The Message of Jesus Christ

[TRWord]

Many many years ago I asked my then pastor why today’s Christians do not perform similar works as the people of the Book of Acts. He told me that those works went out with the early church. So of course I asked why, and he was obviously at a lost and unable to give me a satisfactory answer. So I went off to seek the answers on my own.

What made the people of the Book of Acts so different from us?

They were disciples of Jesus Christ.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26

As disciples of the teaching of Jesus Christ the people of the Book of Acts knew God as Spirit and they understood Christ’s message.

On the other hand, today the teaching of Jesus Christ has been replaced by doctrine and Christians have reverted to an understanding that was before Christ.

The Book of Acts began with the disciples receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

We today speak of the Holy Ghost, but since we have replaced His teaching with doctrine, can we really know the Holy Ghost?

Of course not.

Jesus said:

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:15-16

Without His teaching how could we keep His commandments.

This Comforter that He promised is the Holy Ghost, and He said that we shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon us.

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:7-8

The people of the Book of Acts received the Holy Ghost which gave them the power to do the works they did, and obviously the absence of power in today’s church is due to the absence of the Holy Ghost in the church today.

 

[TRWord]

Jesus said:

If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:22-23)

In addition He said:

If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. (John 8:51)

And He also said:

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

One idea is being repeated again and again here:

If we keep His words and sayings then we’ll be His disciple and we’ll receive the things He promised.

He’s saying, He has given us certain information, and the promises are contingent on us receiving this information and acting upon it.

This is the understanding that is totally missing in today’s church; The idea of discipleship.

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

Today’s Christians are focused on one of Jesus sayings while they ignore all the others.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

This saying clearly states whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

By ignoring all the other sayings, then we don’t believe in Him, which means that we are ignoring this saying as well.

 

[TRWord]

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matt. 24:4-5

Interpreted literally this would mean that Jesus is saying that many persons will come claiming to be the Christ.

Today’s Christians are not following some other person who claim to be Christ so they believe that they have not been deceived.

What they have failed to realize is that “Denominationalism” has given us a multitude of different messages all in His name.

This is what Jesus was saying when He said: Take heed that no man deceive you.

The apostle Paul instructs us we who have received Christ as Lord to walk in him.

Reminding us that we are not subject to ordinances. For he has blotted “out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” And that we must beware of outward observances “after the tradition of men and the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:6-23

“Denominationalism” have deceived many reverting them to an understanding that was before Christ.

It has also taken many into bondage to the sabbath and old dietary law, even though it’s written:

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Col. 2:16

If we keep in mind that there is one Christ, and therefore one message, then we cannot be deceived.

 

[TRWord]

The Gospels contain several occasions where the scribes of both the Pharisees and the Sadducees challenged our Lord on many subjects; the sabbath, the resurrection and the traditions of the elders. It’s obvious that they were of one understanding and the Lord was of another. Their understanding was of the old covenant, but our Lord Jesus Christ “is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Heb. 8:6-7

Galatians 4:22-31 The Apostle Paul reveals the inner meaning of the story of Abraham’s two sons; the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. One born after the flesh and the other by promise. He reveals that these are the two covenants. The one from Mount Sinai; the law of Moses which kept us in bondage. The other through faith in Jesus Christ which leads to freedom.
He also reminds us that the scripture said that we who are in Christ should cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. Gal. 4:30

Under the old covenant, represented by the bondwoman and her son; we sought the forgiveness of sin.

But under the new covenant, represented by the son of the free woman; we seek the way to life through faith in Jesus Christ.

This new relationship is achieved through the belief that the words that Jesus spoke unto us, are spirit, and are life.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

Jesus reveals that the spirit is life and that the life is in His words and without the spirit that abide in Him we can do nothing, and we are to abide in Him so that His spirit may abide in us.

How do we abide in Him? ..... through faith in His word.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John15:4-5

 

[Alithis]

TRWORD ...
have you read of brother yun (spelling?) the book is called "the heavenly man "

? it is almost like a continuation of the book of acts ..to the Chinese people .

Im not saying it is a continuation..just a bit like one

but any one that says the church of acts is gone ..are proven wrong by the Chinese house Christians

 

[TRWord]

TRWORD ...
have you read of brother yun (spelling?) the book is called "the heavenly man "

? it is almost like a continuation of the book of acts ..to the Chinese people .

Im not saying it is a continuation..just a bit like one

but any one that says the church of acts is gone ..are proven wrong by the Chinese house Christians

No I have not. Actually I wasn’t aware of it.

Thank you.

