Today’s Bible Study – The Five Fold Ministry- The Prophet continued
As we look further into the gifts and the office of the Prophet we can find events in the execution of this service that reveal severe trial and sacrifice.
As explained in the preceding post, the Prophets role is to let people know when they are in violation of GOD's laws. While executing the duties of this office the cost can be great.. consider the Prophet John, the forerunner to Jesus many Prophets render a similar fate;
Mark 6:18
For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
The consequences:
Mark 6:24
And she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."
Mark 6:27
Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison,
In order to endure the demands of the office preparation is required. It is not unlike a soldier going to war that recognizes that there are difficulties ahead and is therefore required to train. Only after the training is completed is the soldier released into warfare. Preparation for this office produces discipline and obedience.
The Prophet cannot be carried away by the world’s lust; He is wholly devoted to GOD. The discipline for this ministry is not brought about by necessarily a self imposed discipline. God Himself is the disciplinarian for HIS servant. Through circumstances orchestrated by our LORD a purging of the carnal impulses will occur. This purging produces a Godly humility and a Godly discipline in the character of the Prophet.
I find the life of Moses to be a clear representation of the process of preparation for GOD's servants:
Num 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)
Did Moses decide one day that He was going to just be humble from now on..??? No, not at all, humility was something acquired and learned through circumstances in the life of Moses. The Prophet spent 40 years estranged from his people in the wilderness until the LORD called HIM from the burning bush..
I cannot emphasis enough that this office is an appointment solely from the LORD. Also, it is not unlikely that the Prophet remains single because of a lifestyle focused on pleasing the LORD alone.
Once the Prophet completes the necessary preparation we find someone very sensitive to the moving of GOD’s Spirit. We also find a person very obedience to the promptings of the LORD and we find someone the LORD can trust. The Prophet now moves in the authority of the Lord and in the accompanying power of the LORD. The results have produced a servant of the LORD to be both feared and respected.
GOD’s Prophet has a very close relationship with the Lord and because of this relationship the Prophet, endures challenges that are inevitably forthcoming. This ministry is so vitally important the LORD declares that the church is founded on the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone.
We have seen that GOD's Prophet is oftentimes marked for death. Our world and the enemies of GOD, within this worlds system target the Prophet of GOD for extermination. The death of any servant of God can only happen however with GOD’s permission and for the ultimate fulfillment of GODs purposes.
For example, if we take a moment to review GOD’s will in the death of Jesus we find the higher purpose of GOD being established. We find out that if the enemies of GOD had known the intent of GOD in the death of Jesus they never would have crucified our LORD. And this astounding wisdom from GOD is many times the will of GOD for the Prophet.
John the Baptist's (Who was Elijah the Prophet as well) death was fulfillment of Prophecy and therefore the purpose of GOD stands solid and infallible;
Matt 17:12
But I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know or recognize him, but did to him as they liked. So also the Son of Man is going to be treated and suffer at their hands.
Matt 17:13
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist. [Mal. 4:5.]
Today Prophets, again do and did exist in the 20th century, There are countless names and stories ; but let me name a few;
Watchman Nee, Jesse Penne Lewis, and William Seymour for example.
Perhaps we can provide a short bio of these servants of the Lord at a future date.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Five Fold Ministry Gifts -The Prophet
Eph 4:11
And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.
First before we move into the lesson, please note the title "Five Fold Ministry Gifts" . This heading is not based on a scriptural reference. It is derived from what is deemed common church vernacular of this present time. I see nothing in itself to be wrong with the term but I do want to be clear on it's origin.
In addition, I also want you to view the text as it applies to both men and women in the office of the Prophet, Yes the Bible shows women in this role and office as well.
Luke 2:36
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
Acts 21:9
Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses
Wow, that must have been some household, living with four daughters all prophets!!!!!!
It is also, the earnest motivation of this writer, to bring the subject of spiritual gifts to a place of clarity, through and by the Word of GOD, The Holy Bible.
And finally, ultimately, I hope we all will find our proper place and role ordained for us by GOD Himself, and thereby fulfill the call of GOD on our lives both as individuals and together as the church.
Now, lets us begin; Our featured verse tells us that Our LORD is in the practice of gifting men. In fact the scripture says He Himself, appointed men, no one else had a hand in the selection process.
