we are to judge righteously I am talking about judging with hate and malice. Making sure every "T" IS CROSSED AND "i" dotted.
1Ti 1:4-5 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serve Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

5/29/2015PREROGATIVES OF GOD, AOM
PREROGATIVES OF GOD
Since God is God, and we are not. He has certain prerogatives..
1. determining standards of conduct for man kind
2. demanding obedience to those standards
3. judging the lives, actions, attitudes of man by those standards...
4. taking vengeance
5. controlling all of life
6. being sovereign and independent doing what ever He pleases
7. having man praise ,worship Him
8. needing help from no one
When we do these, and try to be God without God it is sin.
1. determining standards for self and others, that God has said and set otherwise
2. demanding obedience to those standard of conduct for self and others
3. judging the lives, actions and attitudes of self and others by those standards
4. seeking revenge
5. endeavoring to control all of life
6. exercising "sovereign" independence doing whatever one pleases
7. seeking and demanding the attention, appreciation, acceptance, affection from others.
8. asking help and guidance from no one.

4/28/2015FASTING
By Justin Johnson
With the growing confusion about fasting in the church and conflation of Christianity with Catholicism it is important to understand religious fasting from a mid-Acts dispensational perspective.
When Children Fast
It used to be common practice for parents to send children to bed without supper if they were disobedient. Going to bed hungry would cause them to consider their disobedience and drive them to repentance or go hungry.
Children need this sort of discipline.
Children also must be told when they can eat certain sweets or desserts. Greedy children would not know when to stop, and would eat only desserts if they had the liberty.
They must be taught to abstain themselves from over indulgence and to be temperate. Parents make rules. God made laws.
Likewise, fasting was a requirement within Israel as they were being tutored and governed by the law as God’s children.
“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.” – Gal 4:1-2
It would be doctrinally childish for the Church today to be put under the laws of fasting, since we are no longer children in understanding (Eph 4:14; 1 Cor 14:20).
When Israel Fasted
The laws of fasting were designed for Israel without an understanding of our complete position in Christ. They needed fasting to learn humility before God and to trust his words over the pleasures of the flesh.
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” – Deu 8:3
Fasting was a requirement for Israel. The law required fasting along with confession of sins in order to receive God’s forgiveness and grace (Joel 2:12-13).
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chron 7:14
(See why this verse is not for the Church today.)
Without the humbling of themselves through fasting, Israel would not display the contrite heart required for God to hear, forgive, and heal.
Jesus Fasted
Jesus fasted for 40 days after his baptism. Just as he was not baptized for sins but to fulfill all righteousness (Mat 3:15), Jesus fasted not for sins but to fulfill the law (Mat 4:4).
Through fasting God manifest in the flesh felt humility as a man that suffered (Phil 2:8).
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” – Heb 4:15
Jesus humbled himself when he became a man through fasting. Imagine the God of the Universe experiencing hunger! He could have any food he desired, as the Devil pointed out, but he went without food, resisting temptation, and fulfilling the law.
Why Don’t They Fast?
When Jesus was with his disciples on earth they did not fast, and it made the law keeping religious Pharisees curious.
“ And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?” – Luke 5:33
Jesus responded that his disciples did not fast because he was with them, and it was a time of celebration not mourning (Luke 5:34-35). However, when the Messiah left and the kingdom did not come, his disciples taught fasting once again:
“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. “ – James 4:9-10
On the very feast day of Pentecost, Peter and the twelve preached a message of sorrow and shame that they had killed their Messiah (Acts 2:36-27).
Their fasting and confession of sins were required for the Lord to return and heal the land as the law and prophets required (Lev 26:40-45).
Why Churches Fast
Many churches today teach the necessity of fasting especially during Lent and Easter. If not as a requirement they teach it as a suggested spiritual discipline.
Their doctrine of fasting comes from the verses quoted already from Israel’s program. That churches would require or recommend fasting displays ignorance of the mystery of Christ and the Bible rightly divided.
The Roman Catholic church leads the way for others who teach fasting by making it a church law going so far as to declare fasting an act that joins us to the mystery of Jesus.
“By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” – CCC 540
What nonsense it is to identify something clearly explained under the law (fasting) as a mystery of Christ which Paul says was kept secret since the world began (Rom 16:25).
The apostle of the Gentiles, who was given the mystery of Christ and the church, never teaches the need to fast, but rather identifies it as a weak practice as well as day observance, circumcision, and Sabbath days.
“But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” – Gal 4:9
A failure to rightly divide is the cause of the fasting confusion. It truly is a mystery why churches promote religious fasting, when we have something far better in the gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation.
Why Don’t We Fast
Fasting was a requirement for Israel under their law program, but is not a Church ritual or requirement being not under the dominion of the law.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” – Rom 6:14
We do not need fasting, confession, self-sacrifice, or prayers to remove the power of sin. Christ did that for us when he died and resurrected (Rom 6:3-6).
What Israel did not have under the law, the Church now understands by the mystery of Christ being no more children, but adult sons.
“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” – Gal 4:5
The mystery of the Christ in us gives us all spiritual blessings of forgiveness, grace, redemption, salvation, and peace with God through faith in the gospel of Christ (Eph 1:3).
“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will…” – Eph 1:6-9
What a privilege and a joy to have the riches of God’s grace! We are no longer told what to eat or not to eat (1 Tim 4:4). For what spiritual benefit would we need to fast that we do not already possess in Christ freely?
While we take showers to stay clean, we do not need water baptism. While we may restrict our diet for health reasons, we do not need religious fasting.
We are not waiting for a kingdom. We are at peace with God. The penalty of our sins is paid. The power of sin is removed. Our flesh is to be reckoned dead.
Whether we eat or not does neither change our position nor our blessings in Christ. Neither eating nor fasting commends us to God, but Christ (1 Cor 8:8, Col 1:27).
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday…” – Col 2:16
There is now no condemnation to those in Christ who walk after these spiritual truths.

