JESUS VERSES THE PHARISEES

JESUS VERSES THE PHARISEES

Today I would like to share what the Lord put on my heart. When you read Matthew 23:13-36 read slowly and really meditate on what Jesus is speaking to this group of Pharisees. Scripture does not tell us who was included or present but that they were Pharisees so it would apply to the “title” Pharisees.

My initial intention was to put comments in between the scriptures to save time but I really think you need to read these scriptures without me stopping the flow of revelations within these scriptures. So I will include my comments after you read the scriptures. I have placed some of the key words in bold and underlined some also for you to see. Let’s get started, please read the scriptures then I will share what the Lord has placed on my heart for you to understand and get insight.

Matthew 23:13–39 (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. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ 19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

31 “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. 33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? 3Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem

37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

The first point I would like you to notice is the Jesus repeatedly called the Pharisees hypocrites. In fact Jesus stated this seven times! Seven is NOT a random number and surely shows significance towards the Pharisees. Seven is the number of completion, fullness or perfection! So what Jesus was inferring was that the Pharisees were turned over in completeness to their own wickedness and evil and there was no redemption or salvation for them. I will expound more a little later by using other scriptures to bring clarity and truth. When you look up the biblical meaning of the word “hypocrite” you get the meaning “godless”. This reinforces the Word of Jesus telling them seven times they were hypocrites thus “godless” and there would be no salvation for them because they say they can see but they are blind and their sin remains.

ὑποκριτής

hypokritēs, n.c.1, hypocrite. 2× +NT2 +AF3

Hebrew Alignment

חָנֵףgodless (2): Job 34:30; 36:134

Job 34:30 (NKJV)

30 That the hypocrite should not reign,

Lest the people be ensnared.

34:26–30 Elihu argues that God judges the wicked publicly because of their wickedness in turning away from God and oppressing the poor. God also judges the wicked to prevent them from being in positions of power where they can influence people.5

Job 36:13 (NKJV)

13 “But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath;

They do not cry for help when He binds them.

36:13 cherish anger Elihu continues to describe those who do not respond to God’s discipline. Instead of crying for help, they become angry.6

Romans 2:5 (NKJV)

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Romans 1:18 (NKJV)

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

1:18 the wrath of God Refers to God’s righteous judgment upon evil. In this context, the evil in view is immorality and the suppression of the truth about God. God reveals His wrath by giving people over to their sin, thereby allowing them to morally decline even further (Rom 1:24–28). This foreshadows His final judgment (see 2 Thess 2:9–12).7

Romans 1:24–25 (NKJV)

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

1:24 God gave them over God allowed for people to do as they desired, even when it meant opposing his will for their lives. This is part of the judgment related to God’s wrath (see note on Rom 1:18). Paul uses the Greek word paradidōmi (often translated “gave over” or “gave up”) three times in this passage (vv. 24, 26, 28) to emphasize God’s deliberate response to humanity’s wicked ways: He allows people to continue to live a life of increasing sin.8

Now that you have read the scriptures above you can see how the Pharisees were given over to their own wickedness as judgment upon themselves. When Jesus said to them because you say you can see you are blind and your sin remains Jesus implied there was NO salvation for them! While this sounds contrary to the purposes of why Jesus came it is also truth none the less! When you deny Christ Jesus you deny salvation! Let us also take notice of the Pharisees traveled land and sea to win a proselyte/convert and make them twice the child of hell as themselves.

While Jesus does not mention Saul of Tarsus in the scriptures above this who came to my mind by the spirit. You see Saul of Tarsus was commissioned by the Pharisees as Saul had papers of authority from the high priest who was a Pharisee. Even though it was Saul who requested these papers the high priest could have refused. So I believe Saul was deceived but the high priest was not deceived. How many people attend false churches because they are deceived! The Pharisees wanted to appear to have “clean hands and a clean heart” but Jesus exposed their hearts to them in this face to face confrontation. “Fools and blind” are mentioned twice and shortly we will cover this with Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. Five times Jesus called them blind. Then Jesus tells them that they killed and crucified the prophets, scourged the prophets and persecuted the prophets and that ALL of the righteous blood shed on earth going all the way back to Abel they would be accountable for. Jesus calls them Serpents and Vipers! Who else was known as a serpent back in the garden?

