Posts

SANCTIFIED VESSELS

/in , , , /by

SANCTIFIED VESSELS

There are many inroads to ungodliness, darkness, lawlessness, immorality and demonic influences and oppression. If you give Satan an opening, he will pry that opening wider and wider.

Matthew 12:43–45 (NKJV)

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

We must cast down vain imaginations and temptations which we know are contrary to the knowledge and way of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (NKJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

What most people don’t see, choose not to see, underestimate or disbelieve is that the greatest spiritual battle was fought in heaven and that same battle continues here on earth even within the church assemblies and leadership.  Look across the world today at how exterior influences of Covid19 and other mandates have restricted the assembling of the saints not to mention the attacks from within the church assembly.

Sadly, much of this battle is fought within the church assembly and within leadership as demonic influences constantly attack even from within the church assembly. To deny that Satan puts people or demonic spirits/influences within the church buildings and assemblies to destroy the works of Christ is to deny the battle fought in heaven ever happened and the battle here and now, not to mention the battle which is to come when Christ Jesus returns.

In addition, it was the works of Satan which crucified Christ but even through that, Jesus was in control because Jesus controlled the time that the crucifixion would take place. It was at an appointed time.  Jesus freely gave His life, we need to do the same and lay down our lives to Christ for the salvation of others. 

John 15:13 (NKJV)

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

I am saddened when I look at profiles that have lustful images and “likes”. There should be modesty in our appearances as this applies to both men and women.  As the Lord leads I private message people to help them work through their struggles and many do comply by repentance and removing those things that are ungodly or invite demonic influences into their lives.  The struggles are real, and we need to rightly deal with these struggles. 

When I see Pastors or church leaders with these things it is even more disheartening yet not surprising. (No condemnation) If Satan can attack leadership then everything under that leadership is subjected to those same demonic influences. Satan will always try to attack “the head” leadership and if that doesn’t work Satan will attack those close to the “head leadership”.  This includes the family structure and why there are so many separations, adulteries and divorces.

We must not sit under false prophets or ministers believing the words of these false prophets. Substituting lies for truth. Then there are those who “like” “false prophets” or a mixture of true prophets and false prophets. I am not being judgmental here I am stating facts.   The truth is every time we receive revelation of the Truth of God we are under judgment.  What are we going to do now that we truly have a revelation of Truth?  We must conform to Truth! 

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.

(Read 2 Peter 2)

As we truly grow in Christ and walk the narrow path so will the people we follow or associate with.  Things we once enjoyed we longer enjoy, things we once did we no longer do. The time is accelerating and of urgency. The bride must prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

See my article:

http://abidingbread.com/2018/01/28/marriage-supper-of-the-lamb/

As the world increases in ungodliness, immorality, perversion and lawlessness the influences and forces of these demonic attacks increase against us. Let us not lose hope or faith in this battle because a born-again follower of Christ knows this earth is not their home.

I believe however hard these times are for the body of Christ, all of this is a preparation for what is about to come. Many go without food and shelter. Others are abandoned by loved ones because of the spiritual division of beliefs. Whatever the hardship let us rejoice in the finished work of Calvary. Do not grow weary as our redemption draws near.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 

See my article on Consequences: 

http://abidingbread.com/2020/07/12/consequences/

Meanwhile let us humble ourselves as individuals with truthful personal reflection of our pursuit of holiness and righteousness to Christ Jesus. Our salvation is not dependent upon others it is only dependent upon our personal true and godly devotion to Christ.

 

We need to restore one another in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in the Fruit of the Spirit. Restoration only happens through true humility, honest reflection, repentance and our true desire towards being the bride of Christ Jesus. NONE OF US IS EXEMPT FROM THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE WE EACH MUST HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE.

