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Tag: inspiration
Walking with God
To walk with God means in Hebrew – halak- a verb-action word. It means these many things;
live, manner of life, keep a pace with, follow, go forth, go forward, continually, march on, move, run along, send, traveler, to and fro with, way-faring, be weak, whirl.
Interesting enough but according to Scriptures, God was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, but he was not walking with Adam. After Adam and Eve sinned the relationship was broken and God had to call for Adam. Sin separated God’s creation from himself. When the Lord found Adam he was hiding in guilt and condemnation from God. God had to sacrifice a sheep and cloth them with a temporary covering to atone for their sin. This act never did restore relationship with God but what it did do was make a covering to appease God’s wrath, so that he did not destroy Adam and Eve and the whole earth, by his righteous judgment.
The law does not restore relationship with God. God always had to use a Moses or some kind of go between to lead his children. Still today, those still under the law are not in relationship with God, through Jesus the sacrifice, but are separated by sin. The law does not save; it only contains sin to keep it from spreading.
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Gen. 3:8
Before the law in writing was given to Moses, Enoch walked with God and so did the other prophets. This relationship was based not on law but on grace. God sovereignty called certain individuals to do certain things and speak in his name. I want to point out a twofold operation of the Spirit of God that exists today. The prophets had the Holy Spirit come on them at certain times for certain purposes as the Lord desired but the Holy Spirit did not live in his people nor the prophets. Today the Holy Spirit lives in his people BUT he also comes upon his people to operate in the supernatural as he wills as well.
Getting back to my topic, walking with God or – halak-is a requirement for salvation. If you have never heard from God, never had any supernatural visitations, dreams, visions, inspirations, promptings, anointing, guidance, then it is doubtful that you are really saved. Salvation is about having the relationship that Adam had with God before the fall restored, not just believing in your head about an historical Jesus.
If you look at the prophets they all walked with God. Many Israelites did not walk with God even though they believed in him. That is why they fell into sin so much. They always preferred a Moses or a king to lead them in their relationship with God. This is still true today. This is also true for many who call themselves Christians. They follow Biblical laws or rules, regulations and principals of the Bible but they do not have a living relationship with God the Father by the sacrifice of Jesus who sent the Holy Spirit to abide with us and have relationship with us.
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And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. Duet. 8:9 |
Are you in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit or do you just have a lifeless dry religion that you try to adhere to? Remember Jesus said that when you come to him that he will make life giving refreshing water spring forth from your heart. In other words life in God which is abundant and filled with power and victory!
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15
Ask Jesus to make you born again by his Holy Spirit and restore relationship with you and him. To have head knowledge about the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ is not enough! You must partake of his nature! Be filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ!
CHAPTER ONE OF “THE WIDE ROAD”
The Cross Roads
Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness. Hebrews 3:7, 8
Joel stood at the crossroads of life. His dark shaggy hair fell over his youthful brow, shadowing the piercing of his deep grey eyes that were staring intently into the valley that loomed before him. A fierce inner struggle was taking place in the young man’s heart so that he groaned from deep within. “Which way should I choose?” he cried.
The Good Shepherd watched the young man who stood halting between two opinions and like the soft gentle rain falling from heaven, he began to speak softly into Joel’s heart. “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
After contemplating the narrow way, Joel found that he just could not bear the thought of carrying that heavy cross through the gate of life and down the narrow road. Being quite aware of the story told to all travellers of how narrow was the way of the righteous, he cringed at the very thought of it. Joel knew that the narrow way led to persecutions and tribulations for the word’s sake and he sure did not want to be burdened with that.
Looking into the Narrow way, Joel realized that he would never be able to walk down such a narrow path and still be encumbered with the cares of this life. To his dismay he saw that cross at the door of Hope and there was just no way of getting around it. “You don’t want to take that narrow road do you?” Joel’s carnal nature balked as Joel pondered the narrow way. “Come on give me a break! That way is for losers, the simple-minded who need a crutch to get through life!”
Joel’s moral conscience that wanted to obey the written law rather than the Spirit of life, also cried out at Joel’s peering into the narrow way. “Don’t take that road! You won’t be able to obey the law for righteousness!”