Notice everything Jesus states they did to the prophets is exactly what they would eventually do to Jesus! They still wanted to appear to have “clean hands” so they used the “political” system to impose the sentencing of crucifying Jesus. We know that the Antichrist will be a “political” and “spiritual” figure when he is revealed! When you go back to Cain and Abel making offerings to the Lord you must realize these are two “religious” actions of worship. Thus two types of “churches” one being the true church and the other church of the Antichrist who is a murderer. Two types of “churches” for two types of “kingdoms”. The Lord’s Spirit will not always strive with man so let me make it clear, today is the day of salvation!

Acts 9:1–9 (NKJV)

The Damascus Road: Saul Converted

9 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

We are all familiar with Saul’s encounter but what I want to emphasis is Jesus blinding Saul. You see Jesus told the Pharisees that they were blind. While they had their natural sight they were spiritually blind. If you remember the story of the blind man with no sin who Jesus spit in the dirt and made a paste/clay and put it on his eyes you don’t need to blind a man that is already naturally blind so what was the purpose of putting paste on his eyes? By Jesus putting paste on the man’s eyes Jesus was making a statement of spiritual blindness. Jesus then told the blind man to go and wash at the pool of Siloam which means “sent one”. This is direct correlation to Jesus being “sent” from the Father. The man was doubly blind both naturally and spiritually. So Saul had natural eyes but not spiritual eyes so thus Jesus did the same to Saul as Jesus did for the blind man. What did the blind man from birth tell the Pharisees who continuously asked him about Jesus. The man said this one thing I know, I was blind but now I see! He gave a testimony of Jesus! He not only had physical eyes but he had a revelation of Christ Jesus. This is what Jesus was doing for Saul. Saul encountered the resurrected Christ and called Jesus Lord. Now if you read the scriptures of Saul’s encounter Saul asked Jesus what do You want me to do? As I have said many times there is always a requirement to obtain the blessings and promises of the Lord. You can’t even be “saved” without believing in faith which is a requirement!

Acts 9:10–19 (NKJV)

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 1And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

I have underlined line 12 to make reference that the Lord will always gift you insight on His will if you seek him. Saul was praying and the Lord revealed to Saul who was blind a vision of Ananias laying hands on him. True prophetic ministry/prophecy confirms the will of God that has been revealed to you by the Lord it does not contradict what the Lord has given you. Ananias would fulfill the vision of the Lord for Paul. Imagine Paul putting trust in a minister/priest for the Lord knowing Paul’s history! Also notice Paul fasted and prayed for three days. Three day’s references dying to yourself and being resurrected in Christ Jesus.

Now let me share some thoughts. First I’d like to say that the five fold ministry of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor and Evangelist are ALL IN CHRIST JESUS and Jesus has these offices today for the edification of the saints and to build up a spiritual priesthood in Christ Jesus. For now I’d like to focus on the office of a prophet. Many times throughout the New Testament Jesus is referred to as a prophet. Jesus as a prophet revealed a person’s heart condition to them and that is what a TRUE prophet today will do so that you may be in proper standing and holiness with the Lord. What has happened today is Satan calls this judgment when you point out sin so Satan takes what is of the Lord Jesus and makes it appear as “the accuser of the brethren” but it is NOT! This is how Satan twists and manipulates scriptures! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus WHO WALK ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT! Emphasis on Spirit!

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Free from Indwelling Sin

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

There is much confusion over the office of a prophet and prophesying. Anyone who claims to be speaking The Word of God is prophesying but that does NOT MAKE them a prophet as in the office of a Prophet! This is because prophecy is the testimony of Christ Jesus according to Revelation 19:10.