4/27/2015SHOULD I BE WATER BAPTIZED?
Only if you are ignorant of the revelation of the mystery.
The church is divided into a hundred different camps regarding this extremely controversial subject. Unfortunately, they are all ignorant of the revelation of the mystery given to Paul, and are oblivious to the cause of their confusion.
If you cannot understand Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, then you will naturally conclude that we are somehow related to Israel and that we are to follow the preaching and teaching of John the Baptist and Jesus while he walked the earth.
What most do not realize is that water baptism did not originate with John the Baptist nor with Jesus. The people of Israel knew exactly what John was doing. The Pharisees did as well, but they did not know why.
“And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? “ John 1:25
The Pharisees knew that before the coming kingdom there would come a messenger who would clean the house of Israel in order for them to enter the ‘holy priesthood’ and take their rightful position as the ‘Priests of the Lord’
“But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. “ – Isaiah 61:6
Originally God excluded only the tribe of Levi to maintain the temple and only a select few of Israel were to be priests. However, it was always God’s intention to make the entire nation a nation of priests to all the world!
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. “ – Exodus 19:5-6
It was written in the Levitical law that the priests were to be first washed with water before entering their holy position.
“And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.” – Lev 8:6
“And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. “ – Exodus 40:12
So then, John the Baptist came proclaiming the kingdom of God (the kingdom where Israel would be priests) and the remission of sins through water washing.
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4
John preached his water baptism in the river Jordan for the remission of the sins. However, this water washing was not the only prerequisite for the priesthood.
“And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. “ – Exodus 40:13
Under the Levitical law the priests put on holy garments and were anointed with oil after their water baptism, but John the Baptist describes the true anointing with the Holy Ghost:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:“
Both the water baptism and the Holy Ghost anointing were necessary requirements as described in the Levitical law in order for Israel to enter the kingdom.
In Luke 7:29-30 submission to water baptism was how believing Israel justified their faith in the coming kingdom as taught by Jesus.
Water Baptism Today
While baptism was commanded by Jesus for the remission of sins, Jesus also taught the entire law while confirming the promises given to Israel.
“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: “ – Romans 15:8
It was not until after Pentecost when God instituted the dispensation of grace that he gave first to Paul. He would then reveal the secret of the meaning behind his death on the cross.
This message of the cross was made available to all men without distinction, covenant status, circumcision, or water baptism.
Instead of becoming priests and reigning in an earthly kingdom, the body of Christ today is to assume a heavenly position with Christ as our mediator. No one today can become the priestly mediator to Christ through the washings and anointings of the law.
Rather, by his grace, God freely gives those that believe a high calling in Christ Jesus! Once we believe that Christ was the much needed blood propitiation for our sins, then we are baptized into the Lord himself!
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” – 1 Corinthians 12:13
We are not baptized into water to remit our sins, we are baptized into Christ! This baptism is not just a cleansing, it is an extermination. Our baptism into Christ crucifies our flesh and places us into his death. Likewise we will take part in his resurrection.
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. “ – Romans 6:3-4
Paul’s Message of Baptism
Just as John the Baptist came baptizing with water in obedience to God, we too must obey the instructions of God for this distinct and separate dispensation.
In Paul’s writings alone do we find the instructions given by the risen Lord Jesus to us today, for no one before Paul knew of the grace of God through the secret kept hidden from the foundation of the world.
Contrary to the instructions for the apostles in other dispensations, Paul was not sent to baptize.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. “ – 1 Cor 1:17
However, his reason for not water baptizing is even more instructive than his admission to not being sent. The reason Paul was not sent to water baptize was because it would make of no effect the cross of Christ.
Upon the cross of Christ our sins were nailed, and our flesh was crucified (Gal 2:20). Our baptism by the Spirit into the body of Christ magnifies the truth of the operation of God by the cross to be received by grace.
Rather than being an act of grace, water baptism is something that must be performed in order to meet the qualifications of entering the kingdom. It is the same conditional prerequisite that the law always places upon Israel.
Instead of proving the grace of God in the cross of Christ, water baptism proves the obedience to the law. Wherefore, if Paul were to place his followers back under the law, he would be doing a great disservice to the message to which he was committed – the gospel of the grace of God.
So it is today, that those who submit themselves to water baptism believing that it is necessary in order for God to be satisfied are also placing their trust back under a conditional system originating from the law.
Paul teaches us that we have been delivered from the curse of the law with its numerous requirements. Today we have a more glorious testimony of the grace of God, which is to believe in the ‘one baptism’ of Ephesians 4:5.
Water baptism is for those entering the kingdom come to Israel, or who are ignorant of the greater mystery truths given to the apostle Paul. It is not by water baptism, but by the spiritual baptism of 1 Cor 12:13 that we can proclaim,
For it is the Lord’s work, his work alone,
that seized my berth in heaven’s home
and nothing more than this I know
than Christ crucified, a cleansing flow
4/27/2015GRACE AMBASSADORS
http://graceambassadors.com/

4/26/2015GOSPELS
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Old Testament Books? By Brother Justin Johnson
Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Old Testament Books? By Brother Justin Johnson
Most every casual Bible student would know that the New Testament section of the Bible begins with the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We may also know that the origin of this division comes from the different languages from which they were translated.
...
However, naming the Greek portion of Scripture as the New Testament could possibly be the origin of many problems people have in understanding Jesus’ earthly ministry. For according to the Scripture, the majority of these four narratives of the life of our Lord Jesus are indeed Old Testament.
Hebrews 9:15-17 says:
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that BY MEANS OF DEATH, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also OF NECESSITY BE THE DEATH OF THE TESTATOR. For A TESTAMENT IS OF FORCE AFTER MEN ARE DEAD: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”
Hebrews 9:15-17 explains that it was after Jesus’ death that the New Testament took force. Galatians 4:4 explains:
“…when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, MADE UNDER THE LAW,…”
The Mosaic Law was the order of the Old Covenant. According to Galatians 4:4, Jesus was born and lived under the Old Covenant. It was not until his death that the New Testament could be made available.
Since the large majority of each book and Jesus’ entire earthly ministry occurred before his death then it should be considered that these four books are still in the context of the Old Covenant.
This would explain why Paul wrote that Jesus ‘was a minister of the circumcision to confirm the promises made unto the Fathers’ (Romans 15:8).
This would also explain why Jesus operated according to the Old Testament:
Was circumcised (Luke 2:27)
Water Baptized (Matt 3:15)
Taught Conditional forgiveness (Matt 6:14)
Taught Levitical Sacrifice for Healing (Matt 8:4)
“Follow the commandments” (Mark 10:17-19)
“Obey the Pharisees” (Matt 23:2-3)
Observed feast days (Matt 26:17)
In order to better understand the Scriptures we need to understand the context of the passages we read. Therefore it is important to realize that the events leading up to the cross in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are under the Old Testament.

4/26/2015DOCTRINE
What Is Doctrine? By Brother Justin Johnson
The Bible defines doctrine as instruction, knowledge, or content of what is taught. In Proverbs we read,
...
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” – Proverbs 4:1-2
And in Isaiah,
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?…” – Isaiah 28:9a
The Bible says that there are many doctrines in the world and it could be easy for the unstable Christian to be carried away with unsound doctrine. Ephesians exhorts us to be established in the Word of God so that,
“ …we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” – Ephesians 4:14
Instead, we should “study to shew ourselves approved unto God” learning the doctrine of God found in the Bible. Paul instructs Timothy,
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” – 1Timothy 4:13
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Even more, it is not enough just to have doctrine, but we must have the sound doctrine that applies to us in this dispensation. The doctrine given to Noah to build an ark in Genesis 6 would be unsound doctrine for you and me to follow today.
Likewise the ‘good doctrine’ of the law in Proverbs 4:2 would also be unsound doctrine for us today in the dispensation of Grace, though it was ‘good doctrine’ in the dispensation of the Law.
Today we must beware of those who would deceive us with unsound doctrine that would place us back under the bondage of the law. Paul emphatically exhorts Timothy to beware of these teachers of the law when he instructs,
“…that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine…” – 1 Timothy 1:3b
Being entrusted with the dispensation of the Grace of God (Eph 3:1-2), Paul teaches us to,
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” – Titus 1:9

