Our inheritance in Christ: Made Equal with God

to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

In recent weeks we've been studying the inheritance we have in Christ. Many are unaware we even have an inheritance in Christ. They regulate any victory or fulfilled promise till the saints finally make it to Heaven. As for the here and now, let's hope we have good insurance, a good job, and a good doctor because we are in essence stranded here in this fallen world without aid or support from Heaven. 

 When we examine our inheritance closer we see that we are not alone. We are more than equipped to live this life on Earth in triumphant victory. We have seen in this inheritance we have the gift of no condemnation, no separation, and complete acceptance with God. We have received the blessing of the Lord. 

 Today, it seems good to share a rather controversial aspect of our inheritance in Christ. That is our sonship with God. The truth that those who believe are the children of God. Paul revealed it was God's design that we become the children of God. 

 What could be controversial about the truth that we are the children of God? The religious leaders of Jesus' day knew the full implications of sonship. See their words in John 5.

 The religious leaders knew sonship implied more than just having a Father in Heaven;

Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God John 5:18 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Sonship brings with it equality. This is understandable when we think of earthly fathers and their children. When we attribute this towards our Heavenly Father it rattles so many minds of Christians everywhere.

 Wait brother John are you dare to suggest we are equal with God? Before you stone me allow me to elaborate further.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NKJV

 Jesus when He came to earth, manifested as God in the flesh, but didn't take His equality with God, humbled Himself and came in the form of a man and served. This same mind should be in us. We have dominion and authority based on our sonship and we should serve one another in love.

 When it comes to mankind, we are all created by God, saved and unsaved. There is no one superior and no one inferior. No one based on their ethnicity or national origin is "better" than or "more equal" than anyone.

 Yet even among us humans, there are those who excel in things others do not. There are those who exceed many others' abilities in athletics, science, mathematics, creativity, and talent. Does that make the star athlete better than say minor league talent? It makes them superior in skill level but not in identity. 

 What am I saying? I am declaring in this inheritance we are made the children of God. This sonship gives us certain rights and privileges in Christ. None of this is based on our performance or doing. It's all based on the redemptive work of Christ.

 In Christ, we have been made partakers of the divine nature. God has given us His Spirit to dwell within. We are the children of God by Faith. We are not just mere sinners who have been given mercy from a Holy God. We are now the very children of God, with God Himself indwelling us in the person of the Spirit. We are not inferior, worthless beings, we are the children of God.

 Let this mind be in you. It is not robbing God of His eternal glory and truth that He alone is God Almighty, the only One worthy of all praise and adoration and worship, to take our place as sons and daughters. We are not inferior worms in the dust. Because of sonship, we can come into the presence of God freely, without shame, guilt, or any sense of inferiority or worthlessness. 

 As a son, we have the privilege and right to feast at the King's table. We have freely been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. It's not that we are bringing God down to man's level. No, God has brought us up to sit with Him in the heavenly places. 

 In summation, we are made in the image of God. We are recreated as born-again children of God, made alive in Christ. This loving Father accepts us as His own. He made us partakers of the divine nature. He made our hearts his home. He has made us new. His Spirit is within. 

 He now accepts us as His kids and we have been made joint-heirs with Christ. 

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:16-17 NKJV

 We are joint-heirs with Christ. This means how God sees Jesus is how He sees us. How He loves Jesus is how He loves us. How much Jesus is in right standing with the Father is how much we are. We are not inferior but in equal standing with Jesus. We have equality with God because of Jesus, celebrate it. 

Image by Ryan Morrison from Pixabay

Our Inheritance in Christ: Accepted

 to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

 We've been in a series studying our blessed inheritance in Christ. When Christ died and rose again He granted us a generous inheritance that is available to all who believe right now. We don't have to die and get to Heaven to experience it. We can experience it and enjoy it here and now.

 We have seen so far that we have received the gift of no condemnation in this glorious inheritance. We saw last time we are no longer separated from God ever again. Spiritual death simply means separation from God. We were separated and now because of Jesus we are forever His and He will never leave or forsake us. We will never be apart from Him. 

 Today, it seemed good to continue this amazing study looking at our perfect acceptance in Christ. In the first chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, he speaks of our inheritance in Christ. We who believed have obtained an eternal inheritance. 

