The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of salvation for all of mankind through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus the Lord Jesus has made those in Christ alive in Christ to be partakers in Christ for all of eternity.

CONSEQUENCES

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CONSEQUENCES

 

There are consequences for both doing what is righteous/godly and doing what is lawless and immoral.  Are we willing to endure the hardships of righteousness as evil intensifies?  Will we fall or depart from “THE FAITH” as Jesus questioned?  Will the root of bitterness take root as we endure tribulation?  We must each ask ourselves these questions and make a firm, solid decision as the battle escalates against good versus evil.

 

We live in a world where consequences and accountability for personal actions, decisions and choices are perceived and taught to be non-existent, denied, obscured and “free will” is promoted without accountability or consequence.  “Individuality” is taught, spoken and promoted to eliminate the consequences and accountability of personal decisions and actions.  Free will has been manipulated to portray that there are no consequences to a person’s actions, decisions or lifestyle to the false belief that there is no “fall out” or effect on others and that our individual actions have no corporate or widespread effect on others.  This is a lie from the pit of hell!

 

 Discipline is now portrayed as unloving, unkind and inhuman.  Biblical “sowing and reaping” is being taught and embraced as “KARMA” where people actually wish others would experience the pains, sufferings and abuse they themselves have endured!  Let us remember that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another just as Christ died the death we all deserved.  Are you willing to pay the personal cost of true discipleship and righteousness of Christ?  Are you willing to be forsaken by family, friends, employers, church members and the like? 

 

The time when you could “keep your head down”, “fly under the radar” or “mind your own business” without consequences has ended as evil is manifesting in greater measure and those that take a stand for the righteousness of Christ are overtaken by the fall out of evil.  Satan doesn’t care how many he destroys or who is a casualty of his evil. 

 

Do you have faith in Christ first and foremost for your daily needs when you are no longer able to buy, sell or barter for life’s essential needs such as food?  Have you totally surrendered your life into the loving arms of Christ?  Are you a true living witness for Christ not by mere words but by a lifestyle of the life of Christ? 

 

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

1 John 2:2 (NKJV)

2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 

Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

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!

 

Statements like “It’s my life and I will do what I want”; “It’s my choice and I will decide,” “Mind your own business” and the classic statement; “Who are you to judge” are often quoted in an effort to remove accountability and consequences for one’s personal statements and actions.  It’s as if the whole world was created just for them and you are privileged to even breath the same air!

 

Marriages, relationships, jobs, friendships and even a person’s life and livelihood can suffer consequences because of someone else’s decisions, actions, lies, manipulations, etc.!  Selfishness, conceit, narcissism, pride and arrogance is common place as moral fortitude and backbone for righteousness and truth are sequestered and silenced while “free will” is the common moral law. Will you choose to remain silent as souls perish, people die or will you bear the cost of persecution, mockery, slander, captivity and the like for the purposes of Christ? 

 

Matthew 5:3–12 (NKJV)

3  “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4   Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5  Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7   Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8   Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9   Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

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.

 

Luke 9:24 (NKJV)

24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

 

People are taught “sensitivity training” and not to judge others according to what is right verses wrong.  Love has been perverted into whatever feels good and that love will never face adversity, struggles, hardship, trials or tribulations. 

 

1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)

15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

 

Right vs. Wrong

 

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!

 

 

 There is a personal price to pay for doing what is right and for what is wrong.  Sadly, most people will not stand for what is morally and biblically right because of the personal sacrifices, persecution, slander, ridicule, loneliness and other losses as well.  These actions are not self-induced, self-inflicted but are normal consequences of other people’s actions who promote lawlessness, immorality, inhuman activity and actions against those who stand up for, promote and speak God’s truth. 

 

John 15:20–21 (NKJV)

20 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. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

 

Are you confronting the works of darkness and lawlessness?  Are you fellowshipping with darkness or tolerating darkness?  We are called to expose the works of darkness and have no fellowship with darkness.

 

Ephesians 5:11–13 (NKJV)

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

 

2 Corinthians 6:13–17 (NKJV)

13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

 

The time is short as evil is escalating and each of us must ask ourselves this very important question as we humbly seek the Lord.  Are we willing to partake in the sufferings of Christ for His name sake and glory?  We will not escape this world we will only overcome this world through Christ Jesus.

 

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.”