4/25/2015Extending and Seeking Forgiveness
4 R   Lesson 8
Reconciliation        
 The first 3 R's (Repent, Renew, and Rest) are for us. This next R is for the Body of Christ, for others.  While we do benefit from it because we gain a clear conscience in being obedient, it is primarily for the Body, the church, to work and get along in relationship. We reconcile because He told us to, and because nothing shows greater ministry than humbly forgiving and seeking forgiveness. This is were the rubber meets the road, so to speak. If you cannot forgive someone, then you do not understand Christ's forgiveness for you. After all, God, who is Holy, perfect, and without sin, forgave us and sent His son Jesus to die for us. How can we, who were sinful and now still do sin, NOT forgive someone else who sins? What sin can another do that wouldn't compare to our sin? Don't compare another's sin to yours; compare your sin to God's holiness. SO Christ has forgiven us, shown us, told us, and empowered us by His Spirit to forgive.  There are 2 types of forgiveness: 1) Extending and 2) Seeking
Extending Forgiveness
 To extend is an action toward another, to give to another. We are told to forgive as we have been forgiven. Let's look at Ephesians 4:32 which is the same verse that we talked about in teachings 4-6. In those teachings, we were looking at forgiveness for us, but in this teaching look at what is says for others.  It tells us to forgive as you are forgiven ("...forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.").  Because we are forgiven, we understand.
 Colossians 2:13-15 says ALL your sins, as well as the sins of the person who has offended you, are on that cross!  Colossians 3:13 again says to forgive as you have been forgiven. This verse that is for us is also for others.
  Remember back in teaching #3 that we said everyone gets rejected and that all sin rejects. So now when you think and feel rejected, hurt, unloved, disrespected, dishonored, etc. we all must do something with that rejection, NO MATTER WHAT!!!  Don't ignore it. Don't say, "That's just the way the person is."  Don't excuse it or tolerate it. Don't think you can forget it, or that it will go away in time. Don't say, "I am not mad anymore" or "I forgave them because I don't feel mad now." Remember, you are not God! He is the judge, the only one who can forgive you and the only one who can judge the one who offended you.
 Look at the diagram below. When I am the one hurt and rejected, the offended, I then hold this person guilty of hurting, rejecting, and offending me, BUT I am not the judge.
You see, when I judge someone I am acting in the wrong role and fleshly feelings will arise. Then I sin, and I am held in bondage, like in a jail cell. Bitterness follows. Hebrews 12:15 speaks of a bitter root springing up. The funny thing about the meaning of bitterness is that there must always be a hurt or offence which happens underground in our heads.  No one knows but us, at least for a second or two. Then up through the ground the roots sprout into anger, bitterness, ugliness, meanness, and malice and defile many. This includes ourselves, yes, BUT usually it also affects our spouse, kids, family, friends, church, etc. The word defile means to poison. This is what happens when we do not forgive. Sin brings rejection, and rejection brings sin.  Let's look at what to do when we are offended.
1. Bring offender before God in prayer.  Say his/her name and what they did, and that you hold them guilty for .
2. Tell God how you truly felt, saying, "I felt disrespected by        .
3. Say to God, "My sinful reactions were just as guilty as theirs, and  Lord I thank you for forgiving me at the cross."
4. Make a decision to forgive.  "Lord, I choose to forgive just as you forgave me."  The choosing is an important part because forgiving is a direct act of your will. It is not that you can't.  If you do not forgive, it is that you won't! (See diagrams below and go to "Seeking Forgiveness.")
Seeking Forgiveness
 Seeking forgiveness is when I hurt someone else, or when I am the offender. If I was to sin against my wife because I was angry, mad, or seeking revenge, then I would go back to her and SEEK her forgiveness.
Lets look at Matthew 5:23-24
v. 23 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, v. 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
   Now while this is under Jesus's earthly ministry to Israel, it can still be "for us". (This is also a perfect example of understanding the dispensation of Grace under Paul's ministry. Because if you read the next verses 25-26, if you do not reconcile, you are to be handed over to the judge and be put in prison until you repay. BUT remember the cross has not come yet and neither has Grace!)
   So we see, as an example, that we are to take seeking forgiveness seriously. Just as in the teaching on extending forgiveness, we should understand for ourselves what seeking forgiveness is not. It is not blaming the other person for your sin, even if they did sin. It is not saying, "Well, if you had not rejected me, I would not have sinned." It is not saying, "I was wrong, but so were you." It is NOT acting in a shame faced, pouty, crying attitude, or trying to get the other's approval. It is not simply saying "I'm sorry," so you can move on. It is not trying to win them back for any gain.
  IT IS understanding that your action was sin, and that sin is against God first. I cannot express that enough. ALL sin is against God! So first, go to God and admit your sin THANKING HIM FOR FORGIVING YOU ALREADY AT THE CROSS.  Then extend forgiveness to the person as we talked about above in Extending Forgiveness (read again if necessary). Then go to the person and seek their forgiveness.  You may want to wright it out, before you go.
 Say the three hardest words to say, "I was wrong for (yelling, hurting, manipulating, not talking to you.....)." Then ask them for their forgiveness. Say, "Will you forgive me?" and wait for their reply. Most will say yes, but sometimes people are not ready.  They still may be very emotional, or they have not forgiven you to begin with.  That's ok.  Ask them if you can talk again, maybe a couple of days or a week down the road, but do not let it just go. Then do it again, a second time. If the answer is "no" the second time, see if they will talk about it, then talk. BUT remember you are not doing this for approval from them; you are doing it because God said to so that the Body of Christ may be in unity.  You are being obedient to God, and you are already approved by Him. Your conscience is clear. Your identity is in God and Jesus, not in others.
 Seeking forgiveness is an action of your will, a choice based on your conviction of sin and/or the guilt that another may have against you. It is an action of your will, and you can do it because of the Spirit and power in you and the forgiveness you have received from God through Jesus Christ.
Some cautionary boundaries:
1. If you are seeking forgiveness from an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend or anyone you sinned against in a sexual nature, go with a spouse, pastor, or friend. If you decide to call, make sure that the person knows your spouse, friend, or pastor is there.
2. Do not send a letter. They can be read by others and also misread and misunderstood.
3. You do not need to go into much detail, just enough detail to bring the person back to where the offense was. For instance, " Do you remember when ?"
If you will do these 4 R's everyday, you will grow into a mature Christian.
These are the basic foundations for maturity.
There is 1 more R, Reach. Go to Teaching 5.

4/25/2015
Put Off and Put On!
Colossians 3:8-15
This Teaching will show what the process of the day to day life of a believer would look like. I hope you went through the 5 R series. If not I would encourage you to go through that series.
1. Repent 2. Renew 3. Rest 4. Reconcile 5. Reach
These are all captured in this lesson.
Put off. Go to Colossians 3:8
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Now we should add, to this list, all the Genesis 3,in teaching 1. Trying to be our own God, lust, pride, shame ,guilt, fear, blame,  the Actions of Man Diagram, rejection cycle which is self focused, that we talked about in the first teaching. All sin, no matter what it is, we are told to put off. Think of this like clothes. You put off, or take off your dirty clothes, right. All sin is death and dirty, like your clothes. So in your mind you take off sin. Lay it in the CROSS hamper. Your sin is already there, anyway Now for our sake we do this, not Gods. Christ has already paid the penalty for all sin and you do not need to wait to get home from work to take off, do it all day, everyday.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1Co 2:16  For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Eph. 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Phil. 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
Our mind is so important. The battle is in our mind, not our Spirit. The Spirit is IN Christ. God is in your Spirit, The Holy Spirit is in your spirit. So know problems with the spirit, just in our Soul.
Our mind, will, emotions. The mind is our thinker, the will is our chooser, and the emotions our feeler. So think with your mind and choose with your will to take off those dirty clothes. Just admit, to your self and God. Be honest and transparent.
BUT do not stand there naked either. Just like if you were to go out in a public place naked you would feel ashamed, and rightfully so. You would be guilty of breaking the law and fear full of rejection and what the law would say and do. The earthly elements would be working, and get to you too.  The cold, burn, wind,.... you get the idea. More sinful thoughts, behavior, rejections....So do not stand naked.
Put on Col 3:10  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,....  
See, According to the image of God. 1st Spirit, that is what we are, Spiritual beings, in earth suits. Holy, and Righteous, perfect in every since, IN CHRIST,IN SPIRIT. So put on!
Put on His love, acceptance, and forgiveness. You are deeply loved, totally accepted, and completely forgiven. His power and authority lives in you. You are His child. You belong to God. Praise Him, thank Him.
BUT you don't put on clean clothes over dirty. Dirty clothes stink. You must take off. In other words repent. Then renew, put on clean clothes. Your identity is IN Christ, not your sin. Put on the NEW MAN the Spirit man which is who you are already.
Then because you have taken off and not stood naked, vulnerable to the elements and attack of others or the enemy, and have put on, then verse 12-15.
Col 3:12  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also [must do]. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Because we have put off and put on we are now secure, and if secure we can love and forgive. We can be kind, gentle, and sober minded. Making right decisions, choices. Repenting from self to God, Renewing our minds, Resting in His love, Reconciling with others and Reaching out with the Gospel of Grace.