As I mentioned in an earlier posting the need/requirement for the five fold ministry within the body of Christ as five represents the number and fullness of grace. So when the true five fold ministry is present the proper equiping of the saints may be fulfilled. When you eliminate one you eliminate a part of Christ Jesus. Now perhaps you can see why many do not embrace true prophets because a true prophet will discern the motives, intents and spirits at work. How do you expect to be in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus when you deny that Jesus was the embodied fullness of the five fold ministry! You can’t be restored to what you deny! Hearing this about the five fold ministry look at all those well know preachers today who deny the five fold ministry! If you truly examine all of the things Jesus did and spoke you will see all five fold offices at work throughout the testimony/Word of Christ Jesus. In conclusion a saint who is mature and in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus can operate and function in all five fold offices! Jesus said a kingdom divided will not stand so if you divide or eliminate the five fold ministry you divide the kingdom of God.

This reminds me of my initial prayer when I became born again. “Lord help me to be whatever you need me to be when you need me to be it.” It’s not about the title or office it’s about the will of the Father and true representation of the Lord Jesus.

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.”

I hope this posting has brought revelations and truth to you enabling you to grow in Christ Jesus in Spirit and Truth. Blessings, grace and peace to you from our Lord Christ Jesus.

1 n.c. common noun

2 +NT Also occurs in the New Testament

3 +AF Also occurs in the Apostolic Fathers

5 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Job 34:26–30). Lexham Press.

6 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Job 36:13). Lexham Press.

7 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 1:18). Lexham Press.

8 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 1:24). Lexham Press.

UNEATEN BREAD

UNEATEN BREAD

The Lord is having me expand on some previous postings by describing in context of Spirit and Truth of the Word of God about uneaten bread. If you have read some of my postings I often mention that the devil attempts to remove the Spirit of God from the Word of God. The devil doesn’t care if you can recite the bible forwards or backwards, the devil doesn’t want you “born again” in Spirit and Truth or to grow in revelations of Spirit and Truth of God’s Word. Keep this principle in mind throughout this posting. Additionally keep in mind the scriptures of feeding the 5000 where Jesus preached to the multitude as this will conclude spiritual revelations which I will get to as we proceed. Pay attention to the emphasis of the bold words as those scriptures will come together with the feeding the 5000, the five foolish virgins, book of revelation and the body of Christ.

Ezekiel 3 (NKJV)

3 Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.

And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.

Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel, not to many people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you. But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

10 Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. 11 And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!” 13 I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise. 14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me. 15 Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Let me make some comments here and then we can continue with Ezekiel. The very first line the prophet is called the Son of man and we are to be Son’s of God. Eating the scroll is direct reference to the Word of God and speaking to Israel was God’s chosen people which represents the church or corporate body as the gentiles are included. When your heart desires the fullness of the Word of God the Word of God is like honey and sweetness to your heart/soul. Ezekiel was sent to “his own people” but Israel would not listen because they are impudent and hard-hearted. The Spirit of God fortified Ezekiel because Israel was a rebellious house. Now we look at line 10 and scripture clearly tells us that Ezekiel was to receive ALL of the Word of the Lord by eating/consuming the Word of the Lord. We are to speak Spirit and Truth regardless if people hear or refuse to hear the Word of God. The Holy Spirit lifted/took Ezekiel in bitterness in the heat of his spirit but the Lord was strong upon him. The bitterness and heat was not negative but positive as the bitterness was the “strong face and strong forehead” the Lord had given him to stand firm against the opposition of a “rebellious house”. There is a form of godly stubbornness rooted in the righteousness of Christ. How else would you “stand firm” in Ephesians six? Okay now lets continue with the remainder of Ezekiel.

Ezekiel is a Watchman

16 Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”

22 Then the hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, “Arise, go out into the plain, and there I shall talk with you.”

23 So I arose and went out into the plain, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, like the glory which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face. 24 Then the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and spoke with me and said to me: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 And you, O son of man, surely they will put ropes on you and bind you with them, so that you cannot go out among them. 26 I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute and not be one to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.