 

Matthew 24:22 (NKJV)

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

 

1 Peter 4:13 (NKJV)

13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

 

Galatians 6:16–18 (NKJV)

Blessing and a Plea

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

There is only ONE that will not forsake us and that is Christ Jesus, but will we as individuals forsake Jesus?  We must endure the hardships as a “good soldier” for Christ and endure whatever may come for Christ as the great commission must continue even in these difficult times.  The battle has been for thousands of years but as the second coming gets closer and closer evil gets worse and worse.  Put ALL your trust in the Lord and may the love, grace and mercy of God dwell in you richly for the glory of the Lord Jesus.  Are you willing to totally lay down your life for Christ Jesus?  We must each make that choice and have understanding of the consequences we must bear for His namesake, and remember that Agape Love bares all things and does NOT fear.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4–13 (NKJV)

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

2 Timothy 3 (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.

The Man of God and the Word of God

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

 

Cross-Carrying – A.W Tozer

3. The spiritual man wants to carry his cross. Many Christians accept adversity or tribulation with a sigh and call it their cross, forgetting that such things come alike to saint and sinner. The cross is that extra adversity that comes to us as a result of our obedience to Christ. This cross is not forced upon us; we voluntarily take it up with full knowledge of the consequences. We choose to obey Christ and by so doing choose to carry the cross. Carrying a cross means to be attached to the Person of Christ, committed to the Lordship of Christ and obedient to the commandments of Christ. The man who is so attached, so committed, so obedient is a spiritual man. 4. Again, a Christian is spiritual when he sees everything from God’s viewpoint. The ability to weigh all things in the divine scale and place the same value upon them as God does is the mark of a Spirit-filled life. God looks at and through at the same time. His gaze does not rest on the surface but penetrates to the true meaning of things. The carnal Christian looks at an object or a situation, but because he does not see through it he is elated or cast down by what he sees. The spiritual man is able to look through things as God looks and think of them as God thinks. He insists on seeing all things as God sees them even if it humbles him and exposes his ignorance to the point of real pain.

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 FASLE 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/

LIFE – DEATH -RESURRECTION OF CHRIST JESUS

/in , , , , /by

LIFE – DEATH –RESURRECTION

OF CHRIST

This morning as I awakened the Lord gave me this section of the book of Daniel and revealed to me what He wanted to share with everyone. I am blessed to have received this request from the Lord and share it with all of you.

I truly love reading the Word of God and meditating/communing with the Lord and reading His Word.  All throughout the bible we see the prophecy of the coming Messiah Lord Christ Jesus.

Today I’d like to focus on the bible scripture relating to Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  Let us read this wonderful scripture that reveals and witnessed to the Lord Jesus.  So often we think of just the faith that these men had but there is so much more in this scripture to meditate on.  After reading it I will break it down as the Lord has revealed.  I hope this will bless you. 

Daniel 3:1–30 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

5 That when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music shall fall down and worship the golden image,

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and these men were brought before the king.

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

17 If our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up! [Job 13:15; Acts 4:19, 20.]

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these [three] men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics or undergarments, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame and sparks from the fire killed those men who handled Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

25 He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods! [Phil. 2:5-8.]

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come out and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the midst of the fire.

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

LET’S BEGIN TO ANALYZE THE SCRIPTURES

Daniel 3:1 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

As I reflect on line one I immediately know that we are not to worship idols, figures, statues, people and shall have nothing in our lives placed in preeminence of the Lord Jesus.  We also know that Satan was the first idol in heaven as a third of the angels followed Satan and whatever comes before the one Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is an idol of the heart.  The first deceitful and wicked heart was Satan as iniquity was found in him and angels also have free will.  Idols desire to be worshiped, exalted and glorified.  So here in verse one you have a king that wants to lord over people while we know there is only one King of kings Christ Jesus. 

Exodus 20:3–5 (AMP)

3 You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

4 You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

5 You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, [Isa. 42:8; 48:11.]

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.]

Let’s begin to look at lines two and three and analyze those scriptures with the Word of God.

Daniel 3:2–3 (AMP)

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

In lines 2 and 3 we notice the government of mankind and all the human rulers of mankind coming together under Satan’s influence and control.  Does this align with what we are seeing in the world today?  Satan wants to exalt himself above the Most High and Satan desires to usurp God and establish his own ruling power.  The world we live in is vastly against the Authoritative Word of God and the government of God.  Who rules the earth and is the prince of the air?

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 4

Daniel 3:4 (AMP)

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

Notice, “you are commanded” signifying control, manipulation, commanded glorification and idolatry.  How does this statement portray martyrdom? How will this apply towards taking the mark of the beast?  “Do this or else”!   Surely we are created with free will.  Surely free will includes seeking truth, knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.  Adam and Eve had free will and they knew what God had spoken yet allowed themselves to be deceived choosing to go against what God had spoken as Truth. 