 In this inheritance, we can see that we are found accepted in the beloved. Christ's work has made us acceptable to the Father. 

 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6 NKJV

  To the praise of the glory of His Grace. His glorious Grace has made us accepted. This word accepted means to be honored and to be highly favored.

 God has bestowed divine favor upon us, His Church, His people. He has favored us and bestowed honor on us. We may not always feel so honorable or favored but nevertheless, we are favored.

 In this world system, to be accepted or honored we must achieve much. We have to also conform to their ways of doing things. The stepping on others to get ahead, the seeking the favor of only those the world system already esteems. We must keep striving and doing more and more even if it means neglecting friends and family to achieve favored status.

 Under traditional religion, we had to work harder and keep all the rules to be found worthy and favored. We struggled and strived to achieve a sense of acceptance from God and the ministries we were a part of. We sought acceptance and accolades from men by our works and performance.

 We didn't understand we were already highly favored and honored by God the moment we believed. We were trying to earn what was free. We were trying to achieve what was already ours in Christ.

 In our dealings with man, there is always someone who comes in the last place. Someone who is chosen last. Someone who won't qualify. In Christ, we are always picked first to be on Jesus' team. In Christ, we are never disqualified, we are chosen, we are loved, we are accepted eternally in Him.

 In Christ, we are accepted. We aren't rejected. We aren't disqualified. Even in our worst, we are still accepted. He isn't accepting our misdeeds or mistakes, He isn't accepting our sins and shortcomings because He reminds us those deeds aren't who we are, that's not our identity, He accepts us. He reminds us of who we are and whose we are. We are always found acceptable to the Father because of Jesus. 

 In summation, rejoice in the Good News. See yourself as He sees you. Highly favored. Loved. Honored. Acceptable to the Father. The enemy works overtime to get you to think you are unacceptable to God. He brings his shame and points to your sins and shortcomings. Resist the enemy and reject his lies. When he points you to your sins and shortcomings you point him to your Savior whose work is superior to any achievements of man. Child of God you are accepted in Him, it's yours in this glorious inheritance Christ procured for you. 

Image by Mustafa shehadeh from Pixabay 

Our Inheritance in Christ: No Separation

to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

We began a new study looking at our inheritance in Christ. In this New Covenant, child of God you have an inheritance in Christ. Some believers really don't know what belongs to them because of Christ. 

 In the Old Covenant, God cut a covenant with man. Mankind was consistent in only one aspect of this covenant. They could never uphold their part. In the New, Jesus represented mankind and cut the covenant with the Father on our behalf. So in essence this New Covenant was made between the Father and the Son and we who believe are the beneficiaries. 

 We have seen that our inheritance includes the gift of no condemnation. Today, I want to reveal another aspect of our inheritance. There is no more separation for the child of God. 

 Sisters and brothers, there is nothing you can do to be separated from the Father. You're eternally sealed with the Holy Spirit. You been given the Spirit as an earnest down payment on your complete redemption and once for all salvation. Good news for those who have been taught we can lose or forfeit our salvation. This makes it clear it is eternally secure.

 Our society, due to the fall, is conditioned on separation. What do we do with children who misbehave? We put them in a corner for a "time out". What about when they get older? We suspend them from school for a short duration. What about when they are adults? If it's really bad we separate them by placing them in Jail or prison. Even in prison if they can't behave with the rest of the inmates they are separated further by placing them in a disciplinary segregation unit. 

 My point is not to rail against these institutions. It's not to tell parents don't put their kids in time out. In a fallen fractured creation, we need some methods to control unruly behavior to instruct and even to protect others. That said let's stay focused on the main point I want to make. That separation is conditioned in our minds. 

 When we see actions or performance that isn't up to the standard of perfect righteousness and holiness, we default to separation. Let me explain further by illustration.

When Jesus used Peter's boat and blessed him with a boat sinking harvest, here, what was Peter's reaction to the blessing?

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 NKJV

 Peter saw the power of God, the Goodness of God which revealed to himself his own insufficiency. That is his own imperfections and shortcomings. His first response? Separation. He wanted to be separated from Jesus. He felt so unworthy. 

 When we sin or blow it, what do we do? We run from God. We run from the local church. We stay away from ministry friends and those we see as committed believers.