4/25/2015Rest
3  R         Lesson 7
REST  
We just went through the first two R's, REPENT AND RENEW. The third R is REST. It really is a by product or fruit of being in the Spirit and walking after the Spirit. It has the same context of peace and contentment. If we know who we are IN Christ and we know our identity as God's children, that we are deeply loved, totally accepted, and completely forgiven as the last teaching showed us, then rest is the result.  
   Lets look at the book of Hebrews. While this book is written to the Hebrews for the tribulation period in which they will go through, it has wonderful teachings that we can understand FOR US now.
 Read chapter 3:1-6. We see that the writer is trying to get across to the Hebrews, and through out the whole book, that Jesus is greater than angels (ch. 1) and now Moses. As the writer goes through the book of Hebrews he is constantly comparing to angels, Moses, priests and sacrifices, traditions and so on, and encouraging the believing Hebrews to follow Christ.
So in chapter 3:1-6 he says that while Moses was faithful taking responsibility for his house, Israel, Jesus took responsibility for His house, all the world. He became the sacrifice for ALL mankind. The faithful in Christ.
 Now read verses 7-19. He says that while Moses was faithful, Israel was not. He says that "Today (and notice how many times he says, "today.") do not harden your heart." Notice the different kinds of hearts: a hard, rebellious, evil, unbelieving, deceitful heart.  We, too, had this before coming to the Lord, and we can still have this at times. BUT that does not mean we do not have the Spirit, or we are not saved. It means that, as in the teaching on Spirit-Soul-Body, our spirit is alive IN Christ but our mind-body is choosing to look elsewhere for significance. Notice that it says they had "NO REST". Physically, mentally, and emotionally the nation of Israel had no rest because of sin and unbelief.
  Now read Chapter 4:1-11. God's promise was that Israel would have that rest in a land free from harm and with plenty of food. The promise for that rest is still there for the nation of Israel when they receive the risen Messiah in the end times. BUT we too can enter that rest now if we do not fear and come short of it. In other words, fear stops us from walking in faith. Fear is man looking at life, situations, or circumstances and trying to figure it out on his own ("playing god" as we said in the first teaching). No other emotion is mentioned as much as fear through the bible. In Revelations the word coward is used alongside of murderer and fornication.
 Notice in verse 2 that the word "gospel" is used. There are many gospels in scripture, but only one God who is the object of that gospel. Gospel means "good news" so in each dispensation, there is "good news" in order to be saved, or to be obedient to God. Israel in the desert did not mix the "gospel" with faith and therefore they did not enter that rest. We, too, must enter that "gospel" by faith, the gospel that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day in order that we may receive salvation. And so that we may enter that "rest."
 Now the author goes on to say that there is a "SABBATH" rest. God rested on the 7th day and from then on He called this a Sabbath rest and it was from Friday to Saturday evening. In the New American Standard Bible, it reads in verse 9 a "Sabbath" rest, which is what the author is trying to get across.  
    I always ask people who come for teaching or counseling, "When is our Sabbath day?" Some say Sunday, others say every day. I always ask, do you really think a 24 hour period is going to give you "rest" mentally and emotionally? Maybe physically, but I have sat all day and have done nothing all day, and I am just as anxious, worried, fearful, and tired. Have you? Sure you have; we all have been there.  
 So, just as God rested from His works on the 7th day, Jesus did all the "WORKS" FOR SIN!
Therefore Jesus is our Sabbath, "our Holy Rest". He is in you; He has done the works. Hebrews says in verse 10, "For he who has entered His rest has ceased from his works."
In other words, when we stop working to feel good and attain our own righteousness, and stop being fearful by walking faithfully, and REST mentally and emotionally in Christ's works, we have that Sabbath (Holy) spiritual, mental, and emotional rest and peace and contentment! Praise God! Amen!  
 Verse 11: Let us work hard to enter that rest!! What? You just told me to stop working, Howard!
That's like driving faster to get to a stop sign. Yes, drive fast to get that rest. In other words, be sensitive to your thoughts and emotions. Are you fearful, anxious, worried?  Is there unrest?
When there is sin, there is unrest mentally and emotionally. For most of us, this is everyday life after the flesh.  So run fast to God so that you may feel His loving arms around you and know and feel that security and protection, and Rest!

4/25/2015Reach others
5 R    Lesson 9
Reach  
Reach the Lost
The first 3 R's were for us personally.  The 4th R, Reconciliation, is for others (yet it benefits us as well). But this next R, Reach, is the fruit of the first 4 R's. In other words, because we have Repented, Renewed, Rested in Christ, and Reconciled with others, we now can minister to the lost. We can reach out and tell them about this God we know, how he sent His son, Jesus,  to die for their sin. No other god or religion has done that. All other religions are about how people can work to get to their God. But our God reached down to us and reconciled with us, even though we are the ones who rebelled and offended Him.
 We must realize that people are lost, dead, and going to hell. While I won't take responsibility for another's salvation, I will take responsibility for those in front of me whom God has placed in my sphere, and I will share Him with them. I want others to have what I have - LIFE!  Without Christ they are dead people walking, just as you and I were. So we want to reach the lost.
Preach the Cross
We want to preach the cross. Paul said in 1 Cor 1:17 (KJV), "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."  In 1 Cor 1:18 (NKJV) it says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
 The following are more verses to consider:
Gal 5:11:  And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
Gal 6:12:  As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these [would] compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Gal 6:14:  But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Eph 2:16:  ...and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through thecross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Phil 2:8:  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 3:18:  For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they arethe enemies of the cross of Christ.
Col 1:20:  ...and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Col 2:14:  ...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
  You can see that cross and defending the cross is what is important to Paul, so we want to preach the cross. Some so-called religious groups do not like the cross. They won't put it on their buildings or wear jewelry with a cross. Let me tell you, they're wrong, and I will defend the cross to these people, every time, boldly. They say that the old testament said that it was a curse to hang on a tree, and it does say that. (Notice, they put a lot of emphasis on the old testament, the LAW, which they live under). BUT in Galatians 3:13 Paul writes, "Christ has redeemed us from the  curse of the law, having become a curse for us..." Christ on the cross shows us how much God loved us and how far Jesus would go to save us. Christ the holy, anointed One was willing to be that sacrifice, that curse, for you and me. If you go to another country and wear a cross, you better believe they notice it. In today's times you can be beheaded for it! Paul says in Titus that preaching God's word was committed to him and he was commanded to do so. By who? Jesus. Jesus was Paul's teacher directly after He had gone to heaven.
  Tit 1:1-3:  Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
 To preach means to proclaim. We all are called to proclaim Jesus no matter what we do for a profession. I have seen men and women who have insurance jobs proclaim Jesus as much or more than pastors. I have seen housewives talk about and share the Gospel more than many so-called professionals. Proclaim Jesus!  
Teach the Word
 We need to teach the church, the Body of Christ, the Word:  who God IS, what God has done,
who Jesus IS, what Jesus has done, and who we are through Them. In other words, we need to teach believers their identity. What does the Word say about this? We need to "rightly divide the word" (2 Tim 2:15) paying attention to what is written to us and what is not; what is "time past," "but now," and "ages to come" (past, present, and future); and what brings righteous freedom, and what puts us in bondage.
  One of the best ways to do this is to go through the bible verse by verse, starting in Romans and going through Philemon. Then go through all the bible, understanding where we are now compared to the times of the old testament and gospels.
  Now the best way for families to learn is for the dad to read through the bible everyday with them.  I TEACH and PREACH this to every believer. The man is the head, so he is the teacher. The wife and kids are the disciples. Nothing touches a woman more than her husband leading, and reading scripture is the first thing he should do spiritually.
 The best thing any believer can do is READ, READ, READ.  Don't try to figure everything out, just read. Let the Holy Spirit do the work. Your job is to read.