Considering the voice of his moral conscience which tried to persuade him to walk in self-righteousness and his carnal nature which pulled him towards vice and vanity, Joel turned aside from the way of life and began his journey down the wide road.
Filled with his own ways, Joel was enticed by his carnal nature, to pursue after the pleasures of this life. With delight he traveled the wide road experiencing the most tempting sensations that he could possibly imagine. Revealed before him in all their arrangement of wonderful and tantalising fare were the pleasures of this life conceived from the inordinate desires of the hearts of men.
By choosing his own way, the traveler of the wide road at once began to pursue the passions of his wayward heart. Having resisted the gentle wind of conviction that blew over him at the cross roads of life, Joel’s heart soon became hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. By rejecting the way of truth, he was soon filled with the error of his own ways and it was not long before his journey down the wide road led him through the deceitful weeds of wicked intentions. In Joel’s ignorance, he began to pursue with rigorous fervour, worldly endeavours and being tempted by the dark powers of this present world who ruled the wide road, he soon became entangled with the affairs of this life.
The Good Shepherd who seeks out those who are lost and without hope on the wide road, continued to watch over the young man on his journey with great compassion. For Joel was a chosen vessel called by God for his eternal purposes and even though he would go through a time of great darkness, the Father who knows the beginning from the end would draw Joel and call him out of darkness into his glorious light.
Traveling through the weeds of wicked intentions that lead through the thorny spikes of worldly sorrows, Joel in stubborn determination continued in his own way until he came to the entrance of the land of Self-seeking. At the entrance to the city he saw a sinister looking man sitting in a booth by the wayside. Dressed in black attire and wearing a devilish grin upon his face the man motioned for Joel to come towards him. As he did, Joel saw a sign hanging over the booth where the man was sitting, that read; “Welcome to the Wide Road. All travelers required to exert self will and worldly ambition. Have a pleasant journey.”
The man at the booth, who was eyeing the traveler of the wide road rather impertinently with an all-knowing look upon his face, caused Joel to become rather annoyed. With an impudence of his own, he decided to confront the man head on. “What seems to be your problem?” Joel asked not bothering to cover up his quite blatant aggravation. The man at the booth just ignored him and with a mischievous grin sighed, as if to say, “I have been here so many times before and you are just another number of the many who are going their own way down the wide road. ”
Holding out a pair of dark glasses for Joel to take, the man at the booth began twisting his thin moustache, and said with a smirk on his face. “Here, friend, you will need to wear these if you want to continue in your own way down the Wide Road.”
“What are they for?” Joel asked as he held up the dark glasses to the sun and peered curiously through them.
“They are your blinders,” the man grinned again mischievously. “All our travelers must wear them, you know, they keep out the light.”
“How will I ever be able to see with these things on?” Joel asked the smirking man in bewilderment.
“These blinders will not obstruct your vision in any way, traveler, but serve only to keep the messengers of the gospel from penetrating your understanding. You do not want to lose your own way do you?” The man grinned with a look of glee.
“Why, of course not,” Joel balked. “who are these messengers of the gospel anyway?”
“Bothersome creatures and quite fanatic I’m afraid.” The man at the booth sighed with resignation. “They try to hinder your journey down the wide road and will even stop it if they can, by preaching that foolish gospel which claims only one way to salvation. You don’t believe that stuff do you?”
Joel shook his head quite vehemently. “No, I do not!”
“I didn’t think so or you wouldn’t be here.” The man at the booth laughed uproariously. “Who could believe such a tale? Did you know that those goody two-shoes are always trying to keep our travelers from enjoying the pleasures of this life?”
Wrinkling his nose with displeasure as he fastened the dark glasses on his face, Joel declared with pride, “I intend on enjoying the pleasures of this life and no pesky light creature is going to take off my blinders of that you can be sure!”
The man at the booth twirled his handle bar moustache and grinned even more at Joel’s wilfulness. “Well so long. I guess I’ll be on my way now.” Joel said as he turned around to continue his journey down the wide road. “I’m off to search for the pleasures of this life.”
