Healing Grace: Consider Jesus and not your imperfections and receive your healing

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV


 In the recent weeks, we've been studying the healing Grace of Almighty God. So far we've seen that God is always good. That He is for us and never against us. That He isn't orchestrating evil in your life. We've seen He is there for us even in the darkest of times, bringing peace and assurance. 

 Why minister on the truth of healing? Why teach His healing Grace? Because we are boldly proclaiming the full Gospel of the Grace of God. Any gospel that reveals God sometimes heals and sometimes wants you sick, or sometimes brings deliverance and other times brings affliction isn't good news. 

 A gospel that only offers you forgiveness, and a guaranteed destination of Heaven, but is powerless to heal your body or abundantly bless you in this life is not the true gospel. This kind of "gospel" only serves to diminish expectations, dissipate hope, and deter faith. Where is the good news when we tell people God will only take care of you after you die, but until then you're on your own?

 Christ and His Finished Work has done so much more. He has provided for us all things that pertain to our life. That is good news, but you may be saying, "what if I don't merit Him doing anything for me?" Some may be wondering "what if this illness and infirmity were of my own making?" 

 This is of great importance that we address and answer these questions. Many in the Body of Christ have been taught that the reason they've not experienced the healing power of God is because their sins and shortcomings have disqualified them. Their faulty faith failures have short-circuited the receiving process. What is Jesus attitude on this?

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 

23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 

24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.”And her daughter was instantly healed. Matthew 15:21-28 NLT

 This is an amazing example of God's healing Grace. At this time, Jesus was operating under the Old Covenant and hadn't yet paid the price for all mankind. He was ministering to the House of Israel only at this time. Yet we see the faith of this Gentile woman, who reached out and grabbed hold of God's Grace and power and received her miracle.

 At first glance, it seems Jesus was being cruel to the woman. I see deeper, that Jesus was leading her to a place where she could receive, even though she couldn't merit it. This woman was outside of the Commonwealth of Israel. She had no Covenant right to ask for anything. Yet, she received, how so?

 Jesus told her the Covenant didn't yet extend toward her. What she did is consider Jesus and His great Grace towards Israel and said surely with so much Grace I will simply take from the overflow, just the "crumbs" falling from the table. This is all I need to receive my miracle. She had so much faith in just a drop of His goodness and Grace that Jesus marveled at it. 

 This woman considered Jesus and not her imperfections and received. She didn't consider, "well I am not a Jew this healing is not for me." "I don't merit this healing because my people serve a different god." She looked past her demerits and embraced His goodness and kindness and Grace and received her miracle!

2 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.

3 Consider the life of the One who endured such personal attacks and hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary or lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 Voice

 What is the answer for us when we find ourselves in the trouble of our own making? What do we do when we know we haven't been living lives that are honoring to the good name of the Lord? What about when we have believed by faith we are healed but as of late have been wavering and faltering? 

 Hebrews gives us the answer. Stay focused on Jesus and His faithfulness. Consider Jesus and not your faults and failures. Certainly, we don't celebrate living in a manner that is sinful and selfish. Yet, we must realize no one is able to merit one thing from God based upon performance. God's standard is 100% perfection 100% of the time. This is why our focus is Jesus and not performance.

 This Covenant was cut between God and the Son Jesus, not us anyway. Therefore it is Jesus performance and obedience that is the root or basis of this Covenant. Our performance has nothing whatsoever to do with our receiving. So many ministers want to find ways to disqualify and exclude God's people from receiving.

 Christ and His Finished Work provided a complete redemption. This Gospel of Grace isn't a half measure gospel. This Gospel doesn't provide for eternity only. This Blood that was shed isn't saying I purchased you an eternal address in Heaven but as for healing and provision you need to find your own help, I'll just be waiting for you when you get to Heaven.  

