PERVERTING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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PERVERTING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Let me begin by sharing a few words regarding a statement I made in a small group setting years ago so that it will open up your thoughts and self reflection.

Meditation and Self Reflection

I once asked a small group to meditate on this and it goes for all of the saints and even church leaders.

I asked them to reflect on this statement and I told them: “If I never preach, never prophecy, never lay hands on the sick, never have a ministry Jesus is enough for me and Jesus is my portion”. When they heard this the room went silent because it was something never mentioned to them before and they had never contemplated this before.

I proceeded to expound. If Jesus is not enough and your “portion” your spiritual gifting will never be enough for you. The focus of your heart will be based on your gifting as the measurement of spiritual success and not your relationship with Jesus! Your heart will be misaligned and the enemy will pull you away from Christ Jesus and personal pride will become your motivation not the Holy Spirit. The gifting and calling is irrevocable so a person may be gifted but that doesn’t make them Christ like. All of the spiritual gifts of Jesus must operate out of HOLINESS, nothing of us and ALL OF JESUS.

When Jesus was on the cross what was spoken to Jesus through the inspiration of the devil through a man: “If you are the King of the Jews remove yourself from that cross”. He wanted a demonstration of power AND it went against the will of the Father for Jesus to remove Himself from the Cross! What happened to Jesus in the wilderness when Satan tried to get Jesus to demonstrate His power and divinity? Did Satan not use Psalm 91 provoking Jesus to demonstrate His power, what about turning the rock into bread? We must not associate power or gifting with Spirit and Truth of Christ Jesus! Jesus spoke to the Devil “IT IS WRITTEN” for what is true godly power without The Holy Spirit and Truth! What did Jesus say to Peter when Peter said he would not let Jesus be taken captive? Jesus said get behind me Satan! It was contrary to the will of the Father.

I mention this because of what the Lord showed me and spoke to me about spiritual gifting as the Lord was revealing HIS gifting in me just after my salvation. I can not over emphasize that this was so liberating and almost as powerful as the gift of salvation! Spiritual gifts are not about performing or performance, it’s about revealing Christ Jesus! I don’t want you to deny the gifts of the Holy Spirit in fact I wish everyone would operate in the fullness of the gifts as when you allow Christ Jesus to operate through you, you grow in the knowledge, faith, trust and intimacy with Jesus. What I can’t stress enough is following the will of Jesus as stated above with Jesus on the cross, in the wilderness and Jesus rebuking Peter. I DO NOT QUESTION THE MOTIVE OF PETERS HEART as we ourselves would lay down our lives for loved ones and Christ Jesus. We must know the will of the Lord in all things before we act and only act or respond as the Holy Spirit leads us.

As I proof read this the Lord prompts me to write more. For those of you who are becoming aware of your spiritual gifts the Lord has prompted me to tell you DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK THE LORD QUESTIONS REGARDING WHAT HE HAS SPOKEN OR PROMPTED YOU TO DO OR SPEAK. The Lord is not offended by your desire to be obedient! He will answer you, so if you don’t fully understand just ask the Lord Jesus. Also remember that the words of knowledge or prophecy are not about you they are about the person receiving them and this may lead to your uncertainty. Using your “head knowledge” can taint, block and limit what the Lord wants spoken. When these situations arise just ask the Lord, how do you want me to speak this or apply this, what is my responsibility. Lastly and very vital, surrender the outcome! We are only responsible to do or speak what the Lord asks us. The Lord holds the outcome! That is why Jonah went through what he did. It is liberating and very freeing to surrender the outcome. We are not the Alpha and Omega, Jesus is!

We must not seek to perform or demonstrate the gifts but rather be led by the Holy Spirit to manifest and reveal Christ Jesus by letting Jesus work through us. It is by the power of The Holy Spirit that reveals Christ Jesus.

Gifting without the HOLY ONE is not operating in HOLINESS and the gifting is then corrupted and not of the Lord Jesus. This reminds me of what Isaiah spoke:

Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

“My” is capitalized as it means the word of God inspired by the Lord.

Jesus will not share His Glory with humanity and when the spiritual gifts have become perverted, twisted and quite frankly demonic in nature and characteristics. They do not reveal Christ Jesus. The divine purpose of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Christ Jesus and bare witness and testify of Christ Jesus. When we operate in the gifts without the prompting or leading of the Holy Spirit we do not reveal Jesus!

John 15:26 (NKJV)

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Do not be misled by what people speak or claim they need such as prayer, healing or other needs. Stop and seek the Lord and ask the Lord, what do you say they need Lord, what would you like to do for them. This principle also applies when someone comes to you and says brother so and so, or sister so and so needs prayer because of this or because of that. DO NOT PRAY WITHOUT SEEKING THE LORD. If you are uncertain what to pray simply pray that the Lord’s will would be done and that the Lord would be glorified by His will being done. If you follow the words of what others say you might very well be cursing that person in the form of a prayer! Yes many prayers are actually witchcraft in disguise! I know first hand of this by personal experiences.

These are the words Jesus spoke to me about using spiritual gifts.

John 5:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

If we are to reveal Christ Jesus it MUST be Jesus doing the work through us, not us “performing” the gifts. There is a HUGE difference. This is Satan attempting to get us into PRIDE thinking it is us doing the work! As I refer to Satan’s trinity of ME, MYSELF and I. It is a snare as pride comes before the fall!

What I have written applies to ALL of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There is another point I would like to mention regarding the gifts especially the gift of prophecy and words of knowledge. Just because the Lord gives you a prophetic word or word of knowledge does not mean that is the time to speak it or share it. You may be called to intercession verses speaking the prophetic word or word of knowledge. If there is no unction from the Holy Spirit to speak do NOT speak the prophetic word or word of knowledge as it is the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT that fulfills that prophetic word or word of knowledge. Therefore it must be spoken only by the unction and prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT that leads you to speak, otherwise the adversary can easily twist and manipulate what is spoken or prophesied. Another example would be praying for an individual. For example, I love to read my bible in public while having coffee and quite often the Lord will have me pray for people. If the Lord puts it on your heart to pray for someone that doesn’t always mean you go to the person unless the Holy Spirit gives you the unction. You can pray for them from your seat. I have done this in public many times as well as approach the person as led by the Holy Spirit. What matters is that you prayed! Praise the Lord. You see quite often the delay is because the Lord is preparing them to receive the word of knowledge, prophecy or prayer that is why we must rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us on how we approach these matters.

I hope this helps some of you to stop striving and just let the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you. Don’t fall snare to the enemies schemes. I know I was blessed and thankful that the Lord spoke and revealed this to me early on in my walk with the Lord. Jesus kept me from the pitfalls of this. Don’t use the spiritual gifts because you can, do it because it is the will of God under the unction and prompting of the Holy Spirit. This will allow you to walk in greater spiritual peace, faith, trust, revelation and intimacy with Christ Jesus.