 Why? Because we are going back to the default. Separate. I am wrong so I must separate. Or the idea comes from the religious. Oh brother or sister you've sinned your sins have separated you from God.

 Many ministers teach that our sins stop God's hands from healing or providing or delivering or protecting us. Yet when Jesus encountered the sinner lost in their sin His response was to go towards that person. Jesus said He must needs pass through Samaria, where He ministered to one woman who was living in adultery. Jesus is what qualifies us to receive from God not ourselves. Our behavior isn't our savior, or provider or healer or protector, Jesus is!

 Child of God there is nothing you've done, are doing, or will do that will cause you to be separated from God. Paul declared that there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of God. No action from the enemy or from ourselves can separate us from God. 

 Christ's perfect shed Blood perfectly purchased and procured complete and total redemption. New life and peace have been made available to whosoever will accept this free love gift. Upon reception, perfect redemption, total peace, complete acceptance approval, and right standing are theirs forever. Never to be disconnected, separated, or out of fellowship with the Father. All of this because of Jesus and His great Love.

 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV

 There is no more separation. There is no putting the leper out of the camp. God is not breaking away or disconnecting from you. 

 You may be thinking, brother this sounds too good to be true. What about 1 Corinthians 5 brother? It does appear on the surface I am contradicting Paul or that Paul is even contradicting himself. 

 Let's use context to understand what Paul is saying here. Paul is addressing a specific issue. Paul is speaking Apostolicaly and Pastorally concerning a brother whose behavior is hindering the work and testimony of the ministry. The reason for strong words is because the brother was unrepentant and rebellious. In other words, he knew his actions were wrong and he was apathetic to the results.  

 For a short season, Paul instructed the brethren to not go down the same path he was on. In truth, God was never separated from him, but he was separating himself from God and His ways. What were the results when people refused to go down the same path he was on? He had a sudden change of mind. What people seem to overlook in this event is that not one place did Paul suggest he had lost his salvation or was in "time out" and God wanted nothing to do with him. 

 Let's rejoice in our inheritance. In Christ, we have no separation or disconnection from the Father no matter what. God is never going to leave us or forsake us. God is always with us, even at our worst. God sees all of our faults and flaws and failures and still He embraces us as His own. God is a Good Father and will never separate us from Himself. 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

The Gospel Paul preached: Radical Grace

 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've been in an extended study examining the Gospel Paul preached. We've stated with all the voices in the wind speaking of the Gospel, claiming to know what it is and what it isn't, wouldn't it be great if we could find an Mp3 or CD of one of the original Apostles sermons? The good news is we don't have to wonder what Paul preached, God's Word records one of Paul's messages, and we can see clearly what the Gospel message is.

 Acts 13 details the Gospel Paul preached. We've seen that Paul proclaimed the faithfulness of God, that Jesus is alive and salvation is found in Him alone. Paul proclaimed Good News. He declared the forgiveness of all our sins in Christ. In our last study, we saw that Paul revealed only Grace redeems and makes us Righteous not the Law, or human efforts, performance, or good deeds. 

 Today, we want to conclude the series with the final word Paul gave his listeners. 

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. Acts 13:42-44 NKJV

 Paul proclaimed the Good News. He proclaimed Newness of life can be found in Christ apart from works. Conspicuously absent are any words of condemnation. Condemnation kills. Condemnation doesn't draw the masses. It turns away the masses. Preaching the Goodness of God is what draws men toward God. Proclaiming His great Love and Grace is what changes men's minds and hearts.

 Take note of the reaction to Paul's words. The people begged to hear this message. People's hearts were hungry to hear more of God's Word. The people's hearts were glad. Their thinking was changed. They heard the Good News. They wanted to hear more of this Loving Savior. 

 As for the final word Paul proclaimed let's look again at the passage.

Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43 NKJV

 Paul told the people to continue in the Grace of God. Not that Grace was for the entryway into salvation and the rest of the Christian walk is about earning and striving and achievement. He proclaimed the Radical Grace of God and urged them to continue in Grace, not Law. To continue in Grace, not human works, efforts, or performance. 