It is very clear that this is a foundation truth, GOD is the source of these appointments and gifts
Notice the other confirming scriptures:
1 Cor 12:4
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Cor 12:5
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord
Cor 12:11
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
GOD either has or will confirm the gift seeded in you through the agency of His Spirit.
These gifts remain operational until GOD's purpose is fulfilled.
What is the purposeand goal of GOD?
Eph 4:13
until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
As long as people are being saved, the gifts remain to bring these very precious souls, whom Our Lord died to save, to a place of maturity in HIM.
The first gift that I will apply scriptural references to will be the "Prophet". I am not going in any particular order. This office was foremost in my spirit at this time. Each Post will focus on another office............
But let us continue; Let us define both the gift and then the office held by the gift holder.
Prophet: The Prophet proclaims future events as given to him by GOD, accurately without a single flaw, every event will occur exactly as the Prophet has said. The Prophet's office watches over GOD's covenant people for compliance with HIS covenant. The office yields authority to correct behavior, pronounce judgements and warnings to the people. And, it is a office GOD will use to proclaim favor and benevolence on us as well.
Deut 18:20
'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'
The Prophet is our LORD's mouth piece. If a Prophet speaks a word outside of what GOD commands him the judgement is severe. When you read in the Bible about the Prophets proclamations it always begins with "Thus saith the LORD GOD".
The Prophet always speaks for GOD as the Spirit of GOD reveals to him what should be spoken.
2 Pet 1:21
For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so--it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.
If men claim to be prophets and their words fall to the ground without coming true we are not to respect that person, we should not fear the person, because he or she has shown themselves to be false.
Deut 18:22
"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
Here is the Prophet Nathan serving in his office in the case of King David;
2 Sam 12:7
Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul.
2 Sam 12:8
'I also gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!
2 Sam 12:9
'Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.
GOD's Judgement given to David, through the mouth of the Prophet Nathan:
2 Sam 12:11
"Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight.
2 Sam 12:12
'Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.'"
2 Sam 12:13
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.
2 Sam 12:14
"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die."
All in a days work for the Prophet of GOD. This is an example to solidify the role of the Prophet in GOD's Kingdom operating in the earth.
Many people today are declaring themselves Prophets for GOD. I can assure you the vast majority of them are false prophets. The evidence necessary to take many of them seriously is simply not there.
I can not tell you how many times I have seen so-called prophets proclaiming all sorts of blessings and prosperity on people and the end of the prophesy proved false, therefore proving them to be false as well. The amount of deception that has infiltrated today's church is shocking. Today's false prophet is a blessor primarily, rarely have we seen correction, warnings and or judgements being administered.
Well, GOD told me to tell 77 people...If you give......Seven Hundred and Seventy Seven dollars you will be blessed... how very very sad.
Lam 2:14
Your prophets have seen for you False and foolish visions; And they have not exposed your iniquity So as to restore you from captivity, But they have seen for you false and misleading oracles
Because of Today's media church business is all out in the street...We witness scandal after scandal but we rarely see correction being exacted by any of the so-called Prophets, the next day back in the pulpit and back on TV. Selling their souls to the World's appetite for gossip, instead of becoming contrite and repentant until they are restored to right standing with Jesus.
Matt 24:11
"Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
Our Savior Jesus prophesied about the times we live in, Jesus is not only the SON of GOD, but the entire embodiment of the five fold ministry gifts , He served in every office, and we would be wise to take heed of HIS warning and very unwise if we choose to ignore HIS warning.
Luke 6:26
"Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.
Many of these men and women have a loyal following and are treated by this following like Hollywood icons or people with royal credentials.. This is not the LORD we do not worship men.. we Worship GOD alone..
Genuine Prophets will have a prophets credentials in action. We will know them by the fruit they bear. He will be bold, He will proclaim prophecy's of correction and warning. And the real Prophet walks in the Authority ordained by GOD..He will hold us to the standard God mandates that we maintain. The Prophet provides structure and boundaries for the maturing Christian.
And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.
First before we move into the lesson, please note the title "Five Fold Ministry Gifts" . This heading is not based on a scriptural reference. It is derived from what is deemed common church vernacular of this present time. I see nothing in itself to be wrong with the term but I do want to be clear on it's origin.