As I was talking with the Lord about writing this article He placed it upon my heart that this writing is critical be able to have spiritual discernment in these last days as the TWO WITNESSES will be coming forth in the near future. We must discern what miracles are of Jesus and what miracles are of the Antichrist. Oh, how the body of Christ needs spiritual discernment.

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

If you have been blessed by this writing please feel free to share as the Lord Jesus leads you. Grace to you from our Lord Jesus and may you walk in peace and revelations of Christ Jesus.

PREACHING VERSES MINISTERING

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PREACHING VERSES MINISTERING

I believe that if when people read in the bible where Jesus ministered one on one and examine how Jesus ministered and focus on the interaction between Jesus and the person receiving ministry from Jesus, they would have greater understanding of ministry verses preaching. Truthfully speaking both should be together not singular in nature. It’s called Spirit and Truth together and it is the Spirit and fruit of the Spirit that bears witness on a heart of flesh and a new Spirit which ONLY comes from Christ Jesus.

Too often we look at the outcome which is important but NOT the requirements for that outcome! With this being said look at what was required of the individual to receive the ministry, Word, healing or revelation that Jesus was the Christ! Ask yourself, who, what, when, where, why, and how. What might have been different if they had not responded as they did.

Don’t confuse preaching the Word with ministering to the HEART! The main reasons there is no true transformation with many people is because there is no true honesty of the condition of their heart AND/OR there was no Fruit of The Holy Spirit. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage! (Isaiah 61)

I think if you start with the woman at the well you will see what ministry is verses preaching is. Preaching is the “call to Christ”, a call to repentance while ministering is revealing the heart of Christ to someone.

The objective is not ONLY TRUTH but TRANSFORMATION!  A new heart and a new Spirit!  Preaching is only half of the equation as the anointing is what breaks the yoke of bondage and in that anointing is the Fruit of the Spirit. Isaiah 61 clearly reveals that preaching without ministering does NOT heal the brokenhearted.

 

John 4:1–26 (NKJV)

1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria. 5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Isaiah 61:1–11 (NKJV)

— 1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” 4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

SPIRITUAL FALSE IDENTITY

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SPIRITUAL FALSE IDENTITY

I have often said and will say it again if you change ONE WORD of the Written Word of God you remove the power of the Word because the Spirit it is spoken in is not of God! God is the same yesterday, today and forever. HE changes NOT.

This being said the Lord is leading me to bring clarity and correction to the following statement often said by people serving the Lord or by the church in general and I pray they will repent once they understand the spiritual consequences of speaking this phrase as it perverts the truth of God’s Word.

“Knowing your identity in Christ Jesus”

I see this statement over and over online as well as being preached and spoken by people who are church goers. Just because it is a modern day quote does NOT make it scriptural or truth!

I ask you to look at this statement a few moments and carefully read and understand it like you are “dissecting” a sentence in English class from school.

Okay, now that you have done that who is the first person mentioned? Who is the second person mentioned? So who’s identity is being magnified. Satan’s trinity is “me, myself and I” so this phrase while sounding good is of the flesh/devil and I can prove this through scripture.

Let me start out by using this scripture to illustrate how the twisting of words or scripture changes the whole meaning. As knowing “your identity” is glorifying you/flesh and not Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:27-28 NKJV

27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Here we clearly read that it is CHRIST IN YOU and not you in Christ! It has nothing to do with your identity it is all in Christ’s identity! When you change this you inadvertently make your self god. Jesus didn’t come so you could be found in Him, He came so He could be found in you! He created man in His likeness and image! The problem with this statement about identity is that it gets you focused on “self” and not Jesus.

Ephesians 5:27 NKJV

27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Acts 19:15-20 NKJV

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Jesus did NOT send the Holy Spirit/Comforter to conform to our identity, but conform His identity in us! When we read above Acts 19:15-20 who’s identity was the evil spirit comparing Paul with? Paul had been conformed to the identity of Christ not of the “old man”. You see it has nothing to do with us personally but it is ALL about Christ in us, not us in Christ!

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NKJV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Romans 6:4-14 NKJV

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

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.

7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

So if the “old man” died and a new creation was resurrected in you that means your identity is not of yourself but of Christ. It’s not my identity in Christ it is Christ identity in me/us. This means by yielding your will/soul to the Holy Spirit the process of sanctification begins purging you from all things contrary to the Spirit of the Living God Christ Jesus. This is why Paul mentions that he died daily and later on Paul gives us that wonderful scripture of Galatians 2:20 and Galatians 6:14-15.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

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.

21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 6:14-15 NKJV

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.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

So let me pose these questions. If you no longer live who’s identity is revealed? If you no longer live who’s righteousness do you have? If you no longer live where is your worthiness found? If you no longer live where is the hope of glory found in you? If you no longer live who are you called to reveal to a lost world? If you no longer live who’s testimony and truth do you reveal? (This sentence should also let you know truth from error and lies from truth.) If you no longer live who’s truth do you live by or strive for?

Acts 4:13-22 NKJV

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.

22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

I hope this article has brought some clarity and reveals that all of us should carefully chose our words and not to alter ONE WRITTEN WORD of God’s Word or the works and testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus said if you have seen me you have seen the Father. The evil spirit mentioned above in Acts 19 didn’t acknowledge the person of Paul but rather Christ in Paul.

The people in Acts 4 perceived Peter and John to have been with Jesus and please note the comment that they appeared uneducated and untrained in man’s teachings and beliefs but however they were trained by Jesus and had the indwelling power of the Living God Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! Glory to God!

So in closing I ask that you chose your words wisely so that the enemy of our souls is unable to get a foothold. I ask that you do NOT change one word of the Written Word and that if you do not understand a scripture ask the Lord in your quiet time. If the motive of your heart is pure the Lord will not hold back from revealing truth. It might take some time in prayer but that is NOT because He is not willing to answer He could be using that situation to draw you deeper in Him! Hallelujah!

It is my hope that this has helped you to understand that we are called to reveal Christ Jesus not ourselves, our identity or even our ministry NOTHING but Christ in us the hope of glory! My identity is Christ in ME NOT me in Christ. The more Christ is established in me the more I am one with Christ and the Father! John 15th chapter.

Some may laugh this off and say it is trivial but I tell you just try to confront the forces of evil or cast out a demon saying or believing “greater is me in Christ” verses the truth of “greater is He in me” and see how that works out for you.

1 John 4:4-5 NKJV

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

In closing I hope this offers some insight as all of us should be seeking complete sanctification in and by Christ Jesus. It is my personal prayer from the very beginning of my born again experience that I could stand before the forces of darkness and quote just as Jesus did to Satan in the wilderness, “YOU HAVE NOTHING IN ME”. This should be the cry of all who profess Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! God bless you.

What Spirit Are You

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What Spirit Are You?