 In summation, if you want to receive your healing stay focused on the Lord Jesus and His Finished Work and not your sins and imperfections. His shed Blood has forever qualified you to receive all that Grace has purchased in eternal redemption. God isn't looking down upon you with folded arms and a frown of disappointment. He isn't looking for ways to withhold healing and provision from coming your way. He is a good Father who is perfectly and perpetually satisfied with Jesus Finished Work and receives good pleasure when He supplies all your needs. 

photocourtesyofStuartMiles@freedigitalphotos.net

Understanding Grace: What about God's wrath and judgment?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We've been in a series studying the over the top, too good to be true but true, Radical Grace of Almighty God. We've established what the gospel message is. As of late we have been dispelling myths and accusations hurled upon the "message" of Grace.

 Today I feel impressed to share about God's wrath and judgment. What about wrath and God's Grace? This subject can become a source of contention. When we mention anything about God's wrath and judgment two lines of thought manifests. 

 One declares God is an angry vengeful God, keeping score on how many individuals, governments, and nations miss it. God is poised and made Himself ready to smite any who don't measure up. The other line of thinking dismisses any Biblical passages about God's wrath. God was never angry and to believe otherwise is an admission that one hasn't grasped the concept of Grace. 

 I believe when we understand the gospel truth and why Jesus came in the first place we readily see that both of these ideas are wrong. The legalistic, performance minded resent the message of God's Radical Grace. The foolish minded misrepresents the message of Grace. We who have received the truth of God's amazing Grace desire to represent this beautiful gospel to the masses. 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
Isaiah 61:1-2 NKJV

 In Isaiah, we see the prophet foretelling of the Finished Work of Christ and His second coming. What do we see God doing here? He is setting things right, He is bringing deliverance and freedom. We see only one mention of wrath or vengeance. 

 If you study the gospel of Luke Jesus cites this passage to reveal that He is, in fact, the Messiah. Jesus rightly divides the Word of God in Luke 4. He quotes verses 1 and a portion of verse 2 of Isaiah 61. He mentions the acceptable year of the Lord but omits the portion stating the day of Vengeance. Why? 

 Jesus knows He came to be the redeemer. To accomplish the will of God to be the Lamb. He came to take our place and exchange our old sinful nature with His righteousness. He knew this day of vengeance was a future work. I truly believe the day of vengeance is a two-fold application.

 One it was Jesus taking all of our punishment and satisfying the claims of justice on that Cross. It was Jesus taking the full wrath of God for all humanity. This is why when we see a tsunami strike some nation we can't say that God must be judging that nation for their sin. How could God put all that judgment on Christ and then say that wasn't enough, I must send an Earthquake to "straighten out" a wayward nation?

 Secondly, I believe the day of vengeance is also referencing the second coming of Christ when He will fully make right the things on this Earth. The full price and penalty of all sins have been paid by Christ. However, there are some who are disobedient to the gospel. That is to say, they are knowingly rejecting the gospel and being a stumbling block for others who want to receive. His return will even the scales of justice. 

 Let's talk about God's anger or wrath. Throughout the Old Covenant, we see God's anger mentioned. Here is an honest question. Did God get "born again" in the New Covenant? Did the "GodFather" suddenly become Father God? Of course not! He was always good.

11 God [is] a righteous judge, And He is not angry at all times. Psalms 7:11 YLT

 This passage in the Psalms in other translations tends to give the impression God is always mad and in a bad mood. If you do an honest study of the Old Covenant many of the passages we see God trying to send blessings but the people reject His goodness. Some pursue ideas and actions that are contrary to God's nature of mercy, and love and compassion. Because there was no mediator between God and man God had to allow judgment or wrath to fall. 

 Under the New Covenant, moving aside all the philosophical debates, and eloquent speeches, and getting down to the root what is the real question about God's wrath? I believe it is a simple question with a simple answer. I've blown it or messed up or down right deliberately sinned. Is God mad at me? Is God going to get me? Is He going to send some punishment or some harsh experience to instruct, or chasten me? 