In addition, I also want you to view the text as it applies to both men and women in the office of the Prophet, Yes the Bible shows women in this role and office as well.
Luke 2:36
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
Acts 21:9
Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses
Wow, that must have been some household, living with four daughters all prophets!!!!!!
It is also, the earnest motivation of this writer, to bring the subject of spiritual gifts to a place of clarity, through and by the Word of GOD, The Holy Bible.
And finally, ultimately, I hope we all will find our proper place and role ordained for us by GOD Himself, and thereby fulfill the call of GOD on our lives both as individuals and together as the church.
Now, lets us begin; Our featured verse tells us that Our LORD is in the practice of gifting men. In fact the scripture says He Himself, appointed men, no one else had a hand in the selection process.
It is very clear that this is a foundation truth, GOD is the source of these appointments and gifts
Notice the other confirming scriptures:
1 Cor 12:4
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Cor 12:5
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord
Cor 12:11
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
GOD either has or will confirm the gift seeded in you through the agency of His Spirit.
These gifts remain operational until GOD's purpose is fulfilled.
What is the purposeand goal of GOD?
Eph 4:13
until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
As long as people are being saved, the gifts remain to bring these very precious souls, whom Our Lord died to save, to a place of maturity in HIM.
The first gift that I will apply scriptural references to will be the "Prophet". I am not going in any particular order. This office was foremost in my spirit at this time. Each Post will focus on another office............
But let us continue; Let us define both the gift and then the office held by the gift holder.
Prophet: The Prophet proclaims future events as given to him by GOD, accurately without a single flaw, every event will occur exactly as the Prophet has said. The Prophet's office watches over GOD's covenant people for compliance with HIS covenant. The office yields authority to correct behavior, pronounce judgements and warnings to the people. And, it is a office GOD will use to proclaim favor and benevolence on us as well.
Deut 18:20
'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'
The Prophet is our LORD's mouth piece. If a Prophet speaks a word outside of what GOD commands him the judgement is severe. When you read in the Bible about the Prophets proclamations it always begins with "Thus saith the LORD GOD".
The Prophet always speaks for GOD as the Spirit of GOD reveals to him what should be spoken.
2 Pet 1:21
For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so--it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.
If men claim to be prophets and their words fall to the ground without coming true we are not to respect that person, we should not fear the person, because he or she has shown themselves to be false.
Deut 18:22
"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
Here is the Prophet Nathan serving in his office in the case of King David;
2 Sam 12:7
Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul.
2 Sam 12:8
'I also gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!
2 Sam 12:9
'Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.
GOD's Judgement given to David, through the mouth of the Prophet Nathan:
2 Sam 12:11
"Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight.
2 Sam 12:12
'Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.'"
2 Sam 12:13
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.
2 Sam 12:14
"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die."
All in a days work for the Prophet of GOD. This is an example to solidify the role of the Prophet in GOD's Kingdom operating in the earth.
Many people today are declaring themselves Prophets for GOD. I can assure you the vast majority of them are false prophets. The evidence necessary to take many of them seriously is simply not there.
I can not tell you how many times I have seen so-called prophets proclaiming all sorts of blessings and prosperity on people and the end of the prophesy proved false, therefore proving them to be false as well. The amount of deception that has infiltrated today's church is shocking. Today's false prophet is a blessor primarily, rarely have we seen correction, warnings and or judgements being administered.
Well, GOD told me to tell 77 people...If you give......Seven Hundred and Seventy Seven dollars you will be blessed... how very very sad.
Lam 2:14
Your prophets have seen for you False and foolish visions; And they have not exposed your iniquity So as to restore you from captivity, But they have seen for you false and misleading oracles
Because of Today's media church business is all out in the street...We witness scandal after scandal but we rarely see correction being exacted by any of the so-called Prophets, the next day back in the pulpit and back on TV. Selling their souls to the World's appetite for gossip, instead of becoming contrite and repentant until they are restored to right standing with Jesus.
Matt 24:11
"Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
Our Savior Jesus prophesied about the times we live in, Jesus is not only the SON of GOD, but the entire embodiment of the five fold ministry gifts , He served in every office, and we would be wise to take heed of HIS warning and very unwise if we choose to ignore HIS warning.
Luke 6:26
"Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.