 

Luke 9:55–56 (NKJV)

55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

 

A few months ago as I was seeking the Lord and weeping in the Spirit over the condition of the professing church and how spiritually sick, spiritually poor and vastly deceived the professing church is the Lord spoke to me Luke 9:55-56.   “They know not what spirit they are of.” 

 

Revelation 3:17 (NKJV)

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 

 

Why are so many professing Christians in churches with leaders that are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Why are they fellowshipping with darkness and not exposing the darkness. Why are they making allowances and tolerating darkness.  Do they really even discern the darkness and evil spirits? Are they truly born again and do they hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ?  Do they pursue holiness?  How can you even be a living epistle without being born again?  

 

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

 

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

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

 

John 16:13 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

 

How is it that the disciples followed Jesus but didn’t know what spirit they were of?  Obviously this was BEFORE Pentecost.   We have the very same thing going on within the church structure, many people INCLUDING leadership do not have the Spirit of the Lord!  They are not born again with a heart of flesh and a new Spirit from the Lord!

 

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

 

The people assemble unto a leader and to other people but DO NOT assemble humbly unto the Lord Jesus in one accord.  The “ACTS” church is not there!  The foundation and cornerstone of Christ is NOT there!  There might be a couple of true followers of Christ to bear witness of Christ but how long will the Lord keep them there under false teaching, deceiving spirits and the like?  

 

Acts 2:1 (NKJV)

Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

 

We have people assembling to other people, people assembling too leadership but how many are truly in accord only seeking Christ first and foremost?  I’ll be perfectly honest some of the greatest spiritual battles are within the local church assembly.  

Let me give you a brief scenario.  One of the greatest spiritual battles was fought in heaven when Lucifer and one third of the angels were cast out of heaven.  That battle is still being fought out here today within the confines of the church structure and assembly as well as throughout the earth.  Do you honestly believe that every person within the church is a true born again disciple of Christ?  Do you not know that the same battle that was fought in heaven is going to be fought on earth when Jesus returns?  Do you not know that this battle is also being fought within the church as Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy?

I have personally witnessed leaders in churches that masquerade as angles of light just as Satan masquerades as an angle of light.  Paul explicitly said:

Galatians 1:8–10 (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. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 11:5–15 (NKJV)

Paul and False Apostles

5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

 

Personally I am not impressed when someone uses the name or terminology god, lord or even the name of Jesus.  I want to know who their lord, god and Jesus is because very often it is not the Jesus I know!

 

Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

 

I have always been concerned and quite honestly baffled at how Satan and his minions/demons know who were are in Christ but the professing body of Christ doesn’t know us in the Spirit of the Lord!  This should be alarming, troubling and very concerning to all of us!  

 

2 Corinthians 5:16–17 (NKJV)

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

 

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

Many times I meditate on a scripture seeking the Lord for insight and the Lord is faithful to reveal things. A short time ago I was reflecting on Peter trying to walk on water.  I’ve heard so many Christians claim that Peter lacked faith and yet they themselves want the ability to walk on water likely just for show.  What they didn’t realize is what Peter was actually doing!  Jesus appears as a “ghost” because they saw Jesus for the first time as Spirit.  Just as in the book of Genesis when the Spirit hovered above the waters.  Peter was “testing the Spirit”.  Why are people today not testing the spirits?

 

Matthew 14:25–29 (NKJV)

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

 

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

John 10:27 (NKJV)

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 

 

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

 

I was in my quiet place with the Lord and just sharing my heart with the Lord.  I was conversing with the Lord about His true servants and how few there truly are and how they are separated from other true servants.  It’s as if I was Jehu asking “where are the Lord’s servants”.  The Lord spoke to me and said Elijah was outnumbered 850 to 1.  If Elijah was outnumbered 850 to 1 what is it now?  If we take that ratio and apply it to Noah’s Ark how many were actually saved during the flood!  

Jesus warned in Matthew 24 see that NO-ONE deceives you!  As I wrote many months ago in my article about the spirit of delusion and the great apostasy we are witnessing the book of Revelations play out before us.  Choose this day whom you shall serve.

https://abidingbread.com/2020/08/29/reprobate-minds-spirit-of-delusion/

 

The only true teacher of God’s Word is the Spirit of God, no man can teach the things of the Spirit of God.  Saul/Paul was a scholar but on the road to Damascus Saul met the Lord Jesus!  

 

  1 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)

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.


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.

 

If you truly want to walk in spiritual discernment you must be born again and seek/look for Christ in all things including people.  You can’t discern without the Holy Spirit and relying on earthly wisdom to discern spiritual maters is one of man’s greatest demises.  

 

To truly follow Christ you will be rejected, chastised, mocked, slandered and tossed away by many but do not let your heart be troubled for Jesus came to His own and they did not accept Him either.  

 

John 1:11–13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The Acceptance of Christ

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you in these perilous times.  I leave you with these scriptures for inspiration.

 

1 John 4:18–19 (NKJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

 

John 17 (NKJV)

Christ Prays for Himself

17 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Christ Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 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.

Christ Prays for All Believers

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.”

Reprobate Minds – Spirit of Delusion

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Reprobate Minds – Spirit of Delusion

This morning in my quiet time with the Lord, the Lord spoke the words “reprobate mind” to me as I was reflecting on the following scripture and meditating on the times we live in.

Matthew 24:37–39 (NKJV)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 

Just as Noah was a preacher of righteousness and only 8 people were allowed on the Ark the rest of the people/humanity had reprobate minds and refused the righteousness of God.  People called, believed and promoted evil as good and called good as being evil!  It was not because they were not warned or did not hear the truth of God’s word but their denial of the truth while promoting and living evil lifestyles.  We know that the Lord Jesus wishes that no man would perish but it will be as in the days of Noah!

Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Once I heard “reprobate mind” the Holy Spirit quickly began to show me that as the “mark of the beast” draws near so will the amount of people given over to reprobate minds.  In fact, many people have already been given over to reprobate minds and the “spirit of delusion”.  We must remember that anyone who receives the mark of the beast will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Isaiah 5:20–21 (NKJV)

20      Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

21      Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,

And prudent in their own sight!

 

Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)

7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.


Revelation 13:16–17 (NKJV) 

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 

Revelation 14:9–13 (NKJV)

9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

 

Romans 1:20–32 (NKJV) 

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

 

Why have true prophets and prophetic warnings been denied?  Why all the debate on pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation and post-tribulation? God is not the author of confusion!  I remember once I was in a bible study and the leaders were teaching on the book of Revelations and the debate on the rapture or “catching away” once again became the debate.  I asked them why they were so caught up in this debate as I said I’ve already been raptured!  Just as John 17 and Ephesians 2 mentions.

 

John 17:16–19 (NKJV)

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.

 

Ephesians 2:4–7 (NKJV)

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

Contrary to once in grace always in grace the Apostle Paul told us that the great apostasy would occur prior to Christ’s return.  This was stated thousands of years ago, and today we are witnessing not only the great apostasy but also the reprobate minds of humanity who blatantly refuse the truth of God’s Word.  This spirit of delusion is so strong that people may even believe they are serving the one true Living God Christ Jesus!  Yes, these people will actually fulfil the Words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7.