Allow the Word of God to answer this concern

“9 Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. Isaiah 54:9 NLT

 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9 NKJV

9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NKJV

 Allow this to be personal to you. Let the truth wash over you. God isn't mad at you. God isn't in a bad mood. He isn't holding your sins against you. He isn't ticked off with you continually because you keep messing up. God isn't saying to the Holy Ghost, "I'm so fed up with them!" Jesus isn't there trying to "soothe" or appease God's ever increasing anger with us. God is a good Father who rejoices over us with joy. He is pleased with the Finished Work of His Son.

 As we have already established, God corrects poor behavior choices by reminding His kids who they are and whose they are. So don't misunderstand what I'm saying. But don't look to God as some cosmic taskmaster who can't wait to dole out wrath and judgment to people. Jesus brought the truth to people that God is a good God. 

 In summation, Grace recognizes God was angry with injustice and even today He isn't rejoicing in the selfish acts perpetrated by mankind. We do know that God didn't just shake His fist in despair or disgust. He did something about it. He paid the highest price.  

 Grace doesn't deny the wrath of God. We know and understand God poured that wrath out on Jesus. We know that those who oppose God's free grace and mercy have decided to partake of final judgment instead of New Life in Him. There is no conflict between Radical Grace and God's wrath. Wrath is an attribute of His love. He protects those who have willingly come under His care and received His life. 

Understanding Grace: Is Radical Grace "the great end times deception"?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 As truth is revealed to the Body of Christ, hearts are opened and thinking changes. Traditions of old are brushed aside as the Word of God becomes clearer. Error loses its hold on the minds of God's people. It is truly a time of joyous celebration. 

 Even as many are being set free, opposition will arise finding fault and bringing forth accusations. As this understanding of God's amazing grace is spreading so also is the resistance to this truth. One accusation some choose to assail towards the teachers of this gospel of grace is that we are promoting deception. 

 Is Grace an end time deception?

 There is a legitimate concern and warning in the Word of God concerning deception and erroneous teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.                2 Timothy 4:3

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24

It is clear then. God has in fact warned us of end time deceptions. What though is the criteria that makes up a false teacher or false teaching? Sadly, that depends completely upon who you ask. That is to say, if man is the source of what is true or false. 

 Some ministers would say if you believe in praying in other tongues or ministering healing to the sick you are a false teacher. Others would say if you teach once you are saved, truly born again from your spirit, you are always saved, then you are a false teacher urging others to freely sin. Who is correct?

 Let God's Word be the final authority

 If we allow the Word of God to be our source of final truth and accept what it says then many of these debates will cease. Is radical grace an unScriptural teaching? Is grace a "satanic sedative" putting people asleep in their sins and poor choices? Is "hyper" grace in reality just cheap grace?

 To honestly answer this we must then see what the opposite of radical grace equates to. Does the Bible teach in the New Covenant that we are under the Law? Does it teach our ability to keep the Law and commandments perfectly is what our salvation and relationship with God is rooted in? Is there ever condemnation to the believer? Are we expected to strive and work harder in order to achieve some level of spirituality or acceptance with the Father? 

 What about our forgiveness? Is forgiveness in an installment plan? Are we to confess each and every fault or error we find we have committed in order to receive forgiveness? What about the ones we don't recall? Is holiness a place we arrive at based on how well we perform? To the opposition of grace the answer is yes to these questions.

 Does the Word of God actually teach that forgiveness is in installments? Does the Word teach we must confess in order to be forgiven? That performance is the root of our salvation and relationship with God? That we are still under a portion of the Law? The answer from God's Word is a clear, exclaiming negative! 

 What action or deed could you do just perfectly, or do enough of to become righteous? The Word stated our righteousness was as filthy rags. In the Old Covenant, everything was based on our performance. In this New Covenant, everything is rooted in what Christ has done. Therefore grace is not an end time deception.