The man at the booth then yelled after Joel, “Remember; don’t let those messengers of the gospel take off your blinders. You could get saved from the pleasures of this life and change over to the other side if you are not careful.”
“I’ll be careful.” Joel yelled back.
The wide road which at first was filled with ease and comfort gradually became cumbersome for the traveler and very unpredictable. Joel soon found himself being led down one dead-end and then another. Finally, after going down many bends and curves, the traveler of the wide road became quiet exhausted and he fell down into a crumbled heap on the cold and stony ground.
Just when Joel was drifting off into a deep slumber, from out of nowhere sprung up from the cracks of the hard cold ground, vines, which began ever so craftily to wind themselves about the traveler of the wide road’s feet. Clinging to his weak flesh the vines of vanity held on to Joel tenaciously, keeping him firmly fixed to the cares of this life.
Awaking with a start, the traveler of the wide road found to his dismay, that he could not in his own power break free from the intense grip that the vines of vanity had upon him. Creeping up his pant legs the vines of vanity had found their way to the traveler of the wide road’s heart, where with a death like grip they squeezed on tightly to his high-minded imagination that was being nourished, and fed upon the wisdom of this world.
At the point of absolute despair, Joel cried out, to God or a god, whoever would listen and come to his aid during times of trouble. To his surprise, once again Joel heard the familiar still small voice calling him to the narrow way.
“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and yet loses his own soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul? ”
Struggling with his carnal human nature that desired after that which perishes with the using, the traveler of the wide road found himself becoming more and more bound up in the vines of vanity. The more that Joel tried to get free from the ensnarement of the cares of this life, the more entangled he became. It was not until Joel completely reached the end of his own self-exertion that he finally began to be able to bend his leg inward just enough to straighten out his own way and get part of himself free. At the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice whose mercy spread over Joel like the wings of an eagle, the vines of vanity eventually began to loosen their grip.
It was just enough for the traveler of the wide road to find a way of escape. Then with all his might Joel forced his way out from the vines of vanity which had grown in abundance on the hard cold ground. But like an ox going to the slaughter, the traveler of the wide road once again returned to the pathway of wicked intentions that he hoped would lead him eventually to the pleasures of this life.
Winding and winding, the way of self- seeking seemed to be getting Joel nowhere, until just before he was about to give up on ever finding his own way, he saw before him a lush valley spread out in the not too far distance. It was a wonderful discovery for the traveler of the wide road to be able to finally find a place to satisfy the longing of his empty heart and rest his weary troubled soul from the trials of life that he had just experienced.
In this deceptive valley on the wide road grew many trees, worldly and wise. Hanging from their branches were passionate fruit that was soft and juicy and blossoming among the enlightened of this age were flowers adorned with vain beauty; tempting tulips in a variety of colors, Chrysanthemums adorned with pompous pompons, peonies tall and tantalizing, roses with spiky thorns, daffodils trumpeting clusters of hearsay as well as many other kinds of wild flowers growing wild and wondrous.
The traveler of the wide road, with pleasure partook of the forbidden fruit of worldly desire as he frolicked among the wild flowers whose fragrance intoxicated him with euphoric pleasure, so much so that Joel soon became completely over taken by the love of this present world. Eventually, even the air in which Joel breathed became so enticing that he could scarce keep awake and alert to moral danger. Having his mind controlled by the sensual lure which had captivated his heart and dulled his perceptively, Joel was aroused exceedingly to the cares of this life.
Having his heart filled with the intoxicating aroma of worldly passions and the wisdom of this world, Joel closed his eyes and fell into a deep slumber, at the base of a huge willow tree that was filled with the strength and might of the gods of this age. He slept in self-confidence and snored aloud in his apathetic slumber.
Flooding the traveler of the wide road’s dreams were fanciful feasts of delicious dainties and delightful passions that tantalized his imagination. This caused him to sleep on and on without feeling any immediate consequence for his selfish motives and wilful deeds in which he pursued life.
When Joel finally awoke from his sensual dreaming his head was groggy from the heady aroma of the bouquets that surrounded him in the deceptive valley. Stumbling to his feet, with the worldly wisdom still lingering on his soul, the traveler of the wide road began to move ever so slowly through the valley and into a very crooked path which overflowed with the love of this present world.