 

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

Luke 6:46

 

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 (NKJV)

The Great Apostasy

2 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

Noah didn’t try to persuade people neither did the servants of the Lord in the bible.  They spoke the truth, revealed truth, upheld truth and promoted truth according to God’ Spirit and Truth.  The accountability of one’s own soul remains with each of us as individuals.  We cannot blame leadership, family, friends, personal intellect, what we have been taught, or any other sources for our decision not to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus in Spirit & Truth. 

I believe in a remnant and the Lord always has a remnant, even until the Lord’s second coming.  We are in very perilous times people and I believe many people have been given over to reprobate minds and/or a spirit of delusion.

It grieves me that people are led astray but if each of us as individuals do not seek God’s truth in Spirit and Truth we too can be led astray.  Let each of us evaluate our own personal lives in this time and earnestly seek the righteousness of Christ Jesus and His wisdom. 

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Philippians 2:12–18 (NKJV)

Light Bearers 

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

 

May the love, peace, grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus dwell richly in your hearts and see that no man deceives you in these perilous times. 

 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

John 12:25 (NKJV)

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

Matthew 24:12–13 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV) 

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

 

2 Timothy 3:1–9 (NKJV)

Perilous Times and Perilous Men 

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. 

John 16:33 (NKJV)

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

Let us pray for the wisdom, peace, mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus in these difficult times we live in.  The great commission must continue until the return of the Lord Jesus. 

COVID 19 FACE MASKS – SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

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COVID 19 FACE MASKS

SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

 

Today during worship and prayer with the Lord I was conversing with the Lord regarding a recent posting on Facebook.  I saw a pastor wearing a face mask that had printed on it “Faith over Fear”.  This pastor is not alone as many Christians are wearing face masks, it was what was printed on the mask that truly saddened me as real faith isn’t found in a mask it’s only found in Christ Jesus.  Wearing the mask didn’t demonstrate or witness faith regardless of what was printed on it.  

I realize that each of us as individuals are at different places in our walk with the Lord however the whole gospel is based on the life, death and resurrection of Christ so that we may have eternal life in Christ Jesus.  How can someone preach the gospel of Christ in fear of death, I just don’t see a living witness as in Revelation 12:11.  What is the need of Psalm 91 if your faith is in a face mask?  

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

Psalm 91 (NKJV)

PSALM 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1      He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2      I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

 

3      Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4      He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5      You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6      Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

 

7      A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

8      Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

 

9      Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10      No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11      For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12      In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13      You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

 

14      “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15      He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16      With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

 

Where is the spiritual witness and revelation of being a living witness for Christ?  How can you pray for the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead or even speak to the mountain to move wearing a face mask?  If I am missing something I am glad that I am missing it, fear has no dominion over me!  (See my post on spiritual sickness  http://abidingbread.com/2020/07/15/spiritual-sickness/).

As I was conversing with the Lord today about this the Lord said to me in the spirit realm the mask is like spiritual duct tape.  The Lord said that truth is being silenced and people are not standing in faith and speaking or demonstrating faith and truth according to God’s Word.  They should trust in the Lord with all of their heart and lean not on their own understanding.

 While this is a controversial subject the whole Bible is controversial to those that are perishing and life in the spirit is opposed by life in the flesh.   In Exodus 12 when the lamb was sacrificed and the blood of a lamb was put over the doorposts did death strike those covered by the blood?  Has the blood of Jesus lost it’s power, absolutely NOT!

 

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

5      Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6      In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

You either believe in ALL OF GOD’S WORD or you don’t.  You don’t get to pick and choose, add or subtract. We must demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and the resurrected life; for all things have passed away and we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.   If you have been crucified in Christ then you should live by faith in Christ.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

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.

 

In baptism we died just as Christ died and were resurrected in Christ just as Jesus resurrected.  Jesus has risen and is not in the grave!  Hallelujah!  We shouldn’t be living on earth as if we are heading to the grave! Death has been conquered! 

 

Romans 6:4 (NKJV)

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 

Colossians 2:12 (NKJV)

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

 

Matthew 16:25 (KJV 1900)

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

1 Corinthians 2:4 (KJV 1900)

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

 

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

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.

 

Romans 8:14 (KJV 1900)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

The Lord then brought to my spirit the death of Lazarus concerning the mandatory face masks and the body of Christ. 

 

John 11 (NKJV)

Christ Raises Lazarus

11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

The Pharisees Plan to Kill Christ

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

 

Once again, the Lord is weeping regarding the lack of faith and disbelief in those that proclaim that Jesus is the Life & Resurrection.  We either believe that the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are sons and daughters of Christ or we don’t.  Our actions speak louder than words and without faith it is impossible to please God.

 

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

 

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

 

John 11:25–26 (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 

 

It would be wise to remember that the bloodline of Christ has always faced death.  Moses was floated down a stream in a basket and Joseph and Mary had to move because every male infant was ordered to be executed.  John the baptist was beheaded, the apostles were martyred and today people wear face masks. 

 

The Lord is grieving just as He did with Lazarus. If we reflect on the 10 virgins in the marriage supper 5 didn’t have their lamps full.  Are we witnessing today the foolish virgins wearing face masks because their lamps are not full? It’s a question that each of us needs to address and pray upon.  It would be wise to remember that the “DOOR” was closed to the foolish virgins.

 

John 10:9–11 (NKJV)

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

 

 

Luke 18:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

There are religions that teach that you must die to experience the Glory of God or be in the presence of God.  This is a lie from the pit of hell!  The glory of God is for the here and now and blessed are those who have tasted and seen who have not departed from the faith.

 

Hebrews 6 (NKJV)

The Peril of Not Progressing

 

6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

A Better Estimate 

9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ

 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

FALSE SALVATION

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FALSE SALVATION

 

I am praying and grieving for the lost who falsely believe they are “born again” and saved who are being led to the slaughter by exalting the sinful nature by proclaiming false grace, false love and false mercy.  Rather than declare in Spirit and Truth the old man is dead to the flesh/sinful nature and the new creation in Christ lives they embrace the fallen and sinful nature creating excuses, alibis, lies and eliminate the resurrection power of Christ Jesus.  It’s no wonder Holiness isn’t preached and sin isn’t being addressed because holiness is only found in the Holy One, Christ Jesus.  

 

The truth is that no man, woman or even Satan himself can keep someone who is truly seeking Jesus in Spirit and Truth from Christ Jesus.  (Psalm 23)  Seeking fellowship and acceptance isn’t the same as seeking Christ Jesus.  

