THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH THROUGH THE LIFE OF APOSTLE PAUL

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH THROUGH THE LIFE OF APOSTLE PAUL

If you read and follow the Apostle Paul’s life all the way from the book of Acts through all of his epistles with the open minded view, you will see that Paul is the example of the NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. Paul was NOT discipled by the incarnate Christ but he encountered the Resurrected Christ Jesus and was discipled by Jesus through The Holy Spirit!

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

I have often posed this question to people and I believe it will help you to understand the principle of examining Paul’s conversion and how Paul walked out his calling with Christ Jesus. So here is my question: “Who discipled the disciples and who disciples the saints today? If you answer is Jesus to the first part of the question I have good news. Nothing has changed! Jesus still disciples today through the Holy Spirit which Jesus proclaimed would come. That is why Paul states who knows the things of God but the Spirit of God, who knows the things of man but the spirit of a man! The great commission is about preaching the Gospel so that they may be born again so the Holy Spirit can disciple them! Satan twists the real meaning and purpose. I’ll tell you if you try to disciple someone who is NOT born again you will get worn out quickly! Do you honestly think even with a hammer you could beat the Holy Spirit into them? Did not they torture Christ trying to beat the Holy Spirit out of Him! You can’t beat the Holy Spirit into someone or out of someone!

Note that Paul fasted 3 days after his encounter and was led into the wilderness after receiving the Holy Spirit. He fasted 3 days symbolic of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ “dying to himself”. He had no outside influences teaching him as Paul went in the wilderness. John the Baptist had no outside influences because he was in the wilderness. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness. Yes, Jesus also went into the wilderness after John the Baptist baptized Him.

There are no excuses ANY truly born again Christian can make about growing and maturing in Christ if they believe in the crucifixion, death and the resurrection of Christ Jesus and are TRULY born again.

Oh, I hear it quoted all the time but hardly ever witness any true spiritual or physical signs or spiritual fruit:

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV)

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Peter 1:2–4 (NKJV)

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Let each of us be honest with ourselves in our spiritual progress. It grieves the Lord and the Holy Spirit in me when a Christian tells me “I have been doing this for 30 years” and there is little evidence of spiritual fruit, holiness, discernment and true revelations of Christ Jesus. They make it sound as if there is age discrimination in the Kingdom of God! If your last revelation of the Lord is your salvation there is a problem. Jesus doesn’t just “clean you up”, He builds you up in HIS Spirit and Power growing deeper in Him so that you may REVEAL CHRIST and not just talk about Christ.

We all need to be ready for the Lord’s return without spot or wrinkle for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. I don’t know any person that can say they are a Christian and yet not know the Lord Jesus. So why is it Jesus can say depart from me you worker of iniquity “I never knew you”. Well lets reflect on an earlier statement. I’ve been doing this for 30 years! The “I’s” have it! We can do nothing of ourselves as that is what the Word of God tells us. (John 15:5) People are busy building their ministry, being “noticed” and in the spotlight. First, if they even have a ministry it is NOT theirs it is Jesus’ ministry. Second, they are not revealing Christ they are building and revealing themselves using the name of Christ so that makes them false prophets.

Back in 2011 the Lord spoke to me while I was in my quite time with Him as I recently left a well known international school of ministry because they worshiped false gods and did not even know the true Living God. I was grieving in the Holy Spirit regarding the poor spiritual condition of the church assembly from all of my travels and personal witness as the Lord revealed. The Lord then spoke to me and said of all of the people who went to church only three percent at that time were truly His. If that was in 2011 what is the condition today! I don’t question there is revival but the BIGGER question is what is the spirit behind the revival? The world is being prepared for the coming of the Antichrist so are these revivals of the Antichrist or of the TRUE LIVING GOD CHRIST JESUS. Don’t be deceived as the Word of God clearly states about a great apostasy and falling away! I believe that much of what is called revival is the Antichrist spirit. I won’t speak more on that because you yourselves need a revelation from the Lord and truthfully should always be seeking revelations of Spirit and Truth.

Philippians 3:1–11 (NKJV)

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Now that you have read this far let us reflect on how the Holy Spirit operated through Paul’s life and what requirements it took Paul by the Grace and Power of the Lord through the Holy Spirit to life this life which we are ALL called to live. Even though we are not all called to be Apostles the Lord is no respecter of person and that is why I want you to read, study and think of Paul’s life in Christ Jesus.

Scriptures that come to mind are Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 just to name a few scriptures. Paul was able to bring correction to the church, discern unclean spirits, overcome principalities and powers of darkness and much more. Yet Paul did all this while overcoming whippings, beatings, imprisonment, hunger and the like. Paul wrote much of the Epistles from being imprisoned because as he states in Galatians 6:14 he was crucified WITH Christ and EVEN the world was crucified to Paul. This leads to something each us should consider. Is the world crucified to you? If we are “in the world but not of the world” should not the world hate us as it hated Jesus. A better way to describe this would be to think about this statement: I am imprisoned by this world because I don’t belong in this world. I belong with my Creator, Lord and Savior. The WORLD is persecuting TRUE CHRISTIANS because they do NOT LOVE THIS WORLD, THEY LOVE THE FATHER! So while Paul was in prison who put Paul in prison? Who cried out and yelled CRUCIFY HIM when Jesus was on trial.

You know I hear so much Christian “shop talk” about God has a plan for you and it sounds really encouraging as if to puff up ones ego/pride. Yes God has a plan for you and Jesus states it clearly and then Paul states it clearly also.