Making his own way down the crooked path, Joel, was not quite able to shake the conviction of having resisted the still small voice. With concerted willfulness he hardened his heart and set his will once more towards traveling down the wide road in search of the pleasures of this life.
Like the sound of many waters, whose waves flowed back into the ocean, the still small voice became only an echo in his memory, with the words, “Come follow Me.” whispering ever so quietly into his heart.
By following the crooked path, Joel was led to many more crooked paths with each of these having their own particular bend. Some were muddy and cumbersome, while others were dusty and dry. Still others were lined with hewn stones formed by the ways of man having a hard path which reflected the hearts of all travelers who sought after their own way. “They have made for themselves crooked paths,” the Good Shepherd sighed as he watched Joel journey in his own way, down the wide road, “Whoever goes in that way shall not know peace.”
The crooked path led the traveler of the wide road towards all things askew and horribly deformed. The right way was maligned and evil spoken of and the narrow path mocked with contempt. After stumbling over many stumbling stones, Joel decided to rest in a grassy field on a crooked path, misleading in its delusive deviation from the truth.
JESUS JESUS JESUS …SWEETEST NAME I KNOW !
JESUS JESUS JESUS …SWEETEST NAME I KNOW !
I have used apologetics, in allegory form within the story of my new novel, to reveal the mind sets of men and how they need Jesus !
Learn how the devil tries to stop salvation of the lost and how the Good Shepherd seeks out his lost sheep!
Order my novel today
Share with your unsaved friends and family!
My novel is now available in book form or kindle e-book. The story is about a young man who chooses to take the wide road of life. The Good Shepherd eventually leads him by his grace to the cross over to the narrow road after many adventures, which teach him that all is vanity in this life without God.
To order: “The Wide Road.”
http://kimbaloghchristianathour.com/
The Entrance of Thy Words giveth Light
This morning I woke up with this verse popping into my head. I realized it was from the Lord and so I felt led to do a Bible study. Here is what I was shown by the Holy Spirit. May you all be blessed today by his word.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Ps. 119:30
Interestingly enough the word entrance in the Hebrew is pethach which means the doorway or entrance. Jesus said in his word that HE was the Door and Gate to life.
The Door or Gate, Jesus, is the living word or the word made flesh, and gives light or illumination and understanding, discernment, teaching, to the simple or those lacking knowledge.
The logos or written word of God is a historical and spiritual document given as a testimony and guide for all who are disciples or would be disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as he walked the earth, was that light or word in the flesh. In other words Jesus was a living record of that entire word God had spoken of in the law and prophets. Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17-18:
Now under the New Testament, we have another witness to the logos or written testament. This is the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that when he would go away, (ascend to heaven) he would give us another comforter, teacher, helper, guide. The rhema or living word comes from the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind though that every word spoken by God will be witnessed to in the logos.
But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:16
If you cannot find a confirmation of any extra biblical words or manifestation please reject them. Satan can do miracles and he is very clever at imitating God. He also can preach the gospel or at least his version of it. I had a dream the other night, in which many behind the pulpit speaking great oracles with zeal, were not sent by God but were in fact counterfeits. So, I do exhort you brethren to be very careful, because in these last days many will be deceived; even many who think that they are Christians. Unfortunately they are not true disciples of Jesus Christ but have another spirit and serve another Jesus. Not the logos Jesus, the word made flesh.
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. Acts 16:16-18
Things to watch for are those talking about being blessed all the time. Remember that Jesus told these kinds of people that they were only following him for the fish and loaves. They did not want to carry a cross. In the last days many of these false believers will fall away, as times economically are going to get very tough.
Also, watch for extra Biblical manifestations that are weird, many times this is flesh and foolery. In one church I found dollar store sparkles on the floor and I called them on it. Seriously, it is that bad out there. A lot of kooks are behind the pulpit these days. Jesus is NOT coming back for the church. He is coming to get his BRIDE, those who are waiting and watching for him, and are staying in his word. The church or those claiming to be Christians, and are only Jesus groupies, will be left behind to go through the tribulation. Of the 12 virgins Jesus talked about, 5 of them were left behind! Don’t forget that!