 

John the Baptist was in the wilderness for a reason, he wasn’t in the religious assembly and falseness.  He was born in the Spirit of God and when the religious leaders came into the wilderness John the Baptist rebuked them because they were not coming to seek Christ but destroy the works of Christ!  Just as the religious leaders crucified Christ.  

 

I have witnessed people get baptized as a formality but not from a heart of flesh with true repentance thus true rebirth in Christ hasn’t happened and they are deceived believing they are truly saved/born again by formality or rituals!  I’ve been swimming many times but only baptized once.  Don’t confuse earthly water with LIVING WATER!  TRUE BAPTISM IS AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF AN INNER WORKING AS SANCTIFICATION IS AN INWARD PROCESS WITH AN OUTWARD MANIFESTATION.  You will know them by their FRUIT!  GALATIANS 5!  Many desire “healing and deliverance” but don’t truly want Jesus and a life of holiness just as the parable with the lepers.

 

Matthew 3:7 (AMP)

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee and escape from the wrath and indignation [of God against disobedience] that is coming?

 

Matthew 23:33 (AMP)

33 You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?

 

2 Corinthians 6:14–17 (AMP)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness? 

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 

16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Exod. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:1; Ezek. 37:27.]

17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor, [Isa. 52:11.]

 

1 Peter 1:16 (AMP)

16 For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. [Lev. 11:44, 45.]

 

Acts 26:18 (AMP)

18 To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me. [Isa. 42:7, 16.]

 

Romans 6:1–2 (AMP)

WHAT SHALL we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? 

2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (AMP)

13 But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His firstfruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth.

 

2 Timothy 2:21 (AMP)

21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

 

The “Kingdom of God” ISN’T within them for the old man/fallen sinful nature rules and reigns and isn’t being put to death by the LIVING GOD by the Holy Spirit.  Please see my article:  FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FALSE REVIVAL

 

http://abidingbread.com/2019/01/13/false-arrival-renders-false-revival/

 

FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FALSE REVIVAL

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FALSE ARRIVAL RENDERS FALSE REVIVAL 

The moral/human compass or lack thereof verses full obedience and complete trust and submittance to the Spirit of The Lord in Spirit and Truth has many people deceived and believing they are in a revival in victory for the Lord when it is a revival of disobedience and lawlessness.  When we believe we “have arrived” as the Apostle Paul states we are in rebellion, pride, idolatry, witchcraft and self-reliant, self-trusting and believe we are more knowledgeable than the Lord Jesus.  We must remember that the “son’s of God are lead by the Spirit of the Lord”! 

Colossians 3:6 (AMP)

6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will),

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way.

When we reflect on the inspired Word of God concerning king Saul we see a man who started out humble but fell into pride believing that his own merits obtained the position of king and that his personal knowledge, decisions, actions and the approval of others was above the Lord Jesus and the Word of The Lord.  Self-arrival is NOT self-denial!  A true humble servant of the Lord need not seek validation, vindication or approval of humanity for it is the Lord that vindicates not the servant.  Humility speaks truth, reveals truth and allows the Lord to reveal truth just as Agape love is not self-seeking humility is not self promoting, self-righteous.  Let us not confuse building a ministry with building the Kingdom of God they are not one in the same!

John 16:13 (AMP)

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

Let us review the Word of God concerning king Saul.

1 Samuel 15:10–35 (NKJV)

Saul Rejected as King

10 Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night. 12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” 13 Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have performed the commandment of the LORD.”

14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”

15 And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet! And I will tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”

And he said to him, “Speak on.”

17 So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? 18 Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”

22 So Samuel said:

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

As in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams.

23      For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,

He also has rejected you from being king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.”

26 But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.”

27 And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent.”

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

32 Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me.” So Agag came to him cautiously.

And Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

33 But Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Saul allowed “worldliness” and the accolades, praises and his personal reputation became dependent on the approval of humanity and his personal followers. The joy of the Lord had been reduced to the praises of his peer’s verses having intimacy, grace and favor of being in right standing with the Lord.  If we read the books of Ezekiel we read that the church’s outside appearance might seem to be okay but the interior/spiritual attributes are wicked, deceitful and an abomination to the Lord.  Just as the Pharisee’s Saul wanted to appear right amongst people.

As if it were not bad enough Saul built a monument so he could be admonished and praised by humanity.  What is the difference between a monument and a building, ministry or calling?  Saul’s actions are totally opposite of the Words of Jesus in the Beatitudes in Mathew 5 where blessed is the man who is mocked, ridiculed, persecuted and despised for the Lord’s namesake.  All of Saul’s followers celebrated in their “false victory and revival” by offering the fatten calf as a burnt offering.  They celebrated a false victory and false revival and it was the prophet Samuel who then slayed Agag a false king who promoted sin, rebellion and created a childless woman!  We know the “woman” to be the church and a childless church is a spiritual dead church with FALSE conversions embracing, rejoicing and praising rebellion, idolatry and witchcraft!  To be very frank and candid much of this is apparent in the church today as the praises of rebellion, idolatry and witchcraft in the very temple that is to be holy and pure without spot or wrinkle.

What people refuse to see is that when Truth is denied Jesus is denied and if you are denying Truth you likely will renounce your faith when the mark of the beast is enforced as you have already denied Jesus.

Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV)

2      For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,”

Says the LORD.

“But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

Notice how Saul tore Samuel’s robe and how the Lord would not allow that which is unholy to touch that which is holy!  The kingdom of Israel was “torn” from Saul as darkness and lawlessness will not inherit the Kingdom of God!  Just as Adam and Eve were removed so it was with Saul.

Saul stated that he had fulfilled the Word of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:13) and demonstrated and believed that a servant is greater than his master and that he fulfilled the Word of the Lord!  Where is “picking up your cross and denying yourself and following Jesus”?

John 15:20 (NKJV)

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV)

Revelation of Jesus’ Reward

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Perhaps we need to reflect on what is a bride and to whom a bride is totally submitted to in covenant.  A bride belongs to the “Bridegroom” and not the bridal party, in-laws, family, the congregation or the world.

Luke 14:25–27 (AMP)

25 Now huge crowds were going along with [Jesus], and He turned and said to them,

26 If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters—[yes] and even his own life also—he cannot be My disciple.

27 Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple.

Is fellowship above intimacy with Christ Jesus? Are we intimate with the congregation or Christ Jesus? Are we partakers of Christ or the assembly?

1 John 1:7 (AMP)

7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (AMP)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Exod. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:1; Ezek. 37:27.]

17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor, [Isa. 52:11.]

18 And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. [Isa. 43:6; Hos. 1:10.]

Did Paul, Peter or John die for us? It is obvious that the church according the book of ACTS is not prevalent today as there is no true “oneness” in Spirit and Truth and there is little desire for Spirit and Truth as true worshippers.  Let us not confuse or distort truth for ridicule, as that is not my intent.  Truth is not slanderous or gossip, Truth is what we are called to conform to in Christ Jesus.