Let’s finish up with Ezekiel. Notice “seven days” and remember the number seven signifies divine perfection and completeness. Ezekiel stayed for seven days before releasing the Word of God. This is imperative for every one of us. Even though we “know” we must wait upon the Lord to speak by the power and unction of His Spirit. Once the Word became perfected in Ezekiel he would be commissioned to speak the Word of the Lord. Knowledge without Wisdom is destructive. We must have Wisdom and Revelation together so the application will be of the Lord and not of ourselves. Notice it is the Lord who opens and shuts the mouth of His prophets speaking ONLY the Word of the Lord and NOTHING of himself. This is why you hear me often say to walk with the Lord and prophecy or minister for the Lord we MUST surrender the outcome to the Lord. If you can’t surrender the outcome it is the “pride of life” in you which seeks glory and notoriety just as the devil. You have made everything about you and not of the Lord. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega we are not. Now we can go to the book of Revelations and how John eats the book.

Revelation 10 (NKJV)

The Mighty Angel with the Little Book

10 I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”

The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

John Eats the Little Book

Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.”

So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.”

And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”

10 Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. 11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”

John eats the book given to him by the Lord Jesus we get both bitter in the stomach and yet sweet as honey in your mouth. Just because the Word of God may be “bitter in your stomach” doesn’t mean it should be rejected, despised or not spoken. Think of it this way the Word was like honey in taste going in, but bitter towards it’s outcome. Doesn’t this sound like the Israelites complaining to Moses about “bitter water” in the wilderness. The bitterness was a reflection of their own heart and water represents the Word of God! What I wanted to emphasis so far is how we receive the Word of God is a reflection of “what is in us” that is not of the Lord Jesus. The Word and Spirit are one, so the Holy Spirit in us would and should not have a problem with the Word of God. The Apostle John did not have a personal problem with bitterness himself what he was to speak was the consequences of bitterness he was about to speak to the Israelites. Now let’s broaden our scope of understanding by going to Jesus feeding the five thousand. I have touched on this before in regards to the disciples becoming Apostles but now I want to reflect on the meaning and implications of the “body of Christ”. When you read the scriptures below reflect on the church/body of Christ. I will expound after you read the scriptures.

Matthew 14:13–21 (NKJV)

Jesus Feeds 5,000

Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:11–17; John 6:1–13

13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”

16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Now things get more interesting as I expound on the scriptures above. When Jesus went out He went alone but when the multitude heard of this they followed Him. Jesus did NOT ask or command people to follow Him so why did they pursue Him? Let’s reflect on scripture of who these people represent by referring to more scripture.

John 6:44–45 (NKJV)

44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

We must make this connection that it was the Father who drew the multitude to “come to Jesus”. It was Jesus preaching the Word of God to the multitude because the Father drew them. No one goes to the Father except through Christ Jesus! This is symbolic of the church/body of Christ as Israel was a chosen people.

John 14:6–7 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

What is the significance of Jesus giving a COMMANDMENT to sit on the grass! The grass thus has an imperative meaning. The grass is a “feeding place” of provision and Jesus wasn’t feeding them regular bread. Jesus was feeding them the Word of God the very Bread of Life! Here is another point to mention concerning the bread. Jesus lifted the bread toward heaven which reflects it was the Father who drew them to Jesus to be fed with the Word of God. It was the Father who multiplied the bread. Everything Jesus did was to reveal the Father and the kingdom of God.

John 6:35 (NKJV)

35 And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Now let us consider the uneaten Bread, which is the Word of God. I mentioned in an earlier posting that the twelve disciples picked up the twelve full baskets of the Bread/Word of God that was NOT eaten. The disciples were to be the Apostles full of the Bread of Life which is the Word of God.

So let us address the uneaten bread. If you reflect on the Ezekiel and the Apostle John when told to “eat” the Word of God some was sweet to the mouth while some was bitter to the stomach. The uneaten bread was a reflection of their HEART CONDITION TOWARDS THE WORD OF GOD. Do we not see this today in the body of Christ? Picking and choosing what we desire or don’t desire from the Word of God! This is carnality and the “pride of life” from uncrucified flesh/soul. LET ME SAY THIS BOLDLY AS I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES THE “WORD & SPIRIT OF GOD” ARE ONE! What you refuse in the Word you refuse in the Spirit! So whatever you refuse in the Written Word you will not grow in the Spirit of God! The Lord is coming back for a mature bride and not merely a virgin. You must be filled with the Word of God which is also the Spirit of God. So now lets go back to the parable of sowing seed in soil which is a “heart condition”. Notice the multitudes again which reflects the body of Christ as the Father drew the people to the Son/Jesus. I will add my comments between the scriptures below so you won’t have to scroll the page and hopefully make it easier for you.