 Paul told the people to continue in Grace. If we are to continue in Grace then that means Grace is the Gospel and the center of the Christian life. This means our attempts to merit God's Goodness and favor and acceptance is not continuing in the Grace of God. Paul is essentially proclaiming that we can't earn what is only freely given.

 People have tried to use Paul to declare that works and performance and behavior are the only means by which we obtain the promises of God. They will take his words out of context along with Peter to rearrange the Gospel message. Traditional religion proclaims a gospel of works that is no gospel at all.

 Certainly, our behavior matters, don't misunderstand me. Paul simply showed the way we grow up into good works and good behavior. We continue in the Grace of God. We know because of Grace and the gift of Righteousness we are forever accepted and approved. This removes the shame of our misdeeds and failures and sins. We can get back up when we fall. We can freely admit our flaws without shame or fear of punishment from God. We can freely make amends to those we may have hurt. Why? because shame and fear have been done away with in Christ.

 In closing allow me to address one point Paul made. Paul did declare a warning to these listeners. But this warning was not condemning nor was it spoken in anger. Paul was pleading with the people. Don't reject this Grace in favor of your works and performance. And that has been the case throughout the early days of the birth of the Church. People wanting to mix Law and Grace. To get people to keep striving and attempting to earn God's Love. 

 In summation, Paul preached the Gospel of Grace. He proclaimed the forgiveness of all our sins. That the Law can't redeem or make Righteous. Only His Grace makes us accepted and approved with the Father. Embrace Grace and continue in Grace and don't try to earn or achieve what is only freely given by Grace through Faith, purchased by His precious Blood. 

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

Abounding Grace: Passionate devotion

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

  We've been in an extended study examining the amazing Grace of God. Specifically, we're looking at how His Grace abounds to all areas of our Christian life bringing fullness, fulfillment, and empowerment. So far we've seen how this Grace abounds to our Faith, our words, and our knowledge of who God is. 

 Today, it seems good to continue this study, looking at how this Grace abounds to our personal devotion to God. So often different ministries and churches declare that Radical Grace, eternal security, leads to a license to sin, a motivation to do wrong. I strongly disagree. God's Grace is the motivation for devotion to God. 

 Understand what Grace is. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favor of God. When received it produces and empowerment in our life. Grace isn't empowerment. Grace is unearned favor. Don't get confused as to what Grace is versus what it does. 

 When we define Grace as empowerment, we shift back into a works mindset. We still have demands, pressure, and obligations placed on our lives but Grace gives us the strength to fulfill these obligations. That is not Grace. 

 Think of this. Are your children your obligation? The word obligation is defined as duty, chore, a burden. There isn't necessarily a joy in being indebted to someone. So again is your children or your spouse an obligation? 

 I hope you don't see them as a chore. I hope you don't see family as a burden. Certainly, as adults, there is a level of responsibility we commit to. Yet, that is not at the forefront of our thinking when we love, truly love our family. Why do you find children caring for aging and sickly parents? Is it an obligation? In dysfunctional homes perhaps, but in healthy homes, I've seen the compassion from each of its members spring forth. 

 My point is, the compassion each family member brings forth isn't obligatory. It isn't trying to earn acceptance and more favor. It's rooted in a place of love and kindness shared among each member. 

 When we receive the Love of the Father, knowing how He sees us, how He's made us accepted and approved, devotion, passionate devotion is the natural response. Grace abounds toward us and our devotion to Him grows more and more.

 When we think of His unfailing Love toward us, when we reflect on His all the time Goodness to us, when we see His great Grace overshadow all of our flaws, failures, and foul-ups, What else can we do but devote ourselves more and more to such a loving Father. His Goodness, His Grace, His Love, is the motivation for devotion. He is so so Good!

 God's unwavering faithfulness toward us reminds us of how much we need Him. His faithfulness abounding to us brings to our remembrance that if it had not been for the Lord where would we be? He is even faithful when we are faithless. This faithfulness produces such a thankful heart, a joyous heart, and a heart of gladness because God is our everlasting Father who is well pleased with us.

 This abounding Grace empowers our devotion. We are eager to become a blessing to those around us. We are enthusiastic to help advance Jesus' name and His kingdom all throughout this Earth. All because we've seen and known His goodness, faithfulness, and Love abounding toward us.