1 John 2:15 (NKJV)

Do Not Love the World

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

John 4:24 (NKJV)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

The story of the prodigal son is a spiritual house not merely and earthly house and we tend to overlook the bigger picture only focusing on the sinful nature of the prodigal son.  We need to seek the big picture and ask questions seeking the Lord.  Where was the prodigal son before he left, what became of him and how did he return?

The prodigal son was in “HIS FATHER’S HOUSE” and backslid by desiring the blessings of the Father but didn’t want or feel a need for his Father!  This is about the “son’s of God” in the Father’s House who have backslidden.  Knowing this we can now see the importance of 2 Chronicles 7:14! If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and repent of their wicked ways, lawlessness, rebellion, idolatry, spiritual adultery/fornication and return to their Father’s house He will heal their land and restore them back to blessings.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Is the bride ready for her Bridegroom?  Has the bride prepared herself in holiness without spot or wrinkle?  Whom are you totally committed and submitted too?

While it is apparent even to the unsaved that we are in the “last hours” in this fallen and wicked world why is everyone so focused on the Rapture or “Catching away” rather than being prepared!  I am not here to debate pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation or post tribulation but rather propose a question.  Why are you not already raptured!  If you totally belong to Jesus you are in this world but not of this world!  You have already been raptured in the Spirit and the life you live now is not your own because you have died to self to live in Christ!  To be an ambassador for Christ means the earth is not your home and you are a pilgrim in a foreign land.  The world loves their own and because you are not of the world the world hates you just as it hates Christ Jesus.

John 15:18–25 (AMP)

18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.

20 Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.

21 But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

23 Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.

24 If I had not done (accomplished) among them the works which no one else ever did, they would not be guilty of sin. But [the fact is] now they have both seen [these works] and have hated both Me and My Father.

25 But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause. [Ps. 35:19; 69:4.]

Luke 17:33 (NKJV)

33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

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.

Why doesn’t the church address and expose sin and foster and promote holiness for without holiness no one will see God!  Is this not false arrival and false revival!  Have we arrived and are we in our glorified bodies?  We are surrounded by a fallen world surrounded by lawlessness, immorality and darkness and there is no contrast within much of the professing church but rather worldliness, sin, lies, deceit and wickedness.

When someone says that they won’t address sin because it is offensive are we to let that person and soul spend eternity in separation from God! We are called to be ministers of righteousness and speak in Spirit and Truth and allow the Holy Spirit to convict sin.

Matthew 23:15 (AMP)

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are.

John 16:8 (AMP)

8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:

The lack of spiritual discernment within the body of Christ is the direct correlation of worldliness within our own hearts. Deceit is a HEART CONDITION!

Luke 16:15 (AMP)

15 But He said to them, You are the ones who declare yourselves just and upright before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted and highly thought of among men is detestable and abhorrent (an abomination) in the sight of God. [I Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2.]

Jeremiah 17:9 (AMP)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? [Matt. 13:15-17; Mark 7:21-23; Eph. 4:20-24.]

Does victory in Christ stop at salvation?  What is Jesus doing in your heart daily and how is Jesus helping you to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, your testimony and not loving your life unto death!  Are you putting to death the members of your flesh or resurrecting the “old nature”?

Colossians 3:5 (AMP)

5 So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).

What is Communion? 

Is communion just a reflection and memory or is it continually life changing?  Partaking in the “Body & Blood” is a personal call to personal crucifixion dying to self and being resurrected in Christ as well as suffering for Christ to advance His Kingdom not our ministries, gifting or calling!  What is communion without covenant?  What is communion without intimacy, self-reflection and reflecting on John 3:16?  Why has the prosperity gospel/message corrupted communion with covetousness, idolatry and worldliness, do we not know that the abundant life is a spiritual life not a carnal or worldly life.  Communion is a lifestyle not just a formality!

Have we allowed the professing church to become a house of thieves, wolves, covetousness, idolatry and rebellion?  Are we praising king Saul or the King of kings and Lord of lords in church? Jesus didn’t preach to the religious leaders, as they were the ones who called for Jesus to be crucified not wanting themselves to be seen in their lustful, deceitful, rebellious and idolatrous ways.

Hebrews 6:6 (AMP)

6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace.

The Lord has been sending messengers to the leaders of the church to bring correction and to choose this day whom they will serve but they will not head the Word of the Lord just as king Saul didn’t head the Word of the Lord.

Jesus tells us why they are not heading the Word of the Lord in Spirit and Truth.

John 9:41 (NKJV)

41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

Mark 8:18 (NKJV)

18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Matthew 23:13 (NKJV)

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

The eight woes are upon the church as judgment begins in the house of the Lord.  Ichobod is prevelant within the church for the Lord’s Spirit will not dwell in temples made with human hands nor in rebellious hearts.  Rebellion is rampant within the church and rebellion is witchcraft and the Lord will have no part with it at all.

The church of Christ is a church of Holiness, Holy Spirit, Truth, Love and obedience to the Lord Jesus and does NOT seek the accolades of humanity or the lust of the flesh as flesh and blood will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:50 (AMP)

50 But I tell you this, brethren, flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit or share in the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (that which is decaying) inherit or share in the imperishable (the immortal).

Romans 3:4 (AMP)

4 By no means! Let God be found true though every human being is false and a liar, as it is written, That You may be justified and shown to be upright in what You say, and prevail when You are judged [by sinful men]. [Ps. 51:4.]

Revelation 2:29 (AMP)

29 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

Ezekiel 2:7 (AMP)

7 And you shall speak My words to them whether they will hear or refuse to hear, for they are most rebellious. 

Jeremiah 7:27 (AMP)

27 Speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to and obey you; also call to them, but they will not answer you.

Luke 10:16 (AMP)

16 He who hears and heeds you [disciples] hears and heeds Me; and he who slights and rejects you slights and rejects Me; and he who slights and rejects Me slights and rejects Him who sent Me.

Deuteronomy 18:19 (AMP)

19 And whoever will not hearken to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. 

Isaiah 5:20 (AMP)

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Matthew 24:12 (AMP)

12 And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,

Matthew 24:37–39 (AMP)

37 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

38 For just as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, [men] marrying and [women] being given in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah went into the ark,

39 And they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away—so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [Gen. 6:5-8; 7:6-24.]

Noah was a preacher of righteousness walking and submitted in obedience to the Lord.  In order to achieve the Covenant promises we must walk and submit to the Lord in His covenants.  Marriage is a covenant ordained by God and many will be invited but only a few will be allowed into the marriage ceremony.

Matthew 7:21–23 (AMP)

21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?

23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. [Ps. 6:8.].

1 Samuel 4:19–21 (AMP)

19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, about to be delivered. And when she heard that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, Fear not, for you have borne a son. But she did not answer or notice.

21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel!—because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

Matthew 7:15–20 (AMP)

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. [Ezek. 22:27.]

16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit.

18 A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

20 Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.