 The real deception is those opposing grace. Grace is not teaching that any choice or action a person partakes in is acceptable and right. Grace teaches us how to live in peace and love and in relationship with God, not rules and Laws and traditions. 

What about what God told minister...?

This may be misunderstood by some or abused by others. The truth is God does still speak to His Church, His kids. This doesn't mean something spooky or goofy either. This doesn't mean what someone hears in their heart has the same weight of Scripture. The Bible refers to a still small voice or an impression or a peace. Again, this is not hearing voices, neither is it looking for some experience.

 With that understanding I have heard ministers say the Lord awoke me and spoke this to me or that. The words they say are not from grace but from a performance and striving based relationship. In other words they claim God said "you need to work hard to achieve." "You need some condemnation in your life." "The Law is still relevant." How would you respond to someone saying God told them these things brother?

 This may shock you but I would agree with them that God in fact did speak to them. Are you denouncing grace then brother? Of course not. I had a time of prayer and the Lord showed me something from the life and ministry of Jesus. This will shed some light to all of this.

 When Jesus, the Word made flesh, walked among us what did He teach on many occasions? He at times pointed to a loving Father that had abundant life to give. Other occasions He taught an impossible life in God. Be perfect as God is perfect. What was He doing? 

 The answer is who was He addressing? When Jesus encountered the sinners and down and outs He gave them amazing grace. When He encountered the religious leaders He gave them perfection. Why He was endeavoring to bring Israel and those who knew the Lord through Law and end to themselves. He proved that the standard was absolute perfection. No one can achieve that status. This is why we need grace.

 When God is speaking to some of these ministers who oppose grace, He is doing the same. He is speaking to their hearts an absolute perfect standard to bring them to an end of their efforts and works. Sadly, they don't recognize it sometimes and try and make this the gospel message. 

 God is gracious and merciful and overflowing with love. He wants all to receive this beautiful gospel of grace. Is grace an end time deception? No, it is the end time harvest reaching to all the World with an open invitation to receive the free gift of righteousness and acceptance with God. Let's not fight it or oppose but promote it!

 

Still More Objections to healing in the Finished Work

 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.           1 Peter 2:24

Over the past several weeks we've been looking at healing in the finished work of Jesus Christ. In a brief review we have seen that Jesus purchased for us the healing of our physical bodies in His finished work on the Cross. He has paid the full price for our wholeness. We answered some objections such as not looking at the experiences of others. We saw how by the blood of Jesus we are perfect in Him and God isn't withholding healing from us. We answered the sovereignty and God's willingness objections with God's love and His Word. We looked at focusing on the finished work and not bitterness or unbelief. 

Even after all these truths are revealed there still remains some objections to healing. This week I'd like to address a major objection to healing that many sincere believers cling to. That God is glorified when we are sick. This is a belief among many in the Church, that God gets glory sometimes when we suffer with sickness and disease. 

This idea has its roots in some misunderstood Scriptures in the Gospel of John:

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. John 9:1-3 

This verse is coupled with John 11

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:3-4

See brother, its right there. God gets glory out of sickness. Paul said in the mouth of two or three witnesses will a truth be established. Twice we see how God uses sickness to glorify Him. This is usually how the dialogue goes. Trying to reach these folk who steadfastly hold to this interpretation of Scripture is rather difficult. Some folks minds are likened to cement. Thoroughly mixed and well set.

The interpretation of these passages usually plays out like this. God made men sick so that Jesus could come around and heal them. Then all those who saw would realize Jesus came to be the Messiah and many would believe. That is where they totally miss God. They reason that Jesus only went about healing to prove His Divinity and who He was. If this is so why did Jesus many times discourage people from revealing who He was? 

The missing element to the equation in tradition ruled thinking is the love and mercy of Almighty God. Jesus healed people because of His compassion and love for them. Newsflash, God so loves you too. He wants you well and whole. 