 In summation, this Grace is so great. It abounds in all areas of our life. It empowers our Faith, our words, and knowledge of God. It produces an enthusiastic, energetic, empowered connection with our Daddy God. He is so Good!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Abounding Grace

 

 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

 We who believed have received such abounding Grace. We who received this wonderful free gift of eternal life have experienced His over the top Grace. For those who have yet to receive,  God's Grace is abounding toward them searching for them, inviting them, finding ways to show them God's goodness and love.

 Grace is abounding on the Earth. Grace is constantly revealing itself. God and His Love is pouring out to the multitudes. Many churches and ministries are proclaiming God's Love and goodness and Grace more and more for all to hear. This is a move, this is God reaping the harvest of souls and lives.

 This is good news. Grace is being made known. We who have received Jesus, His free gift of eternal life, we who put our trust in Him, have experienced Grace. It compels us to share it with others. We receive Grace upon Grace and we want others to partake.

 That said what about after we've received this abounding Grace? Is that the end? We receive His Grace, we are then made a new creation, made eternally secure, made perfectly righteous, completely forgiven, and approved of God. Is this it? Is this all Grace does for us? 

 Sometimes it seems that is it. That is we get saved and afterward, it's all up to us to grow up. We are now to rely on our own efforts and doings to grow up. Grace is just the beginning, from here out its work and work and more work. 

Still, to others, it seems that Grace means we receive new life and that's it. There is no maturity. There is no renewing the mind. No growth. Just do whatever you will. Read the Bible? Give? Be a part of a local church? Build relationships? What? I have received Grace, that's all there is. 

 Both ideas are wrong. It's not Grace is the beginning and the rest is performance and hard work. It's not I received Grace, now it's just me and Jesus, I don't need to grow up. Grace is the beginning, the middle, and the end. That is the whole Christian life is about Grace.

 What the Lord is sharing is that Grace is received and afterward it continues working in you and through you. It matures you. It strengthens you. It increases you, the real you, the new creation you, the Righteous you, the forgiven you, the secure you. 

What is Grace? Grace is the unearned undeserved unmerited favor of Almighty God. You can't earn or achieve anything with God. You can't work enough for God to merit anything. When this Grace is received though, it produces an empowerment. Grace empowers you to serve others, to be generous, to believe God, to speak His words and truth. It transforms your desires into passionate devotion. It's His doing not your own that causes this to come to pass. It's abounding Grace.

 In the next few posts, we are going to be looking at how this Grace empowers our Faith. How it empowers our knowledge of Him, our words, and love to others. How it empowers passionate devotion in our lives and motivates us to be a generous blessing to the kingdom of God.

 In summation, Grace is abounding on Earth. Grace is being made known more and more. God is looking for His people to grow up in Grace. To receive it and allow it to empower all areas of our life. Receive His abounding Grace, your life will never be the same.

Image by Treharris from Pixabay 

Receiving and experiencing the Extravagant, irresistible Love of Father God

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us... 1 John 3:1a NKJV

 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 NKJV 

 In our last study, we began looking at the great Love of Father God. We saw what makes this Love so irresistible. We saw His great Love brings forgiveness. No matter how far we've fallen or bad we've messed things up His forgiveness is already there. 

 We saw that His Love brings transformation. That without any accusations and browbeating this extravagant Love alone when received brings about real transformation. We saw this Love gives the gift of no condemnation. This is what makes this Love so irresistible.

 Continuing in examining this Love, let's see the other two areas that make this Love of God so irresistible. Let's examine what makes this Love so extravagant.

The irresistible Love of God empowers

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to theend of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NKJV

 The Lord is telling us when we receive His Spirit we receive the Power of God. God in His great Love grants unto us His Spirit. Think of this. God in His great Goodness and Love bestows His Spirit within us and upon us. 

 Look at the life at the Apostle Peter. He was always eager with his words. He told Jesus he would never leave Him. Yet Peter's actions didn't match his words. Look at this account in Matthew's Gospel. 

 Peter didn't have the strength inwardly to stand for Jesus and declare he knew Him. Peter felt like a failure. He felt like he didn't belong. He had denied and forsook Christ. Let me tell you though about another aspect that makes this Love that empowers so irresistible, it also brings restoration.