The Lord is calling His Bride to holiness, purity of heart with hearts of fire and passion towards His Truth.  We must be lovers of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

John 14:6 (AMP)

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Revelation 2:4 (AMP)

4 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

The Lord has prompted me to share my article about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which coincides with this article which can be read at this link:  http://abidingbread.com/2018/01/28/marriage-supper-of-the-lamb/

THE NARROW PATH

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PROPHETIC VISION – FUNNEL

A few days ago during a prayer meeting.  The Lord showed me a picture of a funnel.  While seeing a vision of a funnel might seem strange to some people when the Lord reveals pictures and dreams they are not to be taken lightly.  As I saw the picture

of the funnel I asked the Lord what the funnel represented.

The Lord said the funnel represents His people and their human temples/bodies.  The Lord then said that the funnels are upside down.  The picture the Lord showed me was our traditional method of using a funnel.

The Lord then said look at the funnel upside down.  So I visualized the funnel upside down.

 The Lord said, see with the narrow part up it is pointed directly to Him and there is less impurity, corruption, false teaching and manipulation.  More of a “pure” stream! I then asked the Lord about the volume of pouring into us as the rate of flow would be less upside down.  He said in the natural/human usage of the funnel (human temples) with the pouring right side up we might receive more volume being “poured into” us quicker but it is contaminated, impure and not soley from the Lord.

I then began to press into this vision more and the Lord said, see when the funnel is upside down the diameter is wider.  Your freedom is increased as well as your sphere of influence to reach my people.  I then visualized me standing under the funnel and realized how “bound” we standing under the “spout” of the funnel vs. when the funnel is upside down.

I believe the Lord’s message is critical in breaking false influences, false teachings and worldly contaminants from corrupting our spiritual growth and our spiritual callings from the Lord.  I believe the Lord is reiterating that everything must be tested in the spirit and in the Word of God and that we must seek revelations as well as witness in our spirits.  Many people have not put God first and this was a message that reinstates that the Lord needs to be put first.

I pray that you will receive the warning and insight in this prophetic vision and embrace the word of the Lord.  Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

(Matthew 6:33 KJV)

THE LIFE OF CHRIST VERSES RELIGION

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THE LIFE OF CHRIST VERSES RELIGION

There is no shame in the truth only shame not abiding/walking in truth.  So it is once again that I bear my heart as a messenger of the Lord knowing that in the Love of Truth/Jesus is how truth is revealed.  The very nature of truth is to be a lover of Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  (John 16:4) 

Using the “words of the bible” without the Holy Spirit has no life giving spirit to reveal or bear witness that we indeed are children of God or the power to reveal Christ Jesus (Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5).  Following a method is not a lifestyle it is a yoke of slavery.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

1 Corinthians 15:45 (NKJV)

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 

The “words of the bible” without the Holy Spirit does not have the power to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh nor the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (Note small “w” as Jesus is the Word)

John 16:7–9 (NKJV) 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me

Yes the Written Word was/is written by the Holy Spirit but my point is that many people are following people or leaders who are not saved/born again merely because they stand in a pulpit speaking their version of the Word of God or literally reciting the Word of God (False Prophets). We worship in Spirit and Truth not one or the other!

John 4:24 (NKJV)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Where there is no Holy Spirit there is no Holy Spirit Convition, there is only condemnation! The Holy Spirit doesn’t condemn us it convicts us of sin.  When the Holy Spirit convicts us it is revealing our need for Christ for the propitiation of our sins and the need to repent and live in a godly lifestyle. I must also point out that when The Holy Spirit repeatedly convicts us of the same sin(s) and we do not choose to repent that our conscience gets seared and conviction will not be noticed or heart felt.  When this happens there is condemnation and a reprobate mind. 

1 Timothy 4:2 (AMP)

2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),

Romans 1:28 (AMP)

28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome,

There is no condemnation for those in Christ. So why would the Holy Spirit in us manifest condemnation on others?  Who is the accuser of the brethren/people who brings condemnation? It is from Satan! Condemnation is a trap of Satan, this is why people submit to people thinking they are the way to salvation or have knowledge of salvation verses totally submitting to Christ Jesus.  

When someone asks you “who is your covering” it is a sure sign of manipulation and control.  It is not biblical and totally ungodly.  It is as if they are asking what person is your idol or lord. Who was David’s covering when he killed Goliath?  It wasn’t the covering of his peers they wouldn’t even engage in battle or hold the front line.  We submit to one another in the love of Christ as we each submit to the Lord. NO servant is greater than his Master/Jesus.  Who is our covering in Psalm 91?  With whom do we dwell with, and with whose shadow are we covered by, it surely isn’t the local assembly or others. 

Psalm 91:1–2 (AMP)

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

You are covered with the Blood of Jesus, not mine or anyone else.  It is the Holy Spirit that reveals all truth not a covering from others.   We honor one another in love but we don’t exalt or glorify one another.  Condemnation leads you to people in submission and control whereas the Holy Spirit reveals Christ Jesus. Thus the human thoughts of “my leader must be right because he is my leader” or “if I do as my leader says” verses fully submitting to Jesus. There are many leaders who are not submitted to Jesus and not born again. There are many people that are trying hard to separate the Holy Spirit from the Written Word of God and claiming that the Holy Spirit contradicts the Written Word.  They want you to believe that the Written Word does not validate the workings of the Holy Spirit!  They even claim spiritual revelations and insight that do not align with the Written Word.  Do not be deceived!  It is NOT the Holy Spirit.    FALSE PROPHETS

Fellowship:

1 John 1:7 (NKJV) 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 19:10 (NKJV) 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Let’s look at another example. In Romans 10 as we are to believe in our heart in the Lord Jesus AND then confess with our mouth.  It is possible to confess without believing in your heart.  That little word “IF” is very significant.   

1 Samuel 16:7 (AMP)

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Romans 10:9–10 (AMP)

9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.

Are we saved only by what the Word of God tell us, or by the finished work of Christ Jesus on the Cross of Calvary being cleansed, redeemed and reconciled to Jesus by the Blood of Jesus and being truly “born again”?  It is the Holy Spirit that reveals the Truth of God’s Word!  –  Methodology/Religion verses the Life of Christ.

John 3:3 (AMP)

3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

John 16:13 (NKJV) 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV) 4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

The Word of God reveals the life and testimony of Christ Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10). However the Word of God without the Holy Spirit is what is happening in a profound measure.  I repeatedly address this very issue over and over.  Satan doesn’t care if you read the Word of God he doesn’t want you to become Christ like by being born again!  It is the Holy Spirit that gives us life! So why settle for bible “shop talk” when you can have and live the life of Christ?  Why sit under religious leaders and be lead into apostasy and damnation? 

2 Timothy 3:5–7 (AMP)

5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

6 For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.

7 [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.