Here is something to consider. If Father God gets glory out of sickness why did Jesus go around healing ALL who were oppressed of the devil and "rob" God of all that glory? Was Jesus being counter productive to God's plan?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. Matthew 9:6-8

 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31

What do we see that gives God glory? The healing power of God in demonstration. The Lord in His loving mercy removing painful illness and restoring brokenness into wholeness caused men to truly glorify God in Heaven. God's Word is not contradictory. We must not allow obscure passages to rob us of clear passages that prove beyond doubt what God's will is on a certain truth. The problem with the obscure passages is we haven't rightly divided them. 

So I want to rightly divide these two passages to remove this concept that God gets glory out of you suffering with sickness and crippling and painful disease. I will do this over the next couple of posts. If you want the truth about these passages then don't hesitate to stay tuned to get the answers. God and His Word are one. They never lie. God desires you to live in wholeness. This is the good news of the gospel, the finished work of Christ.

I truly pray this post blesses you abundantly. Consider sharing with others so we can get this truth out there that God is good and sickness is bad! May the blessing of the Lord overtake you this week. 

Something to consider about receiving your healing

He was despised and rejected by people, one who experienced pain and was acquainted with illness; people hid their faces from him; he was despised, and we considered him insignificant. But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. Isaiah 53:3-5

In our last post I endeavored to answer an objection to healing in the finished work of Christ. I believe I clearly articulated the answer with love, compassion and a strong foundation of faith and the Word of God. As I write today I sense a strong leading in my spirit to share one important truth for your consideration and blessing. I believe this will empower you to embrace His finished work for your life.

Though it is absolute truth that the experiences of others are not what we base our receiving upon, this doesn't, however, translate into a lack of understanding or compassion for others. I want to pause and send you this blessing straight from our Father's heart. In times past it would be easy to just dismiss others who haven't yet received their healing. It has been stated that because there is nothing wrong with God and nothing faulty with the Word, then there must be something wrong with you. I want you to reject the premise that something is always wrong with you.

Because of the finished work of Christ we have been placed into a position of victory. This winner's circle has nothing whatsoever to do with our achievements or efforts. This is all to do with what Christ did for us on that cross. We have been made complete in Him.

so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power. Colossians 2:10 TLB

We have all victory and wholeness by Him. He purchased it for us. We have all things that pertain to life and Godliness through Him. All these things are within us already. I'll say it again we are complete and whole in Him.

Now what has this to do with you? What has this to do with your receiving from Him? It's this. We were made righteous and perfect within when we accepted The Lord Jesus in our hearts and received His finished work in our lives. This means there is nothing whatsoever wrong with God. This means there is no faultiness within the Word of God. This also means, praise God, that because of the blood and finished work of Christ there is nothing wrong with you! 

Remember this is a New Covenant. In the Old Covenant God made covenant between Himself and man. Of course man could not perfectly keep it. So what the Father did in the New was make covenant between Himself and The Lord Jesus Christ. We are the beneficiaries of this New Covenant. That is why this is not about our performance but rather it is all based upon Christ's perfect performance. Now rest in this blessing and rest in His finished work and receive your healing and wholeness that Christ's perfect work already appropriated for you.

I pray this post has blessed you in your time of need and encouraged you in your walk with the Lord. May His richest and best be yours. As always comments are welcomed and don't forget to sign up via email so you won't miss any new post. 

...Coming soon... Answering more objections to healing, you won't want to miss it...

Do we lose fellowship when we sin?

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 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. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:1-10

  In my last post I answered some concerns about 1 John 1:9. You can read about that here: What about 1 John 1:9, Grace teacher? 

  I answered thoroughly that this passage is not addressed to the Church. I now want to address the other concern about 1 John. What about our fellowship? What happens when we do sin? Does God in fact remove fellowship with us? This is what many have in times past taught. Let us address this issue.