 Look what happens when Jesus arose and the angel gave a message to the disciples seeking for Jesus. Take note the angel gave a specific word to Peter. God had Peter on His mind. His Love was thinking of Peter. 

 God's Love has specific words for you. Words that bring hope. Words that bring comfort. Words that bring life and wholeness. Words that bring restoration. Words that bring healing and empowers you to overcome. 

 Jesus brought about restoration to Peter. When Peter received this empowerment from on High, the Baptism in the Spirit, there was no denying Christ. He boldly proclaimed the risen Christ to a multitude. 

 This Love empowers us. It emboldens us to walk victoriously. It makes us overcomers. It turns victim mentalities to victor mentalities. We see triumph not defeat. This Love of the Father is so extravagant and irresistible. 

 The irresistible Love of God heals and makes whole

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:24 NKJV

 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:15 NKJV

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 NKJV

 This irresistible Love of the Father heals and makes whole. God and His Love is the reason why He heals. So often traditional religion only attributes miracles and healing to Jesus simply so He would prove His deity.

 They proclaim Jesus only healed when He walked the sandy shores of Galilee because He needed to prove He was God. He needed to prove He was the Messiah. Is this true? 

Yet He warned them not to make Him known, Matthew 12:16 NKJV

 Jesus has just healed the multitude. What a great chance to prove to all He was the Messiah. To prove He was God. Yet Jesus tells them don't say a word. 

 Jesus right here tells us the reason for His actions on Earth. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, wrought miracles, and brought supernatural provision not to prove anything. He did these great works because He is love. Because the Spirit was upon Him to do good and free those under the oppression of the enemy. He did all these things because He was representing a Good Father who so loves us all. Love, the irresistible and extravagant Love of God is why Jesus heals.

 God loves you and desires your wholeness too. God is a Good God. He longs to bring life and peace. He longs to bring healing to you. He purchased our healing in the Finished Work. Why? Because God so loves you too.

 In summation, this Love of the Father is so Good. Receive this great Love. It is truly immeasurable. It is irresistible and extravagant. This Love is for you!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Reigning in Life

What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, Psalm 8:4-6 NASB

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC

 Who do you think you are? That seems to be the theme and question we are exploring as of late. Too often the world system likes to tell us who we are. That we are people of hate and narrow mindedness because we don't indulge in sinful lifestyles. 

 The enemy likes to tell us who we are. The enemy says we are either too far gone for God to help or save us. Or that we are powerless. Through fear, the enemy cunningly tries to convince us he is more powerful than the Cross and what Jesus accomplished. 

 Religious tradition also tries to tell us who we are. Tradition will tell us we are mere worms in the dust. That we are so unworthy. That God sometimes likes us but at other times He doesn't. That we disappoint Him. That He is in control of all things, whatever happens in this life is because He has ordained it or caused it. We are just pawns in His hands.

 This is who the world and the devil and religion tells us who we are. Who does God tell us we are? What does God say about us? 

 God declared to us in Genesis that He made us to have dominion and authority. He said in Psalms that He crowned us with glory and honor and gave us dominion over the works of His hands. Paul reveals to us, that in Christ, we have been made the very Righteousness of God in Christ. 

 We are overcomers in this life because of what Christ did for us in the Finished Work. We don't have to be victims of circumstance. We don't have to just sit idle as the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy in our life. We can stand victorious in the complete triumphant work of Christ Jesus. We have authority over all the work of the enemy. We've been redeemed from darkness and defeat and are now seated with the risen Christ. 

 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness. Psalm 17:15 MEV

 Who do we think we are? We are the Righteousness of God in Christ. We are recreated in Christ, brand new, accepted, and approved. As He is so are we in this world. 

 We are Righteous, approved, and accepted. We stand before God just as Jesus does. Perfect and whole. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We have the same standing as Christ. We've been given this dominion and authority to walk victoriously. How is this authority seen or released?

Words

 Authority and dominion are expressed through our words. Think of it, how did Adam have dominion over the animal kingdom? He couldn't fly with the birds. He couldn't swim with the fishes of the sea. How was his dominion exercised? Words. He spoke the will of God over them.