If you go back to Genesis you will notice that the Holy Spirit precedes the spoken Word of God, the “Holy Spirit Hovered then God spoke.” The Holy Spirit must be present to fulfill the Word of God, as God is Spirit. 

Genesis 1:2–3 (NKJV)

2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

1 Corinthians 15:45 (AMP) 45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen. 2:7.]

Just following or preaching the Written Word will not generate or manifest the life of Christ within us. You can’t follow a method, we must be born again.  Don’t be fooled by false signs and wonders! The bible warns us of this and regardless if you have witnessed or seen them first hand they exist.  Jesus did not say we would know people by their words or signs and wonders but by their spiritual fruit.   Satan knows the Word of God, don’t be fooled. 

Galatians 5:22–23 (AMP)

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

There is little evidence these days of the love of Christ or the fruit of the Spirit. The hearts of many are waxing cold just as Jesus told us they would.  I see people hungry for prestige, notoriety, and prosperity and for Power, but I don’t see people walking and revealing the Love of Christ Jesus.

The carnal/natural mind associates Jesus with a church building and sadly many professing Christians do also. When church becomes a business verses the House of the Lord the Lord will remove Himself from that church, it is dead just as Ananias and Sapphira and the spirits of Ananias and Sapphira are alive and active within much of the church.  The church will no longer glorify the Lord.  We must not confuse Christ in us with Christ being in a building or assembly. 

1 Samuel 4:20–21 (AMP)

20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, Fear not, for you have borne a son. But she did not answer or notice.

21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel!—because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

Personal reputation, glorification, pride and status now take over eliminating true representation of Christ Jesus!  Building a ministry is not the same as building the Kingdom of God.  It’s not our ministry, it belongs to Jesus and Jesus gets all of the glory.

Methodology/religion takes over and the Holy Spirit is no longer allowed to freely flow and the stronghold of deception makes one believe they are serving the Lord but they are actually denying the Lord.  Without the Holy Spirit all you have is a method, no genuine life representation of Christ Jesus. There is a method to madness and madness in the method.  

The transition is often unnoticed as pride, methodology and religion now replaces genuine intimacy with Christ and the freedom of the Holy Spirit. You may begin to hear “a spirit” but it may not be the Holy Spirit!  King Saul had this problem and even sought a witch attempting to hear the voice of the Lord!  Kindred spirits start filling the church just as King Saul sought a kindred spirit and what appears to be true holy fellowship is transitioning into a den of tares/wolves.  Religion yields religion!  It is much too easy to validate the flesh or ones personal will than to deny and crucify the flesh. Flesh validates flesh, but the Holy Spirit crucifies the flesh and reveals Christ Jesus. What a person believes verses the truth is often quite different.  After all the flesh is enmity with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17 (AMP)

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

We must also not take the Word of God out of context.  It grieves the Lord when people take Matthew 18:20 out of context. 

Matthew 18:20 (AMP)

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

Exodus 3:14 (AMP)

14 And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you!

As you read both Matthew 18:20 and Exodus 3:14 you will notice what is required in the “NAME OF THE LORD”.  Are you truly walking in His righteousness, holiness, will, faith, trust in loving covenant relationship?  It’s not about numbers it’s about the fullness of Christ.  False prophets use this out of context all the time so they can deceive people to believe they are ambassadors/servants of Christ. Moses represented “I AM” as and ambassador for Christ Jesus.  Surely it’s more than a mere name!  It’s the name above all others!

Acts 19:15 (AMP)

15 But [one] evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?

We must each examine ourselves, as we alone will stand at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.  There is a way that seems right to a man but it leads to destruction.  Those that are leaders will be judged at a higher price, as they are personally responsible for the damnation of those who follow them. 

James 3:1 (AMP)

NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].

Galatians 1:8–9 (AMP)

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

2 Corinthians 11:4 (AMP)

4 For [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus than the One we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel from the one you [then] received and welcomed; you tolerate [all that] well enough!

1 Corinthians 11:1–4 (AMP)

PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).

2 I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything and keep firm possession of the traditions (the substance of my instructions), just as I have [verbally] passed them on to you.

3 But I want you to know and realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God.

4 Any man who prays or prophesies (teaches, refutes, reproves, admonishes, and comforts) with his head covered dishonors his Head (Christ).

We are at a very critical time in the spirit realm and we must each be accountable first and foremost to the Lord Jesus.  I urge all of us to examine ourselves and fully submit ourselves to the Lord Jesus.  The eight woes are being revealed and exposed and as the wheat is being prepared for the harvest and the marriage supper of the Lamb.  I urge each of us to seek the Lord and to come out of religion or sitting under religious people.  Even a born again believer can be affected sitting under such teachings.  We must not fellowship with ungodliness. 

Ephesians 5:11–12 (AMP)

11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

Proverbs 4:14–15 (AMP)

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not go on it; turn from it and pass on.

The eight woes are unfolding as the Bride is being called out of the dark places and to walk in the fullness of light.  Let these eight woes be a warning to those who are falsely prophesying in the name of the Lord Jesus.  The tables are being turned over. 

Matthew 23:13–36 (AMP)

13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces; for you neither enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are about to go in to do so.

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you swallow up widows’ houses and for a pretense to cover it up make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation and the heavier sentence.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are.

16 Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone swears by the sanctuary of the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the sanctuary, he is a debtor [bound by his oath].

17 You blind fools! For which is greater: the gold, or the sanctuary of the temple that has made the gold sacred? [Exod. 30:29.]

18 You say too, Whoever swears by the altar is not duty bound; but whoever swears by the offering on the altar, his oath is binding.

19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar which makes the gift sacred?

20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

21 And he who swears by the sanctuary of the temple swears by it and by Him Who dwells in it. [I Kings 8:13; Ps. 26:8.]

22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him Who sits upon it.

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected and omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law—right and justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others.

24 You blind guides, filtering out a gnat and gulping down a camel! [Lev. 27:30; Mic. 6:8.]

25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence.

26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure.

28 Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity. [Ps. 5:9.]

29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,

30 Saying, If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have aided them in shedding the blood of the prophets.

31 Thus you are testifying against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].

33 You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?

34 Because of this, take notice: I am sending you prophets and wise men (interpreters and teachers) and scribes (men learned in the Mosaic Law and the Prophets); some of them you will kill, even crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue and persecute from town to town,

35 So that upon your heads may come all the blood of the righteous (those who correspond to the divine standard of right) shed on earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar [of burnt offering]. [Gen. 4:8; II Chron. 24:21.]

36 Truly I declare to you, all these [evil, calamitous times] will come upon this generation. [II Chron. 36:15, 16.]

Matthew 4:17 (AMP)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

It is my prayer that each of us walk in the fullness of Christ and that no man/woman would perish.  I urge each of us to seek the Lord regarding all relationships, alliances, affiliations and agreements that we have made to expose the works of darkness so that we may walk in the fullness of Christ Jesus.

Blessings from Christ our Lord.