Matthew 13:1–23 (NKJV)

Parable of the Soils

Mark 4:1–20; Luke 8:4–15

13 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Remember the multitude was drawn by the Father. Also take notice the Jesus was in the boat which was on Water which Water and Word are one of the same. The multitude was on dry land.

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

1 O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You;

My flesh longs for You

In a dry and thirsty land

Where there is no water.

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Stony places is in direct reference to the human heart. Scripture tells us that we have a heart of stone and need a heart of flesh. This is why the ten commandments was written on tablets of stone, it symbolized the condition of the human heart! Jesus said in the gospels that He would write His Word upon our hearts! When the sun is mentioned the seed withered away because the Word of God did not take root, it was superficial and NOT DIGESTED as Ezekiel and John had eaten and digested the Word of God. The thorns refers to disobedience, sin, hardship or in essence “false Christians/brethren” as the wheat and tares (good and evil) are sown together until the “harvest”. The false preachers and Christians/brethren can choke the Word of God within the assembling of the saints and thus Jesus says come out from among them. Mystery Babylon is the Harlot Church. This may sound contrary to what is preached today but take it back to Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as they were assembled in ONE ACCORD. This is why we must not be deceived. Judas was among the other disciples just as there are many who are not of the Lord in the house of the Lord. It’s bad enough there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in the pulpits but there are also thorns and thistles, wheat and tares in the pews.

10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

When you read line thirteen reflect on what Jesus spoke to the Pharisees that because they said they see their sin remained! Later Jesus would warn the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.

Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,

And seeing you will see and not perceive;

15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them.’

Closed eyes and ears will NOT be healed!

16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

We have established that the Word and Spirit of God are ONE so we can now continue to the story of the ten virgins. I had posted on this a few years ago but now I want to you see how UNEATEN BREAD was the problem with the foolish virgins as BREAD/WORD AND SPIRIT ARE ONE!

I have heard much foolishness about the five foolish virgins not being born again and this is totally untrue. How would they be virgins without being born again and secondly how would they come to the wedding ceremony if the Father didn’t draw them to the Son. The Holy Spirit is the invitation and you must be born again to attend the wedding ceremony. You must be filled with the Word, Spirit and love of God to be the bride.

Matthew 25:1–13 (NKJV)

Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

1“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Notice that the foolish had no oil which is the Holy Spirit while the wise took oil in their VESSELS with their lamps. Also notice what the wise virgins answered to go to “those who sell”. This reflects “worldliness” as the Holy Spirit can not be marketed or purchased! The foolish even went out to purchase oil.

Now if you reflect on this posting from beginning to end and realize that the Word of God and Spirit of God are ONE you will understand that uneaten bread will not get you to everlasting life. You must be filled with the Word and Spirit of the Lord Jesus. This is why I repeatedly state the devil doesn’t care if you can recite the Word of God forward and backwards. The devil doesn’t want you born again and being filled with the Word of God. Whatever you refuse from what is “WRITTEN” you eliminate in your life in the Holy Spirit.

Taking this back to the garden of Eden and the fall of Adam let’s reflect on a couple of points from a previous posting of mine. Adam was told NOT to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or he would die. So, “what is death where there was no death” and “what is a flood where there is no rain”. The problem is that you must have faith and belief in ALL OF THE WORD OF GOD. When you refuse to believe the truth of ALL of God’s Word you are not conforming to Spirit and Truth. When you believe the lies of wolves in sheep’s clothing you are not conforming to Christ Jesus and worshiping in Spirit and Truth. It only took ONE lie for humanity to fall and when you listen to lies perceived as truth without a witness from the Holy Spirit you have already fallen into deception. Jesus warned over and over do NOT be deceived.

I hope you have received spiritual revelations and will be enlightened and understand that when anyone twist, distorts or outwardly denies the Word of God do NOT listen or follow them. There is only ONE source of Spirit and Truth, Christ Jesus.