 

Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

Bear and Share the Burdens

6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

 

1 Corinthians 11:27–34 (NKJV)

Examine Yourself

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

 

We know that judgment starts in the house of the Lord, the Lord desires His pulpits to be holy, undefiled, sanctified, consecrated just as the Lord wants our bodies to be sanctified and consecrated.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

 

True discernment within the church is not only knowing truth from error but also knowing those who are under demonic influences that truly seek deliverance and restoration verses those who come to undermine, kill, steal and destroy on behalf of Satan. As long as we falsely believe the “partial truth” that only the Lord knows the hearts of people we will deny that the heart is wicked and deceitful. To be a preacher of righteousness sin must be addressed and the wages of sin spoken and addressed.

 

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

9  “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

 

 

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 

The Lord always exposed the hearts of people to His true servants. These servants are humble enough yet strong enough in the Spirit of God to approach people for repentance and restoration. Many of these servants are mocked, slandered, demised, persecuted, cast away, ridiculed and were martyred.

(Read 2 Samuel 12)

King David is a prime example and David was a man after God’s heart. The Lord sent Nathan to speak to David and there are times the Lord will send people to us for restoration.  It is also worth noting that if ANYONE merely points out your sin but DOES NOT bring you to the cross of Calvary AND the resurrection of Christ so that we can become new creations in Christ they are NOT of the LORD JESUS!  (The exclude the gospel of Christ and the propitiation of sin through Christ.)

 

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The time is long overdue that we seek the holiness and righteousness of Christ wearing the full armor of God not only in our personal temple but in the House of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NKJV)

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.

Luke 22:31–32 (NKJV)

Christ Predicts Peter’s Denial

Matt. 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; John 13:36–38

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

 None of us are exempt from the attempts or sifting of Satan.

 

The grace of God and the blood of Jesus is all sufficient and blessed are those who are cleansed, forgiven, redeemed and reconciled to Christ Jesus.  May the Lord receive the fullness of His inheritance, the hearts and souls of all His children. 

 

Numbers 6:24–26 (NKJV)

    24      “The LORD bless you and keep you;

    25      The LORD make His face shine upon you,

    And be gracious to you;

    26      The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

    And give you peace.” ’

 

Titus 2 (NKJV)

Qualities of a Sound Church

2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

 

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

 

 

THE ENEMIES WE FACE

/in /by

 

THE ENEMIES WE FACE

 

Ephesians 6:10–13 (AMP)

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 

11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 

13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

 

 

None of us are exempt from trials, tribulation or persecution from spiritual forces which are unseen from the human eye or logical reasoning that operate around us and through us. Spiritual things are discerned spiritually and logical reasoning alone can not discern things that are spiritual.  The Word of God tells us to test every spirit and to know people in “the spirit”, not by the flesh.  While natural symptoms, characteristics and observations are necessary they fall short of what is spiritual.  There is a vast and decisive contrast to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) of The Lord and those that are not in the Spirit of The Lord (Gal. 5:19-21) .  Notice that Ephesians 6:12 tell us that we are wrestling which is “physical” in nature.  In Mark 3:27 Jesus tell us we must bind the “strongman”.

 

1 John 4:1 (AMP)

BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

 

Galatians 5:22–23 (AMP)

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

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

 

2 Corinthians 5:16 (AMP)

16 Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].

 

Galatians 5:19–21 (AMP)

19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, 

20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), 

21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

 

Salvation and deliverance is only found through Jesus Christ, Christ crucified and Christ resurrected.  I believe that while many people truly want to be right they are not thirsty for the righteousness of Christ Jesus.  Needing to “be right” is not the same as abiding in the righteousness of Christ Jesus.  Vindication is the Lord’s.  Jesus told us that those who thirst for righteousness shall be filled.  We must not separate Spirit, Truth and Righteousness for we worship the Lord is Spirit and Truth!

 

John 4:24 (AMP)

24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).

 

Matthew 5:6 (AMP)

6 Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! [Isa. 55:1, 2.]

 

Each of us is responsible for our own salvation and eternal destiny.  We are called to edify and encourage the brethren but ultimately each of us is responsible for our obedience to the Lord Jesus.  I have attached a four part video series courtesy of Derek Prince called “The Enemies We Face” which I believe will help to enlighten you, encourage you to be over comers through Christ Jesus.