 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways. Job 22:28 NKJV

“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “And I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:19 NKJV

Our authority and dominion are released through our words. Our words are powerful. They create life or death in all areas of our life. Words are containers. They can contain hope and life and peace and love and goodness and healing. Or they can contain anger, strife, doubt, unbelief, death, or agreement with the world system, or the enemy and his schemes. 

 Traditional religion says God controls all things, so no matter if one is speaking death, disaster, doom, and gloom. No matter if one is a "Debbie downer". Surely unbelief and negative thinking and speaking have no bearing on what happens in your life. Your words surely have nothing to do with what you experience in life. It's all God's doing and controlling.

 I trust you are seeing how powerful words are. How your authority and dominion are released through your words. So learn to tame your tongue. Speak life, not death. Speak in line with what God has said about your situation or circumstance.

 In summation, again we ask who do we think we are? We who've believed are the very Righteousness of God in Christ. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We are just as accepted and approved and loved as Jesus is. As He is so are we in this world. Our words, therefore, have power.  As we grow in this New Creation reality, of who He made us, we will grow stronger and stronger in this new identity and take dominion over all areas of our life. We have peace and we reign with Christ as kings in this life. 

Image by 272447 from Pixabay 

Your Authority in Christ

   19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC


 In times of fear and anxiety and uncertainty, it's comforting to know that God is with us and has never left us or abandon us. It's equally comforting knowing that God hasn't left us helpless or weak and wanting in tough times. God has given the Church something to overcome in this life.

 God has given us the authority to rule and reign over all the power of the wicked one. He has equipped us with His name, the name above all other names. God has given us His authority to operate in this natural realm.

 One of the most neglected and little taught truths throughout the Body of Christ is the believer's authority. If we have authority, this threatens the religious traditional concept that God controls all aspects of life and everything that occurs is because God did it or approved of it. If we have authority we have to take some responsibility for our lives and the conditions that exist in this world.

 To understand authority we have to revisit the Garden of Eden. Note in Genesis what God declared about man. God gave mankind authority and dominion in this Earth. Man was to operate in dominion on this planet. 

 In fact, God gave man three things in Genesis. First, God gave man His image. We are created in the likeness of God. We have His image. We need not try to conform to some worldly image that leaves us wanting and hurting trying so desperately to attain or achieve. We already have the image of God. God isn't suffering from low self-esteem and neither should we. 

 Secondly, God gave man dominion over this planet. Did you know man was created to rule and reign on this Earth? Man fell and turned over this rulership to the enemy, but Jesus defeated the enemy and stripped the crown from him that he stole from Adam. As a believer, you have been given this restored dominion. 

 Now we can exercise this dominion over this planet. This doesn't mean we can lord over other people and demand of others. We are speaking of the dominion over the Earth. Read it in Genesis. We have dominion over the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom, and the Earth. We have the authority to pray God's will be done on this Earth.

 This means we have dominion over famine, disaster, and drought. This means we have the authority to stand against "natural disasters". We can take dominion over destruction and speak life. We can also be something else. We can be a blessing to desolate lands and those afflicted with disease, and drought and death. 

 Thirdly, God gave us the blessing. God blessed us. We have the blessing of God upon us so we can be a blessing. The enemy has sought since the fall, to bring the curse, to oppose the blessing, on those who believe. 

 The enemy has worked overtime to ensure that the Church never recognize our true identity. The enemy would have us shrink back while accusatively asking who do you think you are? We need to stand strong and walk tall and declare to the world, the flesh, and the enemy that we are the Church. The very Righteousness of God in Christ. That we are made in the image of God and carry this image on the inside of us, and walk in the dominion and authority He delegated to us. 


 In summation, we need to know and understand our authority in Christ. This is such in-depth teaching we have just scratched the surface. Who do you think you are? You are the Righteousness of God, you are the King's kid. You're accepted and approved in Christ. You have been given dominion and authority in Christ. 


Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 

The Prevailing Word: What are you saying?

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV




 We've been looking at the Word of God in this time of the current world crisis. We are looking at what God says versus what man says. We are looking at how to overcome and walk in triumphant victory by Grace through Faith.

 We've seen that God's Word is the prevailing Word. We are seeing again how powerful and effective Faith in God and His Word is. Before we continue, let me briefly explain, when we discuss Faith, we must understand what we are speaking of. So let's declare what Faith is not so we are on the same page if you will.