John 14:6–7 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

In closing I want to remind you that Water and Word are the same and rivers of living Water in you is the Word and Spirit of God. What the wise virgins had was rivers of Living Water which is the Word and Spirit of God. I also want you to reflect on the warning in Revelations about adding or subtracting from the Word of God. What you refuse to “eat/digest” and let take root is subtracting from the Word of God! How is it people claim to have faith unto salvation but at the same time do not have faith to believe that all of the Word of God is true? This the same principle when Adam stopped having faith and belief in the Word of God and believed Eve who was deceived. What/who you follow you worship! This is why Jesus said the day has come that His people will worship Him in Spirit and Truth as this needed to be restored through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Adam did not know what “death” really was but he needed to believe that EVERY WORD OF GOD IS TRUE! This is exactly what Jesus stated to Satan in the wilderness!

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Revelation 22:18–19 (NKJV)

A Warning

1For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

When you add any false scripture/beliefs or lies you add the plagues that are Written in the Word of God upon you. When you take away from the Word of God your name will be taken out of the book of life. These are serious warnings and Truth.

When you believe and support a pre-tribulation rapture you condemn yourself to the plagues of the Written Word! This is what I call a “spiritual paradox” just as Satan telling Eve she surely would not die. The pre-tribulation is a lie and deceives you into thinking you are saving your life when you will lose your life suffering the plagues because you added to the Word of God. You are not preparing yourself spiritually to overcome without spot or wrinkle.

Don’t be deceived believing that when corruption puts on incorruption, and mortal puts on immortality that you receive more of the Holy Spirit. You should have already been fully prepared and filled with the Holy Spirit. NOWHERE in those verses does it mention more of the Holy Spirit. It relates to a heavenly body because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:50–54 (NKJV)

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Salvation is all or nothing just as Jesus is Lord of all of your life or none of your life. If you discard the Bread of Life you will be discarded from the Father. If you deny Jesus which is the WORD IN FULLNESS Jesus will deny you before the Father.

Colossians 2:1–10 (NKJV)

Not Philosophy But Christ

2 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

The Spiritual Origin of Politics

The Spiritual Origin of Politics

John 1:1 NKJV

The Deity of Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

What I am about to write was given to my by the Lord some time ago and I wanted to write this post before the November election but the Lord had me wait until now.

When we read the book of Genesis we know that God created all things, however God did NOT create politics. So if God did not create politics how did it originate and who inspired and created politics?

Psalm 2 NKJV

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

2:1 Why do the nations rage,

And the people plot a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces

And cast away Their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;

The Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,

And distress them in His deep displeasure:

6 “Yet I have set My King

On My holy hill of Zion.”

7 “I will declare the decree:

The Lord has said to Me,

You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You.

8 Ask of Me, and I will give You

The nations for Your inheritance,

And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;

You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;

Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear,

And rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,

And you perish in the way,

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Isaiah 14:12-14 NKJV

The Fall of Lucifer

12 “How you are fallen from heaven,

O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How you are cut down to the ground,

You who weakened the nations!

13 For you have said in your heart:

I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest sides of the north;

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,

I will be like the Most High.

First we must remember that the Government of God always was, always will be, and was before God created anything including the angels.

Colossians 1:16-18 NKJV

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Second we must remember that “politics” is about and pursuing a ruling government, the government of this world, and to be elected by the people of this world. Where in the bible did Jesus mention to get involved in politics?  Jesus said give Caesar what is Caesar’s and give God what is God’s.  It was the political authority that sentenced Jesus to be crucified inspired by religious leaders and people. Meanwhile we must keep our focus on the origin of politics to fully understand the overall truths of politics which will be explained in this article.

We know that the government of God always was, always will be and will have no end so if you have not determined the origin of politics it’s very clear that Lucifer created politics as Lucifer “conspired” against God and “campaigned” against God getting angles to fall with him. Lucifer wanted to create his own government overthrowing God.

It is NOT ironic that today truth is called “conspiracy” as the devil calls evil good and good evil! Those that expose lies especially against ruling authorities of this world are called “conspiracy theorists.