 

[Luke1433]

test

 

[TRWord]

In His message to the churches Jesus said:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev. 2:7

To him that overcometh what?

From Adam to the Jews and now to today’s Christian the problem is the same; unbelief.

God admonished Adam against believing in good and evil. God told Adam if he did he would surely die, but when Adam was tempted by the belief in good and evil, he did not believe God and fell victim to his own unbelief.

It was the same with the Jews.

God’s plan for salvation was first given to the Jews.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John 4:21-22

But like Adam the Jews fell to their own unbelief.

Here Isaiah prophecies that for the most part it’s the Gentiles that will believe Jesus Christ; I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

But Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Rom. 10:19-20

And here the Apostle Paul describe the Jews as the branches and He said: because of unbelief they were broken off.

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: Rom. 11:18-20

Notice Paul also warned us to take heed and not be victims of our own unbelief as were the Jews.

For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Rom. 11:21

Throughout the scriptures we find that unbelief stands in our way.

Here we find Jesus unable to do any might work in His own country.

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. Mark 6:3

They knew Him personally, probably as a boy and therefore couldn’t believe in Him.

But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:4-6

What we say with our lips does not necessarily drive away the doubt in our hearts. As with this father here who’s asking Jesus to help him with his unbelief.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:23-24

All things are possible to him that believe, but overcoming our unbelief can be a tremendous struggle.

 

[TRWord]

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom. 10:9-10

A literal understanding of what Paul is saying here has given us “the sinner’s prayer” and the belief that once said we are saved.

The reason for this misconception is, most believers are still under the old covenant, the bondwoman and her son, and are therefore still in bondage to the law and seeking the forgiveness of sin

We are suppose to cast out the bondwoman and her son so we can enter into a new relationship with our Father; a better covenant, which was established upon better promises through Jesus Christ.

The new covenant; the son of the free woman leads us from bondage to freedom.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

Under the new covenant we receive the spirit of God through Christ. A new understanding that is of God and not of the world.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Cor. 2:12

In the following parable, Christ in us is the leaven and the three measures of meal is our body, mind and spirit.

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matt. 13:33

Under the new covenant we experience a complete transformation.

Paul said: they that are in Christ as new creatures.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

An important part of this transformation is the renewing of our minds.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom. 12:2

Jesus explained; He came to not to destroy but to fulfill the law.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matt. 5:17

By receiving the mind of Christ we are able to obey the law.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil. 2:5

_For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Here Paul is highlighting the order of things he is stating that it’s the heart that believes unto to righteousness.

_We are not necessarily obedient to what we confess with our mouth but we are to what we believe in our heart.

 

[TRWord]

Paul also said:

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom. 10:13

Paul isn’t saying here that if we said Jesus we would be saved.

I remember two young believers locked in disagreement. One believed that we should say “in Jesus name” when we pray, and the other believed that we should say “in the name of the Christ.” I had to explain to them that either is correct if we understand what Jesus taught.

We must understand how name is used in the scriptures.

When Jesus taught us to pray He said:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matt. 6:9

Jesus is not telling us here that the Father’s name is Hallowed, He is telling us is that Hallowed is the nature of God.

It’s the reason why Abram's name was changed to Abraham. A new nature requires a new name.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Gen. 17:5

The nature of the Lord is spirit.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Jesus came to demonstrate the power of the spirit over the things of the earth.

When He laid His hands on the sick, when He fed the five thousand, and when He raise Lazarus from the dead, He was teaching us the supremacy of the spirit over the flesh.

He said:

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14

This is the understanding by which “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do.”

When we call on the name of the Lord we are calling upon the spirit.

As Paul explained here: if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you (he that raised up Christ from the dead) shall also quicken your mortal bodies.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom. 8:11

 

[TRWord]

Jesus said:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Matt. 7:13

Jesus is trying to alert us to the fact that the majority of us shall take the road to destruction instead of the way to life.

Christians ignore this warning believing that the many that Jesus is speaking about are the nonbelievers.

But Jesus has refuted this belief by saying: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?

Obviously He is not speaking about nonbelievers here.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt. 7:22-23

The way to life is a quest that requires our utmost desire and a single mindedness of purpose.

Using a parable Jesus said:

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Matt.22:2-3

Just being religious will not show us the way to life and many who have been called by the spirit will not find it. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is called a marriage because it’s a personal relationship between the individual and the Lord.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Rev. 2:17

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. Matt. 22:4

Most of us do make light of the quest. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” But many have gone their own way abandoning His word and instead believing in contrived doctrine.