 Faith is not foolishness. Faith is not living above your means, and going in debt to appear to be materially blessed. Faith is not foolishly throwing away all your medicine when there is no complete confirmation and full manifestation of your healing. Faith is not, not having a job, not having insurance, not locking your door or wearing a seat belt in a motor vehicle. 

 Grace is God's unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor that Finished the work completely, and once received produces an empowerment in our lives. Faith is more than mere believing. Faith is being fully persuaded that what God said is true and what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work is in fact complete. Faith then acts on what we believe, which is God's Word and the Finished Work of Christ.

 We receive from God by Grace through Faith. Grace makes and Faith takes. Grace created it through the Finished Work of Christ. Faith reaches out and takes what Grace made available. 

 Today, it seemed good to speak about our words. In times of crisis, it's easy to panic. This is not the attitude, or thinking we want to adopt as believers. So let's look at words.

 Faith is released by our words. Jesus Himself established this and Paul the Apostle of Grace confirmed it in Romans and 2 Corinthians.   Paul declared we believed we therefore speak. Jesus stated this clearly in Mark's Gospel.

22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.  Mark 11:22-24 WEB

 Jesus here shows us the power of Faith and releasing our Faith by our words. I chose this translation because it brings out a truth many have not seen or understood.

 He declared here, he who doubts not in his heart but believes that what he says is happening he will have what he says. This is why we don't always receive when we believe. Let me explain.

 We pray for our loved one to get saved. We pray for our family member and their situation at work. We pray for wisdom about a situation. The issue is often we don't at that moment actually believe anything is actually happening.

 We at most hope someone is listening in heaven. At other times we aren't even really hoping in the Biblical sense. We are merely wishing, as a kid wishes upon a star or when they blow out birthday candles. Jesus' words here help us learn how to actually ask in Faith believing.

 Jesus tells us that when we speak and doubt not and believe it's happening we will have what we say. When we know what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work, what Grace made when we speak in agreement with that we can know at that moment something IS in fact happening. Faith is being fully persuaded not a wishing and a hoping mindset. 

 What we must also understand is, even though we may not always feel like it, when we speak, something is happening. If we are praying in doubt, accepting the lie of the enemy that nothing is happening, we make that so with our words, agreeing with that lie. If we speak in agreement with God, not accepting the lies of the enemy then we will see His promises come to pass in our life.

What are you saying?

 So the question must be asked, what are you saying? Are you in agreement with the constant negative news? Are you adding your agreement with hysteria and panic? Are you speaking death, doom, dismay, and distress? 

 Or are you speaking what God says? God's Word doesn't take feelings, what it looks like, or the circumstance into account. His Word is above all these things. His Word is the higher truth over whatever may be factual. 

 The Word in 2 Kings records an account of what I am speaking of. You can read the full account here. In summation, the Prophet Elisha had spoken the word and a woman without a child bore a son. Later on, this child was working with his father and grew ill and not soon after died. The mother did not speak death or doom or despair or distress. 

 When asked by her husband she declared "it is well." When the Prophet asked is it well with you and your husband and your son, she responded: "it is well." What was she doing? She was trusting in the Good God of the universe to be there for her and her child. She was not denying the situation but rather putting her Faith and trust in what God said to her through the Prophet Elisha. Her Faith was not in vain, the man of God Elisha raised this child from the dead.

 The point is in a time of major crisis and death, this woman spoke words of life and not death. 
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 MEV
See it in another paraphrased translation;
Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life,
and the talkative person will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 TPT

 When we know and understand God's Goodness and Love we can readily speak in agreement with Him and not speak the circumstance. We can speak life to dead situations. We can speak death to evil situations and events the enemy tries to bring to pass. We can trust that what we are saying in agreement with God's Word and what Grace made something is actually happening when we speak and we can, therefore, have whatever we say. 

 In summation, death and life are in our lips. We can speak God's Word and not the situation. We can speak the desired result not the worst-case scenario. We can add our agreement verbally with all Christ did in the Finished Work. So speak life in this time of worldwide crisis. Speak God's Word and not fear-filled words. Speak God's love into atmospheres of darkness and uncertainty. We are the light, let's be light by speaking light into the darkness.