  First thing we need to study is verses five through seven in 1 John. We begin with great news. Not just good news but great news! In God there is no darkness. None! That means God is always good. He has your best in mind when He thinks of you. That is a great thought isn't it? What, you might be asking? The fact that God Almighty thinks about you. The Creator and Master of the entire Universe thinks about you! He is so full of love and wonder. What a gracious and loving Heavenly Father! 

 So God is light and not darkness. This means He is light, He knows the way! He is full of truth. He enlightens us with the truth. He is never holding anything back from us. So how does Him being light affect you? It means if He is in you, you are also in the light. We are one with God through our union with Christ. 

 The sixth verse describes a professor of faith in God not an actual possessor of faith and thus not a possessor of eternal life. When we are born again we are walking in the light. 

 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 

 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.     John 11:10

to open their eyes,in order 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

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), Ephesians 5:8-9

 Proof positive when we are born again we walk in light. As we walk in the light any missteps or failings are continually cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We are abiding under the waterfall of forgiveness. We walk under a continual cleansing. We are clean and stay clean by the blood. Again, you are already forgiven all your sins the moment you are born again. We then abide and walk in the light. It's not according to light. 

We walk in the light. Walking according to the light is manifested in the maturing into who we already are as a result of walking in the light. As I have said in times past knowing we are already cleansed and forever forgiven produces fruitful living.

  Whenever we sin we are not then suddenly walking in darkness. We may be walking as darkness walks momentarily. However, we are still in the light, in right standing with God receiving the continual cleansing of the blood of Jesus. We are cleansed (past tense) and stay cleansed by the blood continually. So am I saying children of God cannot walk in darkness? No, I am not, the Spirit of God is.

 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1 John 3:14 

 When we are born again we are walking in the light. We have the love of God flooding our heart. This is proof we are in fact in the light. Again, if a believer misses it or stumbles they are still in the light. If every time we failed, it meant we were walking in darkness how could we find our own way out? This idea about being in darkness is why so many believe we lose fellowship with the Lord. He has no fellowship with darkness. So if we sin and thus are in darkness it stands to reason He would have no fellowship with us. This sounds reasonable but the whole of the Word doesn't agree. We are the Children of light not darkness. What about these passages then? 

 These passages about walking in darkness are referring to professors of faith not possessors. Believes have the love of God within. They don't possess a hate filled spirit. If you say you are a believer and actually walk in hate or in darkness then you are deceiving yourself. Come accept the Lord Jesus. Then you will see light, love and peace flood your heart and mind. 

 So we've established believers walk in light and therefore have fellowship with God. Now after study and research I've seen that nowhere in the Word of God does it state God breaks fellowship with us. This is the good news. Obviously I must prove this with the Word. So stay tuned for part three. 

  In this post I've set out to establish we have fellowship with the Lord because we walk in the light. We are continually in fellowship with Him and the Blood continually cleanses us. You are in the light as a believer. You have fellowship with the Lord because of this. Thus, He will never leave you. I pray these truths bring peace and comfort to you. I pray you rest in this relationship with our Father. If this blesses you please feel free to leave any feedback and consider sharing with your loved ones. If you wish you may sign up via email for any future posts. God richly bless you with His loving kindness today. 

DON'T FEED THE SHEEP!

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. Romans 3:24 TLB

 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

  In John's gospel we have the reference where Jesus clearly instructs Peter to feed His sheep. In this beautiful passage of ministerial restoration we can discover Jesus' heart about how to minister to His Church.

 It is noteworthy that Jesus took the time to restore Peter. He not only restored the trust, He brought Peter back to a more fruitful relationship. He knew Peter didn't "feel" worthy any longer to be in His presence let alone minister the Word. Jesus lovingly restored Peter back to a place of fruitful ministry. 