Revelation 3:20 (AMP)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 6

Daniel 3:6 (AMP)

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Did you notice in line six Nebuchadnezzar is using God’s word out of context to glorify and worship Satan (demonic spirits)? Every knee shall bow unto the Lord Jesus as it is written.

Philippians 2:10 (AMP)

10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Revelation 20:10 (AMP)

10 Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).

2 Peter 3:9 (AMP)

9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance. 

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 8

Daniel 3:8 (AMP)

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

When I read line eight I think of the tares and wheat together including in the local assembly.  Yes, the accuser of the brethren sits amongst us and falsely accuses those who are God’s true messengers.  That is what Jezebel does also, kills the message and the messengers.  Think of the Beatitudes, blessed are those who are mocked, slandered and persecuted for Jesus’ namesake. 

 

Matthew 13:24–30 (AMP)

24 Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

25 But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way.

26 So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the darnel (weeds) appeared also.

27 And the servants of the owner came to him and said, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have darnel shoots in it?

28 He replied to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and weed them out?

29 But he said, No, lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), you root up the [true] wheat along with it.

30 Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.

Matthew 5:10–12 (AMP)

10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.

12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 9

Daniel 3:9 (AMP)

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

It is amazing how such a short sentence can have such a great impact when you mediate on the scripture.  We know that there is no other true God other than Christ Jesus so this is idolatry bowing to other gods and will not render eternal life but eternal damnation. What did Satan say to Eve in the garden contrary to God’s Word?  Surely God did not say you would die if you eat this fruit!  Satan is death/damnation not life.  It was the “tares” that exalted and praised Nebuchadnezzar and exalted the spirits of Satan.  Tares are mixed amongst the wheat just as wolves prey upon and devour sheep. 

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.

John 8:43–44 (AMP)

43 Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.]

44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.

John 10:10 (AMP)

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 11

Daniel 3:11 (AMP)

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

What did the fiery furnace represent?  Eternity after death!  It’s either going to be the lake of fire for Satan and his followers/workers of iniquity or the refiners fire of holiness to eternal life in Christ Jesus.  What we bow to is our Lord!  Out of the heart the mouth speaks.  Just as in Romans 10 we must believe in our heart and confess with our mouth in faith unto salvation that Jesus is Lord and Savior.  The three Jews first spoke, we shall not bow and even if our Lord doesn’t save us we will not bow unto you, your gods or idols! 

Luke 6:45 (AMP)

45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 12

Daniel 3:12 (AMP)

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

We must refer to the number three here.  What does the number three signify referring to the three Jews?  Notice it says “certain Jews” not all Jews.  Gentiles had not yet been addressed at this time.  What type of Jews or people were “certain Jews”.  The number three signifies the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and these three “certain Jews” were being utilized by Jesus to reveal the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal consequences of our earthly lives here on earth.  The fiery furnace portrayed their eternal destiny as they were sent into the furnace to die/perish or into everlasting life with Christ Jesus the all consuming fire.

Matthew 10:33 (AMP)

33 But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19–20 (AMP)

19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

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.]

What does “into My name” mean?  The vagabond Jews tried to perform exorcism in the name of Jesus and they were attacked by the demons and the demons replied, Jesus I know, Paul I know but who are you?  So what is in the name of Jesus?  Merely calling on the name of Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean we are fully walking in the Way, Truth and Life of Jesus. Paul addresses this nicely in Galatians 6:14 as there is no “worldliness” in Paul’s statement.  Peter stated that we are to be Holy as Jesus is Holy.

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.

Galatians 6:14 (AMP)

14 But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!

Colossians 3:3 (AMP)

3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

John 1:11 (AMP)

11 He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.

Now the three Jews also revealed something from the book of revelations.  How are we to overcome according to revelations?   We over come by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony and we love not our own life unto death.  The three Jews gave a testimony of Jesus and overcame because they loved not their own lives unto death.

Revelation 12:11 (AMP)

11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 14 & 15

Daniel 3:14–15 (AMP)

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

When we read line 14 we see Nebuchadnezzar questioning truth.  Does this sound familiar with the serpent in the garden when the serpent questioned did God surely say? We also know that genuine worship is in Spirit and Truth.  We must also consider the “threat” that was spoken as threats reveal the condition of the heart!  In the last part of the 15th sentence Nebuchadnezzar having demonic influences of Satan questions whom God is to try to get us into disbelief or lack of faith.  Satan tries to get us into disbelieve and doubt, but Satan himself doesn’t doubt his own actions or intentions. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

In verse sixteen we can the humility that the three Jews portrayed as they did not need to validate or vindicate themselves.  They did not cast pearls before swine!  They let Jesus be true and everyman a liar. 