Many of these men and women have a loyal following and are treated by this following like Hollywood icons or people with royal credentials.. This is not the LORD we do not worship men.. we Worship GOD alone..
Genuine Prophets will have a prophets credentials in action. We will know them by the fruit they bear. He will be bold, He will proclaim prophecy's of correction and warning. And the real Prophet walks in the Authority ordained by GOD..He will hold us to the standard God mandates that we maintain. The Prophet provides structure and boundaries for the maturing Christian.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Good Credit
Rom 4:5
But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).
Believing and trusting fully in God, provides eternal credit with GOD. And, this credit produces a righteousness acceptable to GOD, which is absolutely necessary for the salvation experience.
Let me say this again for emphasis;
Believing and trusting fully in God, provides eternal credit with GOD. And, this credit produces a righteousness acceptable to GOD, which is absolutely necessary for the salvation experience.
Rom 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God).
Exactly how did Abraham believe fully in GOD;
Rom 4:21
and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Real trust in GOD comes about when everything else around you says this is impossible.. When people say.., no way.. when circumstances tell you your chances are null and void.. And you STILL, Trust GOD.. Now you are about to enter into that promise of GOD...
Rom 4:19
Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;
It is not an on Sundays only faith or a faith on occasion... or having faith when it is convenient and you are not seeing any opposition. Or, when I am having an emotional moment listening to the preacher.. These are not examples of saving faith...
The kind of faith that will get righteousness credited to your account is an enduring Faith, a tested faith and a proven Faith..
It is like what a heard a preacher say one time.."Salvation is free, BUT, it is not cheap."
Rom 4:16
For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
The promise is clearly spelled out to belong to those who have the faith of Abraham. The promise is to us who cling to GOD , to those who rely on God and to those who trust in GOD.
That is why our LORD Jesus says "Few are those who find it"...
Matt 7:14
But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.
We have become heirs of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ.. Because we have a faith like Abraham's, declared to be the Father of faith.. We are His children if we have that same faith.. Then we obtain the same credit, producing in us a righteousness necessary for salvation...
Yes this faith is far beyond the sinners prayer... This kind of faith is real faith , tested faith and proven faith.. The faith that triumphs over circumstances and endures through trials... This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
Your faith is your most valuable assest, it is far more valuable than the most precious metal or any material possesion on earth.
1 Pet 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Heb 11:17
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
If Abraham's faith had to be tested, to prove He trusted GOD, then we are no different, Yes our faith will be tested as well to verify that we indeed trust GOD as well.
Here is another example of proven faith;
Matt 9:2
And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."
They believed GOD and it was credited to there account as righteousness and therefore Jesus, seeing their faith in action, in corresponding behaviour, in spite of outward conditions, Jesus said, your sins are forgiven.. Can Jesus see your faith???
When we rely on God in this life, when we cling to GOD's promises no matter what things look like, when we trust in GOD no matter what the world is showing us... This faith is credited to our account as righteousness...
How ridicules this must seem to the world that we trust in a man said to be raised from the dead.. , the world says impossible.. And complete foolishness to the unsaved....
Cor 1:18
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
But in this we rely on, on the Resurrection we trust.. and cling to that very reality ..living alive in the hearts of every believer.. , The faith of Abraham..
Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Let us continue believing , continue trusting and continue clinging to Jesus, keeping our credit in good standing with Jesus.. our LORD and our Savior... Praise His Name now and forever..
But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).
Believing and trusting fully in God, provides eternal credit with GOD. And, this credit produces a righteousness acceptable to GOD, which is absolutely necessary for the salvation experience.
Let me say this again for emphasis;
Believing and trusting fully in God, provides eternal credit with GOD. And, this credit produces a righteousness acceptable to GOD, which is absolutely necessary for the salvation experience.
Rom 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God).
Exactly how did Abraham believe fully in GOD;
Rom 4:21
and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Real trust in GOD comes about when everything else around you says this is impossible.. When people say.., no way.. when circumstances tell you your chances are null and void.. And you STILL, Trust GOD.. Now you are about to enter into that promise of GOD...
Rom 4:19
Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;
Can you imagine the ridicule that Abraham received, He was 100 years old and His wife 99..!!! Yet.. they were going to have a baby....AMAZING... But Abraham, relied on God, He trusted in GOD and He held onto GOD..