 For all those who fight restoring ministers who fall, how do you react to this portion of the Word? Jesus didn't give up on Peter even though he had committed a far deeper transgression than a sexual sin. Now sexual sin has much to high a price tag to even go near it! Flee from that temptation! Peter though had actually denied Christ Jesus. Yet Jesus in His love redeemed a life and turned it around to a fruitful world changing ministry!

 In this passage of John we are given a glimpse of God's heart. His desire for ministers and leaders is to feed the sheep! He doesn't desire "leaders" who feel the urge constantly to "beat" the sheep! 

 We need to embrace the truth not try and change it to fit our mold. God's Word declares God is not angry and wrath filled! He is not continually disappointed with His Church! To many put yokes and burdens on the people of God that drains their joy and love for God!

 What are some of these yokes? Let's examine some of these.

 1.) Fear. Many leaders use fear to control and keep the sheep in line! "If you mess up just once your on your way to hell!" Or "if you don't give your under a curse"! Holding eternal damnation or curses over people is not going to allow them to grow! It breaks people down. Relinquish fear! You are loved! He bore the curse for you! He has you secure in His hand!

 2.) Disappointment. When leaders make folk feel like they're a disappointment to them or God it causes many to just quit. You can never perform well enough if you feel you are always letting God down. Rejoice knowing we aren't holding Him up. He is bigger than our performance! He performed perfect so you don't have to! Our job is to simply believe it and receive it and remain thankful for His finished work!

 3.) Condemnation. Condemnation kills, period! Continually sensing you are a failure doesn't make you run to God and enjoy His presence. It makes you flee! It motivates you to run and hide from Him. I can hear God say He wants to fellowship with His people. He wants His children to come and sit on His lap and just be loved by their Father! Religion puts up signs all around saying, "Hold it! You aren't welcome here!" Lay aside these lies. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. You are accepted! 

 To many religious leaders have erected a sign around the pulpit. It states "don't feed the Sheep"! We need to take the Word of God and the love of the Father and kick these signs down! Jesus wants to feed His Sheep! He wants us to know who we are in Him! 

 Who are we? We are the accepted, the loved, the righteous, the healed, the prosperous. We are His kids! If you have accepted Jesus Christ all these are yours. If you haven't accepted Him. Know He isn't holding ANY sin to your account! He isn't mad at you! He just asks that you simply receive Him. You'll never be the same again! 

 It is really simple to receive Him. All you need do is say from your heart

    " Jesus died for me, He arose from the dead for me, He paid the complete price for me. I receive you Lord Jesus. I thank you for making me a new creation in you! I am now saved, delivered, healed and whole!"

 Its that simple! Thanks for reading leave any feedback I appreciate it! If you made this commitment definitely leave me feedback. Blessings.

Ten proofs of God's goodness 3

 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

 5.  According to this passage Jesus only went around doing good. As we shared in the last point Jesus is God's will in action. Jesus demonstrated God’s heart and will while on Earth by doing only good. Jesus and The Father weren't acting contrary to the other.

  If God’s will and His “acts” are to bring tragedy, death, bankruptcy, famine, illness and hardships to teach mankind why didn’t Jesus demonstrate this while on Earth? He had plenty of opportunity. He had imperfect men following Him.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1Timothy 3:16

Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh. Yet we have no record of Him breaking anyone’s legs or bringing poverty to anyone. We never see Him bring sickness and disease to anyone to teach them patience or some other lesson. We have zero accounts of Him putting illness on someone to “better” them or to get their attention. 
   He never set His hands forth to bring pestilence and destruction to draw men close to Him. Contrary to religious tradition Jesus never put someone "flat on their backs so they could look up." The truth is Jesus never once caused any of these negative things. He never once sent anything but wholeness while walking as a direct representation of Father God on Earth. This proves beyond doubt it is not God’s will for these things to be in our live in any way or shape or form! God is all the time good. 

Much blessings and thanks to you for stopping by and reading this blog. Leave a comment if this has blessed you or even if you strongly disagree. Blessings.