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13
The foolish virgins are those who have no oil in their lamps. They have no true illumination of truth. They don’t see the times that we live in but are chasing after their foolish fantasies. God’s word (JESUS) is the entrance to life. Stay in God’s word and it will illuminate truth to you. Test all things by scriptures!
If you are interested in learning more about the foolish ones on the wide road, I have written an allegory in which I reveal these many false mind sets, for those with ears to hear. It is available on Amazon, The Wide Road by Kim Balogh.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Wide-Road-Kim-Balogh/dp/1502881799
JESUS CAME TO DESTROY THE POWER OF SIN.
The word “saved” means to be delivered from any kind of evil. However, when “saved” is used in regard to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, the meaning is deliverance and preservation from all the consequences of sin. In other words, “saved” means to be delivered and preserved from the penalty of sin and the power of sin. The Bible makes it very clear that if anyone claims to be a Christian and still lives in darkness that he is a liar. Many raised in church think that just because they believe in Jesus that they are saved. This is not true. The devil believes in Jesus!
If someone claims to be a Christian and looks like, acts like, believes like the world, they are apostates, not real Christians. Satan sets these people up in the entertainment industry, professions, politics and even the behind pulpits, in order to try and give the gospel a black eye.
The truth is that when God saves someone by his divine grace and predestined will, he saves them from the power of sin. This is because the Holy Spirit lives in them. The Holy Spirit does not live in a person who lives and acts like the devil. The Bible tells us that if God’s seed is in a person they cannot continue in sin.
‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9
When God saves a person he saves them completely. He makes them born of his Holy Spirit and new creatures in Jesus Christ. A new creature is not the old creature. If one is really saved then they will walk in truth, the light of God’s word, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. This brings me to another point. If anyone (even pastors) claims to know Jesus Christ and has no power to overcome sin or to live in the miraculous, they are also liars. If anyone claims that God is just a dead letter on a book and does not do miracles today as taught in the book of Acts and the rest of the Bible, then they are liars against the truth of God’s word. Denying the power of the Holy Spirit is a sure sign that someone is still dead in their sins even if they claim to be Christians.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5
“Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
Jesus went on to say, “Therefore If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.
Jesus Christ not only died for your sins but he died to defeat sin. When one becomes born of God he has been given the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome all temptation and sin. Remember that whoever calls on the Lord shall be saved! Not from just past sins but all future sins. When we call on the Lord to save us from temptation we have the power of the Holy Spirit to make us the victors over all the works of darkness! Victory is sure to come! God in us is greater than the evil one in this world! Satan may try to destroy you, kill you and steal from you but he can never win if you are born of God!
A true Christian will not love the world. He/she cannot! A true Christian abhors what God calls evil and clings to what God calls good because they have his spiritual DNA. They are born of his Holy Spirit! If anyone claims to know Jesus Christ, and walks in darkness, the Bible calls them a liar! God has delivered us from this present world, so if any love this world and live like the dictates of this world, then they are liars!
“Who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:4,-5.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which HAS MADE us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who HAS delivered us from the power of darkness, and HAS translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we HAVE redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Col 1:12-14
If we are baptized into Christ WE HAVE put on Christ. So now we are in the Spirit and in newness of life! We ARE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST, no longer a slave to sin. The power of sin has been destroyed for the Christian. Sin cannot have dominion over us if we really belong to God and are born of his Holy Spirit. We have been made free from sin! FREE INDEED!
ROMANS 6
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
FOR HE THAT IS DEAD IS FREE FROM SIN!!!
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
FOR SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus the Son of God
According to the Bible, there is only one true God, only one Creator of all things. There is only one way and one message in order to be saved from sin, death and hell. If your god does not line up with the written testimony of the God of the Bible then you are trusting in a false god and a false message.
The Bible says that God is sovereign over all things, even the devil.
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 45: 5-6
God the Father sent His Son Jesus the Christ or anointed one into the world with a specific purpose. Jesus means in the Hebrew Jeshua which is a shortened form of Jehoshua, which means Jehovah is salvation.