4/24/2015 Identity from Eph.1-3
Teaching #6 Identity -
Ephesians 1-3
 As we shared in the last teaching on who we are in spirit, soul, and body, we will now look at even more of what God has done and who Christ "IS" and who we are "IN Him."
Turn in your bibles to Ephesians 1. For this study I want to suggest that you have a King James Bible and/or a New King James Bible, too, if you have one. There will be some words that I use that are best understood in these versions.
 OK! Let's get started in Ephesians chapter 1, verse 1. Paul an Apostle... Paul introduces himself as the writer and an apostle. An apostle is a messenger, delegate, or ambassador for and sent from Christ Jesus. Paul is saying who he is which tells us his  meaning and purpose. Who you are is important, because with that comes the meaning of existence. If you are a husband, the meaning is to be married to a woman. The purpose is to provide and protect her. A woman married to a man is to be a helpmate. A mother is one who nurtures her children. So identity, who we are, is more important than what we do. We must find our identity "IN Christ" only. Not pastor, teacher, business man, athlete, husband, father, wife, or even mother. Let's go on, back to verse 1.
    Paul says by God's will I am this, so by God's will you are....
verse 1:  Paul addresses the letter to "the saints." Now Paul uses this term in all his books from Romans to Philemon. He even uses it to refer to those in Corinth who did not have the best behavior. To be a saint is to be "holy."  You are holy because God is holy and He is in you. So you are a saint!  Paul also calls them "the faithful."  To be IN Christ, you must be IN the faith.
verse 2:  Grace, too, is given to us from God through the work of Jesus and faith in Him.  And peace is given to you and me from God and our Lord Jesus. There is NO peace without God's grace, and NO grace without Jesus Christ's works.
verse 3:  God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Think of all the things God has done as we go through this; all the things He tells us in His word, the bible. He has given us life. If you're dead and He gives you life, that in itself is great! Then He adds that He made us His child who is loved, accepted, forgiven, justified, righteous, and an heir of God almighty!!! He has blessed us as we are sitting with Him in heaven now, and we are IN HIM now!  We are in Him with power, wisdom, knowledge, and authority now! We are chosen, adopted, holy, blameless, saved, sealed, and delivered children now. We have been redeemed, reconciled, and have revelation into His mind because we have the mind of Christ. We are freed from sin's bondage which allows us to be real, authentic people who can love in the righteousness and power of Christ. We are a new creation, alive and complete in Him. Whole and holy, sanctified, and set apart for His work and intention. We are preserved, secure, sufficient, adequate, and disciplined property owned by the God of the universe. He provides for us and protects us. All that and more........
verse 4:  He chose you and made you holy and blameless.
verse 5:  He adopted us, and according to His good pleasure, He wants to be with us. God likes us and wants to spend time with us.
verse 6:  He made us accepted in His Beloved Son, Christ. And because it is His Beloved Son who is IN us, He will always accept us.
verse 7:  He has redeemed us (a purchase through a ransom, Christ's death on the cross) to bring us into right fellowship with our Father.  Therefore we are freed and we have the forgiveness of sins, all sins! (Eph 4:32)
verse 8:  Grace that abounds toward us over and over and over...      
verses 9-10:  He let us in on His will, the mystery, which is that He will bring ALL things in heaven and earth together in one, IN Him.
verses 11-12:  We have an inheritance, Christ Himself, and we are God's glory because of faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
verses13-14:   We are saved and sealed in the Holy Spirit which is the guarantee of our inheritance!
verses 15-17:   Paul prayed for God's wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The book of 1 Corinthians is all about that power, wisdom, and revelation given to us by the Spirit.
verses 18-20:  We have His understanding, His hope, His riches, His inheritance, His power etc.   Christ is seated with God in the heavenly places and we are there too!!! (Philippians 3:20)
verses 20-23:  Christ is above all power, all authority, all names. God put all things under Him. God made Christ the head of the Church, which is His Body! The Church IS CHRIST! AND Christ fills all, including you and me.  He is ALL we ever need!
Chapter 2
verses 1-3:  He made you alive. You were dead in your spirit and in sin, BUT now you are alive.
verses 4-7:  God is rich, rich, rich in mercy! His mercy never ceases because of His great love, and how great a love it is in which He loves us. Just dwell on that verse alone. He loves you!!!! He has SO MUCH LOVE that He made you alive to be with Him. He wants us with Him, and we are with Him in Heaven. Can it get any better than that?  All this because of His wonderful grace.
verses 8-9: This grace is His gift. We cannot earn it or buy it. We must be born into it.
verse 10: We are His creation, crafted and molded in Him. The Spirit of the living God  is in us. Therefore we can do the works He desires which are to praise, worship, and glorify Him.
verse 14: Christ is our peace.  He doesn't just bring peace, but He IS our peace.
 So now you see all these wonderful things God through Christ has blessed us with, and who we are IN Christ. Meditate on these. Renew your mind over and over with these truths.
   Now let's go back to chapter 2 verse 11.  This is where you may want a KJV or NKJV bible.
Verse 11 says we Gentiles are called the uncircumcision by the circumcision, Israel. This means the men of Israel had to be circumcised by the law of God to be a part of Israel. We Gentiles never had such law. Therefore we were aliens from the commonwealth or nation of Israel and not a part of God's covenant or promises. Therefore, we Gentiles had no hope and were without God.
  Now look at the sidebar at the Biblical Timeline Chart. You see that all the way back to Adam(see under Adam the Gentiles) there were Gentiles. The promise was given to Abraham, and the law was given to Moses for the nation of Israel. The promise of a kingdom was given. The prophecy of the kingdom was preached at hand and offered. The Gospel of the kingdom was preached, as well as the gospel to the circumcision, Israel. Jesus the Messiah, the Christ on earth, was born to bring Israel to that kingdom. The rest of the world would have followed Israel to God as prophesied.
 But Israel refused as a nation to believe in the earthly Messiah and had Him crucified. Then He died on the cross, was buried in the tomb, and He rose the third day. Again, Israel had the opportunity to follow the RISEN Messiah, Acts 1-9. But they refused, and so Christ came to Paul. (Acts 9:15 "...he is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." )
   Turn with me to Galatians 2:7-8.
 "...when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was entrusted to me as the gospel of the circumcision was entrusted to Peter, for He who worked effectively in Peter also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles, and when James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be (the) pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision."  
 Paul was raised up, taught by the RISEN Messiah, Jesus, for a different and special purpose:  to teach the gospel of grace to the Gentiles. The 12 apostles' ministry was to the Jews. (By the way, look who wrote the last books in the bible. After Paul's letters, Romans through Philemon, all the other books are written to Hebrews, or Jews.  They are written by Peter, James, John, and Jude, who was Jesus's brother, a Jew, and a strong influence in the Jerusalem church.)
 So now back to Ephesians 2:13-22. Paul writes, "BUT NOW" we Gentiles are IN Christ, and we were "far off," BUT NOW we are near. The middle wall, the law, has been broken down and we are one man, not two (Jew and Gentile). Both are reconciled as one IN Christ; Gentiles are no longer foreigners or strangers from God's household. Yes, we belong to Him, together. We are His body and His church, the Body of Christ.
So now, let's go back to the biblical timeline diagram. After the cross and after Israel's refusal to believe in the RISEN Messiah, Acts 1-9, they fell. Now read Romans 9-11 and see how the Gentiles through the Apostle Paul's teaching and by being grafted in will lead them back. Romans 11:11 says, "I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles." And verse 14 says, "...if by any means I may ... save some of them."
 Now back to Eph. 3.  In verse 1-2, Paul says that he is the prisoner of Christ for us Gentiles, "if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God." ( KJV/NKJV). This word dispensation, is very important.  It means to dispense, to give, to pour out and then manage, to steward and administrate. God said, "I will pour out my spirit on man," and John the Baptist said "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Then in Acts, at Pentecost, the Spirit came on man at Jerusalem, just as if God was pouring a pitcher of oil, anointing the world, and the head was Jerusalem. The oil runs down over the head onto the shoulders and then the body. The dispensing of grace onto and into man. "He will remember their sins NO more."
 The dispensation (administration) of the Spirit has begun, BUT the early disciples were Jewish and only went to Israel or the Jews, and still they were to follow the ordinances of the Temple and the law. Let's look at Acts 1:6. They ask Him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" They were still interested in the earthly kingdom. In Acts 1:21-25 we see they needed 12 apostles.  They only had 11 because Judas had killed himself, but they needed 12 to represent the 12 tribes. In Acts 2 at Pentecost, a Jewish holiday, they were ready. The Spirit came and they spoke to all the nations of the Jews under heaven. Verse 22 says who they were speaking to ("Men of Israel..") and verse 36 ("let all the house of Israel know"). Verse 38 is the message they were to give the nation of Israel, to repent and be baptized (washed as in an outward purification and to identify with Moses, and now to identify with Jesus, by law).
 In Acts, chapter 3, Peter and John went up together to the Temple. It was the hour of prayer, the 9th hour (3pm). They stood and taught in the Temple, and they continued to do that until the Temple was torn down in 70 AD. Stephen was the last to speak about the risen Messiah to the NATION of Israel, its government, and the Pharisees (chapter 7). In Acts 11:19 after Stephen was stoned to death, the Jews scattered because they were facing persecution.  But still, they preached the word to "Jews only" everywhere they went.  Acts 21:20 -24 tells us Paul had returned back from his mission and had just told the apostles (disciples) and James how the Gentiles had believed and were saved, and they rejoiced. But then they say (perhaps James), "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed (In Christ), and they are all zealous for the law." In verse 24, they wanted Paul to still walk orderly by the law and customs.They wanted Paul to go to the Temple and be purified with some others.
BUT NOW . . .  
 2 Timothy 2:15 says we are to rightly divide the word of truth. That means to cut straight lines, distinct lines of truth. If we look at the ministry of Israel, we see that it was by law, outward, earthy, and included signs and wonders. They walked by sight, they fixed their sin by sacrifices, and relied on prophecy. BUT in Ephesians 3:3, we see that it is no longer by prophecy but by something called a mystery. A mystery is something that the prophets did not know or tell or see or understand.  Paul says God revealed this mystery to Him. That Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body. and partakers of His promise In Christ. That by the power of God working through Paul, the gift of this grace may be known to all. The wisdom and power may be known through the church to all the world.
 So now looking at the timeline below, we see that the "BUT NOW" section is where we are today. It's the gospel of grace, the gospel to the uncircumcised, the gospel to the Gentiles,  the mystery program of God.  The spirit is now in man, not around man. There are no sacrifices. We are not earthy beings but heavenly beings.  We are not saved by works or ordinances of the law but by faith and faith alone; not by law, but grace; not by our works (like Israel's) but by Christ's works; not by certain dietary laws, but all things are cleansed; not by the 12 Apostles' doctrine, but by Paul's doctrine, given to him by Jesus Himself; not by water baptism, but by Spirit baptism; not asking for more, but thanking Him for what you already have, being content in Christ's work. His Grace IS SUFFICIENT.
GodsPlanforAgesChart