John 17:14–19 (NKJV)

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

In verse 15 you find the plan of God for you. The rest of the scripture describes the reasons, preparations and plan of God. Let’s add some more scripture that continues on from verse 19.

John 17:20–26 (NKJV)

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

We see in verse 20 that the purpose Jesus spoke about in verse 15 is so that there will always be a remnant on earth bearing witness to incarnate Christ and His death and resurrection and ascension!

Now let us see how Paul and Peter state the same thing.

Philippians 1:23–26 (NKJV)

23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 (NKJV)

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Before moving on with more scriptures I would like to emphasize the importance of what Paul is TRULY saying as it states in Revelations 19:10. Paul is saying he wishes “even more” or as other translations “above all” that you would prophesy. What is TRUE PROPHECY, this is where the body of Christ misses it! It is not merely giving words of edification or encouragement it is to BEAR TRUE WITNESS OF JESUS CHRIST! This is why so many are deceived because most of today’s prophecy is FALSE and not a true testimony or witness of the Lord Jesus.

In addition because our adversary has blinded the eyes and closed the ears of so many they do not hear true prophecy because they are likely already deceived believing doctrines of men, doctrines of devils, man’s theology and are NOT led, seeking, listening or bearing witness by the Holy Spirit of what is being said!

I don’t care who claims to be speaking, preaching, or giving prophecy if it DOES NOT BEAR WITNESS WITH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT REJECT IT! The spirit that is talking through them is NOT the Holy Spirit. Immediately take it to the Lord! All truth and nothing but the truth as confirmed and witness by the Power of the Holy Spirit! I will back this up with the following scriptures:

Hebrews 4:12–13 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

When we read Hebrews 4:12 you will understand why when you do not get a witness from the Holy Spirit it is NOT from the Lord Jesus. His Word is living and you should have the indwelling Holy Spirit which is living so when something is preached, prophecied, or any spoken words pertaining the the LIVING WORD you must have an internal witness from the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:13–17 (NKJV)

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

In Matthew as stated above you masterfully see the Lord asking them about who do people say I am. This includes what religious leaders say as well as the general population. So if it includes religious leaders it includes your pastors or anyone that proclaims to speak of Jesus. In essence forget what you are hearing or being taught and tell me who am I too you! Simon Peter reveals what the Father revealed to him! This was before Pentecost so why is before Peter had the indwelling Holy Spirit Peter received this knowledge and a professing “Born Again Believer” is unable to bear witness in the Holy Spirit? So how do people get TRULY SAVED? It is by the power and conviction being preached by the Power of The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit convicts and the Holy Spirit adds to the TRUE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.

1 Corinthians 15:45–49 (NKJV)

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

These scriptures clearly emphasis the difference between human and divine. Jesus is the Second Adam and Jesus is a life-giving spirit! Does your preacher, pastor and any person you listen to bare witness in the Holy Spirit or are you just listening to a bible recital?

I’ll say it again. The devil doesn’t care if anyone can read or preach the bible what the devil doesn’t want is for you to have the resurrected life in Christ Jesus. So the devil tries to REMOVE the Spirit of God from the Written Word and that leave image of the man of dust not the image of the heavenly Man!

When you sit under this type of preaching satan is attempting to drain you of the Holy Spirit getting you into a fallen nature because satan himself is fallen. Also you saints be on alert as you may have many false friends and even your false pastor may be a friend or appear friendly do not be deceived. They are likely attempting to use you because you are following Christ so that it increased the delusion because you sit under this false preacher. The object is for you to bring more Saints so they can be led to the slaughter also. It’s the frog in the pot once again where gradual deceptions lead you astray! When Jesus said His sheep are led to the slaughter He is referring to who you follow and obviously Jesus is not leading you to the slaughter!

A half truth is a lie, a truth told with ungodly purpose is deception and many won’t like this but where there is one lie how many more lies are there? The Holy Spirit is INCAPABLE of lying! There is NO darkness in Christ Jesus! Twisting a lie by stating “that is your interpretation” is deception. There is only one Truth not variations of what is truth. When a leader or anyone will not tolerate correction by the Living and Written Word it is because they are not of the Lord. I say this because the fruit of the Spirit includes meekness and the love of God is not self boastful or prideful.

I don’t care if ANYONE mentions the name of Jesus, God or Father! More importantly, who is your Jesus, God or Father? You see that is why Paul says IF ANYONE COMES WITH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL LET THEM BE ACCURSED!

Galatians 1:8 (NKJV)

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

2 Corinthians 11:1–4 (NKJV)

1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

1 Peter 2:4–10 (NKJV)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

So how is it today there is so little discernment, so little growth in the Lord so little fruit of the Spirit? Are we to believe there is no power in the Holy Spirit and that Jesus is not able? Lord help us! Each and every day each of us, yes including me should examine ourselves and question ourselves. Am I complacent, am I hungry for righteousness, am I closer to the Lord, as well as other concerns and reflection. Let us read the scripture below in closing and in personal reflection.

1 Corinthians 2:6–16 (NKJV)

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Well what was intended to be a short one page posting has lead to a lengthy one and I thank you for patience and attention to this posting. As usual when the Holy Spirit inspires me to write the Lord keeps expounding and giving more to write. I don’t mind as I enjoy it and it brings me closer to the Lord. The main thing is I try to convey exactly what the Lord wants me to convey and very often is goes against modern day belief and preaching. That alone should say something to you. Stay encourage in the Lord and if this posting has blessed you please feel free to share as the Lord leads you.

I utilize my blog as many forums will delete my postings, commentary and remarks to postings. At least this way if you are familiar with my blog you can always go there.

God bless you all and may the riches of Christ dwell deeply and firmly within you!