Jesus Christ is God (the second person of the Godhead.)
they shall call his name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US. JOHN 8:24
The Bible says, Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made John 1:3
You must believe in the deity of Jesus Christ in order to be saved.
if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. MATTHEW 1:23
Jesus took on flesh and became a sacrifice in order to satisfy the law’s demands for sin.
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Saviour. Isaiah 43:11
To the only wise God our Saviour… Jude 1:12
God our Saviour. Titus 2:10
“…the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14
Only Jesus Christ can save you and give you eternal life! No other god!
Neither is there salvation in any other (than Jesus): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
God is the first and the last. I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. Isaiah 41:4
Jesus is the first and the last. Fear not; I am the first and the last: Revelation 1:17
God forgives sins. The Lord…forgiveth all thine iniquitie Psalm 103:2-3 Who can forgive sins but God only? Mark 2:7
Jesus forgives sins Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Mark 2:5
God is our redeemer. Thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer.. Isaiah 63:16
Jesus redeemed us. The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ…gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.. Titus 2:13-14
God is one. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. Deuteronomy 6:4
Jesus and God are one. I and my Father are one. John 10:30
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…All things were made by him…He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us John 1:1, 3, 10, 14
Jesus saith…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:9
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John 5:7
God has a Son.
The LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Psalms 2:7
Jesus is God’s Son.
Jesus said also that God was his Father… John 5:18
Only God is worshipped. … Then saith Jesus unto him… Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10
Jesus is worshipped. While [Jesus] spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him… Matthew 9:18
And again, when [God] bringeth in the firstbegotten [Jesus] into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6
And Thomas answered and said unto [Jesus], My Lord and my God. John 20:28
God is Messiah. unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder…and his name shall be called… The mighty God, The everlasting Father… Isaiah 9:6
Jesus is Messiah. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. John 4:25-26
God is from everlasting. The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. Psalms 93:1-2
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) is from everlasting. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah…out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2
Only God is glorified. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another… Isaiah 42:8
God glorified Jesus. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:5
All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John 5:23
But unto the Son he [God] saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8
God is I am
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14
Jesus is I am
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58
God heals all diseases. Bless the LORD…who healeth all thy diseases. Psalms 103:2
Jesus heals all diseases. (Jesus) he healed all that were sick. Matthew 8:16
God is the Judge of the whole earth. O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. Psalms 94:1-2
Jesus is the Judge of the whole earth.
The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: John 5:22
God has life in Himself.
The Father hath life in himself John 5:26
Jesus has life in Himself. so hath [God] given to the Son to have life in himself; In [Jesus] was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4
God raises the dead. The Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; John 5:21
Jesus raises the dead. The Son quickeneth whom he will. John 5:21
Jesus Christ is God
The scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ is God. If you don’t believe that then you are not saved.
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.1 Timothy 3:16
But unto the SON he saith, ‘Thy throne, O GOD, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom’… Thou, LORD, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands. Hebrews 1:8, 10
I and my Father are ONE. Jesus Christ, John 10:30
CHRIST JESUS…being in the FORM OF GOD, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL WITH GOD: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the FATHER, THE WORD, AND THE HOLY GHOST: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.1 John 5:7
And Thomas answered and said unto him [JESUS], My Lord and MY GOD.John 20:28
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-4, 14
Philip saith unto him, ‘Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me Philip? HE THAT HATH SEEN ME HATH SEEN THE FATHER; and how sayest thou then, ‘Shew us the Father?John 14:8-9
CHRIST, who is the IMAGE OF GOD…II Corinthians 4:4
glory of GOD in the FACE OF JESUS CHRIST. II Corinthians 4:6
GOD…hath in these last days spoken unto us by his SON…who being the brightness of his glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON Hebrews 1:1-3
For in [Jesus] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9
God is the Creator
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1:3
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18
You must believe that Jesus is God as the Bible tells us and trust him to save you instead of the law.
For by GRACE ( God’s undeserved, unmerited, favour and mercy) are ye saved through Faith; (trust in reliance on) and that NOT OF YOURSELVES : (no by your own ability) it is the GIFT ( free bestowal ) of God: Not of works, (no good deeds or good behavior) lest any man should boast. (no bragging about how deserving you are) Ephesians 2:8-9
If by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it [the election to salvation by God] be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work Romans 11:6
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus BEFORE the world began. II Timothy 1:9.