 

Father I give you thanks and praise for your Beloved Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Lord I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and loving me despite of myself and my fallen nature.  Lord I thank you for your cleansing blood and the truth of your word which will stand forever.  Lord I thank you and praise you that you never change which allows me to stand in the truth of your Word and Spirit.  Lord continue to search me and cleanse me. Renewing, transforming and sanctifying me into your image and likeness.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRITUAL REMODELING VS. REBUILDING

/in /by

SPIRITUAL REMODELING VS. REBUILDING

 

Mark 14:58 (AMP)

58 We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple (sanctuary) which is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, made without hands.

 

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (AMP)

19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,

20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

 

Spiritual remodeling is not spiritual rebuilding.  While it’s easier and more pleasant to work with what we have and perform improvements based on our personal beliefs through “remodeling” what is needed is for us to be spiritually rebuilt, totally new. Scratching the surface is superficial yet if we have died in Christ there is nothing left of us, we are totally new creations in Christ Jesus making Jesus Lord and the “old man” has passed away and the “birth” (born again) person is totally new.  For “ALL” things have passed away.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)

17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

 

Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

 

Old things are torn away, broken apart and TOTAL spiritual reconstruction takes place through the love, mercy and grace of Jesus. There are no shortcuts or improvising in spiritual rebuilding for the author and finisher of our faith Christ Jesus is the creator of the universe including you and I.  We are being spiritually rebuilt by the Lord Jesus; for all things were made through Him, by Him and for Him.  As you go through this “rebuilding” process Jesus is with you every step of the way for He will never leave you or forsake you and His mercy endures forever.

 

Colossians 1:16 (AMP)

16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 (AMP)

6 Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.

 

Our thoughts and beliefs on what we think we need verses what Jesus knows we need are in conflict and the “flesh wars against” the spirit of the Lord.  Often we find ourselves in our own “personal wilderness” being separated from the earthly and ungodly influences that have separated us from our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus.  While we are in this “wilderness” our fleshly nature is being crucified as the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit is rebuilding us tearing down fortified strongholds, lies, hurts and pain as we come to the end of “self” being rebuilt into the likeness and image of our Creator.  The love of God/Jesus is restoring us back into our divine identity before the fall of man.  What you are experiencing is a separation from an earthly way and mindset of life.  We are seated in heavenly places yet we live here on earth.  We are in the earth but not of the earth, thus the conflict is real and the renewing of our minds is continual through the Spirit of the Lord and the Living Word of God.

 

Galatians 5:17 (AMP)

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

 

1 John 2:15–17 (AMP)

15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

 

Proverbs 14:12 (AMP)

12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

 

Ephesians 2:6–7 (AMP)

6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

7 He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

Isaiah was “undone”, Paul said it was no longer he that lived but Christ in him.  When the Lord Jesus reveals himself to us we too will be “undone” desiring nothing but total transformation being rebuilt into the image and likeness of Christ Jesus.  

 

Jesus wants “all of us” and not just part of us.  He doesn’t remodel you He rebuilds you!  Don’t settle for used when you can have new!  We must embrace the mercy, love and grace of the Lord Jesus.  The rebuilding process is continual while we are here on earth surrounded by a fallen nature and ungodly influence, none of us are exempt from the continual renewal of our minds through the Word of God and we must cast down every stronghold which exalts itself against the knowledge of God/Christ Jesus.

 

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (AMP)

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

 

1 Corinthians 3:19 (AMP)

19 For this world’s wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness; [Job 5:13.]

 

Praise the Lord Jesus for He will never leave you or forsake you and you too can overcome the world through Christ Jesus.  May the peace, love and grace of Jesus be your strength, High Tower, Fortress and Abiding Place!

 

John 16:33 (AMP)

33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

 

Psalm 91:1 (AMP)

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

 

Proverbs 18:10 (AMP)

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.

 

Blessings, peace and grace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.