Because Abraham, Believed, in, Trusted in and relied on GOD, He received the promise a son Issac
Gen 21:2
So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.
Rom 4:20
yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
It is not an on Sundays only faith or a faith on occasion... or having faith when it is convenient and you are not seeing any opposition. Or, when I am having an emotional moment listening to the preacher.. These are not examples of saving faith...
The kind of faith that will get righteousness credited to your account is an enduring Faith, a tested faith and a proven Faith..
It is like what a heard a preacher say one time.."Salvation is free, BUT, it is not cheap."
Rom 4:16
For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
The promise is clearly spelled out to belong to those who have the faith of Abraham. The promise is to us who cling to GOD , to those who rely on God and to those who trust in GOD.
That is why our LORD Jesus says "Few are those who find it"...
Matt 7:14
But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.
We have become heirs of GOD, joint heirs with Jesus Christ.. Because we have a faith like Abraham's, declared to be the Father of faith.. We are His children if we have that same faith.. Then we obtain the same credit, producing in us a righteousness necessary for salvation...
Yes this faith is far beyond the sinners prayer... This kind of faith is real faith , tested faith and proven faith.. The faith that triumphs over circumstances and endures through trials... This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
Your faith is your most valuable assest, it is far more valuable than the most precious metal or any material possesion on earth.
1 Pet 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Heb 11:17
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
If Abraham's faith had to be tested, to prove He trusted GOD, then we are no different, Yes our faith will be tested as well to verify that we indeed trust GOD as well.
Here is another example of proven faith;
Matt 9:2
And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."
They believed GOD and it was credited to there account as righteousness and therefore Jesus, seeing their faith in action, in corresponding behaviour, in spite of outward conditions, Jesus said, your sins are forgiven.. Can Jesus see your faith???
When we rely on God in this life, when we cling to GOD's promises no matter what things look like, when we trust in GOD no matter what the world is showing us... This faith is credited to our account as righteousness...
How ridicules this must seem to the world that we trust in a man said to be raised from the dead.. , the world says impossible.. And complete foolishness to the unsaved....
Cor 1:18
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
But in this we rely on, on the Resurrection we trust.. and cling to that very reality ..living alive in the hearts of every believer.. , The faith of Abraham..
Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Let us continue believing , continue trusting and continue clinging to Jesus, keeping our credit in good standing with Jesus.. our LORD and our Savior... Praise His Name now and forever..
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Having Life More Abundently
John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
How might this abundant life be obtained and what exactly is life in abundance? I would refer to scripture for the definition. My opinion my definition or even my interpretation is worthless apart from what the Bible says..
John 6:53
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.
The Bible declares life is not found anywhere apart from Jesus. Unless Jesus has become your passover lamb you have no life in you.
Unless you drink the blood purchased for your soul we have no life in us.
And what does Jesus mean again when He says abundant life. The scripture confirms:
John 4:14
But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
How might this abundant life be obtained and what exactly is life in abundance? I would refer to scripture for the definition. My opinion my definition or even my interpretation is worthless apart from what the Bible says..
John 6:53
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.
The Bible declares life is not found anywhere apart from Jesus. Unless Jesus has become your passover lamb you have no life in you.
Unless you drink the blood purchased for your soul we have no life in us.
And what does Jesus mean again when He says abundant life. The scripture confirms:
John 4:14
But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.
Abundant life is obtained by never being thirsty again.. It is the final answer to our restlessness and constant striving in this temporal world.. It is finally finding the salvation of our souls and having the satisfaction that no amount of money or any of the creature comforts of this world can provide.
Jesus came to rescue us from our vain, empty and futile existence and to bring us into life.. and life more abundantly. So much of our efforts are to get satisfaction, trying to feel loved, happy or powerful. we are thinking that these are the things we need to have satisfaction..
Eccl 2:11
Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.
Yes once we have obtained life from our LORD we no longer are subject to the existence just described by Solomon
1 Pet 1:18
knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,
Jesus is that abundant life.. He encapsulates it.. He is the Author of life and all that brings satisfaction and meaning for every endeavor. ..
So the world says "Can't get no satisfaction".. We know satisfaction , the abundant life can only be found in Jesus, let us tell the world.
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
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