What happens if I reject Jesus of the Bible and choose my own version of god?
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Hebrews 2:3
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42,
Them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. 2 Thessalonians 1:8b
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15
THE LAW CANNOT SAVE YOU! Jesus Christ superseded the law.
Galatians 3: 19-25
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (THE LAW!!!)
Those who belong to Jesus Christ are now heirs of salvation.
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:26-29
The Fear of the Lord
The emotion fear can have both positive and negative connotations. Let me explain; Fear is a natural response to danger. You know what would happen if you put your hand on a burning stove element and just the thought of it sends a sensation of fear through your whole body.
Sports athletes experience fear when they are competing and explorers, scientists, all fear when they venture out into the unknown. Fear, understood properly,can actually have healthy benefits. The word fear actually means, an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. (web. Dic)
Fear is a God given emotion and just so you know, not all fear is from the devil. The emphasis should be not on fear itself but on what you fear. If you fear the devil or his antics, then your fear is misplaced. However, if you fear God then your fear is a very healthy and wise fear. Scriptures tell us that God’s saints are to fear him with trembling, astonishment and awe. This is not a tormenting fear like the devil puts on you but a holy fear. If you do not fear God, you need to check out what god you believe in because it certainly is not the God of the Bible.
Why are we to fear God? Because he has the power to send to hell, to destroy, to kill, and he disciplines for sin. The Hebrew word for fear is ra`ad and it means “to be in dread” which in English means to anticipate with great apprehension or to fear.
And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’ Job 28:28
Fear came upon me, and trembling which made all my bones to shake. Job 4:14
Oh fear the Lord, ye saints, for there is no want to them that fear him. Psalm 34:9
The Greek word for fear is Phobos-the same root word for phobia, means to Dred, have foreboding, trepidation.
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:11
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12, 13
The type of fear that God does not want you to have is the fear of cowardice. In Greek this type of fear is called Delia. This means to lack bravery or to have an excessive fear of danger or pain. This type of fear causes such anxiety that it makes an unstable or unbalanced individual. Extreme fear can immobilize and cause sickness in both the body and mind.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Hebrews 2:15
The problem with teaching that all fear is of the devil, is that it also removes the healthy fear which we are to have, the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord causes dread, astonishment, reverence, awe, respect and worship. Without the fear of the Lord, people become foolish. They do not take God seriously and therefore they flaunt their sin before him. This godless mentality will result in eternal punishment and that is something a wise person will fear!
“There is no fear of God before [their] eyes” (Psalm 36:1; Romans 3:18).
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” Prov. 23:17-18
The benefits of fearing the Lord are long life, safety, security, provision, and salvation. This healthy fear comes from being established in God’s word and brings a faith that is real and lasting!
The fear of the LORD leads to life Proverbs 19:23
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe Proverbs 29:25
Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You” Psalm 119:37-38
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him Psalm 33:8
Faith alone (sola fide)
It is God who is the author (originator) of salvation. The Bibles says that Christians are justified by faith alone apart from the deeds of the law.
We are not justified by works of any kind. Salvation is a Gift which means that it is not earned by merit but simply bestowed upon the individual by Grace. Which means, by God’s undeserving mercy, because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice at the cross we are saved.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9
The Galatians law keepers rejects “faith alone” (sola fide), misinterpreting James 2:2 4,3 by saying that a person is not justified by faith alone. Their argument is that Paul does not mean faith without works. These law keepers or Pharisees. see good works of charity, as essential to justification. What James was saying is, that if a man is saved by faith alone, he will perform good deeds based on a change of nature, through the born again miracle,and not as a means of justification.
By blending faith and works as a means of salvation the law keepers put themselves under the law to be judged by the law. They will never be able to live up to God’s standard of perfection. For Jesus said to think a bad thought is sin. To hate is to kill and to lust is to commit adultery. Thinking is the same as doing according to Jesus Christ.