4/24/2015 New and Renew
2 R       Renewing          Lesson 5-6
Spirit-Soul-Body      
So as we learned in teachings 1-4, we see our sin as being independent from God, being our own god, and doing the actions of man.  We then admit our sin and repent. We want to go to our God in boldness and confidence. That takes a knowing of who He is, what He has done through Christ, and who we are now.
   Let's look at the Spirit-Soul-Body diagram.
   1Thes 5:23 says, "...may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved...." Hebrews 4:12 says the word can divide the soul from the spirit.  So you see we are a tri-unity as God, Son, and Spirit are a tri-unity.
  We are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. The spirit deals with the God consciousness which includes spirit-awareness, sensitivity, understanding, and motivation. It is how the spirit relates to God.
 The soul deals with the mind, will, and emotions.  It is psychological and includes self consciousness and how we relate to others.
 The body is the physiological part of us. It is how we relate to the world/environment through our senses:  sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
  Now we are born with a spirit that is dead to God, and a mind and body that still relates to our environment and the data we take in as we grow up. Some of us have both parents, some one, some none. Some have a great childhood, others not so good. Some have a Christian upbringing, some nothing, or worse. This affects our soul by how we think, our attitudes, our actions, and our goals in life.
 At some point we come to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and then The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit come into our spirit and give us life. Then we have the data of the WORD to teach and show us even more of who God is, what Christ has done, and who we are now.
 In Romans 10:8-13, we see that by faith, if we believe unto righteousness and confess with our mouth, we will be saved. So we have salvation, eternal life in God, and we are saved from eternal death. (see Diagram). In 1 John 5:13 we see that we have assurance of this salvation ("That we may know we have eternal life"). John 10:28 says, "...and they shall never perish nor shall anyone snatch them out of my Father's hand." We have security in the assurance of this salvation.
 "We are accepted in the beloved." (Eph 1:6 and 13). So God accepts us into Him and then He is totally committed to us (Hebrew 13:5).
  So in our Spirit, God, Jesus and the Spirit live; and they saved us, assured us of that, secured us in them, have accepted us and are committed to us!! WOW! And that is just the beginning!!!
Our Spirit is who we are: dead or alive, unbeliever or believer. There are only 2 types of people in this world - believers or unbelievers, live ones or dead ones.
 Now the Spirit is taken care of for the believer. You CANNOT get anymore of Christ in your spirit. You're filled up. No matter what age you are, young or old, the same amount of Spirit is in your spirit.
        SO, what's the problem? Where is the problem? Why do I sin? Why do I feel so fearful and anxious with no victory in my life? (Remember teaching #1.) Look at the second diagram of spirit-soul -body.
The problems we face are in the soul, our mind, will, and emotions.
We think and feel:
Inferior (appearance oriented). "I am so fat," "I am so ugly," "I need more muscle," "My clothes, hair, car, house.....looks so good (or bad)."
Insecure (relationship oriented), "No one loves me," "I need my husband to love me," "I want my wife to approve of me," "I need a spouse".....
Inadequate (performance oriented) "I must win," "I must be rich," "I will get the next reward at work"....      
Guilt ( Failure oriented) "I sinned," "I am a bad mom," "I cheated," "I failed".....
Worry, doubts, fears (approval oriented) "I fear no one will ever like me," "He is going to reject me," "Who will ever love me?"...... and the list can go on and on and on for all of these.
    But what is true in the spirit does not feel true in the soul, and so what comes out of that is frustration toward others including family, coworkers, and teammates.  These same insecurities and fears eventually lead to hostility toward others (see diagram in sidebar). Then in the emotional realm we get depression and anxiety, and our mind will have fantasies, paranoia, and
obsessive thoughts. All of this leads into our bodies, and this is how our body may react to all this mental and emotional turmoil in our soul:   We see headaches, migraines, nervous stomachs, peptic ulcers, hives, rashes, allergies, colon problems and heart problems, fatigue, insomnia, compulsive eating, respiratory ailments, escape into sleep and this list goes on. The medical community has said that 80% of the people that go to the hospital are there for something that was emotionally based first. Certainly these can be brought on by environmental and physical issues as well, but many are from emotional responses.
  Turn with me to John 1:12-13. Here we see that people become children of God, by the Spirit of God, by believing in His name.  And 1 John  3:1-2 again states that we are children of God, and that is who we are!  Why? Because He lavished His LOVE on us (Romans 8:14-17).  He tells us we have become His children, sons, daughters, heirs so we do not have to live in bondage to fear again! Without God we fear because we do not belong to anyone but ourselves and Satan. But with God, we belong to the creator and judge of all mankind. We are able to cry out, "ABBA, DADDY, FATHER," If we are His children, and you are if you are a believer, then we are DEEPLY LOVED. See Romans 8:35-39. Who or what shall separate us from the love of God? NOTHING!!! Not your wife, husband, kids, cancer, sickness, poverty, riches, enemies, or even Satan. And not your current circumstances in any way.
  Turn to Ephesians 1:6. He made you and you are accepted IN CHRIST!! He accepts you, approves of you, and wants to be around you. He likes your company. So we are His children, deeply loved and totally accepted in Christ.
  As we mentioned in the teaching on repentance, we are completely forgiven.  ALL SIN IS ON THE CROSS! So we are HIS CHILDREN, who are DEEPLY LOVED, TOTALLY ACCEPTED, and COMPLETELY FORGIVEN!!!!!
 Let's look at the next diagram.
 We see then that our Spirit has been saved, we have assurance of that salvation, we are secure, accepted, sealed, and He is committed to us because we, by the Spirit, are His children. WHO YOU ARE IS MORE IMPORTANT THEN WHAT YOU DO. WHO YOU ARE GIVES YOU MEANING AND PURPOSE! (look at diagram) Because we are His children we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10), preserved in Him (1 Thes 5:23), sufficient (adequate) in Him (2 Cor 3:5), freed in Him (Gal 5:1), and we have peace in Him (Eph.2:14a) and with Him. Isn't that beautiful? That's you, if you are in Him, a believer.
 Because of the work of the Spirit in your spirit, and who you are, and by putting your soul (mind-will-emotions) on what is true in the Spirit, your body is then offered up to God a holy and living sacrifice. Your body now belongs to Him as His property. Your body is renewed and disciplined. It reflects Christ's life! Stop and look at all those verses. Dwell on them over and over so that, as it says in Gal. 2:20, it is no longer I who live, but Christ that lives in me and through me.
4/23/2015Teaching from 1st R Repentance
Teaching #4 Repentance
Repentance is the key to maturity and transformation, NOT knowledge and information alone! Many Christians have a lot of bible info in their head, but because they do not repent to God through Jesus, their lives do not reflect any transformation or fruit. In fact, information alone leads to PRIDE (1 Cor. 8:1).
    Let's look at Ps. 32:1-5. "Whose sin is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Now I want to point out that this is under the "Old Covenant" to Israel, and that our sin is not covered. Better than that, IT IS GONE!  I picked this passage for the next verses.
 Verse 2. NO DECEIT, no lying.  He is just open and honest about his sin. Just admit you sin! We all sin, right?  So don't try to hide it. After all where is it? GONE!! ON THE CROSS!!  But if we hide it and keep silent, verse 3 says it drains us. My bones even hurt, and I am tired. YUK! This is how most Christians live!  "But I acknowledged my sin and confessed my transgressions to the Lord." Be open and just call it what it is, SIN! You do not need anyone's approval anyway. You already have Gods!
 PS. 119:59 says, "I thought about MY WAYS, AND TURNED MY FEET TOWARD GOD'S WAY!"  We need to be honest, about "OUR WAY" and take an honest appraisal of ourselves. Then turn toward "God's Way" which is Himself.
 Turn to 2 Cor.7:8-11 and read these verses. Godly sorrow leads to salvation; a salvation for the first time and a salvation of maturity - a renewing process. But a worldly sorrow is one that is not whole hearted. It's a façade, and just words. It's a ritual that is not sincere or genuine.  
 What diligence, clearing, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, and vindication godly sorrow produces. And it proved the Corinthians to be clear. All toward God, they had a ZEAL, which means to embrace, pursue, and defend!!!  A zeal that we have when we go running back to God, Daddy, our Lord and Savior!
 As Christians, we experience death to life - once for salvation and ongoing in maturity!
Let's look at Eph. 4:32 "...even as Christ has forgiven you"
Go to Col. 2:13 "...having forgiven ALL your trespasses..."  
And Col.3:13 "...even as Christ forgave you..."
Are you forgiven? YES!!!! SO STOP ASKING FOR SOMETHING YOU ALREADY HAVE!  Instead, THANK HIM!!!
  True faith claims what a person has now, not what he continues to hope for. We ARE forgiven, we ARE redeemed, we ARE accepted, and we ARE loved!!
 Remember to thank God for His forgiveness that you posses now. Repentance is not about stopping sin BUT about your relationship with your God and His son's work at the cross.  
  To go back to asking for forgiveness, as for instance the "Lords prayer" (which is before the cross and to the nation of Israel and to the Apostles), is as Paul said in Galatians 2:18, "to build on what has already been destroyed is to make your self a transgressor."
 We (Gentiles) never had the law to begin with. (Romans 6:14)
 So thank God, and remember repentance is the key to maturity.
Go to 2nd R Renewing  Teaching # 5