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. Matt. 22:5-6

God’s plan of salvation was first given to the Jews. “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22)

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Matt. 22:8

When the Jews didn’t believe, then salvation was offered to whosoever may come.

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Matt. 22:9-10

Just showing up however is not going to be sufficient. Notice you are going to need a wedding garment.

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Matt. 22:11-12

We will not be divided into believers and nonbelievers as most of us think. But we will be divided into those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life and those who names are not.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 22:13

Jesus said:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7:13-14

And we must take heed to this warning.

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14

 

[Norah63]

When you ask a person, "what has the Lord been showing you", many times you will get a blank stare and then silence.
Walking in the spirit means you get guidance from our living Lord Jesus. He says my sheep hear my voice, another they will not follow. The divisions in we see today are there because of the different voices that are being followed.
As you stated in one of the earlier posts, many will say, didn't we do this or than in your name, and He will say, I never knew you. He wasn't the one they were listening to, or repeating after.
There are two covenants, one with your Lord Jesus and one in your marriage. So many christians want to covenant with each other, instead of Christ.
Just my thoughts this morning, take it as you may.

 

[TRWord]

So many christians want to covenant with each other, instead of Christ.
Just my thoughts this morning, take it as you may.

You have struck the nail on it’s head.

 

[TRWord]

We cannot over emphasize the importance of the conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter. Matthew 16:13-20
This conversation fully explains three very important points which are not fully understood and which have led to much religious misconceptions; the Christ, the rock upon which the church is built, and the key to the kingdom.

The conversation began when Jesus asked his disciples, who do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said that some thought He was John the Baptist: some, Elias, others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Cae-sa-ré-a Phil´-ippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Matt. 16:13-14

It’s important to note that the Jews believed that Elias had to come before the Messiah. Also notice that Jesus revealed that Elias was John the Baptist who had come already.

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. Matt. 17:12-13

Then Jesus asked His disciples, who do you say that I am?

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Matt. 16:15

Peter answered, you are the Christ the Son of the living God.

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16

The Christ is a quickening spirit, which cannot be perceived by our material senses. This is precisely why Jesus insisted that we must be born again to see (perceive) the kingdom of God.

Which is what Paul is also saying here:

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (I Corinthians 15:45KJV)

To this day the Jews have not acknowledge Jesus Christ as He which was promised, and for the vast majority of Christians, their idea of Him is, the old covenant idea of a sacrifice for sin.

Not surprising, Jesus said that we cannot know the Son nor the Father, except that the knowledge is received by revelation.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matt. 11:27

Here again Jesus is saying the same thing to Peter:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Matt. 16:17

The Christ revealed is (the rock) the foundation of a new understanding, and the church is this new understanding.

It’s a new understanding of the Father as love and forgiveness, and of the Son as a quickening spirit. This is the new covenant.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18.

As the conversation went on Jesus said: And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:

This has caused many today to see Peter as the guard to the gates of the heaven. This of course is not what Jesus meant.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. 16:19

We “bind things on earth” if we continue to give all authority to the laws of the material world. By doing so we bind things in heaven for we have bound the power of the Spirit over the things of the earth.

We loose things in earth by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit over the things of the earth. By doing so we loose the things in heaven for we have loosed the power of the Spirit over the things in the earth.

Simply put; we abdicate authority to the things of the earth when we deny the power of heaven, but when we acknowledge the power of heaven we gain authority over the things of the earth.

 

[TRWord]

Jesus said He came to fulfill the law.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matt. 5:17-18

To fulfill means to bring something to fruition or to bring to reality something that was promised.

But how does Jesus fulfill the law?

Paul did a great job of explaining this in His letter to the Galatians.

If we think of the law as the statement: “Thou shalt not.”

Paul is explaining here that there are two understandings of this statement.

One understanding born after the flesh which keeps us in a state of bondage, and another understanding which was promised that leads us to freedom

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Gal. 4:22-23

Paul further explained that this is an allegory; the inner meaning of the two sons of Abraham are the two understandings which represents the two covenants.

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. Gal. 4:24

Paul is saying that:

Under the old covenant the statement “Thou shalt not” is a command; “That we must not,” (kill, or steal etc,) which keeps us in a state of bondage.

While under the new covenant the statement “Thou shalt not” is a promise “That we will not,” (kill, or steal etc,) which sets us free.

Paul explained further that if we are in Christ we inherit the promise.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. 3:29

In Christ; we are new creatures, because we have received a new nature.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

It’s by this new nature in us; “that we will not,” (kill, or steal etc.)