Saving faith is not mental assent to the gospel but rather a change of heart by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD! In other words, God must regenerate the dead in sins spirit of man and bring it to life , reconnecting it to God,as was originally intended, like Adam before the fall.
Law keeping is the old sinful nature trying in a self righteous attitude to obey God but being born of God is the new creature serving God from a new heart –a miraculously changed nature.
Acts 16:14 says that Lydia, like those from Philippi and Ephesus, was a person “whose heart the Lord opened” to the Gospel. The heart (spirit) must be made new by God to be saved. The devil believes in Jesus but he is not saved.
The reason that salvation is by faith alone, is because Jesus Christ is enough and God’s grace is sufficient. “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;” Romans 4:16
Saving faith is a gift of God. One cannot drum up faith through his own recognizance. GRACE is the means of salvation and faith is the imputation (ascribing an attribution to another) of God’s righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Sola Scriptura.
Maranatha brethren!
Casting Down Imaginations
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Scriptures tell us that even though we live in a flesh body and walk in a natural world that we do not war with weapons that are carnal, or of this world. The weapons that the Christian uses to wage war are mighty through God. This means that our weapons are able, powerful and strong, through God. That is, we wage war not in our own ability and might but by God’s ability and might.
The objective of this warfare is to cast down strong holds. The Greek word for strongholds is ochyroma, which means a strong fortress of arguments and reasoning by disputation in order to fortify an opinion. (Strong’s concordance)
We wage war against strongholds of the enemy through God’s mighty power and we do this by Casting down imaginations. That is, by kathaireo, (Greek), the use of force that is non violent, we pull down and demolish the subtle reasoning of opponents by refutation. (Strong’s concordance)
This warfare may be an enemy attack on the mind of the Christian but may also be an enemy position which is contrary to the word of God in the mind of the unsaved. We wage war also for the souls of men by casting down imaginations AND every high thing which exalts its self against the knowledge of God. In other words, we also cast down everything that elevates itself against the understanding, moral wisdom, and doctrines of Christianity.
Through God’s weapons which are mighty and powerful to demolish carnal or worldly reasoning’s, we bring into captivity that is we capture the mind which is in opposition to the truth. To captivate the mind, means to carry away from oppositional thinking and remove it from deception of the enemy into obedience (submission) to Jesus Christ.
With a readiness, (prepared for service, action, progress) to revenge (to vindicate, bring to justice, protect, defend), ALL disobedience to God. (Error, hearing wrong, refusal to submit)
What exactly are God’s weapons? Scriptures tell us that we are to put on the full amour of God. Truth, righteousness, faith, our testimony, the blood of Jesus, prayer, alertness in the Spirit, sober mindedness, watchfulness, are some examples but the one that I want to concentrate on for casting down imaginations is truth.
In order to capture a mind filled with the devil’s lies we must counteract those lies with the truth. The Bible tells us that it is the truth which sets a person free. This truth is contained in God s word and we use it like a sword to separated truth from error.
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Satan blinds the understanding of the unsaved so that they believe lies rather than truth. Jesus can take away that blindness through prayer and speaking the truth. Prayer is needful, but, remember, that we also need to cast down strong holds by taking the thoughts captive to the truth. In other words by refuting strong arguments of men with the truth, those arguments come down and are brought to obey the truth.
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:4
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3
The Bible shows us that it is God’s peace which will keep our hearts and minds. If you have no peace in your mind about something then I would examine yourself to see if you are in the truth as scriptures exhort.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Scriptures also tell us to cast down imaginations in our minds, which disobey God’s word. That is we must cast down reasoning and beliefs that are disobedient to the truth by guarding what goes in and out of our minds. Examine your thoughts, examine what you believe is truth. Don’t just believe something you were told by another person even if it’s someone in authority. Many are deceived and they in turn deceive others. The Bible tells us to test and prove ALL THINGS!
Go to church armed with truth, be an informed patient when you go to the doctor, have some knowledge about what you are into so that you do not get deceived. TRUTH is our safeguard.
Finally, scriptures tell us that whatever is TRUE and truth is God’s word, just according to God’s word, noble according to God word, and lovely, according to God’s word; think on these things.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
The Gospel of Grace Ministries 