4/23/2015Teaching on 1st R Rejection cycle
Teaching #3 Rejection
   Just as we talked about in teachings 1 and 2, we all sin, and sin is acting as if we are God. Sin has consequences.   ALL SIN REJECTS, BUT NOT ALL REJECTION IS SIN!  For instance, if God sends someone to hell for unbelief and rejects them, that is not sin. (By the way, God didn't send them. They sent themselves.) If we must discipline our kids, that is not sin (although we can sin in that discipline process out of anger). God told us in His word to discipline our children.
Take a look at the rejection cycle diagram.
1. "I THINK OR FEEL REJECTED AND/OR UNLOVED."  Notice it says "I."  This is my rejection cycle, and it is your rejection cycle. Take responsibility for it. Then I want you to realize that the word rejection is ANY thinking or feeling of offense.
For instance if my wife disrespects me I could put that under the umbrella of rejection. I could say, "I think and feel disrespected by my wife."
2. I oppose the rejection in my mind and think of it as being unworthy of what I really deserve which is respect! After all, I think I am God!
3. And I REACT by saying or doing things that reject others!  In other words I SIN back!
Sin brings rejection.
  Sometimes no one is around and I feel rejected or unloved.  I am seeking love and affection or acceptance and power, but I feel disrespected and dishonored...
The bible says to honor your wife and respect your husband. When we dishonor our wives, they feel the sting of that sin and feel or think they are rejected and unloved.
When husbands are disrespected by their wives, they feel or think they are unloved and rejected.
There are many feelings under this umbrella of rejection and offenses, such as feeling cheated, manipulated, deceived, or taken advantage of.
    Esau felt these in Gen 25-27. Read those verses and you will see. He was taken advantage of by his brother (Gen. 25:27-34) while he was hungry and lost his birthright. Then in 27 he lost his blessing because of his brother cheating, stealing, deceiving and tricking his father (see the sin - rejection). Then it says in 27:41, "and I will kill my brother, Jacob."  His reaction to his brother's sin was sin!  NOT FORGIVNESS!!!!!
   We all get rejected through sin, EVEN JESUS! So why shouldn't we? If Jesus, the perfect, loving, Son of God, gets rejected, should we not also?
   If you think and feel rejected now by someone or by your own standards and expectations, go to God and tell Him how you feel. Remember your reaction to the rejection is sin also! Tell Him your sin as well as the other person's!
You do not have to live in that rejection cycle.
Go to the next teaching!

4/23/2015from the 1st R series Sin
GENESIS 3
There was once a song that Frank Sinatra sang called "I Did it My Way."
Unfortunately, that is how most people live their lives, including Christians.
Have you ever said to yourself,
"Where is this abundant life Christ said I would have?"
"Why do I struggle so much?"
"This Christian life is hard, and seems harder than when I was an unbeliever."
Perhaps you're reading this and you are an unbeliever. You'researching for more, and you know there has to be more to life than this. Hopefully these teachings will help you see and experience this abundant life. This life that only HE, Jesus Christ, can live.
We are going to start by teaching you the 5 R's.
1.Repent
2.Renew
3.Rest
4.Reconcile
5.Reach
1.  Repent from sin. Let's look at what sin is. Turn with me to Gen. 3.
Verses 1-5
The serpent, aka Satan, deceives Eve into thinking she won't die, and she can be like God knowing all good and evil. Eve's first mistake was engaging him to begin with. Women are relational, so he was appealing to her natural tendencies. So to be God is to set our self in authority to be God, creator, king, ruler.  We want to be independent of THE GOD, and to set up our own kingdom (so we think anyway).
THIS IS SIN! This is where we fail, we do not understand "this Christian life". We are trying to be God, instead of letting GOD, BE GOD. We want to be in control, independent, and think we have the answers. We want to be THE AUTHORITY. Authority is all through the scriptures, from Genesis through Revelation.
So they ate:
Verse 6 touches on the verse 1 John 2:16 which talks about the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. All three of those words, lust, lust, pride come from the same root word "to covet."  (covet: to desire for self, to demand, to take for selfish reasons.) So LUST AND PRIDE are the sins that come from SIN which is to act as God!
Little kids sometimes show  us overtly how we grown-ups act.
One child takes the toy (lust, so takes without asking...), the other says, 'NO! THAT IS MY TOY."
(pride fully saying "give it back" as he rips it from the other's hand). Two GODS, kings, saying, "This is MY Kingdom". Marriage looks and works like that, too. WHO is going to be in charge of this kingdom?  Husband, wife, or God?
Verse 7-11
1. They saw for the first time they were naked, and they were ashamed.
2. They knew they did wrong, so they felt guilty.
3. They hid themselves, because they were afraid.
Shame, guilt, and fear are the 3 feelings that go with all sin.
Verses 12-13
They were caught and God asked them questions and Adam blamed. He didn't just blame Eve, as the world  likes to laugh at and most Christians think, but he blamed God, too!  We men can be so prideful and arrogant! Can you imagine talking to God that way? The one who made you!
Eve blamed the serpent. Neither wanted to take responsibility for their own actions.
It seems that irresponsibility has been going on a long time!
Verse 14-19
God then delivers the curse, the consequence for trying to replace Him as GOD and trying to find some sort of significance apart from Him. It cannot be done!!
God then goes down the line of authority starting with the serpent, then Eve, then Adam. Notice what God says to Adam in verse 17:
"Because you heeded to the voice of your wife..... "  He should have protected her. In 1Timothy 2:14, Paul says that the woman was deceived, not Adam.
SO LET'S RECAP:
1. SATAN DECEIVES ME INTO THINKING I CAN BE GOD AND BE INDEPENDENT FROM HIM WHICH IS SIN.
2. LUST AND PRIDE ARE SINS FROM TRYING TO REPLACE GOD AND BE GOD.
3. SHAME, GUILT, AND FEAR ARE FEELINGS THAT COME FROM SIN.
4. I BLAME OTHERS AND DO NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING.
Think about your life: how you may be deceived, how you act as your own god by lusting and being prideful. Check your emotions: do you feel shame, guilt, and fear and/or blame God and/or others for your mental and emotional well being?
Go to God now and confess to Him what he is showing you.
If you need help, seek a Godly friend, pastor, counselor, or call our church office and get some discipleship counseling.
You may want to send a prayer request (go to the sidebar and to prayer requests).
Until our next teaching - how sin affects you and others.