Now let me be clear that while politics originated spiritually and physically by Lucifer / Satan that there are some in politics that are of the Lord even though very very few! A person only needs to read the Old Testament to know about Joseph, Daniel and others as God always has a remnant and witness. At the same time these patriarchs were NOT POLITICIANS but had influence by the grace of God on ruling authorities while remaining true and obedient to the Lord. If you believe otherwise you believe Christ was a politician verses Spirit and Truth!

That being said politics should NOT rule a true disciple of Christ as a true disciple/born again Christian IS NOT OF THIS WORLD!

John 17:14-19 NKJV

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

In the book of Genesis we know that God created the heavens and the earth and God created light. This light was a “created” light and NOT the light of God. We also know that the government of God was not established on the earth because it is written in Isaiah.

ISAIAH 9:6-7 NKJV

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

John 3:18-21 NKJV

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

So now that you know the spiritual origin of politics and that politics originated with Lucifer / Satan you should have a better understanding of what the world political stage/front looks like and why things are the way they are! As we approach the Antichrist being the “One World Government” leader/figure and making war with the saints of Christ we must remember that in the end the saints of God will rule and reign with Christ and ONLY through and with Christ can we overcome this world.

So I am here to reiterate that a true disciple of Christ is neither Democrat, Republican or Independent as they are NOT of this world and answer to Christ alone. It would also be wise to remember that it was the religious leaders who turned Jesus over to a political ruler and that the people chose Barabbas over Christ. The people chose to crucify perfect love and the fruit of the Spirit but to no avail as Jesus is alive and on His throne!

Matthew 22:21 NKJV

21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

1 John 2:15-17

Do Not Love the World

15 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.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Whereever you find politics you will find the Devil at work also. This includes all levels of government from local to global. Sadly you will even find politics in the church structure and Satan working within the assembly. King Saul was annointed by the Lord but when King Saul became “political” by poling the people to see what they wanted as well as the praises of men he was removed as king and rebuked by Samual.

To have the praises of man/humanity is not the same as pleasing, honoring and obey the Lord Jesus!

Acts 5:29 NKJV

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV

By Grace Through Faith

2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NKJV

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So in closing I hope you get a greater understanding not only of the spiritual origin of politics you also get a greater understanding of the times we live in as well as the coming temporary rule of the Antichrist. We are, and always have been in a spiritual battle which can only be revealed by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega and the LION of the Tribe of Judah!

Revelation 13: 7-10 NKJV

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

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience (perseverence) and the faith of the saints.

Revelation 12:11-12 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.

12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

I pray this article has helped you to see and recognize the signs and the times we live in as well as the truth of God’s Word and what is prophesied to happen in the very near future. Let each of us prepare our own hearts and present ourselves with full honesty, transparancy and sincerity before the Lord so that the Lord may reveal the good work He started as well as the work that remains in each of us to be fully transformed into His image and likeness.

2 Corinthians 6:17 – 7:1 NKJV

17 Therefore

Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you,

and you shall be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

You can’t politicize God’s Word as it stand alone, above and beyond the will, thoughts, knowledge and desires of humanity. Heaven and earth may pass but His Word will be forever.

 

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB – CHRIST JESUS

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB

 It would be wise to remember as we celebrate the Sacrificial Lamb and the life, death, and resurrection our Lord Jesus that the people chose Barabbas over Jesus.  People today still choose Barabbas.  God will not violate “free will”, as there is NO love in a dictatorship. Let us reflect on the Person of Christ and what Christ represented that was so hated and called to be crucified.

 

Matthew 5:10–12 (NKJV)

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.

1 John 1:5–7 (NKJV)

Fellowship with Him and One Another

 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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.

 

Galatians 5:16–26 (NKJV)

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Matthew 27:1–25 (NKJV)

Jesus is Delivered to Pilate

Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; 23:1; John 18:28

27 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 

Judas Repents

Acts 1:18, 19 

3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.”

Jesus is Examined

Mark 15:2–5; Luke 23:2–5; John 18:29–38 

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 

Barabbas is Freed

Mark 15:6–14; Luke 23:17–23; John 18:39, 40

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

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.

John 14:6 (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

FALSE SALVATION

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

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/