Christ in us is the reality of that which was promised; the fulfillment of the law.

 

[TRWord]

It’s so difficult to watch fellow Christians in total confusion and locked in a endless battle with sin when as Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Christians are willing to take instructions from anyone else but the Lord, and as a result they worship Him in vain. They believe that they are His when in fact they are not.

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matt. 15:8-9

Christianity is not a set of static beliefs, it’s obedience to God Himself through faith in His Son.

Freedom is within our grasp but most of us will not reach for it because we cannot believe.

Jesus demonstrated the power of the spirit by walking on water, by feeding five thousand with just five loaves and two fishes, by raising Lazarus from the dead, and finally by laying down His life and demonstrating that He had the power to pick it up again.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:17-18

With all of this, most of us have not accepted the spirit.

Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

Even the scriptures are lost to us. Without Him we interpret the scriptures by the letter; or exactly as what the words seem to be saying.

In spite of the fact that Paul has warned against this.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Cor. 3:5

The problem is, we don’t believe in spirit, we remain in the flesh as branches that have been severed from the vine, so we wither, and as He said: we are gathered up and cast into the fire to be burnt.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6

 

[TRWord]

Why have our expectations as Christians diminished so drastically. Most of us expect little more than going to heaven when we die.

The Psalmist reminded us not to forget all the benefits we have in the Lord, that He heals us of our diseases.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Ps. 103:2-3

The prophet Isaiah is also reminding us here that His suffering was for our liberty. He suffered to show us how to overcome all that ails us.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Is. 53:5

Today few of us expect to be healed. Just like non-believers we look to medicine for our healing.

It’s written:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

Again few of us expect our needs to be met and just like the non-believer we are caught up in the world’s economic struggle.

Jesus said:

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:31-33

Most of us find this commandment impossible to obey.

Why? Because we have given all authority to the things of the earth, to disease, to lack and many of the things that Jesus clearly demonstrated that we can overcome through faith in the spirit.

Jesus said: “All things are possible to him that believe” Mark 9:23

Believe what?

The foundation of our Christian faith is the belief in the supremacy of spirit over the things of the earth.

Here the Lord is alerting us that His spirit is supreme to any earthly power.

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zech. 4:6

And here Jesus is saying that if our faith is just the size of a mustard seed nothing shall be impossible to us.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matt. 17:20

 

[TRWord]

As far back as I can remember our preachers and teachers have harped on and on about sin as if we needed a constant reminder that we are sinners.

We are sinners, this is our nature but should we be kept sin conscious and guilt ridden.

The scripture states that God did not send His Son to condemn us as sinners. He came to set the captives free.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17

If we continue in a struggle with sin, then Jesus came, suffered and died in vain.

As the prophet Isaiah highlighted we need a message that proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Is. 61:1

The problem is, we don’t understand sin, we believe that sin is transgression against the law, but we are born in sin, it is the consequence of Adam’s transgression. Sin has been in the world since Adam and before the law of Moses.

For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Rom. 5:13-14

It’s the law that condemns us by making us conscious of sin and guilty before God.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 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. Rom. 3:19-20

We are sinners because we are in the flesh. Being in the flesh is the problem

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom. 8:7-8

As Christians we need Christ’s message of our liberty in the spirit, instead of being constantly condemned as sinners.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom. 8:1-3

It’s written: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death.

Paul explains it perfectly here:

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Rom. 8:11

 

[child630]

Wow. "Lord God, I ask in the name of your son to forgive me for my lusts. Forgive me for my lack of faith." I have a problem with lusts, which Jesus said that if anyone looks at a woman with lust they have committed adultery in their heart. I am becoming so discourage because I tried to stop it on my own, but I can't. People have told me to just use my own willpower, but the more I try to stop, the more I subconsciously do it. So I have been just giving into it. But after reading this, I am determined to stop. I want to be reconciled to God. And if I have to use my own willpower to do it, then I'll do it.

 

[TRWord]

But after reading this, I am determined to stop. I want to be reconciled to God. And if I have to use my own willpower to do it, then I'll do it.

Dear brother

Jesus is highlighting here, the drastic measures you’ll have to take if you choose to serve God with your willpower.

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matt. 5:28-29

Notice He is alerting you to fact that you might even have to pluck your eyes out if you choose this way. This was the old way of the law of Moses and the relationship between man and God then was all about sin.
Jesus came to show us a new way. This relationship is all about love. You call God Father and you serve Him through faith in the instructions given by His Son.
Take your focus off your sins and place it on Jesus Christ and one day you’ll discover that you have overcome your sins.