Matthew 5:5 (AMP)

5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! [Ps. 37:11.]

Matthew 7:6 (AMP)

6 Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

Romans 12:19 (AMP)

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

Once again we see that vindication is the Lord’s.  Notice also there was a display of the “fruit of the Spirit” as they didn’t speak or return “evil for evil”.  Remember the power of the tongue.  Remember when the Apostles wanted to bring fire upon the people of Samaria for not accepting the Gospel/Jesus and Jesus said you know not what spirit you are of, the three Jews did not speak evil.

Luke 9:54–56 (AMP)

54 And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? [II Kings 1:9-16.]

55 But He turned and rebuked and severely censured them. He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,

56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them [from the penalty of eternal death]. And they journeyed on to another village.

 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 18

Daniel 3:18 (AMP)

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up!

Although the three Jews were uncertain of their outcome their faith and commitment to Christ Jesus was true and unwavering.  They trusted the Lord with all of their heart.  This reminds me of Job.

Job 13:15 (AMP)

15 [I do it because, though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and] behold, He will slay me; I have no hope—nevertheless, I will maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (AMP)

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 19

Daniel 3:19 (AMP)

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

Let’s notice the paradox of good verses evil in this scripture as we reflect on the number seven.  We know that the number seven is the number of completion as God rested on the seventh day.  We also know when spiritual deliverance takes place that a “house swept clean” that is not filled with the Holy Spirit invites 7 more demons worse than himself back into the house/body.  Nebuchadnezzar ordered the fire to be intensified 7 times hotter and yet Jesus the perfect and complete Savior redeems the three Jewish men.  Satan’s number 7 was the completion unto death not unto life in Christ Jesus or God’s original creation as in Genesis. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 20

Daniel 3:20 (AMP)

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 

This scripture reminds me of David battling Goliath and how the Lord of Hosts was there with David.  It also reminds me when Jesus opened the book of Isaiah and spoke that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to set the captives free.

1 Samuel 17:45 (AMP)

45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.

Luke 4:17–19 (AMP)

17 And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written, [Isa. 61:1, 2.]

18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

19 To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.][Isa. 61:1, 2.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 24

Daniel 3:24 (AMP)

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

When I read the 24th line I reflect on Noah being a preacher of righteousness and how only 8 people were delivered from the flood.  When I reflect on Daniel 3 and how only 3 stood up for righteousness that signifies a potential of backsliding nature as fewer people were willing to be totally submitted to the Lord according to Revelation 12:11.  If you include Jesus as King of the Jews you have 4 Jews in the fiery furnace even though the incarnate Jesus had not yet been born.

John 1:1 (AMP)

IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

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.]

LET’S GO TO LINE 27

Daniel 3:27 (AMP)

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

Just as I commented earlier about the fiery furnace representing eternity after death when I read the 27th line of scripture I think of what Paul mentioned about being caught up in the air.  When Jesus returns as an all consuming fire the earth will be destroyed and no earthly life or flesh will remain.  Are we living each day as if the Lord is returning?  Are we prepared and are our “lamps full” of oil for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Christ Jesus?

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (AMP)

17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 28

Daniel 3:28 (AMP)

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

When I read this passage of scripture I think of Joshua and what Nebuchadnezzar witnessed and needed to decide.  Whom this day shall we serve?  Are we totally submitted and obedient to God’s Word and will for our lives.  Do we fully trust Jesus in all of His ways and seek Jesus in all of our days?

Joshua 24:14–15 (AMP)

14 Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 29

Daniel 3:29 (AMP)

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

Nebuchadnezzar states that there is only one true god and that is Christ Jesus.  I also reflect on Paul saying he counted everything as loss and as dung for the knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:13 (AMP)

13 You shall [reverently] fear the Lord your God and serve Him and swear by His name [and presence].

Philippians 3:8–10 (AMP)

8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

In summary you can see how Daniel 3 reveals the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal plan of salvation unto eternal life in Christ Jesus.  I hope you have been blessed by this message as I was blessed to share it with you.

 

 

 

 

THE LIFE OF CHRIST VERSES RELIGION

/in , , , , /by

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.