4/23/2015Teaching on Sin, from the 1 st R series
Teaching #2 Prerogatives of God, BUT
sin IF DONE BY MAN (Actions of Man)
   Remember from the last teaching in Genesis 3 how we want to be independent, be our own god, or play god...
  We must remember that God IS God, and that He has prerogatives that belong to Him and only Him!  ( see diagram)
God is God, and you and I are NOT!!
   So when we try to be God and do these things, we are replacing God in his rightful authority. You may say, "I don't do that." Do you ever get mad at someone? Do you hear yourself saying or thinking, "They should . . ." or "They must . . ." or "I want you to do . . ." or "You need to . . ."?  And when they don't do it, do you demand obedience to it.... and then judge them unworthy of your love?
Sometimes these can be the smallest of things. I always tell people life is lived in the small things. For instance,
1.  I set MY standard: I want the toothpaste lid back on the toothpaste every time.
2.  When Robin does not do it, I demand that she does it by yelling at her.
3.  Then I judge her to be unworthy of my acceptance and love.
Even if it is so silly and lasts only for a short second, every time we get mad, angry, or throw a temper tantrum we are trying to be GOD.
4.  Sometimes my wife gets mad at me and yells at me, so I think, "I will get her! I won't take out the trash for a week." (Yuk!) But I got her back!! Vengeance.
5.  I worry. I am anxious and fearful about money or people and think, "Oh my, what am going to do? I must work harder, or give the kids everything so they will like me. If only...."  I am trying to control life. Women tend to try to control life and become over responsible in the family dynamics.
6.  A husband might say, "I will go hunting this weekend even though I haven't spent time with my wife or kids all week (or ever). I will leave the wife/girlfriend to raise the kids....." Men tend to do this and be irresponsible and independent.
7.  Sometimes we seek affection, approval, affirmation, acceptance, or attention from people (which includes any premarital sex or men pleasing). I believe this drives people in this day and age, especially, with all of our computers, tv, and movies. The message the world tells everyone is that you deserve to be loved and you need to love yourself more! You need more self esteem!
Has it worked so far? No. The bible tells us we already love ourselves (Eph 5:29). We love ourselves too much!!    
8. A person might say, "I need NO help. I can figure it out on my own."  This is simply pride.  
   All of these can occur spiritually (an unbeliever is being independent, asking no one, especially God, for help), mentally, emotionally, physically, maritally, parentally, or financially.  It may seem small, but it is still sin!
   Are you acting as if you are God? If you are, go to God and tell him what you are doing and be specific:
I am setting standards for myself and for others.
I am demanding obedience and judging those around me.
I am seeking revenge or trying to control life.
I am being independent of God and others.
I am seeking acceptance or affection rather than going to God who loves me. (By the way, nowhere in scripture does it say to demand or seek love from one another.  It says to give!)  
I am being prideful thinking that I don't need help in any area of my life, including spiritually.
When we try to be God and replace Him, it is sin.
Be honest with yourself and you are on your way to being truly free in Christ.
Go to teaching #3.

4/23/2015
4/22/2015
Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2
As always I want to encourage you to go through the teachings on the 5R's. It gives a very basic structure to how to run our day to day lives.
Lets take a look at Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
To be conformed means to be molded from the outside in. Like being pushed and pulled by the world. Its ideas, and principles. On subjects like abortion, sexual-immorality, this is easy to see, and is bring pushed more and more. Many states are legalizing and saying it is alright for same sex marriages. But what about those things that are not so black in white. Things in my head saying "I need to succeed, be the best, have a good job, and make lots of money so people will like me and respect me." but I fear losing" and "I fear all men, my boss,my wife, or my husband and kids." I need and want someone to love me". " I lust for love, but fear rejection" "I will work harder to get respect." "I will take what I want no matter who it hurts because that is what I deserve" "I deserve love, respect, honor...." and "if I was good looking enough, I would have a mate, and be married" "I don't need to get married,It is just a piece of paper"
the list goes on and on and on....
Because this is what the world says, it is easy to be conformed. The agenda of the world never stops. Pushing and pulling.
Romans 12:2 says but be transformed: to be transformed is to be formed from the inside, out.
Remember conformed was outside in. Transformed if the opposite. God sent Jesus to the cross to pay and take our sins, so that we may receive His life and Spirit. The inside, spirit man is changed. Regeneration has taken place, death to life. So we are transformed in our spirit to His Spirit. Holy ,righteous, complete, whole ...... in our spirit. This is not just a difference, it is LIFE! A new Creation is formed. A New creation, created in Gods good, perfect, pleasing, acceptable image.
So since we are changed in the spirit, we need to put our minds on what has happened. What has changed. Who is in us. What His word proclaims about Him and is true about me. This is done by our minds. Thinking and re thinking and re thinking,...... God will not do this for you. He has already done the work needed for salvation and life. We must renew our minds. Now some people will say that we renew our minds by reading the bible. But that is only gathering the information needed to go to the next step, revelation!  Revelation and then to transformation. In other words if just reading was all it took then many bible professors would be believers but they are not. We must apply what we read in all and every situation in order to see this transformation coming forth.  Our Soul is made up of our mind -will-emotions. Our mind thinks, our will chooses, our emotions feel. So we think, when we read, and when we work, and when we play. We choose with our will to believe what we are thinking when we are thinking about, God and His work of LIFE in us. We bring error into truth of what God says about you not what the world, others, or even what you think, about you. Don't walk in defeat, rejection. When you recognize those feelings, renew your mind, choose Gods love. Replace those thoughts with His thoughts. His truths. His Will!
What is Gods good , pleasing and perfect will? That we be transformed!
In Christ,
Howard      




Romans 5:12 ALL of us are born in the likeness of Adam, "IN ADAM"


Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.


Romans 6:23a  For the wages of sin is Death (  spiritually and in hell  ).


Romans 10:8-13 ...the word of faith...., 9 so that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised from the dead ,you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.....(13) for "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."


Romans 6:6  Knowing this , that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, 

that we should no longer be slaves of sin.


Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.


Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God...adopted, children, heirs.

Deeply Loved, totally Accepted, completely forgiven, children of God.

1Cor. 1:30  But of Him you are IN CHRIST JESUS, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption...  


Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and conveyed (transferred) us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. (Christ)  


  



Romans 6:23b ... but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.



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For more understanding,and growth,
go through the 5R teaching pages!